Most Reliable Motorbikes Ever Built
For many motorcyclists, speed is a priority, but reliability is the real hero on the road. What’s the point of having a fast bike that is prone to failure and requires constant maintenance? Motorcycles are a treasure trove of dependable, reliable companions who have stood the test of years, and deliver miles and trust.
Every gearhead has a special place for the bike or engine which got them through tough times. It’s not just about low maintenance that makes a motorcycle reliable. It’s not just about low maintenance. It’s also important to have a good ride, trust and history. Motorcycles are a great way to travel that will not only get you where you want to go, but will also make your journey memorable.
It is important to remember that reliability can be subjective. This is especially true when evaluating older models and personal experiences. We considered a variety of factors when compiling this list. These included maintenance records, endurance tests, historical data and brand reputation. We have selected what we believe to be the most reliable motorcycles that were ever made. This list includes motorcycles from several decades in automotive history. They have proved time and again to be reliable and stylish.
Honda Super Cub
The Honda Super Cub is the top choice for street riding in the world. You’re likely to have seen at least one Super Cub in your life, as it is one of the best-selling vehicles of all time. Honda’s impressive sales figures of over 100 million units show the trust and love that people have for this durable motorcycle. This motorbike is a great example of why people have put their trust in it.
The Super Cub was introduced in 1958 and has always been a favourite among riders because of its simple design, reliable motor, and high fuel efficiency. It’s no surprise that the SuperCub is the most popular motor vehicle of all time. Its reliability and wide appeal are well-known. The Honda CR-V is also one of Honda’s coolest motorcycles.
Super Cub production began in 1958 and continues to this day. The new models, priced at just under $4,000, look identical to the original and have the perfect blend of charm and simplicity. The Super Cub is equipped with a powerful 125cc motor and is a clever combination of a motorcycle, and a scooter.
Super Cub was designed with simplicity, comfort and ease in mind. The step-through frame allows for easy on/off. It is a perfect combination of practicality and usability. The engine can be used for both city driving and commutes. The fact that it is still on the road around the globe proves its reliability and relevance.
Royal Enfield Bullet 35
The Royal Enfield Bullet was first commercially released in 1932. The design is a carryover from World War I and its reliability has grown over the years.
The production numbers and the history of the Royal Enfield 350 are enough to prove its reliability. The 350 is one of the oldest continuously produced motorcycles in the world. Royal Enfield initially produced bikes for the Allied Forces, but after the war, their UK manufacturing was moved to India. Royal Enfield’s bikes have made a mark in the automotive industry since then. Royal Enfield was the first to introduce swinging rear suspensions to its bikes. Since then, they have become an industry standard.
Royal Enfield Classic 350’s latest version is a modernized design of the original bike that includes comfort and safety features. The bike still has its iconic look and feel, but now it is equipped with electronic and ABS systems.
The Royal Enfield 350’s reputation of reliability is well-deserved. Its innovations have stood the test of time, and it continues to be popular and produced.
BMW R1200 and 1300 GS
BMW is known for its high-quality engineering, reliability and luxury prices. BMW R1250GS is one of the best-selling BMW bikes. It stands out for its performance and reliability on long trips, which has been proven through extensive testing.
BMW motorcycles are known for their high prices, but the R1250GS is a reliable motorcycle that has been praised as being one of the best BMWs ever produced. It has become the adventure motorcycle of choice for world travellers. It is praised for both its durability and ability to navigate smoothly through different terrains.
You may be a BMW bike fan if you have watched the TV miniseries, “Long Way Around”, in which Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman toured the globe on BMW 1150 GS motorcycles. The 1150 was eventually reborn as the 1250 GS, which improved upon the legendary features of its predecessor.
BMW has released new models, the 1300 GS in 2024 and the 1250 Adventure GS in 2024. These have been built on the foundation of the previous generations. BMW’s place on the list is deserved because BMW bikes have been driven all over the world.
Honda Rebel 500
The Honda Rebel is a great bike for both new and experienced riders. It’s light, fun and easy to ride. The Rebel’s reliability is what makes it so popular. The middleweight motor keeps things simple, with fewer electronics than similar bikes. The high-quality, yet simple build minimizes the chance of something going wrong and increases the engine’s longevity. The price is also surprisingly low for the quality you receive. Owners’ biggest issue is minor corrosion in a few components. Honda offers new owners of bikes a range of protection plans that will ensure long-term care.
Yamaha TW200
The Yamaha TW200 is no exception. When it comes to design and reliability, it’s important to remember the motto “If it’s not broken, don’t repair it”. Its reliability has been enhanced by this mindset, making it an excellent choice for off-road riding and casual riding. Dual-sport motorcycles are renowned for their off-road capabilities, user-friendliness and legendary reliability. The air-cooled motor and simple design make it easy to maintain for even beginners.
