The temptation and the appeal behind bringing home a new motorcycle, regardless of shape and size, is well-recognized. The process of establishing a connection with the motorcycle, understanding its kinks, strengths, and overall character in general, is something most look forward to.

UPDATE: 2023/12/30 23:02 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

There are a lot of people who spend their entire lives simply picking up used motorcycles on the cheap and either convert them into a DIY project or simply ride them without worry until it's time to move on. For those people, this article on old yet affordable motorcycles has been updated with some unique models.

Given that, a sizable population feels the same way about used motorcycles. At the end of the day, it's still a new experience to be had, regardless of the fact that someone else has also had a similar experience on the same motorcycle before you. This neatly brings us to the whole point of this article. Spend some time scanning old motorcycle listings on used machine portals, and a wealth of forgotten motorcycles are going for next to nothing.

How you approach these motorcycles is up to you: keep it as something to ogle at in your garage, modify it to an inch of its life, or simply ride it every day like it was designed to be ridden... it doesn't matter. What does is the fact that you can get motorcycles with a rich history (like Moto Guzzi's) for very little money, and that's always a great thing. So, without further ado, from the precision bunch of Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha, to the gorgeous classic Euro icons from Ducati and BMW, these are some of the most affordable yet cool old motorcycles you can buy today.

How we got our model selections: This list was compiled by scanning used motorcycle listings. There weren't any specific parameters set aside from the fact that the motorcycles that were narrowed down had to be easy on the pocket and have an interesting story to tell. Most, if not all, of the motorcycles on this list are currently out of production. Still, in a lot of instances, the motorcycles listed here have laid the foundations for some truly iconic successors. This list is arranged in increasing order of starting used price.

11 Suzuki GS1100

Used Price Range: $600-$15,000

Production Years: 1980-1983

The Suzuki GS was a competent bike back in the day, great for both touring and more, ahem, 'spirited' riding. Speaking of going fast, the GS was very popular in Superbike races. As a typical Japanese DOHC 4-cylinder 4-stroke engine, very little maintenance is required besides regular servicing.

There's also a decent amount of tuning parts available if the standard engine isn't enough. A word of advice, though: before making the GS any more powerful, make sure the brakes are upgraded, as they didn't actually work if it was wet outside.

1982 Suzuki GS1100E Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

10 Kawasaki Ninja 250

Used Price Range: $1,200-$3,000

Production Years: 1988-2007

The classic Ninja 250 is not to be laughed at; it has embarrassed many a sportbike rider on tight racetrack corners over the years. The third-generation Ninja 250 was introduced in 1988 and remained pretty much the same until 2008. This means there are literally tons of parts available, both new and used, in case something should break.

Featuring a rev-happy parallel twin, amazing handling, and excellent fuel consumption, it was a desirable bike for both new and experienced riders, whether for commuting or a blast through the mountains.

2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

9 Kawasaki Concours/GTR 1000

Used Price Range: $1,400-$3,000

Production Years: 1986-2006

The Kawasaki Concours was introduced in 1986 as a sporty touring bike with factory-fitted fairing and hard luggage. Based on the Ninja powerplant, the engine was pretty bulletproof but with smaller carbs and less aggressive cams. Except for a few minor modifications, the Concours' design remained practically unchanged from when it was launched until 1994.

The Concours is a tough and versatile sports tourer bike, so it would be easy to think it comes with a price tag to match its abilities. Luckily for us, it's actually pretty cheap, especially considering how much bike you actually get for your money. A few thousand dollars should be enough to get you a nice example that can be ridden and enjoyed for years to come.

1989 Kawasaki Concours Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

8 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing

Used Price Range: $1,500-$6,000

Production Years: 1974-1979

Back in 1975, when the GL was launched, nobody imagined how big the Gold Wing would become, both literally and figuratively. These days, the Gold Wing is ridiculed for being an RV on two wheels, but the original GL1000 has most of its weight positioned low, making it surprisingly nimble for its size. Their GL was really more evolutionary rather than innovative, using already existing technology; Honda just executed it better than the competition.

More than 97,000 GL1000s were sold in the U.S. between 1975-79, and today you can pick a GL1000 Gold Wing up for a song. If you're tall or just like going for long rides, give the Gold Wing a try... You definitely won't find a smoother bike for the price.

