Whether you’re strapped for cash or you’ve got a penchant for perusing the classifieds, cheap motorcycles can make for incredibly tempting purchases. However, in many cases, buying what seems like an otherwise affordable bike can end up being an expensive gamble. That is to say—low prices often come with hidden costs, be they because of a prior owner’s disregard for maintenance, poor factory build quality, or a general lack of parts support. In the long run, you’ll only end up paying more between repairs and upgrades.

Of course, not all cheap motorcycles are necessarily lemons. In fact, many of the most affordable options happen to be Japanese. Brands like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki have worked hard to build a reputation for rock-solid reliability, clever engineering, and accessibility. With large production volumes and unfailing build quality, there are some Japanese motorcycles that are available in wide supply—even older models remain on the road today. Keeping this in mind, we rounded up 10 such bikes that are sure to have you happy with your purchase. If you want a motorcycle that won’t let you down, here are some budget-friendly Japanese options that deliver far more than their price tag suggests—bikes you’ll actually enjoy owning and riding.

10

2017 Yamaha Bolt

J.D. Power Average Retail: $4,750

As a general rule, metric cruisers are some of the hardest-working motorcycles on the market, so, even if the Honda Shadow isn’t really your thing, a bike like the Yamaha Bolt is one that you can buy without regret. Between its bobber styling and its 942cc V-twin, it delivers an experience that’s head-turning in looks and engaging in performance—at a price that punches well above its weight.

Sure, the Bolt doesn’t offer fancy electronics or advanced rider aids, but Yamaha equipped the bike with a bulletproof engine and the aftermarket is booming with options to make it your own. Whether you’re commuting, cruising around town, or taking on weekend trips, the Bolt is a great fit—especially for newer riders or those who want a low-slung, confident ride without the high price tag that comes with a comparable Harley-Davidson. As an added bonus, Yamaha did produce a C-spec model for those whose styling preferences are more café-oriented.

9

2006 Suzuki GSX-R750

J.D. Power Average Retail: $4,710

If you’re going to be hitting the track with any kind of regularity, you want to make sure that it’s on a motorcycle that’s not only capable but also within your means to fix. For these reasons, we’d recommend the Suzuki GSX-R750, as it’s a legendary model within the world of sportbikes on account of its race-derived performance and enduring production. As a staple of the Suzuki lineup for decades now, it’s proven itself on the street and the track alike over multiple generations, meaning that there are plenty of capable options to choose from. Moreover, because of the GSX-R’s popularity and reliability, the bike has been built in huge numbers and many are still on the road today. As such, it represents serious value on the used market, offering serious horsepower at rock-bottom prices.

8

2006 Honda VFR800

J.D. Power Average Retail: $4,525

The VFR800 Interceptor is an absolute gem of a sport touring bike that balances its performance with comfortable all-day geometry and legendary Honda reliability. Highlighted by features like a revvy V4 engine, a lightweight (and attractive) single-sided swingarm, as well as VTEC (in later examples), the model is perfectly equipped for spirited riding. However, thanks to the addition of bags, a slippery fairing and windscreen, and some plush seats, it’s a capable mile muncher as well. Add to that ironclad build quality, generous service intervals, and a shockingly low price on the secondhand market, and you have a bike that is bound to please—even if it happens to show higher mileage on the odometer. We’d recommend going for one of the most recent models if you’re after ABS, though even first-generation VFRs can offer thrills behind the bars.

7

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400

J.D. Power Average Retail: $4,470

As tempting as it can be to take a powerful liter bike out to the track, it’s really best to first hone your technique on smaller displacement machines so that you can learn how to properly carry speed through a corner. Accordingly, we’d recommend a bike like the Kawasaki Ninja 400 to beginners and advanced riders alike—the model makes for an ideal first sport bike or a secondary track beater.

With a lightweight chassis and a punchy 399cc parallel-twin engine, it’s a nimble ride that’s ideal for hitting everything from city commutes to mountain twisties to smaller, technical tracks. It’s an approachable platform for those getting used to the basics, but it’s one that comes with enough aftermarket support to grow alongside your abilities.