The Yamaha TW200 is largely unchanged from its 1987 debut to the 2024 version. It has only seen minor updates such as an electronic starter, new colours, and a few other small changes.
The Yamaha TW200 is a dual-sport bike designed to thrive both on and off the road. Its unchanging design has proved its reliability. The Yamaha TW200 is similar to sharks and crocodiles, which have barely evolved over the millennia. Later models only change colours.
The TW200 of today still has its 196cc motor, its square headlight and its large knobby tyres. These features define its appearance. The TW200 is still a versatile motorcycle, with all-terrain capabilities similar to those of a quad.
Anyone can trust a Yamaha dual-sport bike with their eyes shut. According to Consumer Reports, Yamaha is the most reliable motorcycle maker. Dual-sport motorcycles are also some of the toughest machines. The Yamaha TW200 is a powerful and impressive machine.
Perfect for:
- Beginners who want to get into trail-hunting.
- The motorcycle is a good choice for riders who are looking for a motorcycle that is light, nimble and easy to handle.
- Adventure riders looking for a bike that can be used both on and off-road.
Triumph Bonneville T120
Triumph motorcycles are a part of automotive history. They have a long and rich heritage. The Bonneville was designed originally from the T110 Tiger frame as a tribute to John Allen who, on a modified Tiger, broke the speed record at Bonneville Flats with a run of 214.4 mph. Triumph redesigned Tiger and named the Bonneville in honour of the record-breaking accomplishment. It gained popularity because of its ride and reliability, but it had a few glitches in production.
The Bonneville T120, first released in 1959, quickly became a favourite among American riders. The name of the bike and its record-breaking speed made riders want to ride it. It was a great all-around motorcycle that offered speed and low maintenance. Stock models received maintenance every 10,000 miles. This made it easy to ride without worrying about upkeep.
The Bonneville faded from the spotlight as the Japanese bikes gained popularity and the motorcycle market changed. The Bonneville’s reliability and reputation persisted. Triumph Motorcycles was created even after Triumph Engineering had to face challenges. The Bonneville brand and Triumph name have been revived.
Riders can now purchase modernized versions of the T120 Bonneville, which include ABS systems, cruise controls, a 1200cc advanced engine, as well as state-of-the-art safety features. This makes it an excellent bike for those who are looking for a reliable, classic-looking ride.
BMW R nineT
BMW’s team worked hard to improve the image of its motorcycles. BMW has created a lineup of motorcycles that are reliable and high-performing. R nineT’s engine is strong and durable. A compact frame design keeps everything in place. BMW is the only motorcycle company that has been able to add innovative technology without any problems. BMW motorcycles are always loaded with the latest technology. Combine this with a high-performance engine that is built with precision and you’ve got a bike that can’t possibly be beat.Honda Gold Wing
Honda Gold Wing is often the top recommendation for long-distance trips. Honda’s bikes are known for their reliability and the Gold Wing has been a popular touring bike for many years.
Honda Gold Wings was first released in 1975. However, the story began in Honda’s R&D Department in 1972. The Honda Gold Wing began as a concept prototype called M1, which was designed to improve rideability while not sacrificing performance. The “King Of Motorcycles” was the nickname, and then the “King Of Kings.” Gold Wing is a motorcycle that has always lived up to the titles it was given. Fast forward to 2024 and you’ll see that the newest model is sleek and futuristic.
Gold Wing’s touring abilities are its trademark. The bike is huge and feels like you are driving a couch. In the 1970s this engine was renowned for its reliability and power. Today it is a horizontally-opposed six-cylinder, 1833cc. The latest versions include a range of electronic comforts and safety features, such as luggage options and advanced GPS navigation.
Gold Wings, while not particularly agile, are designed to last. They can provide many years of trouble-free rides for long-distance riders. The Honda Gold Wing is a great choice for our list because of its comfort, its history and its reputation as one the best touring motorcycles in the world.
Suzuki DR650
Suzuki introduced the DR650 as an upgrade to the DR600 in 1990. It featured a more powerful 644cc engine. It was a big hit because of its tough endurance and became a favourite among fans.
It’s often the brand reputation of a motorcycle that determines its reliability. Also, how well it is received by riders can also influence this. A popular motorcycle is easier to maintain because it’s easy to find the parts. The DR650 continues to be a hugely popular motorcycle around the globe, topping sales charts in places like New Zealand, decades after its release. The DR650’s popularity continues to grow, even decades after its release, a testament to the reliability of the bike and the trust that riders have in it.
The Suzuki DR650 is also highly regarded from the perspective of a rider. Its 644cc four-stroke single engine is powerful enough to handle off-roading or cross-country excursions, as well as daily commutes.
