In the world of motorcycling, speed is often what gets the most attention, but for many riders, the real prize is a motorcycle that can be relied on. What's the point of a bike that's incredibly fast if it breaks down all the time or needs constant repairs? The real gems in the motorcycle world are those loyal companions that hold up over the years, providing miles of faith and reliability.
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Reliability can be subjective, especially when evaluating older models or individual experiences. In creating this list, we examined factors such as maintenance history, endurance testing, historical data, and the reputation of manufacturers, along with numerous other considerations. Here are some of the motorcycles that we believe are among the most reliable ever made. This list spans several decades of automotive history, featuring models that have consistently demonstrated their ability to get you where you need to go, while doing so with style.
The Most Reliable Honda Models: Top Choices of the Year
Honda Super Cub
Honda's sales numbers reveal a clear confidence in this dependable motorcycle among the public. It's likely worth exploring the reasons behind consumers' affection for this resilient vehicle.
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The production of the Super Cub started in 1958 and continues through today. The newest models are priced just under $4,000 and look very much like the original, with the perfect blend of charm and simplicity. The Super Cub comes equipped with a 125cc engine and is a clever fusion of a motorcycle and a scooter.
The Super Cub is designed for the utmost simplicity, comfort, and usability. Its step-through frame allows for easy mounting and dismounting. The engine is powerful enough for driving in the city or for daily commutes, making it an ideal blend of practicality and user-friendliness. Its widespread presence on roads worldwide demonstrates its continued relevance and dependability.
BMW R 1200 and 1300 GS
BMW is renowned for its top-notch engineering, rock-solid reliability, and yes, its high-end price points. Among the models in its lineup, the BMW R1250GS has emerged as one of BMW's most popular motorcycles, praised for its exceptional performance on long trips, a reputation that's been solidified through rigorous testing.
This model has become the go-to motorcycle for globe-trotters, revered for its reliability and its capacity to glide effortlessly through diverse environments.
If you're a fan of BMW motorcycles, you may have seen the TV miniseries "Long Way Around," in which celebrities Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman traveled around the world on BMW 1150 GS motorcycles. The 1150 would eventually become the 1250 GS model, building on the already impressive features of the 1150.
In 2024, BMW unveiled the 1300 GS and 1250 Adventure GS models, which build upon the framework of their previous models. Having a bike that has been driven around the world certainly earns BMW a place on this list.
Yamaha TW200
When discussing design and reliability, the saying "If it isn't broke, don't fix it" is a core idea, and the Yamaha TW200 lives up to it. Because of this approach, it has become a trusted choice for both off-road and casual riders. This dual-sport motorcycle is popular for its off-road performance, ease of use, and its long-standing reputation for reliability. Its air-cooled engine and straightforward design make it simple to work on, even for those with little experience.
Compared to its introduction in 1987, the Yamaha TW200 has undergone minimal changes by 2024. The bike has only received minor updates, like the addition of an electronic starter and new paint options, yet its fundamental appearance has remained largely consistent.
The Yamaha TW200 is designed to be a great blend of a cruiser and trail bike, exceling on both pavement and dirt roads. Like some species of sharks and crocodiles that show very little change over the course of thousands of years, the TW200's basic design has remained largely unchanged even though it has evolved to include modern electronics. In fact, later versions of the bike mainly differ in the colors and designs offered, rather than fundamental design elements.
The current TW200 model retains its 196cc engine, the distinctive square headlight, and oversized, knobby tires that continue to define the bike's distinctive appearance. It's still regarded as a versatile motorcycle, comparable to a two-wheeled four-wheeler in terms of its ability to navigate various terrain, supporting the notion that some proven designs should be left unchanged.
Triumph Bonneville T120
Triumph motorcycles have a rich heritage, having secured their place in automotive history. The Bonneville was initially based on the T110 Tiger's frame and paid homage to John Allen, who achieved a speed record on a modified Tiger by reaching a top speed of 214.4 mph at the Bonneville Flats in Utah. Triumph revamped the Tiger's design and dubbed it the Bonneville in recognition of the record-breaking feat. As time went on, the Bonneville gained popularity for its dependability and handling, but briefly experienced some production setbacks along the way.
