Motorbikes have signified freedom, power, and resilience for ages. Some bikes are built to take on rugged terrain, weather, or challenges and keep rocking without a miss. Here are 21 motorcycles known for their indestructibility, aka bulletproof legends.
Royal Enfield Bullet 500
Royal Enfield Bullet 500, launched in 1932, has acquired its credentials as one of the strongest motorbikes ever. With a 499cc single-cylinder engine providing 27.2 HP, the Bullet 500 promises to ride through any land easily. It doesn’t go too fast; it only manages 87 mph, but its reliability is legendary. This bike has been a favorite for decades with its timeless look for long-distance rides and military applications.
Honda XR650L
Introduced in 1993, the Honda XR650L is the ultimate dual-sport bike. Its 644cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with 40 hp will cruise to a top speed of 105 mph. Because this bike is so durable and easy to maintain, it can easily be used without worrying about transitioning from paved highways to dirt trails with a smooth ride. The light frame of the XR650L and suspension system make this bike so reliable that adventure racers and extreme sports enthusiasts love it.
Yamaha XT500
The Yamaha XT500 is the first adventure bike, launched in 1976. It is a four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a capacity of 499cc, reaching a top speed of 82 mph and 32 hp. It’s a legend, winning the first two Dakar Rallies, proving very rugged and capable on harsh terrains. The XT500 Dakar Rally legend inspires adventure motorcycles as we know them today.
Kawasaki KLR650
The Kawasaki KLR650 has been the synonym for reliability since it was first released in 1987. The 652cc single-cylinder engine with 40 hp makes this motorcycle achieve a top speed of 90 mph. Its reputation as a bulletproof bike for life arises from simple mechanics, which even allow the bike to run smoothly after years of use. It is popular among adventure travelers because it can carry heavy loads over long distances. Many KLR650s have crossed continents thanks to their efficiency and reliability.
BMW R1200GS
BMW R1200GS is one of the best adventure bikes since 2004. With a boxer engine of 1,170cc, this bike packs a punch to deliver up to 125 hp of power and can reach an incredible top speed of 124 mph. The suspension system of this bike has crossed some of the earth’s most challenging terrains. Its durability, comfort, and state-of-the-art technology have made it the favorite for world travelers. It was the R1200GS that was featured in the documentary Long Way Round, demonstrating how it can be used to assist in a 20,000-mile journey circumnavigating the globe.
Suzuki DR650
Since its inception in 1990, the Suzuki DR650 has been praised for its minimalist design and reliability. With a 644cc single-cylinder engine making 43 hp and reaching a top speed of 100 mph, it is sufficiently versatile for commutes and off-road trips. Its simple mechanics make the bike easy to repair, which adds to its indestructible reputation. The DR650 is a darling to extreme-condition chopper builders.
Harley-Davidson Panhead
One of the most well-known heavy-duty bikes in the 1950s and 60s was the Harley-Davidson Panhead, produced between 1948 and 1965. It came with the 74-cubic-inch (1,200cc) V-twin, enough for long-distance travel with minimal maintenance trips. The company’s engine style was going to be one of the most rugged, and today, decades since its demise, custom motorcycle builders will still favor building with many of them.
Yamaha YZF-R1
The Yamaha YZF-R1, launched in 1998, is one of the best-known performance bikes. Its 998cc inline-four engine puts out 197 hp and can reach a top speed of 186 mph. Its speed-oriented design, however, allows it to withstand even the highest performance demands. The R1 is quite common on racetracks, thus proving its durability in one of the most challenging environments for motorbikes.
Honda Super Cub
Launched in 1958, the Honda Super Cub has produced over 100 million units, making it the most-produced motorbike ever. Its small 124cc engine can go as fast as 65 mph, but its simplicity, fuel efficiency, and reliability made it a favorite worldwide. The Super Cub’s slogan, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda,” helped redefine motorcycling as approachable and reliable.
Triumph Bonneville T120
The Triumph Bonneville T120 is an iconic durability machine of timeless style. Originally engineered in 1959, it has a 1,200cc parallel-twin engine making 79 hp and a top speed of 120 mph. Steve McQueen rode a Bonneville in the movie The Great Escape, forever making it a part of pop culture history.
