The demand for a frugal means of transportation gave birth to motorcycles, which were supposed to be a cheaper substitute to their four-wheeled counterparts. One of the key defining aspects of affordability is the longevity of a product's life cycle, and with the help of modern technology, mainstream motorcycle manufacturers have developed several offerings that will last you a lifetime and maybe even longer.
Over the years motorcycles have evolved a great deal, and now, if a bike is competitively priced, it does not mean that it is also a slow and dreary workhorse. Affordable motorcycles today will not only be easy on the pockets but some of these will last long enough to be passed down to the next generation.
10 Honda CB300R
The Honda CB300R is one of the most attractive offerings in the Japanese bike manufacturer’s 2021 motorcycle lineup. Honda motorcycles are world-renowned for their durability and the latest CB300R is a star in the segment with its new sports café styling.
A futuristic LED headlamp cluster adorns the front of the motorcycle and sits between the USD front forks suspension. Gracing the radiator are brushed aluminum shrouds that flow with the long muscular fuel tank. The motorcycle only weighs 324 lbs and is powered by a 30 BHP single-cylinder motor.
9 Yamaha MT-03
A more powerful Yamaha is sold under the FZ-09 nameplate in North America and is one of those rare naked bikes that can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in under 3 seconds (2.7 to be exact). Its smaller sibling- the MT-03 is the smallest displacement model in Yamaha's MT range and not a slouch.
The MT moniker stands for Master of Torque which is an exciting claim considering this motorcycle only weighs 373 lbs. MT-03 shares its 321cc parallel-twin engine with Yamaha R3 that produces 42 BHP.
8 BMW G310 GS
The Bavarian motorcycle manufacturer alienated several segments in the past with its high displacement bikes but now BMW Motorrad has partnered with Indian motorcycle company- TVS and the results are quite impressive.
The BMW G 310 GS is a 313 cc adventure motorcycle which might not be the fastest in the segment but it is certainly one of the most badass. The outgoing model of BMW’s G 310GS uses a tubular chassis and the single-cylinder drivetrain produces 30 BHP of power and 19 lb-ft of peak torque.
7 KTM Duke 390
It was evident that KTM Duke 390 was a game-changer for the segment as soon as the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer introduced its impressive naked sportbike. The motorcycle happens to be one of the finest beginner bikes money can buy right now and offers state-of-the-art equipment at a bargain warehouse price tag.
The outgoing model of the Duke 390 was re-imagined to sport the company’s latest design language and is powered by a 373.2 cc single-cylinder motor which produces a commendable 43 BHP of maximum power.
6 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Royal Enfield is the oldest production motorcycle company in the world and with such a successful run, the company has developed quite a substantial fan following especially in the customized motorcycle community. The brand and its models have evolved over time and in recent years; Royal Enfield has introduced bikes that use the latest automotive tech to offer radical performance.
RE Continental GT 650 is one of the most popular models in the company's portfolio. The motorcycle embodies the classic café racer silhouette and is powered by a 648 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 45 BHP of peak power.
5 Kawasaki Ninja 400
It is common practice in the global motorcycle industry for mainstream manufacturers to make small incremental changes to get the most out of a product's life cycle. Kawasaki, on the other hand, takes the road less traveled which is the reason why Ninja 400 succeeded the not so impressive Ninja 300.
Unlike its predecessor, Ninja 400 is one of the finest motorcycles the Japanese bike manufacturer has ever produced. The motorcycle is powered by a much larger and more reliable Indian 399 cc parallel-twin motor which produces 49 BHP of power.
4 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Husqvarna is one of the most popular offerings in the street bike category and the company’s tactical approach to KTM Duke 390’s redesign is the main reason why the bike is so well regarded in the segment. The company also uses the same am 373.2 cc engine from the KTM 390 but retunes it to produced 44 horsepower and 27.29 lb-ft of maximum torque.
WP components are used for the suspension setup, but they have also been re-tuned for off-road abuse. The design language of the motorcycle is beautifully minimalistic.
3 Honda CBR500R
Honda CBR500R is one of the most capable and aggressive looking beginner motorcycles in the Japanese bike company’s portfolio right now. The motorcycle is powered by a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine which is one of the smoothest options in the category.
The 471 cc motor produces 46.9 HP and 31.7 lb-ft of torque. The top speed of the motorcycle is rated at 116 MPH and the 6-speed gearbox links to a chain drive. The Honda CBR500R is also one of the fastest motorcycles you can buy for around $5000.
2 Suzuki SV650
This Suzuki SV650 has one of the most timeless designs in the segment and with Suzuki's renowned reputation for reliability, this offering will last you a long time as the SV650 has been designed to be as tough as nails.
The motorcycle uses a trellis frame that houses Suzuki’s bulletproof 650cc V-twin engine. It produces 75 horsepower and it is one of the most linear powertrains in the segment. The motorcycle also comes with “low RPM assist” which uses modified throttle bodies to offer a better response.
1 Zero DS
The automotive industry around the world is adopting electrification as the propulsion power of the future. Electric vehicles also make attractive propositions when it comes to affordability and reliability. The limited number of mechanical components in battery-powered drivetrain means there is less wear which drastically reduces maintenance costs and therefore overall cost of ownership.
The Zero DS is not just affordable but with 70 HP and 116 lb-ft of torque, the electric bike offers monstrous performance and comes with a 102 MPH top speed. The electric drivetrain uses a 14.4 kWh battery that offers 163 miles of maximum range.