By Jim Pruner. Conversely, that Honda sportsbike might be an attractive looking purchase. It wasn’t just the fuel-injection that really pulled the R1 into the 21st century either – thanks to some nice adjustments here and there, the R1’s Deltabox III frame and swingarm became lighter without affecting the chassis structural integrity, improving handling a great deal. The original front end will leave you feeling lost and out of touch with the track underneath you because it’s too soft to be useful. There are even a few liter bikes that come equipped with cruise control, if you’re into that sort of thing. The engine is a damn near un-killable inline four unit that has an excellent midrange and enough top end poke to keep things interesting. This bike is ideal for cruising the world best highways, city commuting, and adventure touring, but when taken off-road it doesn’t quite come up to the standard of some of its competition. They’re not well made. The Suzuki SV650 is a great tool for a lot of jobs, and it’s because of that reason that some that you see listed for sale might have a few hidden issues – fortunately, it’ll be very rare to find a gremlin in the engine department though. So, it’s got a good engine but what else? This should be a controversial addition to the list because to be honest, the Suzuki GS500E comes up nice and cheap compared to other used motorcycles, and they’re generally applauded as high mileage workhorses. It’s a fan favorite that has taught many new bikers to ride, and many learners who cut their teeth on the little Monster are often reluctant to part with it, and with good reason. Many owners report no problems, while others have been plagued with them since day one. Maybe the used price…it would be nice to see the price come down a little, but if you want quality, you’ve got to pay for it. Another one from the very same production line could be a hand grenade on two wheels. Best Touring Motorcycles. Overall, the ’96 GSX-R750 has pretty poor paintwork, so you should expect to see a few chips and scratches, but that is completely normal. Don’t be fooled by the sports-touring moniker, because the early VFR800s were definitely more sports than tourer, but could do the latter with ease should you feel that way inclined. If you want to specifically buy a Kawasaki ZX-6R, be sure to avoid any manufactured between these years. As for reliability issues? Buying a used adventure motorcycle isn’t without its own set of hurdles. The Best Way To Cover Long Distances Touring on a motorcycle is one of the best things you can do. Those are the facts. If you find one of these in the used motorcycles section that has never been ridden, then it’s worth the gamble providing that you have no intention of taking it for a ride. If you want to try one for yourself, you might as well just buy one new, because they are cheap enough. Otherwise, we recommend you to steer clear of this problem-heavy Ducati beast. The 2003 Yamaha R6 is a great choice for anyone looking for a supersport motorcycle but doesn’t want to pay modern day price tags. Narrow down your search by make, model, or year. Or, replace both the suspension and the brakes completely…but for the extra investment you’ll have to put in, you might as well buy a newer, used Kawasaki ZX-6R instead. The GSX-R750 bucked that trend and actually managed to blow the competition away with a very favorable power to weight ratio. Does that make them bad used motorcycles? Why? We have plenty of opinions about them too, but you can probably guess them. However, it’s not easy to comfortably man-handle something when you’ve got such an uncomfortable saddle to work with. Sports Touring Motorcycles. And they’re regular features in the used motorcycles pages. The 2005 model is universally acclaimed, and because of that very reason many owners have a real hard time parting with them. MILEAGE. Here’s the problem: Chinese manufacturers are great at what they do, they make cheap and cheerful motors and put them in cheap and cheerful chassis. The older ones aren’t necessarily bad, but the fuel injection system is worth the extra money you’d spend on one of these. The handling is poor, but the braking is even worse. Unlike the CBR600F2, which is good clean fun, this 2003 R6 is an absolute track ripping beast that can catch unsuspecting riders off-guard. The Best BMW Adventure Motorcycle for Touring BMW R 1250 GS. But if we want to be specific, and for the sake of following the form of the list, avoid the XB12S Lightning. Suzuki SV650 (Best Used Sports-Touring Motorcycle) Having been redesigned in 2003, the Suzuki SV650 is a popular used motorcycle for both new and experienced riders. So, here are some suggestions to steer you in the right (and affordable) direction. We’ve seen them go for next to nothing, and we’ve seen them go for relatively astronomical prices – but while the bike is over twenty years old, it’s still a fantastic option if you’re looking for affordable used motorcycles. Yamaha’s FJR1300 is a fine handling and very capable long distance touring bike that is very well equipped as standard with integral panniers, electrically adjustable windscreen and ABS braking. Touring For New Riders. Copyright © 2021 Motorcyclist. Bikes For Sale. 10 - Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit (96-06) £1150-£4495 Overall rating: 83% Info: 145mph + 1152cc + 100bhp + 67ftlb + Insurance group 13 Read the Suzuki GSf1200 review; Find a … Benelli have been working in partnership with a Chinese firm, Qianjiang, and we’re not sure how the partnership’s long term reliability will be. These models are often reconditioned and sold with a warranty, which makes the buying process risk free and easier. With that in mind, keep in mind that what makes our list may not make yours. They’re easy to tune, a blast to ride, and come with a very attractive used price tag. The suspension might be a problem for taller and heavier riders, since it’s a little bit basic, but apart from that, this little Ducati Monster is a sound investment. Most motorcycles built in the last thirty years will be fine if they’ve been maintained properly…but there are a few models that still have problems despite the previous owner’s best efforts. Instead. A Lola Digital Media Company. Sports tourer. Triumph Sprint ST 1050, 2005-2009: This bike sells itself with a test ride. And we magine that a lot of these will grace the used motorcycles listings in the very near future, so call this a pre-emptive warning. Buell XB12S Lightnings are a strange breed. The electrics are a joke. The handling is a lot to be desired, and it’s easy to get confused trying to translate what the front end is telling you, whilst comparing it to the wandering rear. Choose any one of them and you’ve already made a more sensible decision. A Bonnier Corporation Company. Things were a little more advanced in other regions, but in the US we had to settle with carbureted engines, but that actually works in our favor: these used motorcycles manage to stay cheap because of that. CycleTrader.com always has the largest selection of New Or Used Motorcycles for sale anywhere. Don’t discount the Chinese motorcycle scene though – give them time, and they’ll get there. Fortunately, the ’02 R1 never had the same popularity as its contemporary GSX-R1000 or CBR1000RR, which means they don’t sell for unnecessarily high prices. For an average used price of around $2,500, you can grab yourself a cool naked bike with a low seat height, decent power delivery, and a lightweight and easy to maneuver chassis. But before you even arrange a viewing with the seller, are you even sure that you’re going to be looking at a model that’s worthy of your time and money? In fact, this is a bike that can punch above its weight on track, make boring day-to-day commutes seem like fun, munch miles with relative ease, and still be one of the most highly recommended used motorcycles for new riders too. If you still want a cheap Ducati though, with all the charm that name brings, then be warned: the electrics are absolutely terrible, and you should expect to encounter more than one issue during your tenure. Motorcyclist may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. View our entire inventory of New Or Used Touring Motorcycles. Pay particular attention to the nuts, bolts and fastenings as they are prone to rust up. These are important things to keep in mind. BMW F900XR, £9830 4. Firstly, a good used motorcycle will come with all of the relevant legal paperwork, it will come with an up to date service history, and most importantly, it should be a runner. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. And that’s because people do want to get rid of them. Ah, Ducati. However, even if you find one in great shape, the model itself wasn’t exactly the best on the market. The 500cc parallel twin engine is lackluster and doesn’t give enough acceleration to compare it against other 500s in the same class, the brakes are awful, and the suspension was all over the place. And then there’s sports touring motorcycles, which we’re covering in full here today. First and foremost, for the money it costs to buy one of these, either new or used, you could buy something else. On paper, it should be an absolute dream: it’s lightweight, fun, comes with a bullet proof Yamaha motor…but it also comes equipped with an outrageous price tag (when new) and a chassis that must have been designed by an intern. A: There’s no shortage of online buying and selling portals that offer used motorcycles at reasonable rates. If you’re not afraid of getting bitten, then this could be a fun ride for those who like to live life dangerously. Compared with the Honda CBR600 of the same era, the ZX-6R is a bag of bolts. On the plus side, the paintwork and build quality is pretty good for the vast majority of it, but it’s really the suspension and brakes that let this thing down. Are you going to have to fork out an extra $500 reconditioning old parts? Why? A Lifan that is listed as “a great runner” is probably not such a great runner when compared with its Honda equivalent. Fortunately, those are easy fixes. You name a job, and you can bet that the Suzuki SV650 is a decent tool for it. Scroll down to view our list of 10 Used Motorcycles You Should Avoid At All Costs! They’re marginally better, but still undesirable. What makes them bad used motorcycles is that most people that buy them are generally new to the motorcycling scene – the kind of people who won’t be able to tell the odd one out between these