The Bonneville T120 was first released in 1959 and quickly gained popularity among American motorcyclists. With its name and record-breaking speed to its credit, riders were eager to take the bike out for a spin. It proved to be a well-rounded motorcycle, offering excellent speed along with low-maintenance requirements. Stock models reportedly needed maintenance at intervals of every 10,000 miles, making it convenient to ride and reducing the need for upkeep.
As the motorcycle market changed and Japanese bikes became extremely popular, the Bonneville's attention began to fade. Nevertheless, the Bonneville's reliability and reputation remained intact. Even after Triumph Engineering encountered difficulties, the Triumph brand and the Bonneville name were revitalized as Triumph Motorcycles.
Right now, riders can buy improved versions of the T120 Bonneville with advanced features like anti-lock brakes, cruise control, a powerful 1200cc engine, and cutting-edge safety features, making it a top-notch bike for both new riders and those seeking a dependable ride with a timeless design.
Honda Gold Wing
Frequently, it appears on many top-recommended lists. Honda motorcycles are recognized globally for their dependability, and for those looking for a touring bike, the Gold Wing has been a popular choice for many years.
The Honda Gold Wing first rolled out in 1975, but the story actually began in Honda's research and development department back in 1972. Initially built as a prototype concept, the M1 model was designed with the aim of striking a perfect balance between exhilarating performance and exceptional rideability. Nicknamed the "King of Motorcycles" and later also known as the "King of Kings," this iconic bike lived up to its lofty titles, to the surprise of no one. Jumping forward to 2024, the latest Gold Wing model boasts a modern, cutting-edge design that's furthered the evolution of this legendary bike over the years.
The Gold Wing is known for its long-distance touring capabilities. It's a large bike that gives you the feeling of riding a spacious vehicle. The engine was originally renowned for its power and reliability in the 1970s, and now it's a 1833cc horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine. The latest models include a range of electronic safety features and amenities, such as luggage space and advanced navigation capabilities.
Although the Gold Wing isn't known for its agility, its durability makes it ideal for long-distance bikers who want a hassle-free ride that will last for years. Due to its comfort, history, and worldwide reputation as one of the finest touring bikes, the Honda Gold Wing certainly deserves a spot on this list.
Suzuki DR650
Suzuki first introduced the DR650 in 1990, marketing it as the next step up from the DR600, with a more powerful 644cc engine. It swiftly gained popularity for its rugged durability, captivating the hearts of many enthusiasts, and became a fan favorite.
A motorcycle's dependability often centers on its brand's reputation and how well riders like it. After all, a well-liked motorcycle is simpler to maintain because replacement parts are readily available. Even twenty years after it came out, the DR650 remains extremely popular globally, and continues to be the best-selling motorcycle in countries like New Zealand. Its lasting popularity, even years after its release, says a lot about its reliability and the faith riders have in it.
When looking at the Suzuki DR650 from a rider's point of view, its reputation is quite impressive. Whether a rider is heading off-road, embarking on a cross-country trip, or just commuting daily, the bike's 644cc single four-stroke engine provides all the power needed to tackle any task with ease.
The DR650 is more than just a commuter bike; it's also built for long-distance travel and adventure. An owner took his DR650 on a trip from North to South America, followed by a tour of European rally, and it performed remarkably well. Despite only sustaining minor damage throughout its extensive travels, the bike showed its ruggedness, allowing the rider to easily find and replace parts along the way.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
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This was designed to offer the best of both worlds: a mix between the thrill of a sport bike and the practicality of a daily commuter. It had the power to keep pace with some of the more high-performance and specialized bikes in its class, while its comfort and handling made it suitable for use as a reliable everyday work bike.
In addition to building high-performance superbikes, the company was instrumental in creating new bike categories, highlighted by models such as the Ninja ZX-1. They're renowned for designing engines capable of extremely high speeds, unfortunately, production models have slower speeds due to a "gentleman's agreement" among manufacturers to limit bike speeds after they're modified for aftermarket tuning.
Honda CB750
But it also helped set the pattern for an entire generation of motorcycles, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM) classification.
