In case you hadn’t noticed, the ‘modern classic’ or ‘retro’ motorcycle market is expanding at a dizzying rate, with almost every manufacturer jumping on the bandwagon much as they did with the adventure bike. There is clearly a lot of nostalgia for motorcycles of yesteryear and many of the examples on offer today reflect this by being accurate facsimiles of past models, while others pay lip service to the genre by taking a modern model from their line-up and giving it an old-school styling make-over. Whichever is your preferred route, there are plenty of choices, and we’ve selected our list of the best under-1000cc modern classics on the market today.
Updated October 2023: Modern retro motorcycles continue to be all the rage, and manufacturers that make them know that riders love their looks as well as their riding characteristics. So to keep our readers up to speed on all the latest models, this article has been updated with the latest revisions to individual models.
15 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
The Italian equivalent of the Triumph Bonneville, the Moto Guzzi V7 Special can trace its roots back to 1967 and the first V7, featuring the then-new transverse V-Twin engine which has since become the defining element of all Moto Guzzis. The V7 range comprises three distinct models, with the V7 Special being the classically-styled version, with typically 1960s roadster styling and riding position, wire-spoked wheels, and twin analog clocks.
Moto Guzzi V7 Special Performance Specs
Displacement |
853cc |
Engine Type |
Air-cooled V-Twin |
Power |
65 horsepower |
Torque |
54 pound-feet |
Weight |
491 pounds |
Transmission |
6 speed |
The 853cc V-Twin pushes out 65 horsepower and 54 pound-feet of torque which, with a 491-pound all-in weight, gives brisk rather than fast performance. One could argue that outright speed isn’t the point of these ‘modern classics’, that style is the important factor but, having said that, the V7 Special works well, with its non-adjustable suspension giving solid and safe - if uninspiring, handling and the single front disc giving adequate braking. More of a boulevard cruiser than a recreation of a sporting machine, the Guzzi is nonetheless one of the more authentic modern classics on the market today.
Pros
- Authentically retro in looks.
- 65 horsepower is plenty of power.
Cons
- 491 pounds is on the heavier side.
- Non-adjustable suspension.
- Single disk front brake is just adequate.
14 BSA Gold Star 650
The return of the famous name, thanks to Indian motorcycle enthusiasts, who are doing more to resurrect the British motorcycle industry than the British themselves! The original Gold Star was a racing machine that could be ridden on the road while the new Gold Star 650 has no such sporting pretensions and is a no-nonsense dose of nostalgia. It’s as simple as you could wish for, with fuel injection, dual-channel ABS for the single discs at the front and back, and electric start as the only concessions to modernity. The 652cc single-cylinder engine produces 45 horsepower and 41 pound-feet of torque, making the Gold Star 650 a genuine ‘ton-up’ machine, albeit only just - top speed is 103mph. It’s not the fastest nor the best handling modern classic out there, but it’s not actually trying to be. It’s quick enough, has a solid feel to it and all the retro styling cues to could wish for.
BSA Gold Star 650 Performance Specs
Displacement |
652cc |
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC |
Power |
45 horsepower |
Torque |
41 pound-feet |
Weight |
470 pounds |
Transmission |
5 speed |
It’s a ground-up design and not a modified modern motorcycle and fills a gap in the market that the likes of Triumph have largely abandoned: that of an easy-going ride for those who want to give people time to see how good they look rolling down the road, rather than blasting by in a blur of speed and noise. A bike to savor the journey, not the destination. Even better, the price is undercutting rival models in the UK and Europe by quite a margin and there’s no reason to think it won’t be the same when it comes to the U.S., hopefully in 2023.
Pros
- Fuel injection is a must these days.
- 45 horsepower from a single cylinder is impressive.
- Stylish and well-designed.
Cons
- Top speed of only 103 mph.
- No modern conveniences.
- Single cylinder will get buzzy at certain speeds.