variables: Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Lifan, Ducati, Aprilia – and that doesn’t bode well for this motorcycle’s health. For the sake of balance, here are 10 used motorcycles that you should avoid buying at all costs! Go to specific forums and see what existing owners have to say. When it comes to determining what a good or bad used motorcycle is, there are a number of things to consider, and before you part with your hard earned cash you should do a lot of research about the particular model and year you’re looking at. Indian Motorcycle Celebrates With the 2021 Chieftain Elite, 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP MC Commute Second Review, Harley-Davidson Goes for ADV Glory With the Pan America, 2021 Triumph Bonneville First Look Preview, Never Say Die: Buell Motorcycle Returns 2021. On top of that, the 2005 came with simple but effective ergonomics, upgraded, radial mounted brakes, and the addition of cool alloy controls. People used to laugh at the Japanese after all…and look how that turned out. Don’t worry about kicking tires, worry about how the engine sounds instead. He says; "I like what I like but that certainly doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than yours…" We like Joe's educated opinion and hope you do too. Thanks to the poor suspension and ride geometry, you’ll have trouble making it do what you want it to do. Let’s start with something controversial: the Suzuki GS500E. More than ever, the touring segment of the motorcycle world has been experiencing a renaissance, with sport tourers adding in elements of fun, big tourers giving you a lot of power, and the cruiser/tourers giving you a mixture of commuter bike and cross-country marathoner. The best true touring motorcycles, baggers, and light touring bikes of 2020 It’s a Honda after all, and you know, Honda make things that last forever, don’t they? Not only is it a cheap way of buying yourself into the elite Ducati club, but it also offers impressive value for money. Now this one should be an opinion divider though – they’re not particularly bad motorcycles, but even if you find one for sale, we recommend you look for something else. All in all, it’s a great motorcycle that you can pick up for a very affordable price tag. Built before the advent of modern riding aids, the 1994 Honda CBR600F2 is a motorcycle that comes with the reliability of the Honda brand and without any of those modern complications. Since they’re built to last, and they’re designed to roll with whatever punches are thrown at them, most dirt bikes are pretty indestructible. The 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is one of those absolute treasures that cannot be faulted. While they tend to command a low used priced, it’s worth penciling in some extra costs reconditioning the suspension. The seller should be able to answer any question that you might have, and they should do their best to accommodate for any requests you might have. If you can find one for under $3000, you’ve found your next sportsbike. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of choice – so much in fact that we decided to help by picking – in ascending price order – our 10 of the best. Even as a secondary track bike, the old school ZX-6R falls short. But if you’re happy with good old fashioned braking, and using your head rather than a computer to determine how you ride in the rain, then you shouldn’t encounter any problems save for a few cosmetic issues. Boasting 69 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque, this big V-twin is a worthy option. Besides riding, and occasionally crashing motorcycles, he also likes to build up older bikes in his garage in Germany. The fuel economy was bad, they’re not fun to ride over long distance, and traveling two-up just isn’t realistic. Is Ducati’s Multistrada V4 the Fastest Adventure-Touring Bike? And since it’s a thoroughbred sports machine, you can get some nice handlebar jiggle when you give it some on the throttle, and nice light steering through the corners too. 2020 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour. The motorcycle comes with an engine that is 1,198cc and we are talking about a V twin engine, with 90 degrees, and the engine has the capacity to produce 160 horsepower.Even though it is a bit smaller, it can be considered as one of the best bikes for road tours. The factory paintwork was pretty thin, and many of the bikes metal parts corroded pretty easily. It’s not all good though, since the ’02 R1 doesn’t pack the same kind of top end punch as the later models do, and these earlier models are a little lacking in the “extra equipment” department. It’s not as straightforward as reading the mainstream motorcycle press either. When Guzzi were designing the Centauro, they were on to a very interesting fusion of ideas…sadly, it just didn’t deliver when the covers for pulled off. The engine is one thing, but the handling is out of this world. Whether you want a comfortable sportsbike or a nimble touring bike, the best sports tourers is the one that has the bias best suited to your riding needs. Touring Motorcycles: Touring motorcycles are known for their specific ability to cover long distances smoothly and comfortably. The ’03 version was the first R6 model to