If you are a motorcycle fan then you love the look and feel of them. If you are considering purchasing a motorcycle there are a few things you should know. There is nothing quite like driving a motorcycle. If you are in the market for a new motorcycle you should consider all your options. The look, the feel, the price point, and safety features. Some people prefer a modern sportbike and others prefer the classics. Make sure you do your research to find out which one is right for you. Common reasons why people choose to purchase a motorcycle include gas mileage, speed, inexpensive maintenance, the look, and the all powering coolness’ factor.
Retro Bikes from the early 1900s
Out of all of the reasons why people love motorcycles, the leading reason is undoubtedly due to the fact people enjoy the look at them and want to feel ‘cool’. There are several classics, retro, and iconic motorcycles for you to choose from, some still look good regardless of age. The first one you may want to consider is the 1983 Triumph 5T Speed Twin 500. The 1938 Triumph 5T Speed Twin 500 was a motorcycle beyond its time when it came out. It was one of the first bikes with a parallel-twin engine. Edward Turner was the creator of this historic bike. His bikes faced some scrutiny over the years, but can largely be thanked for this revolutionary next step in motorcycles. This bike was lighter, narrower, and smoother than any of the bikes of its time. Thus the bike was met with excitement and during its initial release due to its 6-stud engine and its capability to reach 94mph speed. Another older bike that would still serve as a good option today would be the Triumph Tiger T110 also built by Turner in the 1950s. This bike was the beginning of a new generation due to its high standards in both looks and its performance. It could reach 110mph. This bike was also the first to adopt a swing-arm rear suspension system.
Bikes from the 1980s were ahead of their Time
If you are looking for something a bit newer with the same retro feel, there are plenty of bikes from the 1980s that could check off all your boxes. For example, the Yamaha V-Max 1200 built-in 1985 would be a great started bike for anyone. It was a powerful option for its generation. Compared to today’s bikes, this bike would be considered powerful comparably speaking. As with any older bike, if you are leaning towards getting one, you should remember that you’re dealing with old parts and you should look to update them. Brakes, tire technology, and suspension standards have changed quite a bit. Another great bike that still looks great in 2021 is the Suzuki GSX1100S Katana. Everything about this bike, colloquially known as the ‘Big Kat’ lends itself to the speed lovers out there. The seat, the screen, and the flashy 16-valve 1100cc engine remind everyone of speed. The top speed was 140mph. The average bike speed in the 1980s was around 120mph. People looking for speed and performance would love to take a look at this great option.
Leading Bikes from the Early 1990s
As we inch forward into the 2020s, it is hard to believe that bikes from the 1990s could be considered classic or retro bikes. The 1990s were the birthing years of your modern-day speed bikes. One of the most popular bikes from the 1990s include the Kawasaki ZZR1100, commonly called ‘The Zed’, which was introduced at the turn of the decade in 1990. This bike could get its top speed up to 176mph, making it one of the fastest motorcycles of its time. It held that distinction for approximately six years. ‘The Zed’ was different from the normal trends of the day. In a time where Harley Davidson and other chopper-style bikes were popular, ‘The Zed’ was sporty, handled turns well, and packed a big punch when it comes to speed and performance. The final option to consider would be the Triumph Tiger 900. When it came to life in 1993, it made a big impression on bike lovers of the day. Currently, this bike still is a preferred bike to many. Their biggest selling feature at the time was its reliability. The Tiger touted itself to be one of the most durable, consistent, and reliable bikes out there.
Regardless of the motorcycle you choose or prefer, you will love the freedoms that come with it. These six bikes are just a few examples of popular options out there. From bikes from the 30s to the current day – there are plenty to consider. Many people will share with you their thoughts and opinions but only you can decide which is right for you. The bikes considered in this article and beyond still look and feel great and would make a great addition to any bike-lovers collection.