13 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Royal Enfield has been a solely-Indian manufacturer since the 1970s and could be said to be the original ‘modern classic’ manufacturer, still producing the famous Bullet 350 and 500 models that have been in continuous production for many decades. More recently, Royal Enfield has recognized the spike in interest in recreations of classic motorcycles and has expanded its range with the parallel-twin-engined Interceptor roadster model.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Performance Specs
Displacement |
648cc |
Engine Type |
Air/Oil-cooled, parallel-twin SOHC |
Power |
47 horsepower |
Torque |
38.3 pound-feet |
Weight |
445 pounds |
Transmission |
6 speed |
It’s very much the twin of the BSA Gold Star 650, looking incredibly authentic and behaving that way too: a modest 47 horsepower and 39 pound-feet of torque from the 650cc engine, wrapped in fully traditional and attractive roadster styling and shorn of unnecessary bells and whistles in the technology department, although there is ABS and fuel injection, as you would expect in this day and age. Its other big selling point is the price tag, which is a very reasonable $6,000. This means that, if you are happy with 1960s performance to go with your 1960s style, then you’ll be happy and still have some cash in your wallet.
Pros
- An inexpensive Triumph alternative.
- Parallel twin engine is full of character.
- Comes with ABS and fuel injection standard.
Cons
- Antiquated engine technology.
- Bargain components make it heavy.
SPIED: The Upcoming Royal Enfield Classic 650 Looks Perfect For Retro Cruiser Fans
Always liked the Classic 350 but thought it was too slow? Then, ready your bank account for the Classic 65012 Triumph Speed Twin 900
Triumph has decided to ditch the ‘Street’ name from all its modern classics and so the Street Twin now becomes the Speed Twin 900. The best thing about it is that it feels as modern as it does classic, and even the looks can be said to adhere to that description. The Street Twin was a relative latecomer to the Bonneville-based range, appearing in 2016. Even though it is based on the same frame as the larger-engined Bonneville T120, it somehow felt smaller and more compact, with a low 750mm seat height. In 2019, it gained an extra 10 horsepower, bringing to total to 64 horsepower, good enough for a 110mph top speed.
Triumph Speed Twin 900 Performance Specs
Displacement |
900cc |
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, parallel-twin SOHC |
Power |
64 horsepower |
Torque |
59 pound-feet |
Weight |
476 pounds |
Transmission |
5 speed |
The Speed Twin also received improved forks, a better seat, and machined alloy wheels. The single front disc is clamped by a Brembo caliper and, everywhere, the quality of fit, finish, and components are typical Triumph which means probably the best in the business. The chassis has great handling and, while the Speed Twin 900 looks retro, it is thoroughly modern in terms of comfort. The 1200cc engine might have a huge advantage in terms of power and torque, but that doesn’t mean the 900cc version is lacking: if anything, it’s much sweeter-running and still feels plenty fast enough.
Pros
- Bulletproof, liquid-cooled 900-cc twin engine.
- Comfortable all-day ergonomics.
- Premium Brembo brakes.
Cons
- Not as affordable as other options.
- Just a single front disk brake.
11 Kawasaki Z900RS
Kawasaki entered the modern classic scene in 2018 with the Z900RS, which might be a re-styled Z900 but has more historic credibility than many modern classics, copying as it does the style of the original Z1 from the early 1970s. It’s a thoroughly modern bike underneath the skin, with Brembo monobloc calipers being higher spec than the Z900 and three-level traction control being fitted, along with ABS, of course. The suspension is fully adjustable front and back and while the springs are quite stiff, the damping is on the softer side to give a smooth ride and easily-accessible handling at all speeds.
Kawasaki Z900RS Performance Specs
Displacement |
900cc |
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, four-cylinder |
Power |
109 horsepower |
Torque |
72.3 pound-feet |
Weight |
474.1 pounds |
Transmission |
6 speed |
Its riding position is excellent, being upright thanks to the straight handlebars and tall riders will appreciate the seat/footpeg distance (which doesn’t affect cornering clearance), while shorter riders will still be able to get their feet on the ground. The engine is a 109 horsepower peach, with improved low- to mid-range power and torque which comes at the expense of top-end urge, but, in reality, it’s much more usable in the real world. It’s the only four-cylinder engine in this class of motorcycle which helps it stand out from the crowd, even if it might lack the grunt and punch of the twin-cylinder engines.
Pros
- Comfortable riding position and ergonomics.
- Traction control and ABS
- 109 horsepower is more than will ever be needed.
Cons
- Re-style exercise for Z900
- Four-cylinder engine makes it a bit heavier than competition.
5 Retro Bikes We Love (And 5 Genuine Classics We’d Rather Buy)
Retro motorcycles of the present are excellent machines, but the classics have a special place in our hearts10 Yamaha XSR900
Of all the modern classics, with the possible exception of the MV Agusta Super Veloce (see below), the Yamaha XSR900 is the least authentic, being merely a re-styled MT-09, with no reference to any classic Yamaha. It manages to be both retro and futuristic at the same time. Also unlike its rivals, the Yamaha XSR900 harks back to more recent history, that history being the 1980s, rather than the ‘50s, ’60s, and ‘70s of others.
Yamaha XSR900 Performance Specs
Displacement |
890cc |
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder |
Power |
106 horsepower |
Torque |
63.5 pound-feet |
Weight |
428 pounds |
Transmission |
6 speed |
In its performance and road manners, it also makes the others look rather dated which is only to be expected as it is unashamedly modern in everything but its style. The triple-cylinder engine pushes out a very healthy 106 horsepower with an awesome soundtrack from the exhaust. The XSR900 is a bike for every day, not just high days and holidays, and possesses chassis dynamics that put it in a different class to most of the bikes on this list.
Pros
- Retains the playful nature of the MT-09 with better looks.
- 117 horsepower is better than the competition.
- Comfortable all-day ergonomics.
Cons
- Retro styling a little too modern.
- No true vintage lineage or pedigree.
9 Ducati Scrambler Icon
Ducati resurrected a name from the past, along with the styling, for its entry into the modern classic field, but completely updated the engine package. The original Scrambler of the 1960s had a single-cylinder engine (with desmodromic valve actuation) up to a maximum of 450cc. The modern Scrambler has Ducati’s air-cooled V-Twin of 803cc (1100cc versions are also available) which produces 73 horsepower and 49 pound-feet of torque. Despite the name, there is really nothing ‘scrambler’ about the Scrambler: it’s a styling exercise, nothing more, but it makes a great road bike for all that.
Ducati Scrambler Icon Performance Specs
Displacement |
803cc |
Engine Type |
Air-cooled, L-twin |
Power |
73 horsepower |
Torque |
49 pound-feet |
Weight |
408 pounds |
Transmission |
6 speed |
The Ducati V-Twin has been around for so long, it feels like an old friend, and even in the smaller version found here, it still offers good performance with an unmistakable soundtrack. There’s plenty of modernity in electronics and suspension, and it’s no wonder that it has been a complete success for Ducati, propelling the Italian company into the top 10 best-selling motorcycles list in Europe for the first time in its history. The Icon is the base model but possibly all the better for it. Fully updated for the 2023 model year, it’s better than ever and still just as desirable.
Pros
- Ducati's V-twin are full of character.
- 73 horsepower is plenty of power.
Cons
- Not really appropriate for off-roading, despite the name.
- Ducati service costs and intervals can be off-putting.
8 Honda Super Cub 125
The model that the whole of the Honda empire is built on today, the Super Cub has sold well over 100 million copies worldwide since its introduction in 1958, and it was propelled into the U.S.’s consciousness with one of the most famous advertising campaigns of all time (You Meet The Nicest People On A Honda). Just when we thought the glory days of the Super Cub were over, Honda reinvents it and starts winning hearts all over again. Now powered by a 125cc, four-stroke single-cylinder engine driving through the familiar semi-automatic four-speed gearbox, it has ABS on the front wheel, LED lighting, and even keyless ignition.
Honda Super Cub 125 Performance Specs
Displacement |
125cc |
Engine Type |
Air-cooled, single-cylinder SOHC |
Power |
73 horsepower |
Torque |
49 pound-feet |
Weight |
238 pounds |
Transmission |
4 speed semi-automatic |
But, Honda knew well enough to leave the stying alone and the ‘new’ Super Cub retains the plastic leg shields and completely enclosed mechanicals and chain, along with the larger-than-a-scooter wheels, all of which makes it such a practical around-town mode of transport. Pure nostalgia in its finest, nostalgic, brings-back-memories form.