be given fuel-injection whilst using the old style engine configuration – a configuration that gave this R6 a nice bit of power in the upper mid range that more modern models lack. The Best Way To Cover Long Distances. Since it’s a 600, it’s nice and nimble, but not overly sensitive. If you want a Ducati, at the very least you want it to look nice, and more often than not the 620 Sport fails. In 2008, the model got a nice overhaul, with revised bodywork, some engine tweaking that introduced more torque in the low and midrange, a bigger wheel at the front, and appropriately upgraded brakes, which really pulled the package into the 21st century. But scars add character, right? New & Used Sports tourers For Sale. Let’s go back to the 90s: a period where being a Ducati owner wasn’t about the riding, but more about the endless maintenance of it. The Best Daily Driver Sports Cars That Surprise With Comfort... Ted Brady Sets The World’s Fastest Wheelie At 217.85 MPH! The S1000XR is a well established sports touring / adventure front runner and is powered by a de-tuned version of the engine found in BMW's S1000RR sports bike. Tackling pavement and light offroad, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT is a great all-around motorcycle. Don’t think Ducati were going to get away unscathed – because there’s a hell of a lot of difference between a modern Ducati and…all the others. In truth, it’s not a terrible bike, but compared to the Suzuki GSX-R600 of the same years, the ZX-6R is slow. The 5 Best Used Touring Motorcycles for Under $5,000. They’ve got no power nor speed. The worst problem you could face would be a gearbox problem, but thankfully they’re quite rare. So, in addition to the sports-tourer RS and pure touring RT, BMW’s class-leading, boxer-powered adventure, the R1250GSA, which has more touring ability than many pure tourers, is more than worth a mention here. Those things may happen, but at the moment, we’re not sure how it’s going to pan out – so for the time being, we’d recommend any potential buyers to avoid any used motorcycles wearing the Buell name. But if you must have one, take one of the later models or the Sport or GT versions. However, we recommend buying used stock through a registered dealership. Let’s not forget that this was at a time where bikes were getting more powerful…but getting heavier too. Since the company has gone into liquidation and all of the factories assets have been sold at auction, there’s no guarantee of a spare parts, any type of dealership support, or anything remotely useful. That is, if you’re brave enough to take one up the road on a test ride, because the Suzuki GS500E likes to coat itself in a lot of rust. It’s not a big motorcycle, but it handles smoothly and offers weather and wind protection, heated grips and seats, and a decent high seating position for body comfort. Triumph went bankrupt in 1983 but was soon bought by John Bloor, a wealthy British businessman who revamped the brand in 1990. By doing a bit of research, you might discover that the used motorcycle in front of you might be worth a lot more than the seller’s asking price, and it could be worth your while throwing in a better offer to guarantee you ride away on it. Some people absolutely love this weird monster from Moto-Guzzi, and if you would listen to them talk about how great this bike is, you’d be left wondering why anyone would ever want to sell one. If you’re really in need of a bit of nostalgia or a taste of motorcycle riding from yesteryear, then just do yourself a favor and buy something else. The 2008 250R is all of the things that’s cool about the small capacity segment and more. The used motorcycles category is a funny one, and there should always be room for debate. Fortunately, in the Royal Enfield’s defense, many of the mechanical problems are easily solved with basic tools, minor technical knowledge, and patients, but it begs the question: “why was this sh*t not done before they were sold?” On top of that, the paintwork isn’t well done and rust sets in quickly. This keeps prices low while the fun factor of this bike is through the roof! Some were just born with issues, and here are our top ten used motorcycles to avoid at all costs. Adventure touring is about finding those trails and dirt roads, but it’s also about touring across the country or around the world. Does that ’99 Yamazuki develop serious suspension issues? If you’re desperate for a Chinese motorcycle, you might as well just buy one brand new. Sport-tourers are more comfortable and with greater luggage-carrying capacity than a sportbike, but far more agile than a ponderous luxury-touring rig. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. We’re not here to judge the looks – because we haven’t got enough synonyms for “weird” to play with – so let’s talk about the major issues instead. Easy on the eyes, reliable, powerful, and with an intimidating road presence too. Readily available for under $5000, the power and comfort of the SV650 make it a great choice for commuting, weekend trips, street rides, and anything in between. It takes some man-handling. The Suzuki SV650S is the ultimate all-rounder, and if you’re looking for a used motorcycle that can literally do anything, then this one is worth considering.