Low-Cost Motorcycles Rising in Collectible Status
The alphas of the motorbike world really know how to make a scene, but there are some underdogs quickly gaining attention. These bikes are budget, but their value goes much deeper than their price tag.
Honda CB750 (DOHC Models) (1979–1983)
Back in ’69 the CB750 was the first superbike and it was upgraded a decade later into the DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts) model for even better performance! It’s durable, affordable and if problems crop up you can usually solve them with a wrench and some elbow grease.
Kawasaki KZ900 (1976–1977)
Kawasaki released the now-legendary Z1 in answer to the CB750, and the KZ900 is its sequel. It's loud and proud with a roaring air-cooled inline-four engine, but it’s rarer to find now so you’ll have to keep your eyes open. It’s pure 1970s era motorbike joy.
Yamaha RD350 (1973–1975)
Instead of the common four-stroke engine the RD350 has a two-stroke - twice the firing, twice the fun! Its power and ability to beat bikes several times its size has earned the RD350 the nickname “Giant Killer,” and while that engine needs more maintenance, it’s worth the effort to fly.
Suzuki GT750 (“Water Buffalo”) (1971–1977)
Featuring the introduction of the first liquid-cooled three-cylinder two-stroke engine - hence its nickname “Water Buffalo” - the GT750 was weird and wonderful. Despite its heavy size (it really earned that buffalo comparison) it was smooth as silk, and collectors are finally beginning to appreciate its unique charms.
Honda CX500 (1978–1983)
The CX500 is a funky fiend, rocking a V-twin engine, a car-like driveshaft instead of a chain and on top of that, it’s water-cooled. Despite its peculiarities, it’s super reliable; in fact, it’s the bike of choice for commuters, couriers and cops alike! It’s fashionable, but still affordable.
Yamaha XS650 (1969–1985)
Yamaha took inspiration from the British-style twin engine with the XS650 and added the parallel twin, a motor with a rumble like thunder. There are loads of parts out there, and because it's one of the most modded bikes in history there’s a huge community for it.
Kawasaki ZRX1100/ZRX1200 (1997–2005)
The ZRX is Kawasaki’s respectful nod towards the 1980s Eddie Lawson Superbike, so it’s big, powerful and has enough torque for you to surf on. Offering comfort, speed and refinement you don’t usually see in a muscle bike, clean ZRX values are climbing like monkeys.
Suzuki SV650 (Carbureted Models) (1999–2002)
An all-rounder that can take a licking and keep on ticking, the SV650 (particularly the rawer, carbureted first gen models) are lightweight, zippy and fun! Beloved by everyone from commuters to stunt riders to racers, they’re still budget-friendly - just check for frame damage before you buy.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R (1986–2007)
The Ninja 250R is a great example of how good things come in small packages, and it can rev past 12,000 RPM - that’s crazy for its size! Because it’s so simple and reliable, it can last forever with regular oil changes and basic maintenance.
Honda VF500F Interceptor (1984–1986)
With a V4 engine - that was cutting-edge tech in the ’80s, and unusual on a small sportbike - the VF500F sounds more like a Formula 1 motorcycle and it has bags of character! Replacement parts can be a bit tough to find, but there’s a lot of love going out to the VF500F.
Suzuki GS750 (1976–1983)
When Suzuki released the GS750, it was its first real four- stroke bike they’d thrown into the ring, and it was a heavy hitter. Its engine was bulletproof, the design simple but effective and it was fast, too! It cemented Suzuki’s reputation for performance.
Yamaha FZ600 (1986–1988)
One of the first middleweight sports bikes that looked like it came from the racetrack, the FZ600 was cat-like in its sleek shape and agility. It went under the radar in its day, but collectors have sat up and taken notice, especially since the ’80s have come back in style.
Honda CB500 Four (1971–1974)
The CB500 is a lighter relation to the CB750, but it's a significantly rarer find these days. There’s no doubt that it’s a gorgeous beast - just look at those chrome fenders, the quad exhaust and spoked wheels - but it also has balance and performance in spades.
BMW R65 (1978–1984)
The unique horizontally-opposed engine layout makes the R65 a collector curiosity, and the fact that it’s an affordable BMW is just as attractive. It does have other things going for it though, such as its design simplicity and excellent balance - it’s essentially a scaled-down version of the R-series bikes.
Kawasaki GPz550 (1981–1985)
The GPz550 was essentially a Ninja before the series was conceived, its light frame and nimble inline-four made it a big hit in the ’80s, particularly post-1982 which improved both suspension and styling. These days, red and black versions are super popular among collectors.
Moto Guzzi V65 (1982–1986)
The Guzzi V65 is a weird one, but all the more lovable for it! Its Transverse V twin engine has quirky Italian style and a unique torque feel while its comparatively lighter weight gives it a Euro vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s not perfect, but it’s characterful.
Honda CB350F (1972–1974)
As the smallest four-cylinder motorcycle ever made for mass production, the CB350F already has a claim to fame, but it’s more than just reputation. It purrs like a cat with cream and has a smooth refinery unheard of in the ’70s, but it’s rare due to a short production run.
