Honda motorcycles
The best Honda motorcycle models
Crosstourer is another modification of the model that is perfect for adult and confident men.
GL1800 Gold Wing is a touring bike that enjoys well-deserved popularity all over the world.
The CBR1000RR Fireblade is a powerful sportbike whose design combines many years of tradition and the latest fashion trends.
Yamaha motorcycles
Yamaha entered the market later than Honda and has been its main competitor ever since. The main feature of Yamaha motorcycles is a unique design that minimizes the weight of the vehicle. For this reason, even miniature girls and boys who have barely crossed the threshold of adulthood confidently ride in the saddle of such bikes.
The best Yamaha motorcycle models
YBR 125 is a motorcycle with a small engine capacity, more like a moped. However, this is a full-fledged bike that incorporates all the advantages of Yamaha technology. If a person is just starting to learn to ride a motorcycle, this model will be an excellent choice.
The YZF-R1 is the choice of those who want a sports bike, but at the same time ride mostly in the city. The model is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, and the front and rear suspensions have an adjustment function, which allows you to customize the motorcycle to suit you.
YZF-R6 is currently the most technologically advanced Yamaha model. What does this mean? It's simple - the motorcycle is equipped with a variety of electronic devices that allow the driver to not make much effort while driving. The YZF-R6 is a pleasure to ride.
Key points when buying a Japanese motorcycle
The factors to consider when purchasing a Japanese brand motorcycle are no different from the aspects to consider when purchasing any type of motorcycle. However, to help you narrow down your search, we've put together this quick guide to the ten most important elements to understand when you're looking to buy a new Japanese motorcycle.
Class and intended use . Whether you're buying a new or used motorcycle, your hunt should always start with considering your intended riding applications. For example, whether you plan to use the bike for daily commuting, long trips or off-road adventures. Using your intended use as a starting point, you can then begin to narrow your search by looking at models with features and functions that suit your specific riding.
Transmission . As the heart of a motorcycle, its powertrain is of utmost importance. When looking at engines, you'll want to look at displacement, number of cylinders and engine configuration, type, cooling system, final drive system, and fuel delivery system. Fortunately, three-quarters of a century of motorcycle research and development has resulted in the modern market consisting of motorcycles with unparalleled reliability and performance, making it difficult to find a modern Japanese-made motorcycle with an inferior engine.
Output power . Bore, stroke, number of cylinders, configuration and a variety of other elements all work together to determine an engine's horsepower and torque output. When combined with the motorcycle's curb weight (aka its weight when it's fueled up and ready to ride), these power figures give a much better idea of the motorcycle's net performance. Lastly, horsepower and torque will also play a huge role in the acceleration and top speed of a motorcycle.
Size and weight . The weight and dimensions of the motorcycle will also help you better understand how it rides and handles. Heavier bikes will provide greater stability, especially at high speeds, although the increased volume reduces agility and handling. It's also worth noting that weight begets more weight, so a bike with a more powerful engine will subsequently require a larger (and heavier) frame, bigger brakes and firmer suspension, making them even heavier. It's also always worth checking the seat height of any model you're considering.
Components . While a motorcycle engine is responsible for propelling the motorcycle, its braking and cornering abilities come down to the components it is equipped with. For this reason, you'll want to look into suspension parts and brake hardware, as well as other smaller but still important items such as rear racks or pegs, handlebar (or clip) mounting, lighting, and wheels. Apart from the engine, components play a crucial role in the performance of any motorcycle and are also a huge area that separates the most expensive motorcycles today from the more economical and budget motorcycles.
Technologies and Aids for Riders . Over the past decade, the motorcycle industry has seen huge technological leaps in the form of modern electronic rider assistance and intervention aids. Initially developed and used in high-level elite motorsport, and then gradually moved to production models. These driver aids include rear wheelie steering, skid and engine braking, cornering anti-lock brakes, and advanced traction control and power delivery systems that help keep Japan's powerful models under control. Many of today's motorcycles also include full-color LCD displays, active suspension settings, and fly-by-wire throttle systems with multiple fuel maps (also known as "ride modes").
