If you are looking for a bike with a vintage style, yet with all the features and technology of a modern motorcycle, a Neo-Retro bike is just right for you. Emulating and incorporating different design elements from the previous generation of motorcycles -mostly 1950s-70s; neo-retro motorcycles pay homage to the past, while also providing the technology, features, and comfort of a modern motorcycle.
In an increasingly popular market, there are many different brands and options to choose from, which can really make it difficult to decide. This list of the five best neo-retro style motorcycles will help you to make that process simpler.
Ducati Scrambler Icon
Originally introduced in the 1960s, the Ducati Scrambler made an obvious choice when the company was looking to design and introduce a retro-style bike. The embodiment of the neo-retro style, the Ducati Scrambler Icon flaunts a beautiful old-school appearance and balances it with the features and capability of modern technology.
The Ducati Scrambler Icon is a simple, iconic, classic roadster. It features an 803cc air-cooled desmodromic L-Twin engine, which produces 73 horsepower and 48 pound-feet of torque. The newer models have been upgraded with a new tech package. Now sporting a four-inch TFT display, two rider modes, cornering abs, and switchable traction control, the modern Scrambler also features a distinctive full LED lighting system: DRL, low and high beams, brake lights and directionals are fully LED. For those looking to add a burst of color and style, the Scrambler Icon serves as a fantastic option.
BMW R nineT
The BMW R nineT is an aggressive, stripped-back bike that is reminiscent of styles of the ‘’60s-’80s. The BMW R nineT embodies the causal, café racer style with its flat handlebars and foot pegs that are mounted slightly back on the frame. This provides the bike with a fun, sporty, riding position, without the aggressiveness of a sports bike. The motorcycle calls back to previous generations of BMWs with its poked wheels, dual instrument panel, singular large round headlight, and visible classic Boxer engine.
The R nineT’s 1170 cc four-stroke flat twin engine produces 109 horsepower and 85.5 pound-feet of torque. The bike features many modern touches, such as the dual Brembo front brake calipers, fully adjustable upside-down front forks, as well as alternate ride modes, ABS, and stability control. The 2021 models sport standard features such as ABS and dynamic engine braking control, LED headlight and indicators, and a USB charging port.
Yamaha XSR900
Based on the MT-09, the Yamaha XSR900 was introduced in 2016. Considered by many to be the standard for neo-retro-styled bikes, the Yamaha XSR900 features plenty of power, speed, and swagger. The XSR900 features an 890cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, which produces 115 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque.
Weighing in at just 425 pounds, the Yamaha XSR900 packs a big punch. In order to help control that power, the bike features dual front brakes and adjustable KYB suspension in both the front and rear. Similar to other bikes of this neo-retro style, Yamaha designed the XSR900 fully understanding the fact that riders would want to customize their bike. The XSR900 accommodates many different aftermarket parts, and truly opens up the customization options for the rider.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Originally an English motorcycle brand, it is clear that Royal Enfield paid homage to the café racer scene in 1960s England with the design of the Continental GT 650. The bike features an air & oil-cooled 648cc parallel-twin engine., which produces 47 horsepower and 48 pound-feet of torque.
Due to the ease of working and modifying these bikes, there is a large community for modifications surrounding this bike, with many people using the platform for their custom builds. The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a great stylish, yet a budget-friendly option for those looking to enter into the neo-retro motorcycle scene. Although you shouldn’t let the price point fool you, the GT 650 still possesses some impressive hardware, features, and performance capability.
Triumph Bonneville T120
One of the many retro-styled motorcycles offered by Triumph, the Triumph Bonneville T120 beautifully captures the look, feel, and aesthetic of the classic vintage motorcycle, all without sacrificing modern features, technology, or reliable safety standards. The Bonneville T120 features a liquid-cooled 1,200cc Parallel-Twin engine, capable of producing 79 horsepower, and 77.4 pound-feet of torque. The T120 features many modern technology aspects such as multiple ride modes, ABS brakes, USB charging ports, and an LED lighting system.
Another aspect of the T120 that is very common among riders, is the customization options. This motorcycle is especially open to customization and modifications, allowing the rider to have even more freedom over the look, feel, and style of their particular Bonneville. The prototypical neo-retro cafe racer bike, the Triumph Bonneville is a wonderful entry into the neo-retro genre of motorcycles.