Motorcycles That Could Be The Only Bike You Ever Need
Owning multiple motorcycles gives a rider options to choose from for different occasions and terrain. However, that is a luxury not everyone can afford. The expenses, storage space, and time required to maintain a fleet of motorcycles can be overwhelming. So, for the average person, a machine that can handle everything—daily commutes, weekend rides, highway cruises, and off-road trails—makes more sense. However, finding one that ticks all the boxes is easier said than done.
Instead, the goal is to strike the right balance between comfort, performance, and versatility. Cruisers, adventure tourers, crossovers, and certain naked bikes can fit this category, each meeting the challenge in its own way. Here’s a list of 10 motorcycles that meet nearly every requirement a rider needs and could be the one-bike garage.
Yamaha MT-09 SP
Price: $12,699
Yamaha has ensured it hit the sweet spot by introducing an 890cc CP3 inline-three engine producing 117.3 horsepower at 10,000 rpm. The MT-09 SP variant comes with fully adjustable front KYB suspension and an Öhlins rear shock. Coupled with the upright riding position and the 68.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm, it hits the ‘sweet spot’ for riders looking for a spirited canyon run and a comfortable daily commute.
The braking hardware also can’t be overlooked, as Yamaha borrows the Brembo Stylema brakes straight from the supersport world. This delivers track-level predictability, helping riders stay in control in any situation. A six-axis IMU provides a range of rider assistance, reassuring those who feel intimidated by the MT-09 SP’s power. The die-cast aluminum frame helps keep the weight to 428 lbs, and the 32.5-inch seat height ensures the bike is accessible to all riders without compromising on handling.
Triumph Tiger Sport 800
Price: $12,845
The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 perfectly blends a three-cylinder with the comfort of a tourer. This motorcycle suits riders who want the excitement of canyon carving and touring. The bike produces 113 horsepower from its 798cc engine and 61.9 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to provide a punchy throttle response, with the bonus of a distinctive sound, and is flexible enough for everyday riding.
The Sport 800 fixes everything wrong with the 660 and adds features that could make it the ultimate one-bike garage. More power reduces highway vibration, and the adjustable 41 mm Showa SFF-BP USD front suspension and monoshock RSU make the adventure tourer even more comfortable, while a tank that delivers 215 miles is ideal for what this bike stands for. And with tech inclusions like riding modes, cornering ABS, switchable traction control, and cruise control, it makes the Triumph a versatile sports tourer.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid
Price: $12,999
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid is an off-road-focused machine developed to excel in the terrain. Powered by the legendary 689cc CP2 parallel-twin, the Yamaha produces a solid 72 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque. The price-to-power ratio might not look ideal, but several features make it worth every buck. The Ténéré 700 features upgraded 46mm Kashima-coated KYB front forks with 9.1 inches of travel, a fully adjustable rear shock with 8.7 inches of travel, and a factory-fitted steering damper.
It also features a unique aluminum dual fuel tank that holds a massive 6.1 gallons, promising 300+ miles. Consumer demand forced Yamaha to add a TFT display, a ride-by-wire throttle, and traction control, which only adds to the value. The Ténéré 700 was devised to transition effortlessly from one condition to another, making it an “any terrain” bike rather than a “comfort on everything” one.
Honda Africa Twin DCT
Price: $15,999
The Africa Twin comes in as Honda’s submission for an adventure motorcycle built to last, not replace. What makes this enticing is the brand’s reliability and easily available parts compared to its competitors. The bike houses a proven 270-degree parallel-twin that displaces 1,087cc and produces exactly 100 horsepower and 77 pound-feet of torque. That already makes the motorcycle solid, but its selling point is its Dual-Clutch Transmission.
Only two other motorcycles offer this option in the premium adventure-tourer category, but Honda makes it the most affordable. And with different ride modes, it matches exactly to your riding style. It features the Showa EERA system with 45 mm inverted forks and a Pro-Link single shock with a gas-charged damper — both electronically adjustable. Plus, the cross-spoke wheels and radial tubeless tires make the Africa Twin ready for touring and rocky trails.
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100
Price: $16,699
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 is the Italian maker’s entry for a motorcycle that is thrilling for a track experience, but civilized enough for an everyday commute. It retains the legendary RSV4 superbike DNA, toned down enough to stay sane on the streets. The 1,099cc V4 engine screams 180 horsepower at 11,500 rpm and produces 89 pound-feet of torque at 9,650 rpm.
