Imagine cruising down an open road, the wind in your hair, the sun setting on the horizon, and a motorcycle purring beneath you like a contented cat. Now imagine that the motorcycle isn’t just any bike but one that effortlessly marries the nostalgia of yesteryear with the technological prowess of today. Here are the top 11 motorcycles that offer the best of both worlds.
Triumph Bonneville T120
The Triumph Bonneville T120 is as British as a cup of Earl Grey but with much more kick. This beauty looks like it’s rolled straight out of the 1960s, complete with chrome accents and that iconic round headlamp. Underneath that retro facade lies a beast of a machine with a 1200cc parallel twin engine. The Bonneville T120 isn’t just about looks. It has modern techs like ride-by-wire throttle, ABS, and selectable riding modes. It’s like James Bond in a tuxedo classic on the outside, cutting-edge on the inside.
Ducati Scrambler Icon
The Ducati Scrambler Icon is the motorcycle equivalent of wearing a vintage leather jacket while texting on your latest smartphone. With its throwback design, including the signature teardrop tank and high handlebars, the Scrambler Icon screams ‘60s freedom. But don’t let its retro look fool you; this bike is kitted with modern tech like LED lighting, an LCD dashboard, and even optional cornering ABS. It’s a bike that says, “Yes, I’m cool. And yes, I can back it up with cutting-edge tech.”
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a bike that is as comfortable in a hipster coffee shop as on the open road. This motorcycle channels the spirit of the 1960s with its simple yet elegant design. It’s got that classic twin-pod instrument cluster, the round headlamp, and a fuel tank that looks like it belongs in a black-and-white film. But don’t be mistaken. The Interceptor 650 is no museum piece. It boasts a 648cc parallel twin engine, fuel injection, and ABS. It’s the perfect ride for those who want the romance of the past with the reliability of today.
Moto Guzzi V7 III
Moto Guzzi is the grand old man of the motorcycle world, and the V7 III is like the grandchild who’s inherited all the best traits. This bike maintains the timeless styling of Moto Guzzi’s iconic transverse V twin engine and shaft drive. Yet it doesn’t shy away from modern advancements like a 744cc engine, adjustable traction control, and dual-channel ABS. The V7 III is for the rider who values tradition but knows that a little modern flair never hurt anyone.
BMW R nineT
The BMW R nineT is like that suave friend who always looks effortlessly cool no matter the occasion. This bike combines the charm of BMW’s heritage with the sophistication of modern engineering. Its retro design, featuring a round headlamp and spoked wheels, is pure nostalgia. The 1170cc flat twin engine, fully adjustable suspension, and ABS remind you that this bike is anything but old-fashioned. It’s customizable, too, so you can tweak it to match your personality. It’s a ride that’s both a nod to the past and a wink to the future.
Harley Davidson Softail Slim
The Harley Davidson Softail Slim is your ride if you’re looking for a motorcycle that makes you feel like a rebel without breaking any laws. This bike is dripping in old-school cool with its bobber-inspired design, wide handlebars, and solo seat. Yet, beneath that vintage veneer is a Milwaukee Eight 107 V twin engine that’s all muscle. The Softail Slim’s lighter frame and modern features like keyless ignition and LED lighting ensure that while you might look like a 1950s outlaw, your ride is of the 21st century.
Indian Scout
The Indian Scout is like finding out your granddad was secretly a rockstar. On the outside, it’s all classic, with a low-slung profile, teardrop tank, and that nostalgic leather seat. But when you twist the throttle, you’re met with the roar of a liquid-cooled 1133cc V twin engine that’s anything but old school. The Scout’s modern suspension and standard ABS make sure you’re riding in style and safety. It’s the perfect bike for those who appreciate history but aren’t stuck in the past.
Honda CB1100 RS
The Honda CB1100 RS is like the love child of a classic Honda and a modern streetfighter. This bike’s design is a tribute to the legendary CB models of the 1970s with clean lines, a minimalist approach, and an air-cooled 1140cc inline-four engine that hums like a well-tuned orchestra. But make no mistake. This bike is firmly rooted in the present with features like fuel injection, ABS, and an assist clutch. The CB1100 RS is for riders who want the best of both worlds: a bike that looks classic but rides modern.
Yamaha XSR900
The Yamaha XSR900 is like stepping into a time machine that’s also a spaceship. With its classic round headlamp and sculpted fuel tank, this bike could have been pulled straight out of the golden age of motorcycling. Underneath that retro exterior is a futuristic 847cc inline three-engine, ride-by-wire throttle, and selectable riding modes. The XSR900 is for those who want the thrill of a classic bike with the performance and safety of today’s technology.
Kawasaki Z900RS
The Kawasaki Z900RS is the motorcycle equivalent of a greatest hits album. It’s got all the best bits of the past remastered for today’s audience. Inspired by the legendary Z1 of the 1970s, the Z900RS captures the spirit of the original with its retro design and 948cc inline-four engine. But it doesn’t stop there. The bike also has traction control, ABS, and a full LCD. The Z900RS is for riders who appreciate a blast from the past but want all the bells and whistles of modern tech.
Triumph Thruxton RS
The Triumph Thruxton RS’s design is a nod to the café racers of the 1960s, complete with a sculpted tank and rear-set footpegs. The 1200cc parallel-twin engine and ride-by-wire throttle bring it firmly into the 21st century. The Thruxton RS even offers multiple riding modes and ABS, making it as much about performance as it is about style. If you want a bike that’s equal parts classic and cutting-edge, the Thruxton RS is your cup of tea.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
