What Are The Most Reliable Motorcycles
Are you finding it difficult to get a good and reliable motorcycle for yourself? Well, you’re in luck as we compiled 10 of the best most reliable motorcycles here that you can look through and use as a reference when getting your ideal ride.
We carefully selected these motorcycles based on their overall performance which we broke down into its key factors which are the engine, the top speed of the motorcycle, and its fuel economy. Other factors also can come into play such as the size of the bike and its weight.
Lastly, we highly considered you, the rider, when it comes to choosing the most reliable motorcycle for yourself. So things such as comfortability and handling are also factors that we also included in the breakdown of each and every one of these models.
Motorcycle terminology
Fuel Economy
Also known as fuel consumption. Fuel economy measures the distance that your motorcycle can travel given a volume of fuel. This is where mpg comes from, an abbreviation of miles per gallon.
Cubic Capacity
Abbreviated to cc, cubic capacity means the capacity of a motorcycle’s engine. It’s also believed that higher cc generally means it’s more powerful.
Motorcycle Classification
Serves to describe how a certain motorcycle model should be used and its intended purpose. Currently, there are six motorcycle types:
- Cruiser
- Standard
- Sportbike
- Touring
- Off-road
- Dual-sport
Top 10 Most Reliable Motorcycles
Yamaha Bolt
The Yamaha Bolt sits at a very interesting spot when it comes to its class. It’s a cruiser but some can say that it’s also a cafe racer motorcycle given its design. Whichever you go with, know that this motorcycle has by far one of the most classic styles out there.
With a wheelbase of 157cm and a total length of 230cm, you’ll find that the Yamaha Bolt is fairly average if not a little shorter in length than standard motorcycles.
The Yamaha Bolt runs on a 942cc 4-stroke engine, which means it’s more durable compared to a 2-stroke, and durability is what you ought to look for when it comes to picking a reliable motorcycle for yourself.
The top speed for this cruiser clocks in at 106mph, and has a fuel economy of 51mpg. Although its top speed isn’t going to be breaking any records, its fuel efficiency is something to be appreciated.
Lastly, the Yamaha Bolt comes with a 298mm wave-type disc in both its front and rear wheels, allowing for front and rear braking which increases your handling. Additionally, the telescopic fork and rear dual shock suspensions of the Yamaha Bolt further enhance both the handling of the bike as well as its comfortability.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Dimensions | L: 230cm, W: 94cm, H: 122cm |
| Weight | 244kg |
| Engine | 942cc 4-stroke V2 engine |
| Top Speed | 106mph |
| Brakes | Front and rear 298mm wave-type discs w/ calipers |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork, rear dual shocks suspension |
Pros
- Durable engine
- Low fuel economy
- Classic style
Cons
- Air-cooled engine which hurts overall performance
- The Bolt R-Spec is the remaining model being produced by Yamaha
Kawasaki Ninja 300
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 or simply the EX300 is a sportbike with an ergonomic design that was built to be aerodynamic for speed, but it doesn’t sacrifice your comfortability as a rider. With a wheelbase of only 140cm and a total length of 200cm, it’s fairly short.
The EX300 runs on a 296cc 4-stroke 8-valve engine. It has a slightly higher cubic capacity than the Yamaha Bolt, which is to be expected from a sports bike. Speaking of, the 8 valves that the engine is there to increase the overall performance of it. This is why the top speed of the EX300 clocks in at 119mph.
In regards to its fuel economy though, it’s fairly high, at 84mpg. So if you’re looking for something that’s both reliable and fuel-efficient, then the EX300 may not be the best call.
However, the EX300 makes up for its high fuel economy with its great handling. It has a front 290mm disc and a 220mm rear disc. This varied size in disc allows the EX300 to have both strong stopping power and modulation. For its suspension, the EX300 comes with a 120mm telescopic fork at the front and a 130mm preload adjustable spring. The spring reload of the EX300 is a needed addition for this bike in improving its travel, since, without the shocks, it wouldn’t be able to push down on the tire as much which weakens traction.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Sportbike |
| Dimensions | L: 200cm, W: 70cm, H: 111cm |
| Weight | 174kg |
| Engine | 296cc 4-stroke 8-valve V2 engine |
| Top Speed | 119mph |
| Brakes | 290mm front disc w/ calipers, 220mm rear disc w/ calipers |
| Suspension | 120mm telescopic fork, 130mm spring preload |
Pros
- Durable engine
- Great traction
- Streamline design
Cons
- Single-seater (not great for dates!)
- High fuel economy
Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
The Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa is a monster sportbike because it has been regarded as the world’s fastest production motorcycle of its time. The design of this sportbike reflects it as well, with it being streamlined yet still comfortable for you to ride on. And to be specific, we’re covering the 1st generation GSX1300R Hayabusa, which has a wheelbase of 148cm and a total length of 214cm – the standard to be expected with any sportbike.
The top speed of the 1st generation clocks in at 194mph, which was what put the model on the map for a lot of people, and why it’s regarded as the fastest production motorcycle of its time. We can thank the engine for the Hayabusa’s speed, which is a 1299cc 4-stroke 16-valve engine. To put it lightly, the engine was a marvel of engineering at the time.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, there’s nothing like the Hayabusa. With a low fuel economy of 44mpg, it’s no surprise that the Hayabusa became the standard for a lot of sports bikes in its time.
The Hayabusa has 6-pot calipers on 320mm discs for its front wheels, while its rear has a single hydraulic disc. For those who know, calipers are normally something you would associate with cars, and in particular, 6-pot calipers are for SUVs and other sports cars. This is because 6-pot calipers are not only strong but have great modulation built into the braking system. The hydraulic disc meanwhile is a high-end type of braking disc, better than the mechanical one. So, all in all, the handling of the Hayabusa is superb.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Sportbike |
| Dimensions | L: 214cm, W:74cm, H:115cm |
| Weight | 255kg |
| Engine | 1299cc 4-stroke liquid-cooled, 16-valve L4 engine |
| Top Speed | 194mph |
| Brakes | 6-pot calipers, hydraulic disc |
| Suspension | Inverted telescopic fork, fully adjustable spring preload |
Pros
- Powerful and durable engine
- Low fuel economy
- Amazing handling and travel
Cons
- Single-seater (not great for dates!)
- 1st generation are hard to come by and 3rd generations are too expensive
Honda CMX500 Rebel
Class, general appearance, & dimensions (size)
This classic-styled cruiser has one of the best-looking designs that could contend with a lot of other classic motorcycles on this list. Its blacked-out look gives it a fresh and sleek design that’s great if you’re looking to impress a date. With a wheelbase of 148cm and a total length of 218cm, you won’t have to worry about having enough room for two on this motorcycle.
The Honda CMX500 Rebel has a 471cc 4-stroke engine, which is double compared to the Yamaha Bolt. However, despite having a powerful engine, the average top speed for this cruiser only clocks in at a comfy 95mph. Considering this is a cruiser, speed isn’t what you should look for, as this type of bike is instead better suited for traveling a long stretch of highway with a partner.
Take note though, the Honda CMX500 is a gas guzzler. With an average fuel economy of 72mpg, you’ll find yourself wanting to walk on your third date.
In regards to its brakes and suspension, the Honda CMX500 has front and rear 295mm disc brakes. And like with any cruiser, it has dual rear shocks that you can adjust, allowing for better traction on the road – not that it had any problems considering it has fat tires with deep wide treads.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Dimensions | L:218cm, W:82cm, H:109cm |
| Weight | 190kg |
| Engine | 471cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V2 engine |
| Top Speed | 95mph |
| Brakes | 295mm discs w/ calipers on both front and rear tires |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork, rear dual shock suspension |
Pros
- Durable engine
- Great handling
- Classic style
Cons
- High fuel economy
- Low top speed
Harley Davidson Sportster
The Harley Davidson brand isn’t known for its reliable motorcycles. However, it did have the Sportster series that was known for its reliability and durable engine. The model that we decided to choose to represent this entire series is the XL Evolution Harley Davidson Sportster – or simply the Harley Davidson Evo Sportster.