The hypernaked streetfighter gets a segment-unique aluminum twin-spar chassis and is blessed with fully adjustable Sachs suspension on both ends. There’s no compromise on the electronics, as the Tuono V4 comes loaded with traction control, wheelie control, launch control, engine braking adjustment, cruise control, cornering ABS, multiple ride modes, and the new Aprilia Slide Control system. By offering both excitement and usability, rather than forcing a choice, the Tuono V4 makes a strong case as an everyday motorcycle.
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+
Price: $18,599
Looking for a motorcycle that puts a grin on your face without compromising on comfort or practicality? Voilà! Here’s the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+. At this aggressive price point, you get the legendary, proven K5 engineering marvel, producing 152 horsepower and 78.2 pound-feet of torque. Specifically tuned for mid-range punch, this machine stands out as the ultimate do-it-all virtuoso.
The Japanese crossover is also the first in its lineup to feature SAES (Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension). The Showa-developed EERA suspension reads the road and adjusts damping instantly. Additionally, Suzuki Road Adaptive Stabilization (SRAS) detects uneven patches and adapts suspension and throttle response to provide a stable ride. With many more features filling the spec sheet, you’re getting a bike that will not tolerate any sacrifices.
Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT
Price: $19,499
Arch-rival to the Suzuki above, the Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT is another crossover that banks on its proven durability and long-haul comfort. However, unlike its competitor, the Kawasaki leans more towards luxury and long-distance comfort. Its 1,099cc inline-four engine produces 133 horsepower and 82.5 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 and 7,600 rpm, respectively.
The LT variant comes standard with 28L hard cases and many comfort features. While it shares a similar EERA suspension setup with the Honda, the Kawasaki uses Skyhook technology, which actively softens the chassis to absorb bumps and potholes. Its 571 lbs weight might feel demanding, but the motorcycle acts as a stabilizing anchor on highways. Coupled with modern features, the Kawasaki will work with you to deliver optimal comfort and performance.
Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
Price: $23,999
The Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST is a unique do-it-all motorcycle that undercuts full-sized baggers while maintaining versatility. It brings all the features essential to a cruiser and fits them into a compact stature. Powered by one of Harley’s largest production engines, the 1923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin packs 114 horsepower and 127 pound-feet at just 4,000 rpm.
The traditional double-cradle frame comes with proven rigidity and stability. While the fairings add visual flair, they also reduce wind fatigue, making long rides more comfortable. The Low Rider ST doesn’t flaunt over-the-top tech, but it includes the essentials: ride-by-wire, ride modes, cruise control, and drag-torque slip control, among others. This blend of sportiness and practicality makes this cruiser unique, and potentially the only bike for your garage.
Honda Gold Wing DCT
Price: $26,700
While the Honda Gold Wing is officially recognized as a grand tourer, it won’t be wrong to call it a ‘luxury yacht’ on two wheels. Officially launched in 1975, the motorcycle has gone through several transformations and has nothing left to prove. Featuring the only six-cylinder boxer engine on sale, the Gold Wing produces 125 horsepower and a mammoth 125 pound-feet of torque. The seven-speed DCT is the cherry on top for this 808-pound tourer, with electronics-assisted shifting that delivers no power loss.
Don’t forget Walking Mode, which makes maneuvering the 1,833cc bike in tight spots a breeze. The unique die-cast aluminum frame uses the engine as the stress member, making the bike shockingly nimble and flickable. While the Gold Wing DCT comes loaded with features for the long haul, the fully faired Tour DCT variant unlocks maximum comfort and even more features, but at a $4,000 premium — an investment for buyers to decide.
Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally
Price: $31,995
The Multistrada V4 Rally is Ducati’s official off-road adventure flagship model. Yet the motorcycle pays no heed to its ‘designated’ segment, and renders every bike pointless, regardless of the floor it steps on. The 1,158cc Granturismo V4 engine produces 170 horsepower and 91 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 rpm. You get an aluminum monocoque frame with the engine as a stress member to reduce weight. The fully electronically adjustable suspension with 7.9 inches of travel helps it transition seamlessly across different terrains.
Living up to the ‘Rally’ nomenclature, the Multistrada V4 features a segment-massive 7.9-gallon fuel tank that can easily cover over 300 miles. It definitely costs a fortune, but the Ducati justifies the investment with the features it provides. While the Multistrada V4 Rally leaves no electronic box unchecked, it features a few unique to the bike. The rear shock drops by 30mm below 6mph for easier footing, then pumps back to full clearance as you pick up speed. Paired with radar-based adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, you have an absolute electronic powerhouse.
Source: Yamaha Motorsports, Triumph Motorcycles, Honda Powersports, Aprilia, Suzuki Cycles, Kawasaki Harley-Davidson, Ducati
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