Motorcycles are pretty much by definition, fun. They represent freedom and are the most basic, most accessible form of transport.
It is rare that the words “motorcycle” and “boring” would ever be associated, or even used in the same sentence. We are not saying any motorcycle is actually boring in the true sense, we just need to compare apples with apples here. Much like there are “boring” performance cars, there are also “boring” motorcycles.
Some brands have just gotten so good at making their machines user-friendly and ultra-reliable (Honda), that they feel a little less interesting to ride. Yet others are so keen on making something beautiful and fast, they forget product quality altogether.
Here are 5 bulletproof bikes that won’t evoke any passion, and 5 that may well fall apart but will still keep you smiling.
10 Boring: Kawasaki KLR650
The KLR has literally been around for decades now, almost unchanged. A lot of enthusiasts will swear by the bike, attesting to its incredible reliability. They leave out the fact that it is painfully slow on the road, then in base form, the tires that come standard will leave you struggling for traction off it.
It is an enduro, and all enduro bikes are a compromise, usually meeting somewhere in the middle.
9 Unreliable: Ducati Panigale 1299
In so many respects the 1299 Panigale is the ultimate V-twin, with astonishing speed, face-melting torque, and looks to kill. They also come standard with electrical issues, some worrying brake concerns, and some folk have even been unfortunate enough to have engines blow up.
But since we're comparing apples with apples, they are actually fairly reliable as far as Ducatis go.
8 Boring: Suzuki V-Strom 650
One thing that should be said in the V-Stroms favor is that it is at least a V-twin in an ocean of mid-range parallel twins. That’s about it for the good, the bike is comfortable enough, it isn’t fast or terribly slow, but it is just uninteresting in every respect.
Just look at the thing, there are few bikes designed to be as uninspiring as this.
7 Unreliable: Suzuki RE5
You have to admire Suzuki’s commitment and perseverance when they sunk huge amounts of money into the development of this Wankel engined bike.
For those keen on engineering, the allure of the rotary is plain to see, but for the more pragmatic, the emissions, fuel consumption, and reliability are simply not worth it. Even if it was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
6 Boring: Kawasaki Versys 650
A lot of Kawasakis in the past had somewhat questionable reliability (when we compare them to other Japanese brands). The parallel-twin banishes all those “demons” rather convincingly, with a stellar reliability record over the past few years both in the Versys and the other bikes that share the same beginner-friendly platform.
It is a solid, but dull 650, with a low, safe top speed and acceleration that struggles to keep up with modern hot hatches.
5 Unreliable: Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
As much as the Softail has an endearing, loyal fanbase, it is far from the best Harley. It ticks all the right boxes, but with the Harley-Davidson brand in trouble over the past decade or so, and a drive to modernize there has been far less space for models that throw back to the success of the past.
It is also one of the many bikes with crucial flaws right from the factory, little wonder it won’t be around in 2021.
4 Boring: Honda Goldwing
In terms of bikes, if a superbike equates to a supercar, and adv to an SUV, then the Goldwing is a bus. Not only is it enormous, it is also slow and awkward pretty much anywhere other than a highway.
It is still incredibly reliable, almost defying all logic considering all the old electronics the older high mileage bikes have.
3 Unreliable: Ducati Panigale V4
Much like her sister 1299, she also has some worrying brake failure issues. The V4 really is the next level of advanced superbikes with more electronics on board than any other Ducati ever made before.
That is something that should be a cause for major concern if you add those two facts together.
2 Boring: Honda CBR500R
The only real way of describing the 500 is lukewarm. It is a beginner's bike that should be lighter, but isn’t, it should be more powerful, but it isn’t.
It is a Honda, so it won’t ever let you down, and it will give you a lifetime being lukewarm.
1 Unreliable:
Although the Suzuki RE5 might have put Suzuki in a bit of a financial hole, they still climbed out of it rather triumphantly. Bimota never climbed out of the hole the 500 V2 dug for them, the advanced 2-stroke fuel injection system was a complete disaster.
With almost all the bikes getting recalled and repaired under warranty, the company simply had to fold.