Real performance . Armed with the specs of this model, admittedly, it will give a pretty decent performance feel thanks to figures such as power output, weight and acceleration time. As such, we encourage one and all to always test ride not only the specific model you are considering, but also other competitors' models to better understand how the bike performs, as well as how it is suitable for riding.
Motorcyclist experience. With their sleek and aggressive looks, it's not hard to see why so many people are attracted to high-performance late-model superbikes, although it's incredibly important to note that just because you can afford it and/or legally ride it doesn't mean you should (or that it's in good idea anyway). In the same way you probably wouldn't advise someone to learn to ride behind the wheel of a modern hypercar, we would urge any racer not to try to start their career on a full-size motorcycle as it won't help. It will only be more dangerous, less forgiving and difficult to control, but it will also hinder your ability to grow and progress as a rider.
Price and value . Lower than bikes made in Germany, Austria and Italy. Motorcycles from Japan tend to cost less than their European counterparts without having to sacrifice performance. The sheer amount of motorcycle performance you can currently get for $10,000 or less is truly astounding.
Aesthetics. Motorcycles are utilitarian tools designed to function and serve a specific purpose. With that said, there's nothing wrong with being influenced by the bike's appearance, although it shouldn't be the determining factor in your purchase and should give way to intended use (and rider experience). And as important as a motorcycle's livery is to its overall aesthetic, you can always easily opt for a vinyl wrap that can be removed at any time.
Kawasaki motorcycles
Kawasaki specializes in racing motorcycles. The Ninja series is especially popular among fans of high speeds. These motorcycles are very reliable and do not cause any problems during maintenance. Many Kawasaki owners repair their “iron horses” themselves.
The best Kawasaki motorcycle models
The ZXR400 is a sportbike with an engine capacity of 400 cubic centimeters. Thanks to this, it quickly gains momentum and speed.
The ZX12R Ninja is one of the newest models, the engine of which allows you to accelerate to an incredible 310 km/h.
The ZZR 400 is a well-proven motorcycle, in addition to its powerful engine, it also attracts attention with its stylish finish. The presence of built-in wind protection and comfortable seating make the model the optimal solution for travelers.
Sports
Sports motorcycles are designed taking into account the requirements of specific competitions, so they can differ in design within subcategories. Common characteristics include: powerful engine, light weight, high maneuverability.
Important
You should not buy a sports motorcycle for beginners or for driving around the city. Many of the models are prohibited for use in populated areas due to current restrictions on motorcycle power and noise level requirements.
Suzuki TL 1000
The Suzuki TL 1000 motocross motorcycle was produced in 1997-2003. Weight - 187 kg. Accompanied by a reputation as a problematic technology, but with a high-torque engine, which was later installed on other bikes of the brand.
Equipped with a two-cylinder V-shaped (90°) engine with a power of 135 hp, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The design is based on an aluminum frame. Fully adjustable sports suspensions are used. Gearbox - 6-speed. The brakes are located at the front (2 discs) and rear (1 disc). The gas tank holds 17 liters of fuel.
Pros:
- powerful engine;
- adjustable sports suspension;
- excellent acceleration dynamics.
Minuses:
- small tank;
- difficulties with handling due to overheating of the rear suspension.
You will hardly find this motocross motorcycle under 100 thousand. Prices start from this point.
Honda VFR 400
A radical sportbike for the track. Year of first production: 1986. Until 1998, the motorcycle was updated and modernized. Intended for the domestic market of Japan, but has become widespread beyond its borders, especially popular in the UK.
Equipped with a four-cylinder, four-stroke V-twin (90°) liquid-cooled engine producing 59 hp. and a 6-speed gearbox. Accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. and picks up speed up to 200 km/h. The braking system consists of 2 front discs with a 4-piston caliper and 1 rear disc with a 2-piston caliper. The gas tank holds 16 liters of fuel. Consumption 3.33 liters per 100 km at a speed of 60 km/h.