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6

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650

J.D. Power Average Retail: $4,155

The Kawasaki Versys nameplate is a contraction of “Versatile” and “System” which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the bike. The Ninja-powered adventure tourer is one of the most widely functional motorcycles you can buy, equally adept at light gravel riding, hitting the track, and multi-day tourers. While this means that it’s not the most specialized—a jack of all trades and master of none—it’s a reliable ride that will provide you with years of dependable service. What’s more is that, even though Kawasaki equips the newest models with tempting bells and whistles, those on the used market offer many of the same features, so you can walk away with some significant savings if you’re willing to shop around.

5

2017 Honda Rebel CMX500

J.D. Power Average Retail: $3,650

New or old, small displacement twin or large displacement inline-four, you can’t go wrong with a Honda Rebel. Since its introduction in 1985, the cruiser has proven itself to be a bulletproof bike for beginners and budget-conscious riders alike, offering reliable performance with little in the way of maintenance needs. Moreover, Honda has sold the Rebel in huge numbers, so they’re widely available on the secondhand market at affordable prices. Still, because of Honda’s reputation for reliability and build quality, the bike holds its value. If you’re after a cruiser that’s easy to ride, cheap to own, and carries cool retro looks, the Honda Rebel is one of the best decisions you can make on a budget. Left up to us, we’d spring for one of the newer models, but even an older style will serve you well.

4

2015 Suzuki DR-Z400SM

J.D. Power Average Retail: $3,205

The Suzuki DR-Z has developed a cult following on account of its go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities, so if you’re looking for one bike to rule your garage, this Suzuki has you covered. With a torquey and reliable 398cc single-cylinder engine, the DR-Z delivers enough power for freeway speeds while still being lightweight and agile enough for trail use. Simple, tough, and easy to maintain, it’s ideal for riders who want something that can take a beating. Moreover, with a wide variety of aftermarket parts, you can build the bike to be a backroad tourer, a lightweight trail rig, or even a street-going supermoto. Up until recently, the DR-Z had remained virtually unchanged for decades. As such, new or old, you can’t go wrong with one of Suzuki’s dual sports.

3

2012 Honda Shadow Spirit

J.D. Power Average Retail: $2,920

As with the Rebel, the Honda Shadow offers classic cruiser looks paired with proven reliability at a budget-friendly price—only with a bit more power, too. Because engine displacements usually range from 500cc to 750cc (and, in some cases, stretch as high as 1,100cc) and the bike comes with tons of trim options allowing for factory customization, it’s a model that offers something for riders of all backgrounds and abilities. The best part, though, is that because Honda incorporates shaft drive, the Shadow avoids the inconvenience that comes with chain maintenance, allowing for hassle-free commuting and weekend cruising. If you’re looking for something that offers much of the appeal of a Harley but with the brand experience and build quality of a Honda, the Shadow is a bike that’ll have you feeling anything but regret.

2

2010 Suzuki SV650

J.D. Power Average Retail: $2,010

If you’re looking for a reliable, sporty Japanese V-twin on the cheap, it doesn’t get much better than the Suzuki SV650. Ask any motorcyclist you find and chances are pretty good that they’ve had an SV, know someone with an SV, or at least know of the SV—it’s truly that well-renowned for its performance, handling, and low running costs. Used examples are easy to find and typically very reasonably priced—especially earlier models like the 1999 version pictured above, which are still just as fun today. Whether you prefer the naked version or the faired S model, it’s a bike that can handle commuting, weekend twisties, or even track days. Parts are cheap and widely available, and the engine is known for going the distance with minimal fuss.

1

2015 Yamaha TW200

J.D. Power Average Retail: $1,830

The Yamaha TW200 might be small, but this fat-tire dual-sport motorcycle is big when it comes to its fun factor. With a 196cc air-cooled single, the bike isn’t really built for speed, but its tractor-like torque means that it excels in its go-anywhere capability and tough build quality. So, even though things like the low seat height and modest power output make it a suitable steed for beginners, the fat tires and rugged simplicity mean that anyone can enjoy it as a trail bike, a campground runabout, or even a lightweight urban commuter. Inexpensive to buy and inexpensive to own, the TW200 is nearly indestructible with basic care and will always bring a smile—this Yamaha is easily a no-regret purchase.

Sources: J.D. Power, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha.