10 Retro Motorcycles For Under $10,000

There is just something about a classic bike, but the headaches and hassle of maintaining a vintage bike aren’t for everyone. Thankfully, motorcycle manufacturers have been cranking out some fantastic retro motorcycles that can be bought for less than $10,000. So grab your helmet, and let’s find an affordable bike before next year’s riding season. 

Here Are My Picks For 10 Retro Motorcycles For Less Than $10,000

Royal Enfield Continental GT 

Starting at just $5,999, the Royal Enfield Continental GT is one of the best values among retro motorcycles. When it comes to style and performance, it is hard to beat the 650cc Interceptor-based Continental GT. Not to be confused with the 2013-2018 Continental GT, which was based on the Royal Enfield Bullet, this new GT is capable of long-distance highway cruising and spirited canyon runs. It is hard to beat coming in at around half the price of a Triumph Bonneville. Learn more at royalenfield.com.

Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone 

Italian motorcycle brand Moto Guzzi makes some of our favorite bikes around the office and the Racer version of the V7 is just slightly over budget at $11,590. But the base model starts $9,590 and similar, but monochromatic, cafe racer styling. A Moto Guzzi always makes a statement as it’s impossible not to notice the unique engine positioning, the 7550cc engine makes plenty of power for running around town or charging up the mountain. Learn more at motoguzzi.com.

Janus Halcyon 250

While we have never had a chance to ride any of the bikes from Janus, they do look super cool and really are the most retro motorcycles on the market. At just 250cc it could be pretty limiting, but they claim a top speed of 70mph, which would likely be on a slight downhill with a tailwind, but there is nothing else like them on the market. At $6,995, they are $1,000 more than the much more powerful Royal Enfield, but the Halcyon is hand-assembled in the USA. Learn more at janusmotorcycles.com.

Indian Scout Bobber Sixty

Indian has seen a major resurgence, one of America’s oldest motorcycle brands; the company was bought by Powersports juggernaut Polaris who is looking to attract a new generation of riders with more affordable bikes, the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty, while it’s lost some of the classic Indian style that made the bikes legendary, it does offer a lot of power and performance and has a great history among our retro motorcycles. Learn more at indianmotorcycle.com.

Suzuki TU250X

Another small displacement bike that is perfect for around town is the Suzuki TU250X, with classic 70s styling, plenty of chrome, and excellent factory colors and graphics. Riding a TU250X takes you back in time; the bike is simple, mechanical, lightweight, and easy to ride. With an MSRP of just $4,649, it’s the least expensive motorcycle on our list and worth picking up for a runabout or pit bike. Learn more at suzukicycles.com.

BMW R nineT Pure

While not the most retro version of the R nineT, the Pure is the only bike from BMW that will get you close to that cafe racer looks for under $10,000 and it only does that by $5. At $9,995 it’s at the top of the budget and not nearly as cool as the new R18. As one of BMW’s least expensive bikes, you have to do a lot to dress it up, but if you want the Motorrad brand you have to pay a premium. For our money, we would just buy a used R nineT Racer, which can be had for around the price with low miles. Learn more at bmwmotorcycles.com.

Harley-Davidson Street Rod 

You would hope a brand as iconic as would have some amazing retro motorcycles, and Harley’s entry-level bike, the Street 750, doesn’t disappoint. There is a sportier version called the Street Rod, which has a 70s cafe racer style. For a more traditional Harley-Davidson look, the Iron 883 is just three hundred dollars more, but having ridden both, the Street 750 is more fun to ride and designed to pull double duty as a fun cafe racer or a capable commuter bike. It’s not the prettiest motorcycle on our list, but at $8,699 it is the second cheapest Harley you can buy, the first being the aforementioned Street 750 which retails for $7,599, but if you need to get a Harley, spend the extra money to buy a Street Rod or Iron 883. Learn more at  harley-davidson.com.

Kawasaki W800 Cafe

Kawasaki understands what we want when looking at retro motorcycles; with its classic Cafe racer looks, the Kawasaki W800 Cafe is often mistaken for a restored classic instead of a brand-new bike. With a comfortable seating position, plenty of power, and legendary Kawasaki build quality and reliability the W800 Cafe is a fantastic value at $9,799, just $600 more than the standard W800. Learn more at kawasaki.com.

Ducati Scrambler SIXTY2

When most people think of  Ducati, they think of their ultra-high performance and ultra-high priced superbikes. But the Scrambler changed all that, with the new Scrambler SIXTY2 starting at just $7,995 and the Icon Dark coming in at $8,895. Owning a Ducati is more obtainable than ever before. Just don’t look at the Scrambler Cafe Racer. Otherwise, you will spend about $2,000 more than the $10,000 budget. Learn more at scramblerducati.com.

Triumph Street Twin

Triumph is one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world, names like Bonneville and Thruxton are legendary and the brand has been associated with cool guys like Steve McQueen, Ryan Reynolds, and David Beckham. While the classic Bonneville T100 falls just outside our retro motorcycles on a budget limit, the Street Twin starts at just $9,300 and offers the full Triumph experience at an entry-level price. Learn more at triumphmotorcycles.com

Photos Courtesy of Manufacturers