These Motorcycles Became Less Cool With Each Passing Year
Not all motorcycles mature as well as good wines. Some once-iconic rides have fallen from favor because of outdated technology, shifting consumer preferences, or simply unattractive design. Continue reading to look back on 35 motorcycles that were once cool but lost their appeal over time.
Harley-Davidson XR1000
Known as Harley's street-racing rebel, the XR1000 was known for its performance and attitude. However, its hefty body and antiquated technology didn't age well. These days, sleeker, faster vehicles that perform the same tasks without the quirky features of the past have eclipsed it, making it more of a garage decoration than a road warrior.
Honda CB750F Super Sport
In its peak, the CB750F was a marvel that combined sporting flair with dependability. However, its moderate power and weight caused it to fall behind when sportbike standards changed. Yes, it is still admired, but it is no longer the performance poster child.
Kawasaki Z1
You might remember the Z1 from the ‘70s, which (understandably) earned its place in motorcycle history. But nostalgia has its limits! In contrast to the highly technologically equipped superbikes of today, it feels more like a museum piece than a collectible ride.
Yamaha RD350
Everyone knows this bike’s two-stroke genius, which is why the RD350 became a street legend. It was punchy, lightweight, and rebellious - the ideal combination. But it was less sparkling due to reliability issues and emissions crackdowns.
Suzuki GT750
The GT750, often known as the "Water Buffalo," was Suzuki's daring foray into liquid cooling. It was definitely modern, but it was also bulky and thirsty. The allure of the GT750 diminished as sportbikes became more streamlined and faster. Nowadays, its nickname is all that people remember about it.
BMW R65
The R65 was BMW's subtle middleweight, small and accurate. This bike was tidy and handled nicely, but it didn't have the same charisma as its larger siblings. Its simple feel becomes monotonous over time. It's the type of bike you admire rather than extol.
Triumph Trident T160
Triumph's T160, with its triple-cylinder appeal and British flair, was their response to the superbike craze. But reliability issues and outmoded styling soon overtook it. You might be surprised by this one, but this bike is not as cool as its name!
Norton Commando 850
The Commando 850 was a powerful, stylish, and distinctly British motorbike in its day. Time, however, was not on its side. Its technical quirks and intense competition weakened its appeal, making you feel as though you wasted your money!
Ducati 750 GT
Ducati's unique look developed in part because of the 750 GT. Its modest horsepower and subtle design, however, are not enough to rival the brand's modern monsters. This bike would need to do a lot more than simply shine to win over the hearts of enthusiasts!
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
The Le Mans had eye-catching looks and a unique V-twin grumble. And, for a long period, it was an industry favourite! Nevertheless, its outdated design and unusual handling are now out of style. These days, it's more of a niche love project than a widely admired machine.
BSA Rocket 3
Once a favorite, the Rocket 3 had a triple-cylinder configuration and aggressive design. Nowadays, people are more interested in discussing it than riding it. It serves as a reminder that not all audacious ideas are successful.
Vincent Black Shadow
The Black Shadow was a legendary production bike that was once the quickest in the world. Its aura, however, is largely historical today. Rare, costly, and unusable, it's better suited for exhibition than regular rides. The cool factor? Not on the saddle, but still there in spirit.
Indian Scout 101
Being agile, fashionable, and innovative, the Scout 101 was a marvel of its era. However, contemporary Scouts have taken center stage. The original now seems like a sepia-toned relic: endearing, sure, but devoid of the polish and punch that modern riders need.
Matchless G80
Despite its British grit and rustic charm, the G80 never quite won over many admirers. Its appearance was unimpressive, and its performance was mediocre. Nowadays, riders seeking thrills are less likely to be familiar with it than fans who value its history.
Ariel Square Four
Although the Square Four's distinctive engine architecture was a technical wonder, it was heavy and complicated. Engineers adored the bike, and riders put up with it. It's more of a mechanical curiosity now than a stylish cruiser.
Royal Enfield Interceptor (pre-Modern)
The original Interceptor was a bit of a mess - underpowered and uninspired - before its chic makeover. Sure, it had charm, but not enough to match competitors. The original was reduced to a footnote in Enfield's comeback tale as the newer version took all the credit.
Velocette Venom
Despite having a devoted fan base and a racing heritage, the Venom's limited appeal did not translate into long-lasting cool. So, this bike is more for purists, rather than casual admirers.
