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

KLR650
paratamoto.com

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.

Kawasaki KLR650
Via rideapart.com

It is an enduro, and all enduro bikes are a compromise, usually meeting somewhere in the middle.

9 Unreliable: Ducati Panigale 1299

2017 Ducati 1299 Panigale S
via TotalMotorcycles

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.

1299 Panigale R Final Edition
Via: topspeed.com

But since we're comparing apples with apples, they are actually fairly reliable as far as Ducatis go.

8 Boring: Suzuki V-Strom 650

V-Strom
via Top Gear Ph

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.

V-Strom
ultimatemotorcycling.com

Just look at the thing, there are few bikes designed to be as uninspiring as this.

Related: Here’s Why The 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Is Built For “Adventure”

7 Unreliable: Suzuki RE5

RE5
Ridepart

You have to admire Suzuki’s commitment and perseverance when they sunk huge amounts of money into the development of this Wankel engined bike.

instrument-panel
via bikesrepublic.com

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

Kawasaki Versys 650 yellow
Via visordown.com

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.

Kawasaki Versys 650
Via pitstopweekly.com

It is a solid, but dull 650, with a low, safe top speed and acceleration that struggles to keep up with modern hot hatches.

Related: These Awesome Adventure Motorcycles Are Perfect For Social Distancing

5 Unreliable: Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe

A white themed Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe
Via youtube.com

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.

Harley Davidson Softail Engine
via Ultimate Motorcycling

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

2020-Honda-GoldWing
via: RideApart

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.

Goldwing

It is still incredibly reliable, almost defying all logic considering all the old electronics the older high mileage bikes have.

Related: Here’s Why The Honda Gold Wing Is Worth Every Single Penny

3 Unreliable: Ducati Panigale V4

A red PANIGALE V4 parked
Via ducati.com

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.

Panigale V4
via Ultimate Motorcycling

That is something that should be a cause for major concern if you add those two facts together.

2 Boring: Honda CBR500R

Honda CBR 500 R
via Honda

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.

CBR500R
via honda.es

It is a Honda, so it won’t ever let you down, and it will give you a lifetime being lukewarm.

1 Unreliable:

Bimota
via Motorcycle Specs

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.

500 V2
via Bike-urious

With almost all the bikes getting recalled and repaired under warranty, the company simply had to fold.

Next: These 10 Motorcycles Prove The Italians Make The Most Beautiful Sportbikes