Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
You can find cheaper Sportster 883 options than the 2022 choice here. Chances are, there are plenty of great buys to be had from 2004 to present models. (Harley-Davidson/)If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re hunting for your first or next motorcycle. Your search is as old as motorcycling itself. But market sands shift each year, and the right combination of inexpensive, available, and reliable changes a bit from year to year (read the America’s 50 Best Used Motorcycles for a look back at what was popular 15 years ago). But again, some things don’t change. You need a used motorcycle with three important qualities:AffordableMSRPs need not apply. We’re in the land of “pre-owned” motorcycles, meaning you have to negotiate the wilderness of Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or any other semi-reputable showroom for used motorcycles. You need as much bike as you can afford at the best price possible. Looking for a brand-new motorcycle? (Warning: There are a lot to choose from.) Check out the Top 5 Affordable Motorcycles of 2023, Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Motorcycles, and Best Beginner Motorcycles 2023 articles.ReliableThis is the least sexy quality about a motorcycle, but arguably the most important. Odds are, you are not a master mechanic. Nothing kills a budding love of riding faster than a non-working motorcycle in your garage or, more likely, your carport. Your motorcycle doesn’t have to be perfect. But it should run every time you throw a leg over it.AvailableThis is easy math. The more examples for sale, the more options you have. And the less you’ll pay. Rugged individualism and unicorn thinking can wait for another day. Get a motorcycle that comes with a large community and history of happy riders. When the inevitable issue does come up, you can draw on the experience of thousands of fellow owners who’ve already fixed it.This is not your “Forever Motorcycle.” Ideally, you’ll own this bike for a year or two, figure out what you want next, and sell it to another novice. It’s a circle of life. You don’t need to love this motorcycle. But summer’s here. Time to go riding.Every year deserves a new look at the best choices available to new riders of used motorcycles. Here’s what Motorcyclist recommends in 2024.Related: Tips On Buying (or Selling) A Used BikeThis 2016 Honda CB500F looks the business, but makes for affordable (and easy) riding pleasure. (©Motorcyclist/)The 2013 Honda CBR500R impressed a young Zack Courts, then associate editor at <i>Motorcyclist. Kevin Wing/Motorcyclist</i>For coast-to-coast touring, this 2016 Honda CB500X could be the budget-friendly way to see the USA on your Honda, eh? <i>Honda</i>Honda CB500F/CBR500R/CB500XAround since 2013, Honda’s 471cc liquid-cooled eight-valve DOHC parallel-twin platform pulls triple duty. The CB500F is your standard/naked option, the CBR500R is the midsized sporty option, while the CB500X is for the adventure-minded rider. Twelve years of model history means a healthy number of candidates for sale, all built with Honda’s usual over-engineering and robust reliability. And while you’re free to continue lusting after faster, less sensible motorcycles, these are the bikes you’ll actually love. True love is defined by longevity. And always starting, no matter what.A quick audit of CycleTrader and several other sources show CB500X prices ranging from $4,750 to $6,000. CB500F prices track the same, but ADV-oriented CB500X examples are more plentiful. The sporty CBR500R occasionally dips into the low $4,000 mark, but keep in mind these may have seen track use. Buyer beware.This 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 impressed Motorcyclist with value-adds like options, luggage, and all-around versatility. <i>Kevin Wing/Motorcyclist</i>Kawasaki Versys-X 300You could make an argument for the Kawasaki Z400 standard/naked motorcycle, now in its fifth year of production. But for the sake of greater visibility, practicality, and touring, it’s hard to beat the versatility of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. The engine makes you eligible for the Ninja club with the classic 296cc liquid-cooled eight-valve DOHC parallel twin that puts out a respectable 39.3 hp. More of that power happens at a lower rpm than with the Ninja 300. Otherwise, you get a fine windscreen and (more often than not) optional ABS, hand guards, hard cases, and other luggage. Pack lightly and you could see both American coasts in a single trip.Prices are very reasonable, from $3,200 for first year examples to nearly $5,000 for fully kitted 2022–23 models. CycleTrader provided the aforementioned figures, but if you don’t mind a bit of work, prices will likely be less on Facebook Marketplace and the like, depending on region.Related: Best Tips for Buying a Motorcycle OnlineSenior Editor Adam Waheed let this 2021 Suzuki DR-Z400SM rip on city streets for a long-term review. The verdict? Loads of fun. (Adam Waheed/)Former <i>Motorcyclist</i> scribe Zach Bowman took this 2006 Suzuki DR-Z400 and had proper fun with it before blowing it up. Probably just user error. (Zach Bowman/)Suzuki