Yamaha SR500 (1978–1981)
If you’re after an honest, mechanical arrow with no fancy tech or flashy gimmicks, the SR500 proves all of that by the bucketload. It’s simple, tough and easy to wrench on, plus it gets retro-cool style points as a kickstart-only thumper.
Suzuki GS500E (1989–2002)
The GS500E is an entry-level twin-cylinder sport standard that’s been around for a long time so you can still pick them up cheaply, though earlier models are getting more attention. It’s basic but reliable, and easy to work with - so much, in fact, that finding one not modified is rare.
Kawasaki KE100 (1976–2001)
This bike’s 100cc two-stroke dual-sport engine essentially makes it a street-legal dirt bike, so it was many a rider’s introduction to the world of motorcycles. That gives the KE100 nostalgic value, as does its cool retro styling. It’s a cool project too, since they’re easy to restore.
Honda CBX (6-Cylinder) (1979–1982)
Honda was flexing hard when it created the CBX at the end of the ’70s, and it made motorcycle enthusiasts swoon! It was six everything - a unicorn-rare inline-six engine with six exhausts, six carbs and a sound like Pavorotti singing death metal. Its performance and smoothness are legendary.
Yamaha RZ350 (1983–1986)
Notable as the last street-legal two-stroke motorcycle in the U.S., the RZ350 showed off Yamaha’s tech voodoo with the YPVS (or the “Yamaha Power Valve System”) so it was fast, light and basically rebellion on wheels. It’s got a dedicated following among two-stroke collectors.
Kawasaki Concours (ZG1000) (1986–2006)
If you can pick up a pre-2000 ZG1000 model you’ll find it offers retro charm on a very affordable budget, but either way you’re looking at a capable sport-tourer that combines shaft-drive, a big tank and fairings to make it not only a practical powerhouse, but a reliable one, too!
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 (1986–2003, Pre-Rubber Mount Era)
The Sportster 883 is pure Americana with an air-cooled, American V-twin engine that’s mounted directly to the frame, so it’s as raw as they come - especially if it’s from the pre-rubber mount era. You’ll feel every thump like you’re touching the tarmac yourself, and love every minute of it.
Royal Enfield Bullet (Iron Barrel) (1955–2008, India)
Because it’s been on the market unchanged for half a century, the Enfield Bullet is the perfect example of “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” in motorcycle form! It threw performance out the window in favor of pure workhorse resilience, and it’s like a wheeled cockroach - it just keeps going.
Honda Nighthawk 750 (1991–2003)
The Nighthawk 750 was underappreciated for many years, and now collectors are vacuuming up mint condition models. It’s not flashy or fancy, but it’s the Honda Civic of motorcycles: it’s got a bulletproof inline-four engine, it’s comfortable and affordable, and its hydraulic valve adjusters means virtually no maintenance is needed.
Buell Blast (2000–2009)
The Blast was created with the intention of being simple, affordable and small, though its weird aesthetic and oddball charm split riders’ opinions right down the middle. It’s not without its charm though; it comes with a 492cc thumper, belt drive and self-adjusting valves, so it’s fun to tinker with.
Yamaha Virago 750 (1981–1997)
Shoutout to the Virago 750 as the first Japanese motorcycle with a proper V-twin layout, its beautiful styling and air-cooled simplicity effectively challenged Harley in the ’80s - that’s no simple feat. Early mono-shock models are quite unique and a particular interest among collectors.
Kawasaki W650 (1999–2007)
Taking inspiration from British bikes, Kawasaki released the W650 to evoke the same feel but improved on the formula with Japanese precision. It only sold for a year in the U.S. - from 2000-2001 - so it’s a rarity, while its bevel-drive camshaft/kickstarter combo make it vintage catnip.
Suzuki DR350 (1990–2001)
Although it won’t wow any crowds, the DR350 is like a mountain goat in motorcycle form: light, nimble and capable of scaling mountains if you need it to. Despite being a beginner-friendly trail bike, the DR350S/SE models are also street-legal from the factory. They’re durable and low maintenance, too!
Honda CB1100F (1983)
Yeah, that’s right - the CB1100F superbike was only available for a year and was the last air-cooled CB model. Its rarity makes it super desirable to collectors, but it was no slouch performance-wise either - it packed a 1,062cc DOHC inline-four and handled like a dream.
Triumph Bonneville T140 (1973–1983)
Just before Triumph went under it released a 750cc version of the beloved Bonneville, and the T140 was the result. It was faster than its predecessor (later models even came with an electric start) and even its classic Brit-bike maintenance levels makes collectors love it all the more.
Honda GB500 “Tourist Trophy” (1989–1990)
The GB500 was built as a tribute to 1950s Isle of Man TT bikes, and Honda gave it a 500cc single-cylinder for its classic brand look. Its stylish, lightweight and its kickstart-only feature gives it vintage appeal.
Yamaha FZR600 (1989–1999)
Bringing race-replica aesthetics to the table, the FZR600 is one of the first sportbikes to break 100+ horsepower. Since they were ridden hard, it’s tough to find one in mint condition or unmodified - collectors pay good money for ‘em.
KTM Duke 620/640 (1994–2007)
If you want a wild ride, the Duke has you covered! You won’t find anything smooth about it - it’s loud, aggressive and has torque rippling off it from its big, single-cylinder engine. The Duke is raw, and doesn’t care who knows it!
