Many of you have commented on my leaving out the moto guzzi v7 and all I have to say is... YOU'RE RIGHT. I think if I made this video again I'd have it at number 2 or 1. It has real, uninterrupted heritage. It has loads of character, solid performance. Yupp
@@fnglert I'd love to have the Mash Side Force sidecar motorcycle but they are not available here in the USA. They should be and I don't understand why not. EU standards are higher than our requirements so that's not the issue. I guess no one wants to do the work to setup a dealer network and get importation approved. The only competition would be Ural sidecar motorcycles but those are extremely expensive. A new high end Harley Davidson costs less than the cheapest basic no accessories Ural.
Moto G might be a retro bike, but an awfully dismal one. Had two of these as brand new ones, models 2014 and 2015 (Stone and Special). Both were technical disasters and very unreliable. They left me in trouble far too many times while trying to commute for 75 miles one leg. Nostalgic and beautiful, but unfortunately just waste of money!
As an Indian I love how much people adore Royal Enfield. It's a really old brand in India, even my father had one and now I'm planning on buying another.
The original British Royal Enfield company has closed in 1971 You can check out it’s wiki page for more info. The present bikes are being manufactured in India by Royal Enfield (India) which now holds the license to this name.
Lol its a symbol of how the brits dominated your people for centuries. India is the laughing stock of the world. You should give your land to the proud Pakistani
@@GaneshPalraj1991 bike they are selling right now are all indian designed. old british designed bullets are discontinued and are honestly living fossils
@@GaneshPalraj1991 Hate to break the news to you but there's nothing British about the Royal Enfield brand. It's now an Indian company with an Indian CEO and its HQ in India.
Agreed. I considered most of the bikes in this video but settled on a 2018 Guzzi V7 Milano. To me, it still has the feel and character of the early Guzzi twins but is much more user friendly with abs, fuel injection etc.
The list doesn't disappoint. If we're talking about retro that takes you back in time, the W800 is simply your time machine. It looks drop dead gorgeous, sounds sweet but elegant, and just feels truly soulful to the age of classics.
Personally I think your recommendation for smaller gas tanks on the Triumph (or almost any bike) is off the mark. Casual trips to the coffee shop you can get away with that but if you really want to get out of town, particularly west of the Mississippi where wide open spaces put gas stations much farther apart, you need a workable range without eyeing the odometer every 15 minutes. You can push your stylish peanut tank’d bike if you like, I prefer to ride to the next gas stop.
Totally agree. It’s the guys who could walk to the coffee shop who don’t mind smaller tanks. But if you reason for riding is to go somewhere….id say find a way to have a six gallon tank. I’d gladly give up aesthetics for more range.
I picked up a W800 in March 2020 almost as soon as it came out, and I could not be happier with the bike. I've been using it for my in-town commuter and it's been perfect for that. 1) It's *plenty* agile for city traffic and zips right off the line just fine. (Yes, a Z900RS would probably be even more agile and zippy, I'll grant that.) 2) It's utterly reliable (unlike a carbureted cruiser I've been struggling with lately thanks to problems with E85 gas). 3) It's also plenty capable on the highway, letting me turn onto the on-ramp without thinking twice. 4) It's like riding a work of art to work every day. I love the concept and elegant simplicity of an air-cooled engine, and the sound from the stock pipes keeps me company all the way home, and exudes what I think is a classy note, neither too loud nor too quiet as I roll through neighborhoods busy with pedestrians. All in all I couldn't be happier with this bike. It's a really well-rounded, totally versatile and functional, quintessential-looking motorcycle. I also flirted with a Speedmaster which unquestionably would have been great as well, but I think would have had more power than I've needed for these last two years and was a few grand more expensive.
@@TheInterloafer I'm keeping my eye on the classifieds. I was quite enamoured with the 650 when it first came out, but a newborn and a mortgage pushed it to the back of my mind. Fast forward nearly 25 years and I'm a long way past being an empty nester and the house is paid off. I definitely fall into the category of "returning rider", these days with my last bike being a well used Honda CB 250 that I sold about 15 years ago. I've borrowed bikes here and there to keep my hand in, so to speak, but I'm not kidding myself about either my ability or intentions. As much as I like vintage machines, they're just not for me. A couple of hours yesterday NOT solving the electrical problem on my friend's '73 Guzzi reinforced this. Identifying faults, paying and waiting for parts and crawling around on a cold concrete garage floor installing them just isn't my thing, anymore. I don't particularly like too many of the "modern" offerings and I certainly don't want some 100+ horsepower beast to nurse around at legal speed limits on, down to the shops and on the back roads where I live. The W just makes a lot of sense to me, although I haven't ridden one. I've ridden a couple of the Triumph range and while they're great bikes, they're definitely modern bikes. The 750 Guzzi doesn't quite do it for me. A couple of the Enfields come close but I keep going back to the bike that I yearned for nearly half a lifetime ago. Something to putt around on, something reliable, something with a bit of individuality and something that I don't feel obliged to throw half the bank at in aftermarket accessories. I've thrown around the idea of something like a Goldwing or a Harley. But I'm just not going to use them for their intended purpose and they'll be an out and out PITA for my most like use case. I just want a toy, but a practical one. I keep coming back to the W.
The W800 looks not only true classic, it gives you the classic feel. I loved my W800, I had from 2014 to 2017 - and still today I allways look at the "newest" version of the W 800.
Its the same power as the original 1960s W2 . You could also make it brake better with dual discs on the front and a disc on the back. You could also make it handle better with a smaller front wheel. You could water cool it and tune it for power and make it rev out by making the engine over square. But then just buy a modern sports bike. If you want a retro then this bike is a more reliable version of the 1960s/70s twins and has the same feel. @@fjp3305
I bought a 500cc single piston Royal Enfield a few years ago. I got to looking back on all the bikes I owned, small 80cc Yamaha's up to the Ultra Classic Harley, and I realized I liked the 1973 Yamaha 650 twin best of all. But not to be found now. I opted for the Enfield for size and honestly, style. This bike is a blast! The fun is back again.
