For the most part, Honda is generally known for making some of the most reliable motorcycles in the industry. In many ways, this is thanks to a fierce pragmatism within the brand, with a commitment to quality above everything else. But, alongside this commitment to quality, there is also a history of innovation.
Without this desire to innovate, we really doubt the Japanese giant would be where it is today. While other brands invested heavily in two-stroke technology during the 70s and 80s, Honda chose to experiment with various four-stroke engine configurations. The result was a long list of failures, but it also gave us an equally long list of bulletproof powertrains that have stood the test of time.
There is always risk associated with purchasing a used motorcycle, so please do your research and proceed with caution. The motorcycles on this list go from oldest to newest.
1970 cb750
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
Until the release of the CB750, inline-four motorcycles were few, far between, and niche. With the original universal Japanese motorcycle, Honda brought power to the people. It was a genuine high performance motorcycle that was also reliable and affordable. It made most of the competition obsolete almost overnight. The other three Japanese brands quickly followed the equally good UJM, and it largely wiped out the British motorcycle industry that had once been such a dominant force. Since most of these bikes are over 50 years old, original examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
1975 Gold Wing GL1000
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
Not satisfied with the success of the inline CB models, Honda developed the first liquid-cooled four-stroke (shortly after the first liquid-cooled two-stroke was released). While from a distance the original Gold Wing could easily be mistaken for a run-of-the-mill UJM, it was slightly larger, heavier and more powerful. It also prioritized comfort over sporting ability, and quickly became one of the most popular touring models of the time. The line has since become some of the most popular touring motorcycles ever made, but in the meantime, these first-generation bikes have remained affordable.
1986 VFR750F
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
Not to be confused with the infamous VF750F, which had “chocolate cams”. The VFR750F was Honda’s way of building things up right after that bike messed up the brand’s prestigious reliability record. In an effort to ensure that none of the errors were repeated, Honda spared no expense, over-engineered everything, reportedly losing money on every bike sold (at least for the 1986 model year). With this superbike, Honda regained consumer confidence and in the process created the V4 dynasty, which enjoyed a long production run.
1988 nsr250r
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
Honda hates two-strokes. So it is somewhat ironic that when the brand was forced to produce two-stroke engines primarily for racing purposes, some of the best two-stroke engines ever produced came out of the program. While the 500cc bike was reserved for racing purposes only, the 250cc was a road-going version of the bike and was sold in some parts of the world. Since these bikes are literally race bikes with lights and plates, all of its 60 horsepower (once restricted) will attack you at once right near the top of the rev range. All this is to say that it takes a skilled rider to get the most out of these bikes.
1998 CBR1100XX
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
While the Blackbird started life as a dedicated speed queen, it’s got a new lease on life as a budget-friendly sport tourer. This is a heavy bike with brakes from the 90s, so a certain level of caution is required in this department. But it’s a very comfortable motorcycle thanks to its smooth inline-four and plush, well-padded seat (also from the ’90s, so it may be well-worn). At present, these bikes are cheap.
2001 gold wing gl1800
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
The only criticism of this generation Gold Wing was that the wind protection was almost too good. This made the bike feel like a car, which we will readily admit is not a good thing, but it does speak to the level of comfort on offer. We can also say with some authority that any bike this old will not have the same level of wind protection that it had when new, and it will certainly feel like a motorcycle.
2005 rune
Price Range: $17,000 – $19,000
With the Rune, Honda wanted to make a statement. In two years of production, Honda sold the bike at a loss. It’s comprised of all kinds of single parts, and while its heavy chrome aesthetic certainly won’t appeal to everyone, the level of attention to detail certainly will. From a purely engineering standpoint, it is arguably the best quality motorcycle ever built, and its value will surely increase over the next decade or so. At the moment, prices are in flux, but any bike selling within the stated price is worth considering. While it may not be affordable by most metrics, it’s certainly affordable for what it is.
2008 VFR800 Interceptor
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
What started as a superbike eventually became one of the finest sport touring motorcycles money can buy. By 2008, the bike also featured Honda’s famous V-Tech valvetrain, and was a complete finished product. Its V4 is a masterclass in over-engineering with high-precision gear-driven camshafts. Over the years, this powertrain has proven exceptionally reliable, and as long as the previous owner has kept up basic maintenance, it represents a very low-risk purchase regardless of mileage.
2015 grom
Price Range: $1,000 – $3,000
Grom could possibly be one of the most unexpected success stories. By taking a decidedly uninteresting powertrain and housing it in a simple, lightweight frame, Honda certainly wasn’t reinventing the wheel. This has been done before, but Grom represents a modern twist on this age-old tale. It is not only not accessible, but it is also a difficult task to ride in an urban environment for more experienced riders. There’s also an endless aftermarket for these little bikes, and you can effectively turn them into whatever you want. At least, cosmetically.
2016 VFR1200X DCT
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
Today, crossover motorcycles are extremely popular. In 2016, when Honda introduced the VFR1200X, all anyone could see was a more adventurous-looking touring bike with a clunky automatic transmission. Although these older DCTs aren’t perfect, they still work on a bike you’ll use primarily for long distance commuting. At this price, these bikes are definitely worth a look, even if they are a bit cheap.
Source: K.B.B.