The Evo Sportster has a wheelbase of 152cm and a total length of 226cm. This meets the average length a cruiser should have and has enough room in the seat for one more person.
The Evo Sportster gets its name from the engine it uses, the Evolution Engine, which is an engine developed by Harley Davidson for the company’s motorcycles. It is an engine that can come in either 883cc, 1100cc, or 1200cc depending on the manufacturing date of the Evo Sportster that you intend to buy. What they all have in common though is that they share the same overhead-valve engine design, and have a top speed of 118mph. And with a low fuel economy of 29mpg, this cruiser-style motorcycle has the same speed and fuel efficiency as a sports bike.
In terms of handling, the brakes of the Evo Sportster have a single front 320mm rotor and a 4-piston caliper. The rear meanwhile has a 260mm rotor with a single-piston caliper. This allows for both powerful brakings that you can modulate. Its suspension is what you would expect with a cruiser though, with rear dual shocks and a telescopic fork on the front, which is enough to provide smooth travel across long stretches of highway.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Cruiser (Sportster) |
| Dimensions | L:226cm, W:90, H:116cm |
| Weight | 255kg |
| Engine | 1200cc overhead-valve V2 engine |
| Top Speed | 118mph |
| Brakes | 320mm rotor w/ 4-piston caliper, 260mm rotor w/ single-piston caliper |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork, dual rear shocks |
Pros
- Durable engine
- Low fuel economy
- Classic style
Cons
- Air-cooled engine which hurts overall performance
- Parts for the engine are harder to come by
BMW R NineT
When it comes to customizing your own bike, the BMW R NineT has no equal. This standard motorcycle model was designed in a way so that custom builders and motorcycle enthusiasts had a model that they could completely customize to their liking.
The BMW R NineT has a wheelbase of 147cm and a total length of 222cm, making it one of the longer bikes on this list. This of course means that the seat of the BMW R NineT has enough room in the back for your partner to comfortably sit on.
In terms of speed, the BMW R NineT has a top speed of 125mph. This sport-bike-like speed shouldn’t come as a surprise as the BMW R NineT has a 1170cc engine. However, the only thing that this model has in common with a sports bike is its speed. This BMW model has a fuel economy of 44mpg, making it a bit of a gas guzzler.
Lastly, the BMW R NineT comes equipped with 320mm disc brakes on the front and back. The suspension of this standard motorcycle is also pretty generic since it’s only a telescopic fork and dual rear shocks. But that’s the point of the BMW R NineT. It serves as a reliable model that can be modified to fit your preference, which is why the R NineT spawned variations such as the R NineT with upside-down telescopic forks, the R NineT Pure that’s known for its roadster design, and the R NineT Scrambler which has design features reminiscent of a 1960 scrambler motorcycle.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Standard |
| Dimensions | L:222cm, W:90, H:126cm |
| Weight | 221kg |
| Engine | 1170cc air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder V2 boxer engine |
| Top Speed | 125mph |
| Brakes | 320mm rotor w/ calipers on both front and rear |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork, dual rear shocks |
Pros
- Strong and durable engine
- Highly customizable
- Classic style
Cons
- Air-cooled engine which hurts overall performance
- High fuel consumption
Ducati Monster 1200 R
Another standard motorcycle class on this list is the Ducati Monster 1200 R. It has a fairly generic appearance with the silhouette of a sports bike in the making. And given its wheelbase of only 150cm and its total length of 212cm, it might as well be.
With all things considered though, the Ducati Monster 1200 R can compete with other sports bikes since it has a top speed of 158mph thanks to its 1198cc twin-cylinder, 4-valve engine. The Ducati Monster is only made even better with its fuel economy that clocks in at a low 39mpg. So not only is this motorcycle as fast as a sports bike but is just as efficient as one.
