Motorcycles are a dime a dozen. They are so plentiful in some parts of the world that absolutely no one cares who produced them. However, some of those motorcycles get discontinued and riders just end up wondering where they went. Though bringing them back may never happen, it is possible to obtain some older editions.
A handful of motorcycles has become classics over the years or were simply so amazing that they were instant classics. Some of those classics are just really hard to get by and cost an absolute fortune. As a result, it is wise to do some research and plan ahead if finding a gem that will appreciate over time is the ultimate goal.
10 1971 Moto Guzzi Ambassador
Italian motorcycles tend to be like Italian cars. They are nice to look at, and often times fast as well as luxurious. Moto Guzzi embodies the true nature of Italian motorcycles. As the company is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, its earlier bikes tend to be classics and therefore expensive.
The Moto Guzzi Ambassador deserves its name. It's a classy Italian motorcycle that still packs quite some power despite its age. The 750cc V-Twin engine produces a decent 60hp, which allows its riders to reach a top speed of 100mph. Though the Ambassador can be found in good condition for an average price of $6,000, some one-of-a-kind edition was sold at auction for a whopping $19,000.
9 1979 BMW R65
When people think of BMW, they first think about mean German-made performance cars. The motorcycles produced by the German conglomerate didn't really reach the same level of success.
However, BMW motorcycles are just as impressive and iconic as BMW cars. The classic R65 may not be the fastest motorcycle that was available on the market at the time, but it remained a very cool looking learner's bike. The 650cc engine still developed 50hp which was enough to reach a top speed of 109mph. It is possible to get a hold of an R65 for approximately $5,000 in mint condition.
8 1985 Yamaha V-Max
There have been so many cool Yamaha bikes over the years that it is difficult to remember each and every single of them. The most iconic one, the Yamaha YZF R1, has mesmerized motorcycle fans worldwide for over two decades now. Unfortunately, the R1 is not adapted to all riders and can end being lethal for inexperienced riders.
Yamaha has manufactured some of the coolest motorcycles ever sold on the market. The Yamaha V-Max is among those classic cruiser bikes that are cooler than modern bikes. Though extremely powerful, the V-Max is far less nervous than some of the crotch rockets manufactured by the Japanese company. For around $7,000, it is possible to find the very first V-Max in average condition.
7 1990 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Harley-Davidson has released some of the coolest motorcycles over the years. Its iconic V-Twin engine has been at the center of the revival of the most popular American motorcycle brand. This legendary Harley-Davidson was featured in several movies including The Terminator.
The 1991 Fat Boy is such a cool looking bike that it was the go-to motorcycle of several biker gang members. Despite having received several facelifts over the years, the 1991 Fat Boy remains one of the most sought out edition. The bike costs around $11,000 in excellent condition.
6 1993 Triumph 900 Tiger
The British car and motorcycle manufacturer has been at the forefront of innovation during the early 1990s. With motorcycles ready for every and any terrain, Triumph was able to successfully trump some of the most popular Japanese motorcycle brands. The 900 Tiger is the perfect example of a well-crafted British monster.
Though Triumph motorcycles are extremely popular, there are several facts about the company that riders are unaware of. For example, the 900 Tiger is one of the best British off-road motorcycle ever made. The 885cc engine produced a decent 82hp, which is perfect to navigate on a muddy trail. In terrific condition, the 900 Tiger can cost up to $14,000. Collectors should act quickly if they are looking for a bargain.
5 1994 Kawasaki ZX-9R
Kawasaki is known for producing some of the coolest sports bikes. Throughout the years, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has released some of the nicest bikes, ranging from the Ninja to the Z900. Even if sports bikes are a dime a dozen, older editions tend to improve with time.
The ZX-9R seems to have been completely forgotten. Despite being an incredibly fast motorcycle, the ZX-9R was absolutely underrated. With a top speed of 168mph, this classic Kawasaki will for sure remain in the minds of true motorcycle fans. For a little less than $4,000, it is possible to get a hold of a ZX-9R in great condition.
4 1995 Triumph Speed Triple
The British motorcycle and car manufacturer does make some racy motorcycles. There is no denying that. For years, the company released some of the meanest machines ever seen coming from the United Kingdom. To the pleasure of most riders out there, the trend never stopped.
The Speed Triple is a comfortable sports bike people can actually ride daily. The Speed Triple will set potential buyers back around $6,000, but it is definitely the kind of bike that will last forever and never age badly.
3 1996 Suzuki 1200 Bandit
Suzuki has blown the minds of motorcycles worldwide for almost forty years. Its GSX-Series was game-changing upon its first release. Fast-forward two decades and the GSX became the fastest commercialized motorcycle available on the market with the Hayabusa.
However, the GSX-Series rides are far from being cheap. They sure are beautiful and faster than an antelope, but purchasing one will make you reconsider that vacation in the Bahamas. The 1200 Bandit is a good compromise between the humongous Suzukis and the much smaller ones reserved for Sunday afternoon riders. Priced at around $4,000, the 1200 Bandit will not disappoint its buyers.
2 1999 Ducati Monster
Ducati is definitely among the most legendary motorcycle manufacturers in the world. Its popularity is due to the numerous victories in professional racing events, but also to the amazing civilian motorcycles released over the decades. The Monster is one of the greatest sports bikes from the 1990s and deserves to be mentioned among the best Ducatis made over the last twenty years.
Even if there are obvious things to look for when buying a used Monster, the motorcycle remains a good buy if it was maintained properly.
1 2003 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird
Following World War 2, Honda starting producing more than bicycles. Some of the earliest Honda motorcycles are collector's gems worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. As time went by, Honda refined its motorcycle-making skills and came up with absolute beasts such as the CBR lineup.
The CBR Super Blackbird was named after Lockheed's SR-71 Blackbird. Before the release of the Hayabusa, the Blackbird was the fastest motorcycle available for sale. With a top speed of 179mph, the Blackbird was a seriously mean machine. The Super Blackbird should be among the most beautiful classic Japanese motorcycles motorcycle fans have ever seen.