10 Best Long-Lasting Motorcycles For Riders Who Hate Repairs

Contrary to popular belief, motorcycles have gotten better and better over the years. While the added complexity of modern bikes can make them harder to repair, and all the added tech certainly adds things which could potentially go wrong, mechanical reliability has never been better. Today, we have a wide selection of great bikes to choose from that will all last forever.

We tried to include a wide variety of bikes from different segments, but the one spoiler alert is that they are all from Japan. European and American manufacturers have come a long way in terms of overall reliability, but so far it is only the Japanese that have come close to mastering the art of marrying modern technology to reliable powertrains. The one minor caveat is that these bikes will only last forever if you keep up with basic maintenance.

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 Yamaha Motorsports, Kawasaki and Suzuki Cycles. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050

MSRP: $15,409

The big V-Strom is a prime example of a manufacturer choosing function over form. While it might not look like much, underneath its outer ADV shell lies a V-twin engine that was initially developed for superbike racing way back in the 90s. A sports bike engine might not seem like a great idea for long-term reliability, but it is in a completely different state of tune, and has had well over two decades of development put into it.

Specifications

Honda Africa Twin

MSRP: $14,799

Honda bumped the displacement of the Unicam engine to 1084cc, and since then this powertrain has gone from strength to strength. It doesn’t make a lot of power by modern full-size ADV standards, but it makes heaps of torque and is more or less ideal for a bike like this. Honda has a reputation for reliability, and today, if you want a reliable off-road-ready travel companion, this is a top choice.

Specifications

Honda NT1100

MSRP: $11,899

Building a sport touring bike on an ADV platform is a slightly unconventional approach, but it worked. Thanks to the Unicam’s impressive mid-range grunt, this is just a great motorcycle to tour on. Its upright ergos make it comfortable, and the added wind protection makes a pretty big difference compared to the ADV. The one minor issue is that the US model only gets the DCT, and while it’s great for touring, the jury is still out on its long-term reliability.

Specifications

Yamaha Tenere 700

MSRP: $10,999

The CP2 engine is currently the most reliable engine in the motorcycle industry. In the Tenere 700, it has also proven incredibly durable, and has well and truly been put to the test off-road. The competition is stiff in the middleweight ADV segment, but Yamaha has resisted the temptation to overload the bike with tech. As a result, it is lighter than most of its competitors, and also less prone to electrical maladies.

Specifications

Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS

MSRP: $10,099

The Versys 650 is quite often called a “boring” motorcycle. In this case, boring means unerring reliability, an impressive list of features, and more comfort than a middleweight bike like this has any right to offer. While it lacks the midrange grunt on offer with the aforementioned Honda, it will be a better option if you plan on using your bike as a city commuter during the week.

Specifications

Honda Rebel 1100

MSRP: $9,599

While there will still be some cruiser fans that swear by the simplicity of air-cooling, Honda has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is possible to make a liquid-cooled engine that is easy to maintain. For the Rebel, power figures are down a little compared to the other two Unicam-equipped bikes on this list, but if anything, that will make it even more reliable. It still makes more than enough power for most riders.

Specifications

Yamaha YZF-R7

MSRP: $9,199

The moment Yamaha announced the R7, everyone simply assumed it would be the replacement for the venerable R6. It also shares a name with one of the most explosive homologation specials from the 90s, and neither of these predecessors helped its cause. It is not anything like either of those bikes, it is very much its own thing. It has relatively racy ergos for its class, so it certainly isn’t a commuter, but with the ultra-reliable R7, we have a fantastic track trainer that is affordable to both own and ride hard regularly.

Specifications

Yamaha MT-07

MSRP: $8,599

If you want a street bike with the CP2, this is the obvious choice. It is still a fun bike to ride, but thanks to its relative simplicity compared to the tech-heavy competition, it stands to reason that it will remain reliable for years to come… as long as you are willing to look after it. This is a pretty affordable fun bike and, unfortunately, owners tend to abuse affordable, fun bikes.

Specifications

Kawasaki Ninja 650

MSRP: $7,399

Kawasaki has an extensive lineup of sports bikes, but in terms of reliability, it is pretty hard to look past the one that shares an engine with the Versys. If you are after a track bike, the ZX-4R might be a better bet. But, if you are in the market for a sporty street bike that can easily double up as a commuter, this is hard to beat. If you are going to be using it as a commuter, we highly recommend paying extra for the ABS model.

Specifications

Honda CRF300L Rally

MSRP: $6,499

Small displacement singles are not usually known for accumulating lots of miles, but the CRF300L Rally has become a smash hit in the adventure community. Mostly used as a budget ADV, these dual-sports have covered scarcely believable distances without missing a beat. It certainly isn’t the fastest, nor most comfortable, but it will go just about anywhere, and you will need to stop before it does.

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