The moto guzzi v7 850, awesome bike, handles like a charm, tons of character, shaft drive, actually some nice safety feature tech. One of my bikes and is my favorite, more than my more modern futuristic bikes.
The W 800 Kawasaki is actually only 773cc so just 23 cc bigger than an old triumph bonneville T140. The good thing about this bike and especially its 674cc sibling is that they are under square motors which naturally produce more torque. Very few bikes are designed like that these days. On another note, the W1, W2 and W3 Kawasakis from 1965 through to 1975 are much better engineered motorcycles, than the A7 and A10 BSA ever were. They never leaked oil like the brit versions did. I know I had a BSA and two W2 kawasakis. They produced more power with fewer cc's (624cc) and vibrated less.
I just looked up the W1 and I never even knew that that bike existed. Cool looking bike. My dad had a Triumph Daytona 500. Nice bike but totally unreliable.lol. Maybe he should have got one of those.
Yep, I owned British bikes in the 70's and they were definitely trouble to own . I now have a W650 and it IS better . Apparently the Japanese experimented with the first W's and found that 624cc vibrated less than any other with the crank-geometry they used
I have to say that the W800 is deceptively zippy for the power it makes. The torque numbers might not seem that impressive, but it makes those numbers at stupidly low RPM's. I also had the front fork internals upgraded with some progressive springs and now it handles absolutely beautifully..
@@rickhibdon11 Oh man, too bad, that would have been a great deal. Most that sell around her (Sweden) goes for at least $5000, and they are not in new condition.😁
Was planning on buying the RE Interceptor, but went to look at a W800. RE was way cheaper and a good looking bike, but the W was just so beautiful I had to have it. It won't pull your arms out of their sockets and is too expensive, but is such a joy to ride and it just looks so good!
I agree about the Kawasaki W800. I own a 2019 model and I absolutely love it. It does everything very well. It even has a 360⁰ crank just like the classic Brit bikes of old. The bevel driven top end is just the icing on the cake. I wanted the closest thing to a modern '67 Bonneville without all the wrenching (spannering?) just riding. This easy riding bike hasn't disappointed.
@@fjp3305 maybe due to the emission controls ? but they can be easily modified. but unless your on the race track how much power do you really need ? i mean i ride a honda supercub for work and that keeps up with traffic 🤣
@@FRANK-cents I like to feel the power and the speed, but with so many radars now is not that possible. I ride a scooter 300 in the city, is the best for the city, I don't more.
I had a Moto Guzzi V7 Special and I traded it in for a Royal Enfield Interceptor. I have no intention of going back to a Moto Guzzi. They are both nice bikes but I have had so many different bikes from all the makes and I'll stick with the Interceptor. I also have a Korean twist and go scooter which I will use when I am to old and creaky to sling a leg over a saddle. - I've not long to go!
I watched this waiting for the Motor Guzzi V7 III or new V7 and was ready to pounce on the omission........and then I saw the comment from Bart.............And yes, I own a V7III Special and it is extraordinary.
I have a W650. When I saw it, that was all it took. It was all about the looks. As long as my research didn’t reveal it to be a mechanical disaster, I knew I would get one. The older 650s It’s got the kick start. I don’t believe the later 800s kept that retro feature.
I really really want a classic vintage Honda or a 1978 BMW. I’ve wanted a bike since I was a little kid. I have been working my ass off in order to buy one. I actually don’t even know how to ride a bike, but the dream will never go away.
@@bartmotorcycle actually want to get a royal enfield now. I’ve just been search for a bike all day long. The royal enfield meteor fire ball yellow will be my first bike.
Modern classic that I own and enjoy is a 2007 Ducati sport classic 1000 GT. That is a bike that kept the weight down low and gives modern performance for an air cooled engine and made a strong attempt to look like a 70s Ducati!
Hi Bart, I have previously owned a RE GT650. All you UA-cam reviewers just look & ride new mc's. What about the ownership experience? I sold my 2019 RE GT650 just before the 3yr warranty period expired. It was on it's 3rd engine & gearbox due to False Neutral problem. Almost every part was replaced under warranty...rusty mirrors, discoloured indicators, 3 clutch cables because it was not secured properly & the rubber casing was repeatedly burnt by the engine crankcase. Engine crankcases oxidized so rapidly every 3 months. In 1yr it looks like a 12yr old mc. RE damaged my fuel tank so I had them replace it too! Just a nightmare. I decided to upgrade to a Triumph Bonneville T120 & I am loving it!
It's funny how our perspectives are so different. Growing up in 1970s and early 1980s USA I never saw a Royal Enfield or some of the others, and the Triumphs on the roads were usually seen being pushed home. We rode Kawi-Honda-Suzuki-Yamaha, loved the looks and the performance, and the reliability was unsurpassed. The criteria used for picking the Best Retro bikes in this video is quite different: Is the bike "a true classic". It's hugely visual. It's not for me -- I want the Kawasaki 650RS. But I do understand the interest in the "true classic" look. Fortunately people have a lot of choice.
Nice list. A 2000 W650 was my first street bike back in 2001. These days I own a RE interceptor 650 which is a fantastic bike! I hope to see more small displacement retro bikes in the future, the Triumphs (have owned 3 in-between) have become too modern looking for me.
Yeah the T100 should be less especially when dealers like Seattle Triumph jack the price up with $1500 in dealer fees before taxes and licensing and doc fees. It ends up being over $15k out the door for a heavy low powered old tech bike.
I'm absolutely an adult. 50 years old, 6'4", and 210 lbs. I own a Honda Monkey. It's absolutely amazing good fun and the looks are awesome. Also, be prepared to talk to people because this little thing gathers a lot of attention :D Nobody ever comments on my regular bike 😂
I'm not the first to mention it but you glaringly omitted the Moto Guzzi V7. Which I think is the best looking motorcycle you can buy now. Especially the special with its proper dual round analog gauges.
Honorable mention to the Yamaha SR400. It does seem really overpriced and IMO could use updates on styling, but, it is as retro of a design as any bike on the list, and if someone would ride it enough, perhaps more reliable than any other on the list.
@Alfred Wedmore Hi. I went to 'Motorcycle Live; today, and saw it. . Sat on it as well. I have to say, it looks better when you see it. Te radiator isn't too bad, when you see it 'live' as it were.
I'm excited my Yamaha SR400 will finally be coming to me in the next 2 weeks. I think it would be includable in this list if it wasn't just recently discontinued after like 43 years in production.
Even better looking than the W800 is the Meguro K3 based on it, though it probably wouldn't make the sub $10k price limit even if Kawasaki decided to sell it outside Japan. One that would make it on an updated version of this list is the new for 2022 BSA Gold Star.
I love the look of Janus Motorcycles Halcyon 250, made out of Goshen Indiana and have that classic styling, pricing starts around $8K. It's a hardtail lacking in power but it's a classy looker for sure.
I looked her up just after i read your post. Yes she's beautiful. So glad to see the founders of Janus cared to hark back to the pioneering days of motorcycling and produced a modern version that on looks could have traded places with any of the originals. And she's quite a flyer, judging by the videos. And of course, Leno fell in love with her. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
These look like what I grew up on, but thank goodness they don't leave you stranded on the roadside. As an old ton-up lad I would cafe any of them. They would clean up great!
Great video...beyond doubt w800 has the most beautiful looking engine,next to the vintage triumphs,and vintage norton commando 750s,Im sure the new BSA goldstar 650 just launched also will be a good contender in the race for under $10K best retro motorcycles.
@@robertveith2255 Exactly that's what I I have mentioned ...next to vintage triumph Bonneville and norton commando 750s...presently current generation under production I guess w800 is the best looking engine.
With reference to the large tanks on some retro model Triumphs. Triumph did a similar thing in the early 70's when they moved away from the traditional tear drop tank to the so called bread box tank. The bikes did not sell in the US so Triumph bought out a beauty kit with a more traditional tank, and sent the kits to the US.
I kinda agree with your comment on the size of the petrol tank. I own a '72 Triumph Bonneville with the dinky 2.5 gallon US tank. Though I think the larger TR6 tank would look better with my Corbin seat. I never could figure out why the UK models got bigger tanks, considering the small distances they have to travel. At least the Trident got a proper 4 gallon petrol tank.
As a long tie rider of europeans and japanese low capacity two stroke bikes , what makes you enjoy yourelf on a bike is not the numbers you read in the brochure but the feeling of you on the bike , the handling , the balance ..... like the japanese say : Jinba Itai , the rider and his horse . You can enjoy the life out of a Suzuki GN250 if you are in the right mood , in the ride place and it only costs 2500 dollars new . then again , you can buy a 100 000 dollar Ducati that stresses the life out of you and make you feel as disconnected as it can be from her in 15 seconds .
Good luck on finding an RE Interceptor or Continental GT for $6k. A relative just purchased a GT for $6.7k (one of the best deals around) and to get their British Green scheme we had to drive 2 states away (330 miles). Just saying and thanks Joe!
Totally agree on the tank size re Triumphs, the Bonneville is really spoilt by its bulbous tank, I wonder if the street twin tank would fit 🤔 I have a Thruxton 1200 , one of the reasons I bought it was that the tank is far more in proportion to the rest of the bike. The 1200 scrambler looks kind of ridiculous to my eyes, almost as though someone has temporarily perched a tank from another bike on top of the frame. Yeah stuff the range, lose about 40 miles and have a far better proportioned bike 👍
I was sold on the Royal Enfield's and looking to buy one in the Spring until I saw videos showing them having electrical problems. Everyone says it's no big deal, just keep a can of contact cleaner on you. Apparently moisture is getting into the engine shut-off switch and the starter switch. I immediately switched gears and started looking at the Triumphs. I agree with you on that Street Twin, but the go anywhere guy in me is also eyeing the Scrambler.
How sad is it, that Harleys are stuck in the past, yet, somehow, can't make a decent retro standard? A simple 883 that doesn't have you dragging your ass on the ground, and costs under $8k. "Nope, here's a dozen iterations of the same crap we've been trying to sell for 50yrs."
Something to note is the retros are all easy to ride so good for learners. Not too much power, upright and balanced seating position, pretty torquey so you're not screaming at high revs.
I agree with Falcon Time that the Yamaha SR400 should be on this list. With the exception of a front disc, fuel injection, and electronic ignition it is the same bike (not a tribute or a replica) that has been in production since 1978. You can't get more retro than that!
@@AP-ev7hv I looked it up. The SR500 was in the American market from 1978- 1981 and in Europe from 1978- 1983. In the Asian market from 1978- 1999, but not in Japan, which only had the SR400. The SR400 was marketed in the Europe and American markets from 2014- 2021 and in the Asian market from 1978- 2021. So you could buy a brand new SR400 in the U.S. as late as 2021 and leftovers beyond. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_SR400_%26_SR500
For me it's Triumph all the way. Main reason is the torque engine. I was riding Moto Gizzi v7 on my trip to Italy, and it's gr8 bike, but for higher revs. I tested RE Interceptor and had loads of fun with it, but for me even thou it's shorter than t100 its weight is way higher and I find it not as nimble as Triumph. Never tried W800, but it's looking amazing for sure. And about smaller tanks in Triumphs: hell no! For street twin or speed twin if you use them only in town, that's ok, but for all other leave them as they are. As I said it's all about personal preferences, priorities and how you fit the bike. I don't understand the arguments about this and that being better. Yes it may be for you, but not for other person.
I bought a left over brandnew 2019 w800 “cafe” about a year ago, I was between that an the RE.. but I got the Kawasaki out the door for $5900. I had it for 3 months and sold it for what I paid for it, I now regret selling it. But I didn’t have the room for that and my Buell, I love my Buell to much to let her go
Great Video. I love all the New Retro Bikes. You should do a Video of All the Retro Bikes available. I really like the Kawasaki ZL 900. It looks just like the old Z1 900 I had back in the late 70s.
Lol Young man, the Monkey has been around for 60 years, they made the Grom a mini Monkey. The Monkey debuted from Honda Z100 and customers nick named it "Monkey".... 1961....Lol, I've wanted one my whole life. After watching your videos about electric, I've decided it's a mistake to invest close to 10K for something I can get for 5 with gas. EV is just too new, too many bad things could happen and I'll end up with a yard ornament. Many thanks again for all your work and reviews and help with my decisions. ;)
Great looking collection but one minor quibble: I’m a cruiser guy (as in “don’t bother making anything else!”) and I’m very interested in RE’s lineup. I think you meant “HD riders” won’t be interested in them and that’s true. Fortunately, that species of dinosaur is almost extinct. My species of dinosaur (cheap cruisers that don’t breakdown every five miles) is dwindling but I think well last a bit longer….
That was a great video. I’m really impressed with the W800. I need to go check one out. I really wanted to like the Ducati Scrambler but I just couldn’t get comfortable on it. Something about the layout didn’t fit. A basic Monster is just a better bike. Thanks for highlighting these.
Good video with one error I can see/hear. You gave the hp/tq numbers for the Indian Scout yet were talking about the Scout 60 unit. :) Scout 60 numbers are 78 hp 65 lb-ft which is pretty darn good for a 60cid/999cc engine. Keep up the great videos.
I’m sure you know this by now but the classic 350 is for sale here I’ve had my Halcyon grey one since July I’m here in Montana I love it I own a Suzuki DR 650 and a V Strom 650 and the RE is my favorite bike by far although that DR 650 is awesome to.
Many of you have commented on my leaving out the moto guzzi v7 and all I have to say is... YOU'RE RIGHT. I think if I made this video again I'd have it at number 2 or 1. It has real, uninterrupted heritage. It has loads of character, solid performance. Yupp
What about Mash?
Because i t. Is un changed since the 60s that l know it is not retro
@@fnglert I'd love to have the Mash Side Force sidecar motorcycle but they are not available here in the USA. They should be and I don't understand why not. EU standards are higher than our requirements so that's not the issue. I guess no one wants to do the work to setup a dealer network and get importation approved. The only competition would be Ural sidecar motorcycles but those are extremely expensive. A new high end Harley Davidson costs less than the cheapest basic no accessories Ural.
Glaring oversight. You are forgiven.
Moto G might be a retro bike, but an awfully dismal one. Had two of these as brand new ones, models 2014 and 2015 (Stone and Special). Both were technical disasters and very unreliable. They left me in trouble far too many times while trying to commute for 75 miles one leg. Nostalgic and beautiful, but unfortunately just waste of money!
As an Indian I love how much people adore Royal Enfield.
It's a really old brand in India, even my father had one and now I'm planning on buying another.
Dude it's a British brand.
The original British Royal Enfield company has closed in 1971 You can check out it’s wiki page for more info.
The present bikes are being manufactured in India by Royal Enfield (India) which now holds the license to this name.
Lol its a symbol of how the brits dominated your people for centuries. India is the laughing stock of the world. You should give your land to the proud Pakistani
@@GaneshPalraj1991 bike they are selling right now are all indian designed. old british designed bullets are discontinued and are honestly living fossils
@@GaneshPalraj1991 Hate to break the news to you but there's nothing British about the Royal Enfield brand. It's now an Indian company with an Indian CEO and its HQ in India.
You forgot the Moto Guzzi V7. A true classic.
Omg you're right! One of the best, most interesting options in those segment. Thanks! Everyone like this comment
@@bartmotorcycle just pin it
Agreed. I considered most of the bikes in this video but settled on a 2018 Guzzi V7 Milano.
To me, it still has the feel and character of the early Guzzi twins but is much more user friendly with abs, fuel injection etc.
The moto guzzi v7 is a sexy bike!
The list doesn't disappoint. If we're talking about retro that takes you back in time, the W800 is simply your time machine. It looks drop dead gorgeous, sounds sweet but elegant, and just feels truly soulful to the age of classics.
Personally I think your recommendation for smaller gas tanks on the Triumph (or almost any bike) is off the mark. Casual trips to the coffee shop you can get away with that but if you really want to get out of town, particularly west of the Mississippi where wide open spaces put gas stations much farther apart, you need a workable range without eyeing the odometer every 15 minutes. You can push your stylish peanut tank’d bike if you like, I prefer to ride to the next gas stop.
Bart even qualified his comment, stating that he didn't care if the range was less.
Gas tanks on many bikes today are sadly all to small.
Totally agree. It’s the guys who could walk to the coffee shop who don’t mind smaller tanks. But if you reason for riding is to go somewhere….id say find a way to have a six gallon tank. I’d gladly give up aesthetics for more range.
I have a w800 and think it's great for simple motorcycling. Every stop has people asking about it. Pure old-school
I picked up a W800 in March 2020 almost as soon as it came out, and I could not be happier with the bike. I've been using it for my in-town commuter and it's been perfect for that. 1) It's *plenty* agile for city traffic and zips right off the line just fine. (Yes, a Z900RS would probably be even more agile and zippy, I'll grant that.) 2) It's utterly reliable (unlike a carbureted cruiser I've been struggling with lately thanks to problems with E85 gas). 3) It's also plenty capable on the highway, letting me turn onto the on-ramp without thinking twice. 4) It's like riding a work of art to work every day. I love the concept and elegant simplicity of an air-cooled engine, and the sound from the stock pipes keeps me company all the way home, and exudes what I think is a classy note, neither too loud nor too quiet as I roll through neighborhoods busy with pedestrians. All in all I couldn't be happier with this bike. It's a really well-rounded, totally versatile and functional, quintessential-looking motorcycle. I also flirted with a Speedmaster which unquestionably would have been great as well, but I think would have had more power than I've needed for these last two years and was a few grand more expensive.
Thanks for that info! Glad to hear it's such a good bike
@@bartmotorcycle Thank you for posting the reviews and analysis here. It's really interesting and helpful.
It's a year later, are you still happy with it?
@@davidbrayshaw3529 100%. The bike is proving to be incredibly reliable and I could still hardly be happier. Are you in the market?
@@TheInterloafer I'm keeping my eye on the classifieds. I was quite enamoured with the 650 when it first came out, but a newborn and a mortgage pushed it to the back of my mind. Fast forward nearly 25 years and I'm a long way past being an empty nester and the house is paid off. I definitely fall into the category of "returning rider", these days with my last bike being a well used Honda CB 250 that I sold about 15 years ago. I've borrowed bikes here and there to keep my hand in, so to speak, but I'm not kidding myself about either my ability or intentions. As much as I like vintage machines, they're just not for me. A couple of hours yesterday NOT solving the electrical problem on my friend's '73 Guzzi reinforced this. Identifying faults, paying and waiting for parts and crawling around on a cold concrete garage floor installing them just isn't my thing, anymore.
I don't particularly like too many of the "modern" offerings and I certainly don't want some 100+ horsepower beast to nurse around at legal speed limits on, down to the shops and on the back roads where I live.
The W just makes a lot of sense to me, although I haven't ridden one. I've ridden a couple of the Triumph range and while they're great bikes, they're definitely modern bikes.
The 750 Guzzi doesn't quite do it for me. A couple of the Enfields come close but I keep going back to the bike that I yearned for nearly half a lifetime ago.
Something to putt around on, something reliable, something with a bit of individuality and something that I don't feel obliged to throw half the bank at in aftermarket accessories.
I've thrown around the idea of something like a Goldwing or a Harley. But I'm just not going to use them for their intended purpose and they'll be an out and out PITA for my most like use case.
I just want a toy, but a practical one. I keep coming back to the W.
The W800 looks not only true classic, it gives you the classic feel. I loved my W800, I had from 2014 to 2017 - and still today I allways look at the "newest" version of the W 800.
Wasn't it underpowered?
Its the same power as the original 1960s W2 . You could also make it brake better with dual discs on the front and a disc on the back. You could also make it handle better with a smaller front wheel. You could water cool it and tune it for power and make it rev out by making the engine over square. But then just buy a modern sports bike. If you want a retro then this bike is a more reliable version of the 1960s/70s twins and has the same feel. @@fjp3305
I bought a 500cc single piston Royal Enfield a few years ago. I got to looking back on all the bikes I owned, small 80cc Yamaha's up to the Ultra Classic Harley, and I realized I liked the 1973 Yamaha 650 twin best of all. But not to be found now. I opted for the Enfield for size and honestly, style. This bike is a blast! The fun is back again.
I agree with you on the XS650, I love it!
The moto guzzi v7 850, awesome bike, handles like a charm, tons of character, shaft drive, actually some nice safety feature tech. One of my bikes and is my favorite, more than my more modern futuristic bikes.
I had a 68 Bonneville for fourteen years. Awesome machine.
The W 800 Kawasaki is actually only 773cc so just 23 cc bigger than an old triumph bonneville T140. The good thing about this bike and especially its 674cc sibling is that they are under square motors which naturally produce more torque. Very few bikes are designed like that these days.
On another note, the W1, W2 and W3 Kawasakis from 1965 through to 1975 are much better engineered motorcycles, than the A7 and A10 BSA ever were. They never leaked oil like the brit versions did. I know I had a BSA and two W2 kawasakis. They produced more power with fewer cc's (624cc) and vibrated less.
I just looked up the W1 and I never even knew that that bike existed.
Cool looking bike.
My dad had a Triumph Daytona 500. Nice bike but totally unreliable.lol. Maybe he should have got one of those.
Yep, I owned British bikes in the 70's and they were definitely trouble to own . I now have a W650 and it IS better . Apparently the Japanese experimented with the first W's and found that 624cc vibrated less than any other with the crank-geometry they used
I have to say that the W800 is deceptively zippy for the power it makes. The torque numbers might not seem that impressive, but it makes those numbers at stupidly low RPM's.
I also had the front fork internals upgraded with some progressive springs and now it handles absolutely beautifully..
It's still a buzz factory. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough.
@@30smsuperstrat considering buying it. What do you mean by “buzz factory”?
The RE Classic costs ₹250000 in India, which roughly translates to around $3300.
I would also add the Moto Guzzi V7s. Great bikes with the V-twin. Reminds me of my old BMW R90 with the rocking side-to-side.
Bought my W8 on 2012. Loving it more & more each day.
I have a 2001 W650 and love it, both the riding, look and sound. And it also have real carburetors and a kick starter! :D
Is it a pretty quiet bike?
@@bartmotorcycle Not really quiet, I have aftermarket exhausts on it though, that was on when I bought it.
Not sure how it sound stock.
Some years back a local multi line dealer had a brand new leftover W-650 on the floor for $1995.00 And like a FOOL, I passed it by!
@@rickhibdon11 Oh man, too bad, that would have been a great deal. Most that sell around her (Sweden) goes for at least $5000, and they are not in new condition.😁
@@rickhibdon11 I bought mine for $2200 in 2020
Was planning on buying the RE Interceptor, but went to look at a W800. RE was way cheaper and a good looking bike, but the W was just so beautiful I had to have it. It won't pull your arms out of their sockets and is too expensive, but is such a joy to ride and it just looks so good!
I agree about the Kawasaki W800. I own a 2019 model and I absolutely love it. It does everything very well. It even has a 360⁰ crank just like the classic Brit bikes of old. The bevel driven top end is just the icing on the cake. I wanted the closest thing to a modern '67 Bonneville without all the wrenching (spannering?) just riding. This easy riding bike hasn't disappointed.
love my 2019 w800 street 😎 picked it up a cpl year ago at a reduced old stock price which was a bonus that swayed me away from the re intercepter 😊
Isn't it underpowered?
@@fjp3305 maybe due to the emission controls ? but they can be easily modified. but unless your on the race track how much power do you really need ? i mean i ride a honda supercub for work and that keeps up with traffic 🤣
@@FRANK-cents I like to feel the power and the speed, but with so many radars now is not that possible. I ride a scooter 300 in the city, is the best for the city, I don't more.
I picked up a leftover 2019 Kawasaki W800 last January, paid the same price as a RE Continental GT :-)
You stole it!
The W800 is Absolutely Gorgeous. If only it made 100hp I’d own one.
I had a Moto Guzzi V7 Special and I traded it in for a Royal Enfield Interceptor. I have no intention of going back to a Moto Guzzi. They are both nice bikes but I have had so many different bikes from all the makes and I'll stick with the Interceptor. I also have a Korean twist and go scooter which I will use when I am to old and creaky to sling a leg over a saddle. - I've not long to go!
I watched this waiting for the Motor Guzzi V7 III or new V7 and was ready to pounce on the omission........and then I saw the comment from Bart.............And yes, I own a V7III Special and it is extraordinary.
I want to ride one!
I have a W650. When I saw it, that was all it took. It was all about the looks. As long as my research didn’t reveal it to be a mechanical disaster, I knew I would get one. The older 650s It’s got the kick start. I don’t believe the later 800s kept that retro feature.
I really really want a classic vintage Honda or a 1978 BMW. I’ve wanted a bike since I was a little kid. I have been working my ass off in order to buy one. I actually don’t even know how to ride a bike, but the dream will never go away.
Do it! You won't regret it
@@bartmotorcycle actually want to get a royal enfield now. I’ve just been search for a bike all day long. The royal enfield meteor fire ball yellow will be my first bike.
Modern classic that I own and enjoy is a 2007 Ducati sport classic 1000 GT. That is a bike that kept the weight down low and gives modern performance for an air cooled engine and made a strong attempt to look like a 70s Ducati!
Hi Bart, I have previously owned a RE GT650. All you UA-cam reviewers just look & ride new mc's. What about the ownership experience? I sold my 2019 RE GT650 just before the 3yr warranty period expired. It was on it's 3rd engine & gearbox due to False Neutral problem. Almost every part was replaced under warranty...rusty mirrors, discoloured indicators, 3 clutch cables because it was not secured properly & the rubber casing was repeatedly burnt by the engine crankcase. Engine crankcases oxidized so rapidly every 3 months. In 1yr it looks like a 12yr old mc. RE damaged my fuel tank so I had them replace it too! Just a nightmare. I decided to upgrade to a Triumph Bonneville T120 & I am loving it!
It's funny how our perspectives are so different. Growing up in 1970s and early 1980s USA I never saw a Royal Enfield or some of the others, and the Triumphs on the roads were usually seen being pushed home. We rode Kawi-Honda-Suzuki-Yamaha, loved the looks and the performance, and the reliability was unsurpassed. The criteria used for picking the Best Retro bikes in this video is quite different: Is the bike "a true classic". It's hugely visual. It's not for me -- I want the Kawasaki 650RS. But I do understand the interest in the "true classic" look. Fortunately people have a lot of choice.
Nice list. A 2000 W650 was my first street bike back in 2001. These days I own a RE interceptor 650 which is a fantastic bike! I hope to see more small displacement retro bikes in the future, the Triumphs (have owned 3 in-between) have become too modern looking for me.
So many nice bikes. I agree about forgetting the Guzzi, a super nice motorcycle. I have a W800 and love it so much. It’s a Japanese work of art.
Classic 350 chrome is the most handsome bike of the lot .
Yeah the T100 should be less especially when dealers like Seattle Triumph jack the price up with $1500 in dealer fees before taxes and licensing and doc fees. It ends up being over $15k out the door for a heavy low powered old tech bike.
That's what you get for living in Washington 😂
I'm absolutely an adult. 50 years old, 6'4", and 210 lbs.
I own a Honda Monkey. It's absolutely amazing good fun and the looks are awesome.
Also, be prepared to talk to people because this little thing gathers a lot of attention :D
Nobody ever comments on my regular bike 😂
you probably look like donkey kong from Mario kart lol
@@thatpete Quite possibly ;)
I'm not the first to mention it but you glaringly omitted the Moto Guzzi V7. Which I think is the best looking motorcycle you can buy now. Especially the special with its proper dual round analog gauges.
I'm happy with my Royal Enfield Continental 535 GT !!! I've had it for 5 years !!! Now the Continental is a rare bike that people really like. !!!
I love my w650 but I can feel the need for the new BSA 650 Gold Star
Honorable mention to the Yamaha SR400. It does seem really overpriced and IMO could use updates on styling, but, it is as retro of a design as any bike on the list, and if someone would ride it enough, perhaps more reliable than any other on the list.
I had one. Way underpowered just like my Royal Enfield Himalayan with the 400cc engine and not a very comfortable ride either.
I definitely like the Triumph. and I like that all blacked out Indian Scout.