In the late 1960s, the CB750 was introduced, and is often referred to as one of the most reliable motorcycles in history. It was one of the first motorcycles to be classified as a "superbike," and its inline-four engine was both strong and reliable. As we entered the late 1960s, British and American motorcycles ruled the Western market. However, it was during this time that riders started to take notice of motorcycles coming out of Japan, and the CB750 was one of the first to raise the bar.
The CB750's standout feature was its four-cylinder engine. Most bikes at the time came with either single-cylinder or twin-cylinder engines. Honda's design was later imitated by Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. As Japanese manufacturers observed and learned from one another, bikes imported from Japan began to have a look that was similar but not identical to the rest, which was referred to as the "Universal Japanese Motorcycle" or UJM style.
The CB750 was a trailblazer that offered plenty of power, dependability, and a reasonably priced option for its era. It was a precursor to the high-performance motorcycles that are popular today, and it played a key role in establishing Honda as a major force in the Western market and the global motorcycle industry.
Yamaha XS650
The Yamaha XS650 faced stiff competition from well-established British and American motorcycles when it entered the Western market in late 1969. Despite initial skepticism, the XS650 quickly gained recognition for being particularly low-maintenance and reliable.
The XS650's reputation for quality was developed due in part to its distinctive design and the unusual circumstances of its history. Originally, the engine used in the XS650 was a smaller, 500cc engine created by the German company Horex, which built motors and parts following World War II. After a change in ownership, the engine design was acquired by the Japanese company Showa, and then in 1960, Yamaha took over. This combination of German craftsmanship and Japanese refinement over time contributed to the XS650's reputation for being both dependable and powerful.
One of the distinctive advances of the engine was its crankcase design. At the time, other engines had a vertically divided crankcase, which often led to unavoidable oil leaks and required regular upkeep to function properly. In contrast, the XS650 featured a horizontally divided crankcase, resulting in less leakage and simpler maintenance.
Right alongside its peers, the Yamaha XS650 would still be cruising when its friends broke down for maintenance or an oil change. This remarkable reliability has earned the XS650 a unique spot in the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Lastly, we come to the Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a motorcycle that was first available for sale in 1932. The design used for it originated from its time in World War I, and over the years, its reputation for reliability has continued to increase.
For proof of the Royal Enfield 350's dependability, one only needs to look at production numbers and its history. The 350 model holds the distinction of being one of the longest continuously made bikes in the world. Royal Enfield originally produced motorcycles for the Allied forces, and after the war, their UK manufacturing shifted to India. Since then, Royal Enfield has made its impact on the automotive industry with its motorcycles. It was the first company to introduce a swinging rear suspension to its motorcycles, and since then, this has become the industry standard.
The latest Royal Enfield Classic 350 model is a contemporary take on the classic design, combining the looks everyone loves with enhanced comfort and safety features. This updated bike still retains its iconic shape and appearance, but is now equipped with anti-lock brakes and electronic systems.
The Royal Enfield 350 series bike's long-lasting innovations and ongoing popularity and production have solidly established its reputation for reliability.
We Formulated Our Conclusion
When we aimed to find the most reliable motorcycles, we understood that we couldn't simply rely on personal intuition or be influenced by enthusiastic fans. Not everyone has the privilege of owning a large garage like Jay Leno's or access to cutting-edge testing facilities where they can personally evaluate each bike's reliability.
In our investigation into the most dependable motorcycles, we placed a strong emphasis on the information provided by Consumer Reports. Their comprehensive study, based on input from more than 11,000 subscribers, gives us a glimpse into the motorcycle industry's reliability scene. This considerable survey painted a clear picture of brand reliability, with Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki standing out as top performers in this regard.
This year's survey, thanks to an even larger pool of participants – 12,300 motorcycles were included – Consumer Reports was able to provide a more comprehensive analysis. This expansion allowed for a wider range of brands to be evaluated and a more detailed understanding of reliability across the entire industry. By taking into account factors such as the number of miles driven over a 12-month period and estimating the repair rates for four-year-old models without a maintenance contract, Consumer Reports has provided a dataset that serves as the foundation for this article.
This helped determine what we looked for in choosing our recommendations, so you can trust they are based on the latest real-world experiences of actual users. By combining Consumer Reports' expert data with our own research and knowledge, we seek to provide readers with a clear and thoroughly researched guide to the most reliable motorcycles currently available.
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