10 Modern Classics That Blend Heritage With Cutting-Edge Tech

Nostalgia has become a powerful marketing tool in the motorcycle industry. We now have a wide selection of different motorcycles that boast a retro design. Purists will suggest that the all-round experience of owning an actual classic bike is better, but classic bikes can be expensive as well as maintenance-heavy. While they can be great project bikes, using a classic bike as transport can become tedious.

The “modern classics” we have at our disposal offer an altogether different experience. With modern engines (more reliable and more powerful), modern electronics, and, most importantly, modern safety equipment – you get all the style without the drawbacks. There is a retro-styled bike out there for most riders these days. In the interest of variety, we included one bike per brand.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as Kawasaki USA, Harley-Davidson, and MV Agusta. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP, from lowest to highest.

Triumph Speed 400

MSRP: $5,195

Triumph is the one brand that leans into the whole retro scene pretty heavily. We could quite literally have 10 Triumphs on this list, and it wouldn’t be half bad. We simply included the Speed 400 because it is one of the few genuinely affordable retro bikes that is still well-equipped. ABS and traction control are standard here, but you will need to do without a TFT dash, as is the case with most of the bikes on this list.

Specifications

Yamaha XSR700

MSRP: $8,599

While the XSR900 offers a little more tech, the XSR700 is a good deal cheaper and has the unkillable CP2 engine. Yamaha uses this engine in a multitude of bikes now, and while it isn’t the most powerful engine in the world, most of its power lives in the midrange, which is ideal for a street bike. Especially a street bike like this that doesn’t weigh all that much. Other than that, this is a pretty good UJM throwback.

Specifications

Honda CB650R

MSRP: $9,399

Honda’s “neo-retro” design theme never really won over many fans, but it is what is underneath that interests us. The new E-Clutch automatic transmission on the CB650R adds the convenience of an automatic to what is still essentially a manual motorcycle. While there is no doubt that this will add complexity, it is a unique feature that helps an otherwise vanilla bike stand out. It also comes with several other modern creature comforts, as well as a lesser spotted middleweight inline-four.

Specifications

Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark

MSRP: $9,995

While a Scrambler by name, this is not a traditional dirt-worthy scrambler of old. Ducati’s sub-brand has become something of an icon of the industry, and in our opinion, represents everything right about retro motorcycles. The air-cooled 803cc Desmo twin pays tribute to the brand’s rich history with this engine configuration and valvetrain. This lovely V-twin is paired with a host of sophisticated electronics and modern features, yet the pricing remains reasonable for this base model.

Specifications

Suzuki GSX-8T

MSRP: $10,649

It took Suzuki forever to get this new parallel-twin into production, but just like all the other Japanese manufacturers, it is now getting situated in a wide variety of motorcycles. The latest variant is this retro GSX-8T bike, which looks good, but is pretty expensive compared to its direct competition. It is well-appointed, but it is hard to justify the extra expense over the aforementioned Honda and Ducati.

Specifications

Kawasaki Z900 RS Café

MSRP: $12,899

Technically, you can have the base model Z900 RS for $250 less, but the Café version gets a delightful front cowl, which certainly justifies the extra outlay. This is retro done right, with all the right design cues, an inline-four which gives it a classic UJM soundtrack, and delivers modern performance. The original Z1 was such an important bike for Kawasaki, and this bike does it justice as its spiritual successor.

Specifications

BMW R 12

MSRP: $13,145

Last year, BMW released a new version of the R 12, one of the brand’s most famous models. It was made from 1935 until the Second World War. This kind of history is double-edged, because while the motorcycle was fantastic – just like the modern version – it brings up some unsavory memories for the brand, and not necessarily the kind of nostalgia people want. The bike itself offers a minimalist design, but still incorporates modern features like ABS and traction control.

Specifications

Indian 101 Scout

MSRP: $16,999

The 101 Scout has a very modern Speedplus V-twin engine, which has been modified a little and has more power than the regular Scout. Other modern touches include Brembo brakes up front and an adjustable suspension. Its classic West Coast design works rather well with all the sporty elements, and from an aesthetic standpoint, it also looks great in our opinion, but it certainly doesn’t come cheap.

Specifications

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

MSRP: $19,999

The opposing West Coast-style cruiser from Harley-Davidson reveals our bias towards this kind of design theme to some degree. The 117 gets a little bump in power, which we are sure had absolutely nothing to do with the launch of the aforementioned 101 Scout, and offers a long list of modern tech and safety features. While the Low Rider S is a great all-round package, $20,000 is a lot of money for a solo-seat cruiser.

Specifications

MV Agusta Superveloce 800

MSRP: $21,098

MV Agusta didn’t coin the term “neo-classic café racer” but we feel they may have a deeper understanding of what a “neo-classic café racer” actually is. None of the bikes on this list blend performance, features, and classic design elements as well as the Superveloce. The Superveloce 800 might be a little pricey for a middleweight bike, but compared to the more exclusive Superveloce 1000, it is an absolute bargain.

Specifications