1976 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

7 BMW R1100RT

Used Price Range: $1,800-$5,000

Production Years: 1996-2001

The hulking BMW R1100RT debuted in 1996 and had a lot going for it. It featured ZR-rated tires, a telelever front suspension, and an oil-cooled Boxer engine, among many other highlights.

If a modern (for the time), mile-munching BMW was what you were after, the R1100RT needed to feature on your consideration list. This sport-tourer aimed to take on rivals like the Kawasaki Concours, who could reportedly even manage about 200 miles between tank-ups. For the kind of price it's going for nowadays, it's a bargain.

2000 BMW R1100RT Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

6 Honda Magna

Used Price Range: $1,900-$5,000

Production Years: 1982-1988 & 1994-2003

Honda set out to make a different cruiser than those already on the market. In 1982, they launched the 750cc muscular V4 Magna and actually created a whole new type of motorcycle: the power cruiser. In 1984, Honda had to reduce the engine size to 700cc due to the tariff rates for foreign-built motorcycles, so the Magna became the VF700C in the USA. If 700-750cc isn't enough, there's also the more powerful 1100cc, but they can be less reliable.

The Magna lets you ride in comfort and style, and you never have to worry about insufficient power. What more could a biker possibly ask for? Price? They're pretty easy on the pocket nowadays, too.

1995 Honda Magna VF750C Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

5 Yamaha Virago

Used Price Range: $1,900-$5,700

Production Years: 1981-2007

In the early '80s, Yamaha launched the Virago, a cheap entry into cruiser bike ownership for those who didn't want to remortgage their house. The formula proved so successful that Harley-Davidson actually pushed for a tariff on imported bikes over 700cc. Early Viragos has a design flaw in the starter system, so it's advised to go for a later '80s model where this has been sorted out.

Since it's available in various engines, from 250 to 1100ccs, there's a Virago suitable for just about everyone. The smaller bikes are, of course, lighter and easier to maneuver, and the bigger ones offer a bit more space and power.

1988 Yamaha Virago Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

4 Ducati 900SS

Used Price Range: $2,000-$7,000

Production Years: 1991-1998

The Super Sport name goes all the way back to 1972 when Ducati won the Imola 200. While the '80s and '90s SS isn't exactly a powerful sports bike by today's standards, it does handle well and feels rewarding if you're a smooth rider.

Basically, the SS is for the rider who wants a Ducati that looks like a '90s race bike but is still cheap (ish) and requires less maintenance than a full-on Ducati sports bike. Featuring the classic tubular trellis frame and a 90° L-twin engine hidden behind a race-inspired fairing, the SS both looks and sounds amazing. For those who like working on bikes and don't mind another project, there are a fair number of bargains out there.

1992 Ducati 900SS Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

3 Ducati 750SS

Used Price Range: $4,000-$7,000

Production Years: 1989-1993

The Ducati Supersport series was really one to look out for. It featured a full fairing starting from '89, a medium-sized windscreen, a solo seat, and adjustable Showas at the rear.

Powering it was a four-stroke, 90-degree L-twin, as was to be expected, and the 748cc engine produced a very credible 72 horsepower and 51.6 lb-ft of torque. Power went to the wheel via a 5-speed gearbox, and you could stretch the 750SS up to 130 mph if you could find a stretch of road long enough.

1990 Ducati 750SS Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

2 BMW R65

Used Price Range: $5,800-$7,500

Production Years: 1977-1993

The BMW R65 was introduced in the late '70s, featuring low weight and modern styling. The bike was a success in terms of units shifted, and there were good reasons behind it. The R65 is not a powerful bike by any standards, but what it lacked in outright power, it more than made up in terms of being easy to get along with. The small engine, combined with its low weight, also means it gets very reasonable fuel consumption.

These days, the R65 is becoming very popular, with custom bike builders turning them into Scramblers and Café Racers, which, of course, means that prices have started increasing.

1979 BMW R65 Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

1 Honda CB550

Used Price Range: $6,000-$7,500

Production Years: 1974-1978

The CB550 was launched in '74 and became a success in the States right from the start. The engine was based on the previous 500 but with a few tweaks here and there to squeeze out more power.

Even if the CB550 was popular, it always had to live in the shadow of its bigger sibling, the CB750. A few years back, the 750s became popular to modify and turn into Café Racers, and when prices increased, people turned to the cheaper CB550.

1978 Honda CB550 Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

Source for used prices: Cycle Trader

Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs