Right off the bat when you see BMW, you know this won’t be one of the bikes you can get your hands on for $10,000 dollars or less. You do, however, know that you’ll be driving away on a high-quality machine that the Bavarian brand is known for.
This version is fairly heavy at 487 pounds, and does best on city streets, though it handles pretty well if you take it off-roading too. The R nineT Urban GS is available for $14,250 or more.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
The 2020 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a steal at just $5,999. The café style cruiser has a 648cc, air & oil-cooled twin-engine. It is separated from the bodywork via a dual cradle frame.
The retro-style dates back to the 1960s. It still holds that classics feel along with the signature horizontal split through the center of the bike. The GT 650 has superb ergonomics and a sporty feel, making it perfect for driving through the city, or down those long and winding country roads. The bike is currently on the market for right below $6,000.
Yamaha V Star 250
The 2020 Yamaha V Star 250 has a unique air-cooled engine, with 249ccs of smooth-yet-noticeable power. The bike almost acts like a time machine, transporting riders back to 1988, when the first of its line was made.
Today it still comes along in the same retro style, equipped with a carburetor, twin shocks, and a rear drum brake. Taking the bike on the highway? No problem. It will deliver 78 miles to the gallon in fuel. Plus, at $4,349, it’s one great ride that comes wrapped in an affordable package.
Suzuki SV650X
This fairly standard bike from Suzuki was designed to be a good all-around vehicle, made for everything from commuting to road-tripping across the country.
Its comfortable seat makes it a smart choice for long trips, and it’s strong and sturdy enough to handle plenty of twists and turns. The 2020 Suzuki SV650X is available for $8,399 and had a plethora of positive reviews since it hit the market. This bike is the perfect mix of modernity and nostalgia. Who’s ready to hit the road?
Triumph Thruxton RS
The Thruxton RS is the most powerful twin produced by Triumph. The 2020 model comes along with an upgraded (read: more powerful) engine. It weighs more than a dozen pounds and has a few other touch-ups here and there.
Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the bike is the liquid-cooled 1200cc hp twin-engine. Full of sleek, sporty, efficient ergonomics, the Thruxton RS is happiest on winding, paved roads. A new version of the bike comes with a price tag of $16,200.