Underrated Motorcycles That Deserve More Attention
- LJ Motors
- Jun 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2024
As consumers we all trained to want that shiny new thing. Motorcycles are no exception here, and a lot of good bikes fall by the wayside thanks to well funded marketing campaigns. It might sound ridiculous, but manufacturers invest millions of dollars in new models, and simply don’t care if their hype train kills off the previous generation. One such manufacturer even launched a bike that undercut its previous generation, mercilessly killing the resale value of those bikes. So it stands to reason that they care even less about what might happen to their competitors.
Other models fall by the wayside thanks to polarizing styling, or got made by a brand infamous for reliability issues… and are simply guilty by association. Today, any one of these bikes will pop up on the used market selling well below their original price, and they all deserve more attention.
Kawasaki Z900
The Z900 is a case-study in how a manufacturer can actually offer customers too many options. While the beginner-friendly Z400 and Z650 cater to those at the lower end of the market, and the potent Z H2 looks after those willing to pay top-dollar for a supercharger. We then also have the Z900RS with “retro” styling, not to mention an actual hybrid motorcycle in the form of the Z7. All these options have forced the Z900 into a strange corner, where it can barely compete with bikes from its own stable, let alone the array of options from other manufacturers. The bike itself is a properly good middleweight, making buttery smooth inline-four power.
Honda CBR650R
Honda didn’t really do this machine any favors. Updated around the same time a host of more beginner friendly 500cc bikes were launched, the lion's share of the marketing budget rather obviously went their way. Shortly after that the real Fireblade came out and pretty much got what was left, leaving the CBR650R to those who know what they want. And if what you want is an inline-4 sport bike that is both practical and fun, look no further.
Yamaha WR426F
Today, some might even question the existence of a 426cc Yamaha. Dual sports like this have a limited appeal, and this bike certainly didn’t have a long production run. But along with the YZ, it is without doubt the platform that ushered in the modern open class era. It still makes more or less the same power as the newer, more popular 450s, but once the 450 class took root few gave the WR426F a second look.
Aprilia Futura RST1000
Two things held this back. Firstly, its looks fall into the “polarizing” category. It was supposed to be a stylish Italian, but instead we got something rather chunky. Secondly, it was Italian, so everyone kind of expected it to be unreliable, which wouldn’t exactly be ideal for a touring bike. In reality, its Rotax engine was de-tuned and has proven to be reliable. We can’t really vouch for the aging Italian wiring, but other than that, it is a well built motorcycle oozing Italian charm. If a bit flabby.
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
The Super Duke is a 1300cc hyper-naked built purely for rider enjoyment. It is, by definition, a hot rod. The GT version should not work, yet it does, arguably better than the regular Super Duke R. It continues to fly under the sport tourer radar, and although the new version comes packed with all sorts of technology, the previous generation is just as good at touring.
Suzuki SV650S
While often praised for being a great beginner bike, or a good bike for shorter riders, it is almost always overlooked by more experienced riders. In reality it is just a very good motorcycle – for any level rider – it gets going rather quickly and has torque for days. It is affordable and well built, it should not be put in any specific box. With the S version we also got sporty looks, which may not agree with everyone, but the semi-faired look certainly adds a little something different.
Ducati SportClassic GT1000
It is not often that you will find a Ducati at a reasonable price, but the GT1000 beat the retro/café racer trend by around a decade, and now offers pretty good value on the used market. Older Ducatis were infamous for reliability concerns, but over the years this platform has proven to be perfectly reliable and owner feedback is largely positive.
Suzuki Bandit 1200S
The Bandit won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. It is huge, incredibly heavy and has a soft suspension. It also won’t win any beauty contests, but it most certainly will win the odd drag race. It is something of a sleeper, capable of doing the quarter mile in 11 seconds. This freight train of a motorcycle doesn't so much accelerate as it simply gathers speed.
Ducati 749
When the 749 came out a few well respected people decided it was ugly. Which, for a Ducati following in the footsteps of the gorgeous 748/998 was considered a crime against humanity. We don’t necessarily agree with that sentiment, it looks pretty good in black for one, and it has all the right Ducati handling and performance boxes ticked. It has aged rather well too, and the 999 has increased in value accordingly, but the 749 remains surprisingly affordable.
