While we are still in winter, springtime is just around the corner, as you can start to feel the sun’s afternoon warmth and start to hear the roar of motorcycle engines again in the air. It’s a good feeling, a good day and maybe you are lucky enough to have a little bit of cash in your pocket too. Well, if that’s you, Total Motorcycle has the guide of what motorcycles to best spend it on! A gleaming, well taken care of a loved classic or vintage bike. Something older than 10 years old but yet young enough to remember what a Blockbuster VHS cassette is.
Welcome to TMW’s Best Classic Motorcycles Riders Would Buy Today: Top Used Picks! And while the graphic background I created is AI generated from this list of top bikes, I guarantee the bikes and the vibe they offer are as real as this article. Don’t forget to use the 56 years of Total Motorcycle Guides when checking these bikes out, I’d appreciate it! And I have some awesome Reading Guides too!
Ok, ok, I hear you say, get on with it, what’s the top bike list? Patience please. This isn’t TikTok, this is a website and like a fine juicy cheeseburger, crispy hot fries covered with gravy and a cold coke on a sunny warm day, enjoy the meal!
When it comes to buying a top choice classic or vintage used motorcycle, you have to put aside brand loyalty, all brands make legendary and dud models. I’m sure you can name more than 1 bike that would fit into that category. But we are not here for the dud’s right? Although, that would make a great article wouldn’t it?
We are here for the one’s that if you’ve never owned, never ridden or never thought of owning, you have to give your head a shake as a motorcycle rider. How many have you ridder on the list yourself?
Now, this isn’t a complete list. While there’s my picks in here, I had hundreds of suggestions from readers and if your favorite isn’t mentioned maybe I don’t know about it and you need to educate me about it.
So what makes a motorcycle a best in class classic? While it can come down to personal preference, ok, it’s a lot of personal preference, but that aside, special models offer more than just 2 wheels, a seat and an engine that sips gas. If we only cared about gas mileage, we’d all be driving a Prius or a soulless EV SUV. We’re riders, we want SOUND, POWER, EXCITEMENT, DRAMA, SMELL, VIBRATION and ACCELERATION. Plus, we want to look good doing it too. These bikes offer that special magical mix. Like my own Moto Guzzi V7, it retains my #1 spot on my own list that I would buy again. So when going through these bikes (and the hundreds of submissions I had), remember, this isn’t an exclusive list.
Great, now let’s get to the brand list:
| Rank | Make | Model | Typical Years | Why It’s Suggested | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda | CX500 Eurosport | 1980–1986 | Bulletproof V-twin, shaft drive, cheap & reliable daily rider | |
| 2 | Norton | 750 Commando | 1967–1975 | Iconic British classic, character + sound | |
| 3 | Kawasaki | GPz1100 | 1981 | Raw power, low miles examples available | |
| 4 | Honda | VF1000R | 1984–1986 | Gorgeous V4 sportbike, underrated | |
| 5 | Maico | 490 Meg2 | ~1980–1985 | Classic motocross dirt bike | |
| 6 | Yamaha | V-Max | 1985–2007 | Massive power cruiser, cult following. | |
| 7 | Suzuki | GSX-R1100 Slingshot | 1986–1989 | Legendary superbike, raw 80s performance | |
| 8 | Triumph | Trident T160 | 1975 | British triple power + style | |
| 9 | BSA | Rocket 3 | 1968–1972 | Classic British triple | |
| 10 | Harley-Davidson | Softail Evo Models | 1980s–1990s | “Giant obnoxious” fun factor, chrome & rumble | |
| 11 | Honda | 400 Four Super Sport | 1975–1977 | Beautiful UJM classic | |
| 12 | Yamaha | XJ1100 Maxim / Virago 1100 / FZ1 | 1982 / 1998 / 2004 | Versatile cruisers and nakeds |
But wait! There’s more… of course there is, how could there not be, I mean seriously, how could a dozen bikes ever be the end-all be-all list right? Let’s look at some more riders would jump at!
- Motor Guzzi: V7 (2013 – 2026)
- Aprilia: RSV1000 (~2000s), Tuono Gen 2 (2008)
- Suzuki: SV1000 (2006), Hayabusa (Gen 1/2, 1999–2015), GS1100GK, GT380
- Kawasaki: Concours (1986), KZ1000 series, 750 LTD (1980)
- Harley-Davidson: Panhead (1949/1964), Shovelhead (1974)
- Norton: Dominator, plus more Commandos
- KTM: 1190 Adventure (2014)
- Others: Honda VT1100T (2000), Yamaha Raider (2015), random 60s Triumphs/BSA Lightning, Honda CB750A, dirt bikes like Yamaha YZ360.
Overall trends: 1970s–1980s Japanese bikes dominate for reliability and value, British triples, Italian Moto Guzzu’s and Norton Commandos for character. Modern “classics” (2000–2015) like Hayabusa, Tuono, or KTM for performance without new-bike prices. Cruisers (Yamaha V-Max/Virago, Harley) for fun and presence.
When shopping, generally remember: Honda is known of reliable, simple, everyday classics. Yamaha for Power cruisers and versatile bikes, Suzuki for Sportbikes and UJMs (universal Japanese motorcycles), Kawasaki for Inline-4 screamers and tourers and Harley-Davidson, Norton and Aprilia for thumping cruisers, British classics and modern Ducati alternatives.
Don’t forget to use the 56 years of Total Motorcycle Guides when checking these bikes out, I’d appreciate it! And while you are at it, don’t forget the NEW 2025 and 2026 Motorcycle models too… future classics in the making.
Have a great day, thank you for reading all the way to the end of the Best Classic Motorcycles Riders Would Buy Today: Top Used Picks article and always keep the shiny side up!
Now for some classic photos! Ok, I had HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of photo submissions!!!! I can’t post them all, but here is a sampling of what riders consider their “100% would buy again classic and vintage bikes”! Sure is A LOT of LOVE out there for motorcycles…
Enjoy and thank you for sharing your awesome bikes and photos with Total Motorcycle!
Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists.
Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.
