But for much of the US, motorcycles are a lifestyle choice. This means that the owner consciously chooses to invest in a product that costs as much as a car, but is not nearly as practical. This is a disservice to the motorcycles and scooters that perform their duties without complaint. There’s something beautiful about a vehicle that does what’s asked of it day in and day out, without needing anything more than regular maintenance and at least the occasional outing.
Honda SuperCub
Price: $3,899
The Super Cub is the best-selling motor vehicle of all time, and that’s not just because it’s so accessible to buy and drive. It’s also because it’s reliable enough to survive WWIII. It’s changed since its first 50cc two-stroke avatar, but even today it’s virtually unbreakable, with its air-cooled SOHC engine and automatic centrifugal clutch.
Engine type | Single cylinder |
Displacement | 124cc |
Maximum power | 9.6 hp at 7,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 7.6 LB-FT @ 6,250 rpm |
Transfer | 4 speeds |
Yamaha V-Star 250
Price: $4,799
The V-Star 250 has been around for an incredibly long time and has seen no changes until now. But that doesn’t stop it from being a great entry-level bike for anyone learning to ride, or just owning a second motorcycle. Thanks to the carburetion and air cooling, you can even maintain it yourself if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. And the 80 MPG is really a pleasant surprise.
Engine type | 60° V-twin, carburetor |
Displacement | 249cc |
Maximum power | 21 hp at 8,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 15.2 LB-FT @ 6,000 rpm |
Transfer | 5 speeds |
Kawasaki KLX230
Price: $5,199
The KLX230 is Kawasaki’s entry-level dual-sport model, but it’s not a bare-bones model. It has a perimeter frame, fuel injection, a six-speed gearbox and a link-type rear shock absorber. There is even ABS as an option. It only has about 17 horsepower thanks to the air-cooled engine, but that’s enough to be fun, especially on dirt roads, and be reliable.
Engine type | Air-cooled, 2V |
Displacement | 233cc |
Maximum power | ~17 hp at 8,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 13.0 LB-FT @ 6,400 rpm |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
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Honda XR650L
Price: $6,999
The XR650L is one of three major dual-sport bikes from Japan that have a reputation for being invincible. The XR650L is a dinosaur – air cooling, carburetion and a 5-speed gearbox are all present. Still, it’s a lot better than you probably remember, and there’s at least one really interesting feature to it. The frame is the oil pan and cooler, as the engine is a dry-sump engine, which gives it high ground clearance.
Engine type | Single cylinder, carburetor |
Displacement | 644 cc |
Maximum power | 43.6 hp at 6,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 38.2 LB-FT @ 5,000 rpm |
Transfer | 5 speeds |
Kawasaki KLR650
Price: $6,999
The KLR650 is the only one of the large Japanese dual-sport trio that has kept up with the times. Although the curb weight has increased so much due to the new features that it can better be classified as an ADV. That said, it has fuel injection, liquid cooling, ABS and a digital instrument cluster. ABS is optional, but you can also get a lowered version.
Engine type | Single cylinder, carburetor |
Displacement | 652cc |
Maximum power | 38.5 hp at 9,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 39.1 LB-FT @ 4,500 rpm |
Transfer | 5 speeds |
Suzuki DR650S
Price: $7,299
The DR650S is the third major Japanese dual-sport, and it can still be a great companion if all you want is a hassle-free, large-displacement DIY machine. It is a conventional motorcycle, with an air-cooled carburetor and a five-speed gearbox. The swingarm, wheel hubs and rims are made of aluminum to keep weight down. A lowering kit is also available.
Engine type | Single cylinder, carburetor |
Displacement | 644 cc |
Maximum power | 43.5 hp at 6,400 rpm |
Maximum torque | 39.8 LB-FT @ 4,600 rpm |
Transfer | 5 speeds |
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Honda Shadow Aero
Price: $8,699
The Shadow brand has been around for a long time and still exists in a single 745 cc variant. It has a liquid-cooled V-twin with an unusual three-valve per cylinder layout. Also unusual is the choice of shaft drive for a middleweight cruiser. Mechanically it is quite modern, with fuel injection, rear disc brake and optional ABS. This is one of the most reliable cruisers you can have today.
Engine type | 52° V-twin |
Displacement | 745cc |
Maximum power | 44.9 hp at 5,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 47.9 LB-FT @ 3,500 rpm |
Transfer | 5 speeds |
Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Price: $8,999
If you want your old-school cruiser to be sporty, Yamaha has an answer for you with the Bolt R-Spec. This is very similar to the last generation Sportster, including air cooling, fuel injection and belt drive. It even has a cradle frame and dual rear shocks, so customization should be relatively easy. Yamaha has equipped it with fuel injection and a rear disc brake, so it also has plenty of modern features.
Engine type | 60° V-twin |
Displacement | 942 cc |
Maximum power | 65 HP @ EN RPM |
Maximum torque | 59.3 LB-FT @ 3,000 rpm |
Transfer | 5 gears |
Suzuki SV650ABS
Price: $8,149
The SV650 is the poor man’s Ducati Monster, and it’s been a light, fun motorcycle since the day it was launched. Even today it is relevant if you want a hassle-free nude over a powerful one. A bonus is the lively liquid-cooled V-twin engine. An update seems likely soon due to emissions regulations, so it may gain a lot of modern features, but one thing it won’t lose is reliability and ease of maintenance.
Engine type | 90° V-twin |
Displacement | 645cc |
Maximum power | 73 hp at 8,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 47.2 LB-FT @ 8,100 rpm |
Transfer | 6 speeds |
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Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Price: $9,599
The Vulcan 900 is similar to the Bolt R-Spec and Shadow Aero, in that it is Kawasaki’s version of an American V-twin cruiser. It has fitted the Vulcan 900 with liquid cooling and belt drive, and has a rear disc brake but no ABS. It has more variety than the others, offering a cruiser with whitewall tires and spoked rims in the Vulcan 900 Classic, the drag bike-style Vulcan 900 Custom and the Vulcan 900 LT with the bolt-on windshield and soft luggage.
Engine type | 55° V-twin |
Displacement | 903cc |
Maximum power | 50 hp at 5,700 rpm |
Maximum torque | 58.2 LB-FT @ 3,500 rpm |
Transfer | 5 speeds |
Last ride | Belt drive |
Sources: Honda Powersports, Kawasaki USA
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