Pros
- Honda's ultimate approachable option.
- ABS, LED and Keyless ignition.
- Nostalgically styled in all the right ways.
Cons
- Small engine with low power.
- Same price as Royal Enfield's full size offering, the Hunter 350.
7 MV Agusta Super Veloce 800
The only faired motorcycle on our list but, wow, what beauty. Based on the Italian deity’s F3 800 super sport machine, the MV Agusta Super Veloce 800 recalls the glory days of the 500cc Grand Prix bikes of the likes of John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, and Giacomo Agostini as they raced to win after win in the 1950s and 1960s. As much as the Yamaha XSR900, this is a thoroughly modern sports bike wearing retro clothing, so it goes, stops and handles insanely well, thrust along on a wall of wailing three-cylinder sound from the 798cc, 147 horsepower/72 pound-feet piece of engineering excellence that is at the heart.
MV Agusta Super Veloce 800 Performance Specs
Displacement |
798cc |
Engine Type |
Liquid/Oil-cooled, Inline three-cylinder |
Power |
147 horsepower |
Torque |
72 pound-feet |
Weight |
381 pounds |
Transmission |
6 speed |
It’s as much a piece of motorcycling sculpture as it is a functioning motorcycle and, as such, you are unlikely to ever see too many on the road as they’ll all be sitting in someone’s house, there to be looked at. If you do get to ride one, take your A-game as it demands that level of skill, and it’s also completely uncompromising in terms of the riding position. But, who cares?
Pros
- Gorgeous Italian design.
- 147 horsepower authenticates the racer vibes.
- MV Agusta's top of the line tech included.
Cons
- Triumph's Speed Triple 1200 RR is cheaper and just as good-looking.
- Exotic motorcycle with an exotic maintenance price tag.
6 Kawasaki Z650RS
If you come up with a winning formula, then why not apply it to another model in order to reflect a bit of retro glamour onto an otherwise slightly mundane platform? The Z650RS copies the Z900RS in that it is the modern Z650, complete with its parallel twin engine, a set of retro clothes, and, amazingly, a whole new riding experience and character. If anything, the modern Z650 is much more likable than the old Z650, with its rather gutless inline four-cylinder engine.
Kawasaki Z650RS Performance Specs
Displacement |
649cc |
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, two-cylinder DOHC |
Power |
67 horsepower |
Torque |
48.5 pound-feet |
Weight |
412 pounds |
Transmission |
6 speed |
The parallel-twin in the new Z650RS is full of punchy torque and suits the character of the bike perfectly. Because it’s a Kawasaki, you can expect the usual excellent build quality and top components which are all given a new sheen by the lovely retro styling, two-tone paint, and gold multi-spoke wheels.
Pros
- Punchy engine full of torque.
- Well-designed, minimalist retro style.
- Reliability and quality of components.
Cons
- Re-clothed Z650 takes away from true authenticity.
5 Honda Shadow Aero
Honda's Shadow Aero is for those who want a classic-styled cruiser that imitates the styles of some of the best-designed Indians out there, all without breaking the bank. The Honda Shadow Aero strikes the ideal blend between affordability and classic cruiser panache. When combined with the neat spoke rims and 'chrome everywhere' mindset, the massive front and rear fenders are a direct nod to classic cruisers of the time gone by. It has a 745cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine with a long-stroke crankshaft that produces comfortable torque levels, making the bike ride as well as it looks.