And now there's another one to consider. B.S.A. is back with the new Gold Star 650 single. Looks great ( not too sure about the radiator though )
Or those clocks 🤔
@@kevindarkstar The clocks have the same sweep as the original Gold Star had. Might take a bit of getting used to though.
@Alfred Wedmore Hi. I went to 'Motorcycle Live; today, and saw it. . Sat on it as well. I have to say, it looks better when you see it. Te radiator isn't too bad, when you see it 'live' as it were.
@Alfred Wedmore ….Rotax, just a great engine builder….
I'm excited my Yamaha SR400 will finally be coming to me in the next 2 weeks. I think it would be includable in this list if it wasn't just recently discontinued after like 43 years in production.
I had 2 SR500 Yamahas. low power, slow acceleration, poor handling, lousy ride----but wonderful bikes and fun to ride
I hope Yamaha updates the SR and makes it competitive with other bikes like the RE 650.
Even better looking than the W800 is the Meguro K3 based on it, though it probably wouldn't make the sub $10k price limit even if Kawasaki decided to sell it outside Japan. One that would make it on an updated version of this list is the new for 2022 BSA Gold Star.
I just Googled it. Really handsome.
I love the look of Janus Motorcycles Halcyon 250, made out of Goshen Indiana and have that classic styling, pricing starts around $8K. It's a hardtail lacking in power but it's a classy looker for sure.
I looked her up just after i read your post. Yes she's beautiful. So glad to see the founders of Janus cared to hark back to the pioneering days of motorcycling and produced a modern version that on looks could have traded places with any of the originals. And she's quite a flyer, judging by the videos. And of course, Leno fell in love with her.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
These look like what I grew up on, but thank goodness they don't leave you stranded on the roadside. As an old ton-up lad I would cafe any of them. They would clean up great!
I suppose that I will always miss my 1976 Triumph Bonneville 750. Rode it thru college and sold it when I got married.
Great video...beyond doubt w800 has the most beautiful looking engine,next to the vintage triumphs,and vintage norton commando 750s,Im sure the new BSA goldstar 650 just launched also will be a good contender in the race for under $10K best retro motorcycles.
You need look at the 1965 Bonneville
@@robertveith2255 Exactly that's what I I have mentioned ...next to vintage triumph Bonneville and norton commando 750s...presently current generation under production I guess w800 is the best looking engine.
One thing I remember about the old W1 was the valve sticking problems they had.
As a old motorcycle mechanic, I remember that too.
Do Honda cb 350. Currently in use in India and Japan
Nice video. Makes me recall to memory my 1967 Triumph Daytona 500 - a classic, a great ride on a light, agile bike.
With reference to the large tanks on some retro model Triumphs. Triumph did a similar thing in the early 70's when they moved away from the traditional tear drop tank to the so called bread box tank. The bikes did not sell in the US so Triumph bought out a beauty kit with a more traditional tank, and sent the kits to the US.
I kinda agree with your comment on the size of the petrol tank. I own a '72 Triumph Bonneville with the dinky 2.5 gallon US tank. Though I think the larger TR6 tank would look better with my Corbin seat. I never could figure out why the UK models got bigger tanks, considering the small distances they have to travel. At least the Trident got a proper 4 gallon petrol tank.
Honda CB350 also deserves a look at
I have to agree the W800 is the beast looking of the lot
As a long tie rider of europeans and japanese low capacity two stroke bikes , what makes you enjoy yourelf on a bike is not the numbers you read in the brochure but the feeling of you on the bike , the handling , the balance ..... like the japanese say : Jinba Itai , the rider and his horse . You can enjoy the life out of a Suzuki GN250 if you are in the right mood , in the ride place and it only costs 2500 dollars new . then again , you can buy a 100 000 dollar Ducati that stresses the life out of you and make you feel as disconnected as it can be from her in 15 seconds .
Good luck on finding an RE Interceptor or Continental GT for $6k. A relative just purchased a GT for $6.7k (one of the best deals around) and to get their British Green scheme we had to drive 2 states away (330 miles). Just saying and thanks Joe!
Moto Guzzi V7 850 gets my vote ... I bought one !.
Totally agree on the tank size re Triumphs, the Bonneville is really spoilt by its bulbous tank, I wonder if the street twin tank would fit 🤔
I have a Thruxton 1200 , one of the reasons I bought it was that the tank is far more in proportion to the rest of the bike.
The 1200 scrambler looks kind of ridiculous to my eyes, almost as though someone has temporarily perched a tank from another bike on top of the frame.
Yeah stuff the range, lose about 40 miles and have a far better proportioned bike 👍
I was sold on the Royal Enfield's and looking to buy one in the Spring until I saw videos showing them having electrical problems. Everyone says it's no big deal, just keep a can of contact cleaner on you. Apparently moisture is getting into the engine shut-off switch and the starter switch. I immediately switched gears and started looking at the Triumphs. I agree with you on that Street Twin, but the go anywhere guy in me is also eyeing the Scrambler.
I think RE recently fixed those issues
Ретро стиль всегда в моде и вызывает восхищение!!!!!😍😍😍
How sad is it, that Harleys are stuck in the past, yet, somehow, can't make a decent retro standard? A simple 883 that doesn't have you dragging your ass on the ground, and costs under $8k.
"Nope, here's a dozen iterations of the same crap we've been trying to sell for 50yrs."
great list and 100% agree with w800. Only if they brought the green one to USA... I would spend money on it
I only clicked to find out what bike is in the thumbnail.
What a beauty!
Something to note is the retros are all easy to ride so good for learners. Not too much power, upright and balanced seating position, pretty torquey so you're not screaming at high revs.
Sigh... Some years back a local multi line dealer had a brand new leftover W-650 on the floor for $1995.00 And like a FOOL, I passed it by!