KTM 500 EXC-F
KTM 500 EXC-F was first introduced in 2012. It is an ultra-light enduro motorcycle designed for challenging trail rides and competitive situations. It is equipped with a 510cc single-cylinder engine that provides 58 hp. Its fantastic suspension system has made the motorcycle nearly unbreakable on off-road terrains. The EXC-F is the favorite model in the Red Bull Romaniacs, one of the world’s toughest enduro races.
Honda Africa Twin
Launched in 1988 and redesigned in 2016, the Honda Africa Twin is a dream for adventure riders. With a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine producing 101 hp and a top speed of 125 mph, it is built to tackle everything from city streets to remote wilderness trails. Its advanced suspension and rugged build make it one of the most reliable adventure bikes. The Africa Twin derived its name from taking four successive Dakar Rally titles at the end of the 1980s and into the 1990s.
Ducati Multistrada V4
Launched in 2021, the Ducati Multistrada V4 is a perfect blend of durability and cutting-edge technology. It is backed with a 1,158cc V4 engine that produces 170 hp and has a top speed of 149 mph. This bike comes loaded with advanced electronics, and radar-assisted adaptive cruise control ensures reliability in terms of performance and safety. The Multistrada V4 has a special “minimum maintenance” interval, with valve adjustments needed only after 37,000 miles—a novelty for performance bikes.
Suzuki V-Strom 650: Reliable Companion
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 was first introduced in 2004. It is the most reliable and versatile motorcycle ever produced. The 645cc V-twin motor delivers 70 hp of power and can reach 120 mph. Low maintenance and comfortable riding make the V-Strom very popular for long-distance tours. The V-Strom 650 is the “Swiss Army Knife” of motorcycles because it can handle almost every riding situation imaginable.
Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883
Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883, launched in 2009, combines the classic Harley’s charm in engineering; it features a 50 hp, air-cooled V-twin 883cc engine, which further increases to a top speed of 105 mph. An urban-environment-built motorcycle, Iron 883 is reputed for solid construction and reliability. The inspiration for the Iron 883 was drawn from the vintage Garage-made motorcycles of the 1940s.
Yamaha Tenere 700
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a lightweight yet highly robust adventure bike launched in 2019. It has a 689cc parallel-twin engine that churns out 72 hp and a top speed of 118 mph. Due to its robust frame and long travel suspension, it is a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. Before its general availability, the Tenere 700 was tested for endurance by riding the Australian Outback. Yes, it is that tough.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
Launched in 2016, the Royal Enfield Himalayan was born out of the requirement of overcoming bad roads and mountains. A 411cc single cylinder gives 24.3 hp of power and does 80 mph. Robust construction with plain mechanics has this one riding high on the ease of serviceability and dependability that’s becoming top-of-mind concerns for those who take their motorcycle out. A Himalayan has been ridden to the base camp of Mount Everest, so it is reliable in extreme conditions.
Kawasaki Versys 650
Launched in 2007, the Kawasaki Versys 650 has come as a proper all-rounder. Be it highways or twisting mountain roads, it is good on everything. It gets a 649cc parallel-twin engine churning out good power-67hp, taking it up to its top speed of 125 mph. The riding position is relaxed, and this machine is strongly built. The word “Versys” means “Versatile System,” this bike is not joking, as one can ride it in any possible way.
BMW F850GS
The BMW F850GS, launched in 2018, is an average adventure bike with impressive reliability. It has a top speed of 125 mph from an 853cc parallel-twin engine that produces 90 hp. It features excellent construction and some advanced electronics to make it a reliable ride for a long journey. The F850GS equips a counterbalance shaft system that reduces the most adverse vibration coming from the motor. In this way, it will feel much smoother during longer rides.
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
The 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is meant for extreme off-road conditions. Power and precision come together in this 888cc triple, which packs 94 horsepower and can go up to 130 mph. This bike features a lightweight frame and advanced suspension, making it an indestructible off-road companion. Its “T-plane” crankshaft design puts the Tiger 900 in league with superior traction on all road surfaces.
Honda CB500X
Launched in 2013, the Honda CB500X is a reliable and affordable adventure bike. Its 471-cc parallel-twin engine produces 47 hp and has a top speed of 112 mph. It is fuel-friendly and very robust. The CB500X gives excellent value to riders looking for some durability on a budget. It is loved for its low seat height, making it accessible to many riders without compromising its toughness.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