DR-Z400 SeriesThe venerable Suzuki DR-Z400 can’t be everything to everyone, but it’s close. Assuming it’s got lights and a plate holder, your new-to-you DR-Z400 could be a great trail bike, a beginner enduro platform, or even a proper motard with slicks. If you’re less than 5 feet 10 inches, you might want to take a pass or look into lowering links. But otherwise if you’re dirt-curious, the DR-Z400 is a solid choice. Made since 2000, its 398cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine is still carbureted and currently comes with a classic LCD instrument screen. The DR-Z400 and DR-Z400E (Electric start) were not street-legal, but the DR-Z400S and later DR-Z400SM (arriving in 2005) are good to go. It goes without saying that dirt bikes live a hard life, so bring skepticism and hard questions to any seller.Newer DR-Z400SMs will generally run about $500 to $1,000 more than the DR-Z400S, bringing prices in the $5,000–$7,000 range. But older, gently used DR-Z400Ss can be found for significantly less. Especially so if you expand your search beyond dealer offerings. Remember to type a few words before you hit the “Is This Still Available” button.Enjoy this period promo image of a late-2000s-era Yamaha V Star 650 Classic, complete with. <i>Motorcyclist</i> watermark. <i>Yamaha</i>The 2020 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec impressed with manners, handling, and suspension while still keeping a little roughness around the edges. <i>Yamaha</i>Styling-wise, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec nails the classic cruiser look. Some complained about the large (unseen in this pic) exhaust. <i>Yamaha</i>Although large and polarizing, riders liked the sound and growl of the exhaust note of this 2014 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec. <i>Kevin Wing/Motorcyclist</i>Tie: Yamaha V-Star 650 & Yamaha Bolt SeriesFew things work as hard as a used metric cruiser. They’re the offensive linemen of motorcycling. No glitz, no glamor, no schmancy nameplate. While the rest of us polish badges or buy matching apparel, metric cruisers just pile on miles without fuss or ado. The 2014–present Yamaha Bolt is a bit large for new riders, but has 11 or so model years to choose from. You’ll get a fuel-injected, 942cc air-cooled 60-degree V-twin that puts out 50.8 hp. You’ll see Bolt C-Spec models (2014–2017) which featured clip-on-style bars and rearward “cafe-racer” foot placement, but more likely you’ll find the Bolt R-Spec, with more neutral ergonomics.The V-Star line ties with the Bolt because of its wide range of engine sizes, longevity, and dedicated base of riders. Although only the 2018–on V-Star 250 remains in production, the Yamaha V-Star line featured a range of models from the aforementioned 250cc to 650cc, 900cc, 1,100cc, and even a 1,300. For our purposes, let’s stick to the V-Star 650, sometimes known as the Dragstar 650 or XVS 650 line. There are the Custom, the Classic, and the Silverado. Or in layman’s terms, the base tourer, the aggressive cruiser, and the one with saddlebags. They all had seat heights of 28 inches or lower, making them accessible to virtually any rider. Made from 1997 to 2017, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding decent used examples. Heads up: Pre-2016 models were made under the Star brand, rather than Yamaha.Bolt R-Specs can be had for reasonable prices, with older examples going for $4,000 and up, and newer ones edging up to $6,000. The somewhat rarer C-Specs aren’t any more expensive.V-Star 650′s can be had for a song, with prices in the low $2,000s for 2000-era models. That said, think twice about anything more than 20 years old. 2010–on models generally top out at $5,000, with less expensive options from non-dealerships.The 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster 48 is a fine example of the infinite variations possible with the classic Sportster platform. <i>Harley-Davidson</i>This 2022 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is almost exactly like the last one that ever rolled off the assembly line on November 22, 2022. (Harley-Davidson/)Harley-Davidson Sportster 883It’s strange to live in a world without the Sportster, but while traditionalist-minded types mourn, deals can be had. Some criticize the 883, pointing out that owners usually move up to the 1200. But that’s exactly how it’s supposed to work and it’s also why Harley-Davidson made the Sportster 883 in the first place. The last one rolled off the assembly line on November 22, 2022, but buyers have 15–20 years’ worth of modern-ish models to choose from. Know that 2004–on models have rubber-mounted engines, with fuel injection standard on all H-D models after 2006. High mileage isn’t usually a concern, but sometimes they’ve sat for a while after being replaced by a bigger model. Check tires, fork seals, and brake lines if that’s the case and budget for replacement.Prices in the mid-$3,000 range aren’t uncommon for 2000-era models, but as you get into the 2010s, prices hit $4,000–$5,000, but seldom climb above $8,000, even for 2020–22 models. As always, better deals can be had in other corners of the internet besides official marketplaces.