I agree with Falcon Time that the Yamaha SR400 should be on this list. With the exception of a front disc, fuel injection, and electronic ignition it is the same bike (not a tribute or a replica) that has been in production since 1978. You can't get more retro than that!
Wasn't the 1978 a 500cc?
@@SteffiReitsch Pretty sure the 400 & 500 were both made for a couple of years in the early eighties.
@@AP-ev7hv I looked it up. The SR500 was in the American market from 1978- 1981 and in Europe from 1978- 1983. In the Asian market from 1978- 1999, but not in Japan, which only had the SR400. The SR400 was marketed in the Europe and American markets from 2014- 2021 and in the Asian market from 1978- 2021. So you could buy a brand new SR400 in the U.S. as late as 2021 and leftovers beyond. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_SR400_%26_SR500
You’re doing a nice job on these videos. I intend to watch them all. Thank you sir👍🏻
For me it's Triumph all the way.
Main reason is the torque engine.
I was riding Moto Gizzi v7 on my trip to Italy, and it's gr8 bike, but for higher revs.
I tested RE Interceptor and had loads of fun with it, but for me even thou it's shorter than t100 its weight is way higher and I find it not as nimble as Triumph.
Never tried W800, but it's looking amazing for sure.
And about smaller tanks in Triumphs: hell no!
For street twin or speed twin if you use them only in town, that's ok, but for all other leave them as they are.
As I said it's all about personal preferences, priorities and how you fit the bike.
I don't understand the arguments about this and that being better.
Yes it may be for you, but not for other person.
The Kawi Z900rs is the nicest I have seen. I realize it is somehow more than $10k but that's the one I would want.
I bought a left over brandnew 2019 w800 “cafe” about a year ago, I was between that an the RE.. but I got the Kawasaki out the door for $5900. I had it for 3 months and sold it for what I paid for it, I now regret selling it. But I didn’t have the room for that and my Buell, I love my Buell to much to let her go
As many people mentioned, why the hell no Guzzi V7. This the Kawa and the Royal 650 are the most classic looking bikes.
BSA Gold star??
Great Video. I love all the New Retro Bikes. You should do a Video of All the Retro Bikes available. I really like the Kawasaki ZL 900. It looks just like the old Z1 900 I had back in the late 70s.
Lol Young man, the Monkey has been around for 60 years, they made the Grom a mini Monkey. The Monkey debuted from Honda Z100 and customers nick named it "Monkey".... 1961....Lol, I've wanted one my whole life. After watching your videos about electric, I've decided it's a mistake to invest close to 10K for something I can get for 5 with gas. EV is just too new, too many bad things could happen and I'll end up with a yard ornament. Many thanks again for all your work and reviews and help with my decisions. ;)
I love royal Enfield
In terms of value for money and it's looks and heritage brand
w-800 i love it to!...great video!
The RE 350 would be awesome here in the States!!
Suzuki gs450l. Found mine for $600. Granted, it wasn't without its fair share of work to get it roadworthy, but still an amazing find for the price.
I adore looking at the w800 and have come close to buying it but the price is so high for what you're getting in performance
Good video, and when you say the number 1, for the w800, Best retro look, Is a 👍 for me too
Great looking collection but one minor quibble: I’m a cruiser guy (as in “don’t bother making anything else!”) and I’m very interested in RE’s lineup. I think you meant “HD riders” won’t be interested in them and that’s true. Fortunately, that species of dinosaur is almost extinct. My species of dinosaur (cheap cruisers that don’t breakdown every five miles) is dwindling but I think well last a bit longer….
The Euro5 RE 650 Int sounds the same as the Euro4. But, there can be issues with cutting out in stop/start trafic on the Euro5.
Just for the record driving on the wrong side of the road can be very
Dangerous! 😂 Nice video.
That was a great video. I’m really impressed with the W800. I need to go check one out. I really wanted to like the Ducati Scrambler but I just couldn’t get comfortable on it. Something about the layout didn’t fit. A basic Monster is just a better bike. Thanks for highlighting these.
6:56 Is that tyre fitted the right way round?
RE has confirmed they are bringing the Classic 350 to the states in early 2022
Yamaha 400. SR great looking retro super build ..in production for 34 years.. price high but hold's its price well .Good investment for future!
I really dig the looks of the R.E. 350 Classic as well. I'm hoping the Super Meteor comes to the U.S. with that package.
The kick start in RE Classic was removed only recently with the new J platform
Good video with one error I can see/hear. You gave the hp/tq numbers for the Indian Scout yet were talking about the Scout 60 unit. :) Scout 60 numbers are 78 hp 65 lb-ft which is pretty darn good for a 60cid/999cc engine. Keep up the great videos.
Excellent presentation. Thank you.
Really hope the CB1100 is on there. I don’t care if only 4 model years were available stateside; I LOVE my 2013.
Both of the bikes I own are on this list, the Honda Monkey and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
1. Kawasaki W800
2. Triumph Street Twinn
3. Royal Enfield Classic
4. Indian Scout Sixty
5. Ducatti Scrambler
6. Honda Monkey
7. Royal Enfield Interceptor
What are the valve adjustment intervals?
MZ 250. Way over 30 years old but you get factory new parts on a level where you can build a whole new MZ 250 :D
Great Video, looking to buy my first bike and your information helped out..
Nice video. One correction. The Scout 60 has 65 ft lbs of torque and 78 horsepower.
Anyone else notice the unedited sneeze that made it in at around 8:52 😂
Do check Jawa motorcycles.
I’m sure you know this by now but the classic 350 is for sale here I’ve had my Halcyon grey one since July I’m here in Montana I love it I own a Suzuki DR 650 and a V Strom 650 and the RE is my favorite bike by far although that DR 650 is awesome to.
Or the Honda CB 1100 that inline 4 engine is ultra Retro ..