In regards to how it handles, you’ll be happy to know that the Ducati Monster has two 330mm discs and 4-piston calipers on the front wheel, while the rear has a 245mm disc with a 2-piston caliper. So not only do you have a fairly strong braking system, but one with great modulation for improved handling. Lastly, the suspension of the Ducati monster is a telescopic scope for the front while the rear has a mono-shock with a single-sided swingarm, which is the typical suspension found in standard motorcycles.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Standard |
| Dimensions | L:212cm, W:85, H:115cm |
| Weight | 207kg |
| Engine | 1198cc liquid-cooled 4-valve desmodromic V2 engine |
| Top Speed | 158mph |
| Brakes | Two 330mm discs w/ 4-piston calipers, single 245mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork, mono-shock |
Pros
- Durable engine
- 158mph top speed
- Low fuel economy
Cons
- Single-seater (Not great for dates!)
- Cheap replacement parts can be hard to come as the model had been discontinued in India
Aprilia RSV 1000 R
The Aprilia RSV 1000 R is an Italian sportbike motorcycle. It has a streamlined design to enhance its speed, yet comfortability for the rider was still the priority when it came to drawing this model. With a wheelbase of 141cm and a total length of 203cm, this sports bike is fairly short and can only be ridden by one person – which is how it should be, as two-ups are better and safer with longer motorcycles.
The top speed of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R clocks in at 172mph, which is surprising considering it only has a 997cc V-Twin engine. What isn’t so surprising though is the model’s fuel economy which is 34mpg – a fairly low number compared to other classes of motorcycle, but is average in comparison to other sportbikes.
When it comes to how the Aprilia RSV 1000 R handles, the front wheel has two 320mm discs with its 4-piston calipers that allow for both powerful and variated braking. Additionally, the rear has a single disc with a 2-piston caliper.
Lastly, the suspension of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R is similar to most standard sportbikes. The front has an inverted telescopic fork and an adjustable spring preload. The rear of this model meanwhile has its own custom suspension called the Aprilia Progressive Link System along with a mono-shock that has an adjustable preload for both compression and rebound.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Sportbike |
| Dimensions | L:203cm, W:73, H:113cm |
| Weight | 214kg |
| Engine | 997cc liquid-cooled V2 engine |
| Top Speed | 172mph |
| Brakes | Two 320mm discs w/ 4-piston calipers, single disc w/ 2-piston caliper |
| Suspension | Inverted telescopic fork, Aprilia Progressive Link System, mono-shock, adjustable spring preload |
Pros
- Strong and durable engine
- 172mph top speed
- Low fuel economy
Cons
- Single-seater (Not great for dates!)
- Affordable replacement parts may prove expensive as the model has stopped production since 2010
1959 Triumph Bonneville T120
The Triumph Bonneville T120 or simply the Bonneville T120 is a British standard motorcycle that was developed and produced from 1959 to 1975. The model has since been revived in 2016 with a much larger engine and improved specs.
The Bonneville T120 has a wheelbase of 140cm and a total length of 217cm. This makes for a rather long bike that the Triumph company took advantage of by giving it a long seat, allowing for comfortable and safe two-ups.
With its updated 1198cc 4-stroke 4-valve engine, the Bonneville T120 overcame the reason why it was discontinued in the first place – which was because of the T140 and its much larger engine than the original T120. Now it has a bigger engine than the T140 and a much greater top speed at 120mph.
However, not much has improved from its fuel economy. The bike is still a gas guzzler at 54mpg, which is a slight improvement from its original fuel consumption at 63mpg.
