Motorcycles are one of those things that just never seem to get old. No matter how old you are, if you enjoy motorcycles, then you will almost always find yourself turning your head when you hear a nice motorcycle in the background. However, even though the latest motorcycles are a sight to behold, there is something unusually magnetic about those retro motorcycles.
Luckily, motorcycle manufacturers have not sidelined the interests of these clients that have an eye for classic motorcycles. There are still a number of retro-looking motorcycles that you can get brand new today. The great thing is that even though they look old, they combine the best of both worlds with classic styling and the latest technology. You get everything from the latest safety features, powerful engines, and even the best daily driver comforts.
If you are looking for a classic-styled motorcycle this year, here are some of the top options you should consider.
1. R NineT – BMW
If you are in the market for a café racer then BMW has a spectacular offering. This motorcycle brings together all the features of a classic retro café racer with all the features that you would expect from a top-of-the-line BMW product. It features the iconic BMW boxer engine in a smaller displacement of 1200cc which still outputs well over 100 BHP. The pillion frame can also be dressed in a variety of ways to suit your tastes, whether you are looking for a bare skeleton look or for a more full-bodied café racer. Overall, this is a beautiful machine with extremely high-quality components making for a powerful package. If you are looking for something that looks classic but has all the firepower to compete with even the latest superbikes, this is definitely a good option.
2. Z900RS – Kawasaki
The Z900RS are retro motorcycles that have a lot of very modern features, making them a very capable machine. This gem of a motorcycle is a treat that combines a lot of classic features from a variety of bikes, and all the high-tech machinery is disguised under a very traditional-looking body with an overall style that is very retro. To amplify your motorbike knowledge, you can learn more here about other classic motorcycle styles. Although in terms of power, this motorcycle uses the same engine found in the more ferocious Z900 but without the engine tune. Overall, it’s still extremely powerful with a 110 BHP, front and rear disc brakes, and a fantastic mono-shock to keep you comfortable. If you are looking for the best combination of retro styling and modern engineering, this is a perfect choice.
3. Monkey – Honda
If you remember the mini-bikes from the early ’50s and ’60s, you probably remember how they were fun to look at but underpowered and really just meant as toys for slightly older children. Honda has taken a fresh approach to the mini bike and brought it back to life with a lot more power and several modern features to make them excellent daily drivers for adults while still retaining that classic look. It is fitted with a 125cc engine, which might be a fantastic daily driver and when paired with the small body and lightweight design, the power output is more than enough. What makes this bike even more enjoyable is the suspension setup, which is a robust suspension that will perform extremely well both on-road and in off-road conditions. If you are looking for a capable daily bike that has style and functionality, the offering by Honda is definitely something you want to look into.
4. XSR 900 – Yamaha
If you are a fan of Yamaha engine technology and are looking to get something that brings together classic design with modern features, the XSR 900 by Yamaha is the way to go. The motorcycle features all the classic attributes you would expect such as a quilted seat, rounded headlight, and blacked-out body parts, and combines all of this with the latest technology that is shared with the MT-09. It is one of the most powerful offerings in the sub-1000cc range and with its v-twin engine styling, it sounds amazing. Definitely a bargain for the price.
In all of the offerings mentioned above, there is no need to sacrifice functionality when you are looking for a classic. Rather than getting an older model and then upgrading hardware, it will be a lot easier and most likely cheaper to get one of these new bikes that have already done the work for you. All you need to do is get some classic-looking gear and load out for an enjoyable ride on one of these beauties.