Honda Shadow Aero Performance Specs
Displacement |
745cc |
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, V-twin SOHC |
Power |
N/A |
Torque |
47 pound-feet |
Weight |
560 pounds |
Transmission |
5 speed |
Pros
- Good throttle response and fuel efficiency
- A powerful, torquey V-twin engine
- Honda's reliability
Cons
- 5-speed transmission instead of the more modern 6-speed
- Vibrations are at an all-time high on this bike
4 Royal Enfield Super Meteor
Before introducing the Super Meteor, Royal Enfield undertook a good deal of research. The company built this motorcycle using its 648cc Parallel Twin platform, with influences from its founding 60-year history. Similar output figures to the Interceptor are to be expected from the same engine, but expect the gearing to be revised to make the torque more linear to accommodate the cruiser-oriented approach.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor Performance Specs
Displacement |
648cc |
Engine Type |
Air/Oil-cooled, parallel-twin SOHC |
Power |
47 horsepower |
Torque |
38.3 pound-feet |
Weight |
410 pounds |
Transmission |
6 speed |
Although the Indians and Kawasakis of the world may have larger displacement offerings, the Super Meteor succeeds in accomplishing what it sets out to do, being a reliable cruiser with a commanding presence on the road.
Pros
- An inexpensive alternative to the Triumphs and Kawas
- The parallel-twin engine is a delight.
- A great, planted feel on the tarmac
Cons
- Antiquated engine technology
- Heavier for its engine size
- No information regarding its US sales
3 Indian Scout Sixty
When it comes to cruiser bikes, Indian is no stranger. From the big chunky Springfield to the more subdued, relatively light, entry-level Scout series, the brand has plenty to offer. Its design is so iconic that Chinese counterparts have like-for-like doppelgängers that imitate every nook and cranny of the bike.
Indian Scout Sixty Performance Specs
Displacement |
999cc |
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, V-twin |
Power |
78 horsepower |
Torque |
65 pound-feet |
Weight |
543 pounds |
Transmission |
5 speed |
The Scout Sixty's 999cc 60-degree V-twin engine has a lot of power to offer with a max torque of 65 pound-feet, and can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph. This motorcycle is undoubtedly one of our favorites on this list in terms of design, combining both traditional and contemporary philosophies.
Pros
- The high-quality end product for its price
- The low 25.6-inch seat height
- Torquey V-twin engine
Cons
- Not suited for long rides
- Small fuel tank
- The suspension is too soft for our liking
2 Kawasaki W800
We chose to neglect the more well-known Vulcan to make room on this list for the less-spoken W800, and it's about time for this motorcycle to get the respect it rightfully deserves. The W800's skin and bones are imbued with a strong sense of 1960s nostalgia, which is noticeable at first glance. It's an undeniable classic, and there's something alluring about this motorcycle that just makes it worthwhile to stare at.
Kawasaki W800 Performance Specs
Displacement |
773cc |
Engine Type |
Air-cooled, V-twin SOHC |
Power |
51 horsepower |
Torque |
46.4 pound-feet |
Weight |
496 pounds |
Transmission |
5 speed |
A 773cc V-twin engine with a conventional exhaust system is found in the bay. The use of chrome on this bike is admirable; not too much and subtle enough to keep that old-school charm alive.
Pros
- Beautiful 60s styling
- A comfortable tuck-and-roll seat
- Great use of chrome
Cons
- It stutters on hard acceleration
- Widespread electrical problems have been reported
1 Suzuki Boulevard C50T
The Suzuki Boulevard C50 is the ideal homage to the vintage cruisers that previously ruled American highways. You get a classic retro aesthetic from the teardrop-shaped fuel tank, spoke wheels, thick tire profile, and a scooped seat.
Suzuki Boulevard C50T Performance Specs
Displacement |
805cc |
Engine Type |
Air-cooled, V-twin SOHC |
Power |
53 horsepower |
Torque |
52 pound-feet |
Weight |
644 pounds |
Transmission |
5 speed |
A fuel-injected, 805cc V-twin engine producing 53 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque powers the motorcycle. The throttle is nice and snappy, and the power delivery is fairly smooth. The Suzuki Boulevard C50 is a wonderful option for folks who are avid tourers because it has a lot of low-end torque to offer as well as a good line of accessories and bags to aid long-distance travel.
Pros
- Reliability
- A whole range of after-market accessories
- Low ownership costs
Cons
- It feels a little underpowered
- The brakes could be a touch stronger
- Feels heavy