The Bonneville T120 has two front 300mm discs with 4-pot calipers (2-pot calipers on each disc). The rear wheel meanwhile is fitted with a single 300mm disc with a 2-piston caliper. This makes for smooth and varied braking that’s also strong. Lastly, the suspension of the T120 is a telescopic fork and dual rear shocks. Additionally, there are spring preloads that come equipped with the T120 for better tire traction.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Standard |
| Dimensions | L:217cm, W:78, H:112cm |
| Weight | 236kg |
| Engine | 1198cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve V2 engine |
| Top Speed | 120mph |
| Brakes | Two 300mm discs w/ 4-piston calipers, single disc w/ 2-piston caliper |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork, dual rear shocks, adjustable spring preload |
Pros
- Strong and durable updated engine
- Comfortable and safe for two-ups
- 120mph top speed
Cons
- Gas guzzler
- Triumph only has 142 locations throughout the U.S, which can make finding legit replacement parts difficult if not expensive
Victory Gunner
The Victory Gunner is a cruiser motorcycle that was introduced in 2012 with a traditional bobber style that’s reminiscent of the old 1930s custom motorcycle jobs. The bobber style is like that of a minimalist design since it strips excess bodywork on the motorcycle and trims parts of it to reduce weight. This reduced bike weight increases its speed.
Speaking of, the Victory Gunner has a top speed of 130mph, not because it’s stripped down (since its total weight is 296kg) but because of its strong 1731cc 4-stroke 8-valve V2 engine.
In regards to fuel economy, the Victory Gunner isn’t as much of a gas guzzler but still sits at a pretty high 45mpg.
When it comes to the handler of the Victory Gunner, the standard brake pads that the bike comes with are rather insufficient. We recommend you upgrade them, in particular, the front ones as they’re the weakest. The suspension of the Victory Gunner is average since it uses the conventional telescopic fork and a rear monotube gas with an adjustable spring preload. All in all, the Gunner has a braking system that needs improvement and it has standard but comfortable suspension.
| Motorcycle Specs | |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Dimensions | L:237cm, W:93, H:111cm |
| Weight | 296kg |
| Engine | 1731cc 4-stroke 8-valve V2 engine |
| Top Speed | 130mph |
| Brakes | Single 300mm discs w/ 4-piston calipers, single disc w/ 2-piston caliper |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork, monotube gas suspension, adjustable spring preload |
Pros
- Strong and durable engine
- Comfortable and safe for two-ups
- Mono suspension that makes for a smooth ride
Cons
- High fuel economy at 45mpg
- Poor quality front braking system that requires replacement
Buying Guide
Fuel economy
It’s important to know the fuel consumption of any ride that you’re going to buy, especially when it comes to choosing a reliable motorcycle. Since part of what makes a great reliable motorcycle is its average mpg (miles per gallon). We recommend that you get a motorcycle that has at least 25-30mpg.
Replacement parts
When buying a motorcycle for yourself, the other important factor to consider outside of the warranty is the availability of replacement parts. You may luck out in buying from a dealership that also has spare parts that you can buy in case something breaks, but most often or not you’ll be looking through autos for the parts you need.
So, take into consideration the model of the bike you’re purchasing and the availability of its parts.
Handling
What makes or breaks a reliable motorcycle is its handling, which can be measured by a lot of things – in our case we opted for the suspension and the brakes of the bikes on this list. There are other factors to measure the handling of your motorcycle such as its ignition and the general feel of the ride when you’re on it.
FAQs
What is the most reliable motorcycle?
By far the most reliable motorcycle is Yamaha, with second place being Honda and Suzuki which are tied together, and in third place is Kawasaki.
Which motorcycle lasts the longest?
Surprisingly, the Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their longevity. Despite also being notorious for breaking down easily and generally being unreliable, there are Harley Davidson models that do outlast many such as the Sportster series.
Which motorcycle has less maintenance?
The BMW R NineT is one of the motorcycle models on this list that require little maintenance compared to the other rides on this list. This is because the BMW R NineT was built to be plain and barebones since it’s a model that many custom builders regard as the most customizable standard motorcycle.
Conclusion
To summarize, the most reliable motorcycle is one that’s from a trusted brand such as the ones on this list. Moreover, reliability and handling are closely related as both serve to make things as easy as possible for you as the rider. Whether that be how it performs on the road, how easy replacement parts can be found, and how comfortable you are on the ride.