The DR650 was designed for adventure as well as for daily use. The DR650’s exceptional resilience was demonstrated by an owner who travelled across North and South America followed by a European rally tour. Despite only sustaining minor damage during these long journeys, the DR650 showed its resilience, with the rider being able to easily replace parts along the way.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Kawasaki’s Ninja Series is iconic with its sporty appearance and reputation for reliability and speed. Ninja 650R has been hailed as one of the most popular Kawasaki motorcycles.
Ninja was first introduced in 1984, and it just celebrated its 40th anniversary of production. The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has a parallel twin 649cc engine. The Kawasaki 650R was created to be a hybrid of a sportbike and a commuter. The Kawasaki 650R had enough power to compete with the more flashy and specialized bikes in its class but also had the comfort and rideability that made it a practical bike for everyday use.
You can now enjoy more than ever the thrills and excitement that the Kawasaki Ninja 650 delivers. The 649cc motor gives the bike plenty of power while keeping it light and agile. Kawasaki is aware that the Ninja line-up is its flagship. Their engineers design these machines with reliability in mind. Metal components are strong enough to resist high temperatures and revs. Alloys are fabricated for long-term usage. Ninja 650s are rated as high-mileage bikes, even though they only have 20,000 miles. With proper care, Ninja 650s will easily last up to 75,000 miles.
Kawasaki is known for its reliability and has been a pioneer in the development of superbikes. Models like the Ninja ZX-1 helped to create the category. The company is well-known for its engines that can reach incredible speeds. Production models are so slow because manufacturers have agreed to keep the bikes’ speeds low without any aftermarket tuning. The Ninja 650 is built with the same engineering that Kawasaki uses in its speed demons, but it’s tempered by practical features to ensure its reliability.
Honda CB750
Honda CB750 was not only a reliable motorcycle, but also a motorcycle that helped define a whole generation, leading to the creation of the Universal Japanese Motorcycles (UJM).
The CB750 was introduced in the late 60s and is often hailed for being one of the most reliable bikes ever. The CB750 was the first motorcycle to be referred to as a “superbike” and its powerful inline-four was reliable. In the late 1960s, the Western motorcycle market was dominated primarily by British and American models. During this time, riders started to take note of the Japanese offerings. The CB750 was one of the first.
The CB750’s four-cylinder motor was a distinguishing feature. At the time, most bikes had single- or twin-cylinder motors. Honda’s design would later be adopted by competitors such as Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki. The Japanese manufacturers learned and adapted from one another so that bikes imported from Japan started to have the same pseudo-standardized design. This style was called the UJM.
The CB750 had power, reliability and a reasonable price for its day. The CB750 is the predecessor to today’s superbikes and helped Honda establish itself in the Western world and on the global market.
Ducati Monster
It is not common to think of Italian bikes as reliable. Ducati is the master of combining style and performance. The Monster’s air-cooled L2-Twin engine is hidden beneath its perfectly crafted lines. Each Monster is built by hand, unlike mass-produced motorcycles that are assembled on a robot assembly line. This can lead to errors, but it also means that each bike is given the attention it deserves with every bolt. Routine, preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring maximum reliability for your Monster. The modifications and customizations you make to your Ducati monster can also affect its reliability.
Yamaha XS650
When the Yamaha XS650 first appeared on Western markets in late 1969, it was put to the test against established British and American bikes. Initially overlooked by riders as another foreign brand, the XS650 quickly became a standout, especially when it came to maintenance and service needs.
Its odd history and unique engineering helped to build the reputation of the XS650. Originally, Horex built the 500cc engine that powered the XS650. Horex was a German company that produced engines and parts following World War II. The engine was designed by Showa in Japan, and Yamaha took it over in 1960. The XS650’s reputation as a reliable, powerful motorcycle was built over time by combining German engineering with Japanese refinement.
The crankcase was one of the engine’s unique innovations. The crankcase of the engines at that time was vertically divided, which caused oil leakage. Maintenance was required to maintain proper operation. The XS650’s horizontally split crankcase meant that there was less oil leakage, and it was easier to maintain.
The Yamaha XS650 is the only bike that can keep up with the rest of its peers when they need to stop for maintenance or oil changes. This enduring quality has earned the XS650 a place in the hearts and minds of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Triumph Street Twin
The days of Triumphs leaking oil on your driveway are long gone. Despite this, their reputation continues to precede them. It’s hard to admit, but that reputation used to be deserved. Some older riders might still harbour a grudge. This may explain why the bad name continues to be spread between generations. We’re here today to dispel that old story. These Triumphs are not the Triumphs of your grandfather, since they do not share any components with bikes from the 1960s and 1970s. These bikes are built with modern technology and strict quality control. The liquid-cooled 900cc engine that is currently available is bulletproof.