10 used motorcycles that are virtually bulletproof

We are seeing increasing signs of planned obsolescence in almost every industry. It’s one of the most frustrating things to deal with, and it’s slowly making its way into the motorcycle world. While mechanical reliability has never been better, modern motorcycles are incorporating all kinds of new technology, technology that will almost certainly fail within the first five years of the motorcycle’s life. Using a giant tablet as a dashboard may be cost-effective for manufacturers, but it leaves us with a future problem that needs to be solved.

You can accept these things as part of the ownership experience. Many consumers do not necessarily plan to own a bicycle for that long. But not all of us can afford to change bikes every few years, or replace expensive parts once they reach their scheduled expiration date. If you’re planning on buying something that will last, it might be worth considering one of these bikes that have proven to be virtually bulletproof over the years.

In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources including KBB. Buying a used motorcycle always comes with some risk, so do your research and proceed with caution. The motorcycles on this list go from oldest to newest.

Kawasaki Vulcan 750 from 1996

Price range: $2,000 – $4,000

Kawasaki sold this for almost twenty years. It certainly won’t seduce you with its beautiful design, or wow you with its great performance. It stuck around for so long because of its reliability, partly due to its relative simplicity, but mostly thanks to the underpowered V-twin. Basic maintenance will ensure that it lasts for many years to come. Just be willing to embrace a slower pace.

Specifications

2000 Suzuki Hayabusa (1st generation)

Price range: $3,000 – $5,000

If you’re not interested in a slower pace, the first-generation Hayabusa offers all the performance you could want, complemented by flawless reliability. These bikes are designed to reach 200 MPH, and the tolerances built into the design far exceed industry standards. Most people won’t even scratch the surface of what these bikes can do, but prefer to avoid bikes that are heavily modified.

Specifications

Honda Gold Wing GL1800 from 2005

Price range: $8,000 – $10,000

The modern Gold Wing is a great bike that can certainly rack up big miles, but it’s also far from perfect and has been recalled a few times. In 2005, the six-cylinder Gold Wing had already been on the market for a while, and it was not yet equipped with so much technology. In our opinion, this is the ideal place for those looking for a comfortable, reliable touring car, without the toppings.

Specifications

Honda VFR1200F from 2010

Price range: $5,000 – $7,000

The VFR1200F represents the end of Honda’s long obsession with the V4 engine configuration. Even by modern standards, this is a fast bike that could give quite a few modern sports bikes a clean pair of heels. Like the Hayabusa, it’s so overbuilt that regular use will never really strain the drivetrain. That said, it’s not exactly bad on fuel, so be prepared for a few more stops than a newer sports tourer.

Specifications

Suzuki V-Strom 650 from 2011

Price range: $2,000 – $4,000

In 2011 this was still more of a middleweight touring car, but in terms of usage several drivers started using it as an ADV. Over the years, these V-twins have proven to be incredibly reliable, able to handle all kinds of abuse, and all they need is a little basic maintenance. Of all the bikes on this list, this may not be the most interesting, but it’s a fun bike to ride, and at this price it’s definitely worth a second look.

Specifications

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R

Price range: $7,000 – $9,000

The ‘quarter-mile king’ actually shares a platform with the Concours 14, one of the most reliable touring bikes money can buy. While it is possible to get your hands on one of these bikes for a lower price, chances are it already has a lot of miles on it. It’s highly unlikely that mileage will be as high as the ZX-14R from the same year, and you get some extra performance without sacrificing much comfort.

Specifications

2012 Yamaha SuperTenere

Price range: $6,000 – $8,000

Most people will take one look at the Super Tenere’s spec sheet and simply overlook it. This is a mistake. It’s certainly too heavy to be a true off-roader, but it really excels as an adventure tourer. This large-displacement parallel twin is virtually bulletproof, and as long as you ditch the fancy electronic suspension, it’s easy to maintain, too.

Specifications

Honda Africa Twin from 2017

Price range: $9,000 – $11,000

As what is almost a comparable alternative to the Super Tenere, the Africa Twin offers a degree more off-road competence, but slightly less power. The Unicam engine meets Honda’s high standards for reliability, and these first-generation engines are not as complicated as the newer version. You lose a few nice features, but you save a few thousand dollars at the same time.

Specifications

Suzuki DR650S from 2017

Price range: $4,000 – $6,000

Consider this a placeholder for one of the old 650 singles. If you’re looking for a dual-sport like this, there’s not much point in buying a new bike unless you want the assurance of a warranty. This is one of the few motorcycles in the world where a warranty is not expressly required, although it is now as proven as any motorcycle.

Specifications

2021 Yamaha Tenere 700

Price range: $7,000 – $9,000

When Yamaha first released the Tenere 700, it offered a truly back-to-basics riding experience. Since then it has gained a few technical features and a bit of weight. While the prices for these bikes are still a bit high, they are the real deal and well worth it if you want a true off-road ADV. The CP2 engine has proven to be one of the most reliable engines ever put into a motorcycle.

Specifications