Nostalgia is a funny thing. It kicks in when least expected or rather when we are too busy to pause and smell the roses or even recall the simple pleasures of life. In this connected world, we are so focused on juggling everything else around us that we forget to pursue our own passion and keep pushing it aside for tomorrow. If to kick back and relax means for you to swing your leg over a saddle, explore uncharted routes in nature’s abode with retro stead as a companion then the times couldn’t have been better as there are plenty of choices. We are talking about neo-classic motorcycles that bring back memories from the past and yet offer state-of-the-art technology. Yesteryears used to sugarcoat mechanical nightmares as a part and parcel of a learning experience by ending up spending millions of hours in a garage and tweaking your vintage pride and joy which has now thankfully become a thing of the past. One can simply buy one off-the-shelf without worrying about any niggling issues.
The reason why retro motorcycles have been flooding the market is that they can comfortably fulfill your daily commute requirements and at the same time quench your wanderlust thirst, not to mention make a fashion statement like a certain James Dean. From the pioneers of this class, the British nameplates to the iconic American, European and Japanese brands, everyone is vying to grab a massive slice of this bustling segment. We take a closer look at four very special motorcycles based on their styling and capability that allures enthusiasts from different age groups. It’s time to rewind the clock and understand why these bikes are modern-day masterpieces.
If Looks Could Kill: Triumph Thruxton RS
Triumph, no doubt, reignited the retro segment twenty years ago with the introduction of the Bonneville, but it was the Thruxton that brought some sex appeal to this class. As it’s a café racer, it, in many ways, defines the word cool. Don’t be fooled by its stunning looks as it can back itself with performance and handling. This motorcycle has a racing pedigree and has tasted success by sweeping the top three positions at the Thruxton 500-mile endurance and the legendary Isle of Man TT. The Thruxton RS is a beast as it's powered by a 104 hp, 1,200cc 8-valve liquid-cooled powertrain that belts out 83 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. This means more power is available at the low-end rev band. It’s always been a breeze to ride in the city, but now it can carve corners without a sweat.
It comes standard with performance-oriented goodies like the gorgeous golden fully adjustable 43mm Showa USD front forks with fully adjustable Öhlins twin shock, twin 310mm Brembo floating discs with Brembo M50 calipers, tarmac hugging Metzeler Racetec RR tires and it has lost 13 pounds. All this improves the Thruxton's nimble riding dynamics, stability, and handling prowess.
As much as it is a design marvel, the Thruxton comes packed with features like multiple riding modes — Road, Rain, and Sport — which change the throttle's response and traction control settings. It also comes with a USB port neatly tucked underneath the saddle. Triumph offers more than 80 accessories to customize this mean machine. The Thruxton RS starts from $16,500.
The Easy Rider: Indian Scout
The Scout is the anti-thesis of the Goliath-looking Indian cruisers draped in chrome. It doesn’t fit your typical retro genre rather Indian has craved an urban hereditary compact niche line that doubles up as a cruiser. The Scout name has been around for 100 years, but the company received a much-needed new lease of life in 2011 when the off-road vehicle maker, Polaris took over the iconic American bike maker, and ever since this low-slung motorcycle re-entered the market in 2014, it has been a best seller in its stable. The Scout offers a wide range lineup — Scout Bobber Sixty, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout, and Scout Bobber Twenty. Apart from the cosmetic and design changes, the biggest difference is the engine size. The Sixty is powered by a 999cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine that churns out 78 hp and 65 ft-lb at 5,800rpm while the Scout gets a bigger and more powerful 100 hp, 1,133cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine with 72 ft-lbs at 6,000rpm. The former is mated to a 5-speed transmission while the latter comes with a 6-speed gearbox. Both the powertrains are smooth and refined.
In terms of ergonomics, the Scout is the most comfortable motorcycle among the three thanks to its lounge chair-like sitting stance and swept-back handlebar. What’s impressive is that its forward-mounted footpegs don’t limit its maneuverability in urban conditions. Due to its low center of gravity, it offers great balance while taking turns and high-speed stability on the straights. It is available with ABS and a USB charging port, but as the suspension set-up is not adjustable and offers less travel, the ride quality is on the firmer side. The Scout range starts from $8,999 and goes all the way up to $13,999
Bavarian Brawler: BMW R nineT
BMW, as expected, takes the classic-neo-naked bike to another level when it comes to looks, build-quality, handling, fit-and-finish precision, and pretty much everything in general. The clean design makes it stand out, not to mention the simple BMW logo on both the sides of the fuel tank is a classy touch. The R nineT is available in four variants — the standard, the Pure, the Scrambler, and the Urban G/S. It’s powered by a horizontally designed 1,170cc with an output of 109 hp at 7250 rpm and maximum torque at 85 ft-lbs at 6,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. The nineT comes standard with a comprehensive electronics package that includes Dynamic Engine Braking, high-tech ABS Pro, and two riding modes — Rain and Road. The R nineT was recently updated and now gets a new rear suspension set up which now comes with travel-dependent damping (WAD) that automatically adjusts according to the road conditions. This also makes the bike a lot more balanced and confident while taking the corners. BMW Motorrad offers a wide range of accessories and the R nineT’s price starts from $10,995.
The 650 Twins: Royal Enfield Interceptor and Continental GT
There is a reason why the Royal Enfield 650 twins are one of the most popular retro motorcycles in the world. This legendary name brings back the iconic blast from past designs starting with the classic looks of the Interceptor and the enticing café racer styling of the Continental GT. Royal Enfield has upped its game by improving its build and paint quality as well as fit-and-finish. It’s a well-known fact that Royal Enfield motorcycles and vibrations used to go hand-in-hand. Some may even say it’s part of the charm, but thankfully, that’s all in the past as the 47 hp 648cc twin-cylinder engine is one very refined motor. Due to the balancer shaft, the annoying vibrations have been completely neutralized and the smooth 6-speed transmission is assisted by a slipper clutch. Both the motorcycles are based on tubular steel frame chassis, but with the Continental GT’s aggressive riding stance, it easily sweeps past corners, while the Interceptor, with its straighter ergonomics and wider handles, is more about comfortably cruising in urban and highway conditions. Both the 650 twins remain planted and stable at high speeds. Starting from as little as $5,800, it is the most affordable choice on the list and along with that Royal Enfield offers numerous personalization options that will spoil you silly.