10 custom-made machines that radiate charisma and attitude

Today we are blessed with an incredibly wide selection of motorcycles to choose from. There’s something for every type of rider, from dual-sports that are barely street legal to full-dress tourers ready to ride across the country on a whim. Still, whatever bike you get, it will require some degree of customization. Manufacturers need to build a bike that fits most people, which means if you’re taller, shorter, heavier or lighter than average, you should at least adjust all the controls.

This is just the tip of the customization iceberg. Motorcycles are generally only meant to be personalized; after all, they are an extension of our character. Some bicycles are better suited to this type of customization than others. Purely for the sake of variety, we have included bicycles from the most popular motorcycle segments, and limited this to one bicycle per brand.

To give you the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article is from authoritative sources such as Yamaha Motorsports, Kawasaki and Harley Davidson. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.

Kawasaki Z125Pro

MSRP: $3,799

If you’re new to motorcycling, there’s no better place to start than a minibike. While the Grom is also a popular choice, the Z125 Pro is just as good, and we’ve reserved a spot for an even more customizable Honda on this list. 10 hp isn’t much, but the bike is super light and much more fun to ride than you might expect. It’s also affordable to customize, with a growing aftermarket for these little pocket rockets.

Specifications

Honda CRF300L

MSRP: $5,749

Of all the entry-level dual-sport bikes on the market, this is in some ways the most custom bike. There’s a mod for just about every occasion, including a host of travel-related accessories available from all the major brands. These bikes have proven to be incredibly reliable, and even though they aren’t fast, they can go anywhere, and right where people have taken them.

Specifications

Royal Enfield hunting rifle 650

MSRP: $7,299

Royal Enfield calls it the ‘mutant’, a hybrid retro cruiser if you will. It’s perhaps the best blank canvas on this list, ready for you to transform into just about anything you want. What makes it great is its relative simplicity; it’s just a motorcycle. It offers enthusiasts a truly affordable platform, which Royal Enfield actively encourages customers to customize.

Specifications

Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark

MSRP: $9,995

Ducati’s famous air-cooled 803cc Desmo twin was given a new lease of life with the Scrambler platform. Over the years, the Scrambler range has gone from strength to strength and offers an affordable entry into the world of Ducati. The Icon Dark is the most affordable option, and this versatile platform has been transformed into everything from true trail-ready scramblers to track-ready retro sportbikes.

Specifications

Indian Scout Sixty Bobber

MSRP: $9,999

The Scout Sixty Bobber serves as India’s entry-level cruiser. It locks horns with the Nightster, Harley-Davidson’s entry-level model, and neither of these bikes is a bad choice if you’re looking for a V-twin cruiser. However, the Bobber is slightly better than the Nightster in terms of adaptability. It’s more of a blank canvas and begging to be personalized.

Specifications

Triumph Bonneville T100

MSRP: $10,995

Triumph does a great job of honoring the original T100 with a tastefully retro design. The Bonneville name carries weight within the industry and is also something of a cultural icon, with a host of celebrities having owned or driven one on screen over the years. Many today prefer to leave the iconic design intact, but it is still a popular platform for customization around the world.

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Yamaha Tenere 700

MSRP: $10,999

Adventure bikes have boomed, and so has the aftermarket for these machines. While not the best by any means, the Tenere 700 is affordable, the CP2 has pretty decent power, and is also one of the most reliable bikes on the market. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular, and it’s even easier to transform it into the bike of your dreams.

Specifications

KTM 690 Enduro R

MSRP: $13,399

KTM gets a lot of attention for reliability issues, but none of them involve the venerable LC4 engine. We weren’t sure it would make it into the Euro5+ era, but here we are, and against all odds it has even gained a few horsepower. This could be the “unicorn” off-road bike that many enthusiasts are looking for, as long as you’re willing to make a few travel-oriented adjustments.

Specifications

Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117

MSRP: $14,999

Harley-Davidsons are some of the most customized motorcycles in the industry, and of all the motorcycles in Harley’s lineup, the Street Bob has to be the ultimate blank canvas. Softails are a top choice for anyone interested in a custom build, and with a virtually endless aftermarket you can do just about anything with the platform. This is a motorcycle that begs for a few personal touches.

Specifications

Suzuki Hayabusa

MSRP: $19,499

Sports bikes are usually adapted for track use, but the Hayabusa has never been much of a superbike. It’s built for speed, straight-line speed, and most custom Hayabusas lean on this theme. There are others that go in a different direction, but one look at the aftermarket parts available for these machines and it’s easy to see which direction most people are going.

Specifications