Bultaco Metralla
The Metralla was a two-stroke sweetheart; vivacious and light. But its outdated technology and niche appeal caused it to fall behind. While the rest of the riding community moved on to cleaner, quicker, and more dependable motorcycles, vintage racing enthusiasts are now the ones who remember it the most.
Honda CTX700N
The CTX700N felt uninteresting despite its attempt to combine cruiser comfort with commuting usefulness. Nobody was particularly impressed by its automated transmission or subdued look. Operational? Indeed. Cool? Not at all.
Indian Chief Classic
The classic aesthetic of the 2013 Chief Classic felt more like a costume than an actual, well-performing vehicle. Newer models made it seem like yesterday's news, and its attractiveness gradually diminished.
Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Concept (2013)
The V-Strom 1000 concept teased adventure but delivered awkward proportions and forgettable styling. It had potential, but the execution didn’t inspire. As adventure bikes evolved, this one got left behind - functional, yes, but not the kind of bike that sparks excitement.
Bimota DB9 Brivido (2012)
The DB9 Brivido was a costly and exotic vehicle with performance credentials, but its design caused controversy. The pricing didn't help either; it seemed to be trying too hard. These days, it's not so much a fantasy bike as a collector's curiosity.
Honda Gold Wing GL1800 AC (2012)
Although the Gold Wing is renowned for its comfort, the 2012 GL1800 AC went too far in the direction of luxury. More tour buses than motorcycles were involved. Although they missed the excitement, riders adored the features. It's still a terrific ride, it's just no longer ‘cool’.
‘12 BMW F800ST
Though well-built and useful, the F800ST was never particularly thrilling. More than the ethos of sport touring, it had a commuter attitude. It was simple to ignore over time due to its subtle appearance and lackluster performance.
‘12 Yamaha TW200
The TW200 had a cult following thanks to its chunky tires and oddball appearance, but it never really caught on with the hip crowd. Yes, it's entertaining, but it's also plodding and ungainly. The TW200 became less essential and more of a novelty as dual-sports became faster and sleeker.
‘11 Triumph Rocket 3 Roadster
Despite its striking style and raw force, the Rocket 3 Roadster lacked elegance. It was a little too much, noisy, and large. The Roadster felt like a preliminary draft when later iterations improved the recipe. Yes, impressive, but not inherently cool.
Suzuki Boulevard M109R
The M109R was a divisive attempt to be a muscle cruiser with sportbike flair. Despite its strength, its large size and ungainly proportions failed to win anyone over. It evolved from a style icon to more of a niche choice.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero
Aiming for bagger swagger, the Vaquero ended up looking somewhere in between bloated and brazen. Its performance was mediocre, and its styling didn't hold up with time. The Vaquero's allure gently faded into the distance as touring bikes became more sophisticated.
‘12 Indian Chief Vintage
The Chief Vintage had a retro feel thanks to its leather fringe and white walls, but it felt more costume-like than vintage. It looked fantastic when parked, but not so much when moving. This model served as a reminder of the brand's progress as Indian improved its assortment.
Yamaha Virago 535
In the 1990s, the Virago 535 was a cruiser gateway drug as it was reasonably priced, approachable, and sufficiently attractive. However, its antiquated design and tiny engine failed to hold up. These days, it's more of a beginner bike than a showpiece.
Honda DN-01
In addition to having a sci-fi experiment-like appearance, the DN-01 also rode like one. Its futuristic design and automated transmission confused rather than pleased. It wasn't pretty, but it was daring. Its quirkiness, more than its wow impact, is what people remember about it now.
Suzuki Katana (early 2000s)
Suzuki failed in its attempt to bring a legend back to life in the early 2000s. Its performance didn't live up to the hype, and its styling seemed forced. As vintage sportbikes became more popular, this Katana became less noticeable.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R (pre-2013)
Although many riders considered the Ninja 250R a rite of passage, its pre-2013 iterations lacked refinement. It felt more like an appliance than an adrenaline rush due to its simple design and understated performance. It was left behind, both literally and symbolically, by more recent entry-level sportbikes.
Harley-Davidson Street 500/750
Harley failed in its endeavor to draw in new riders with the Street series. The bikes lacked the distinctive Harley character and felt underpowered. Yes, they were inexpensive, but they weren't aspirational—more like a business strategy than a symbol of culture.
Aprilia Mana 850
The Mana 850's automatic gearbox and scooter-like functionality aren't what most motorbike riders are looking for. It was intelligent and fluid, yet uninteresting. It eventually became the response to a query that not many people had.