Pros:
- economical fuel consumption;
- smooth, powerful traction;
- grippy brakes.
Minuses:
- small tank;
- not suitable for novice drivers.
Prices for this cross model start from 100,000 rubles.
Kawasaki ZZR400
The sportbike is suitable for beginner athletes and tourists, thanks to its easy-going nature and excellent handling. First released in 1990 for the Japanese market.
Equipped with a 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a power of 53 hp, 6-speed transmission. It reaches speeds of up to 180 km/h, but after 120 km/h the dynamics deteriorate. The gas tank holds 16 liters of fuel. Brakes on both wheels: two discs on the first, one on the rear.
Pros:
- inexpensive maintenance;
- comfortable fit;
- there is wind protection;
- spacious fuel tank.
Minuses:
- not economical;
- simple design.
For 100,000 rubles you can buy a well-preserved Kawasaki ZZR400 from the late 90s.
Suzuki motorcycles
The Suzuki company produces bikes for all categories of buyers. This allows it to constantly increase the volume of equipment supplies to different regions of the world.
The best models of Suzuki motorcycles
The A100 is a classic motorcycle that first went on sale in 1967. Not long ago, its updated version AX100 was presented, which won the hearts of all retro lovers.
VL125/250 Intruder LC - bikes for those who get out on the highway at least several times a year to travel several hundred, or even thousands of kilometers.
The TL1000S is a sportbike that fits seamlessly into modern market realities.
Source
In the USA, the popular and authoritative magazine Consumer Reports, which has been engaged in consumer surveys and product research since 1936, has once again conducted a study on the reliability of motorcycles.
As a result, a trend and a number of specific results were obtained. The trend showed that over the years studied, Japanese motorcycles were the most reliable, American ones were much inferior to them, and German ones looked the worst (which looks, to put it mildly, strange, but still).
Yamaha turned out to be the best brand in terms of reliability - only every tenth of the studied bikes of this brand required some kind of repair over 4 years. Kawasaki and Honda were in second place with a slight lag behind the winner.
But at the very bottom of the reliability rating, according to American consumers, as it turned out, are American and German brands. For Harley-Davidson, the figure was 25% of bikes (every fourth motorcycle of this brand required repairs over the 4 years studied).
For BMW, the situation turned out to be even worse, according to Consumer Reports - every third bike of this brand required repairs in 4 years.
Suzuki and Triumph, however, were not included in the rating due to the fact that there were not enough of their owners willing to provide the researchers with the necessary data.
In general, approximately 20% of the bikes studied developed some kind of technical problems over the specified 4 years, but 75% of these problems could be fixed for an amount of less than $200.
Touring bikes gave their owners the most problems, then dual-purpose sportbikes, then sport tourers, then cruisers and road motorcycles. According to Consumer Reports, some of the most reliable motorcycles in general now include the Honda CBR line and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX6-R.
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Source
Which motorcycles are the most reliable?
Reliability is the ability to maintain the values of parameters that determine the ability to perform certain functions in the required mode. In relation to a motorcycle, reliability means its trouble-free operation, and it is usually measured by mileage before repair.
There is an opinion that the most reliable bikes in the world are Japanese. This opinion (prejudice?) is typical not only for Russia, but also for other countries. The list of leaders in reliability often also includes manufacturers from Italy, Germany and the UK.
Honda
Having surveyed more than 12,000 motorcyclists from Britain, MCN identified the TOP 5 motorcycle models in the “reliability” category among sportbikes. As a result, all five places in the ranking were occupied by Honda bikes:
Honda is a leading company in the number of motorcycle models that have been awarded the title of “most reliable” at different times in different countries. The owners of these bikes claim that Honda, with proper maintenance, can operate without problems for 20 years or even more.
Honda CB 750
Honda CB 750 is a cubic classic, also known throughout the world as the most widespread representative of the CB series, also due to its legendary reliability. Bikes with this name rolled off the assembly line from 1969 to 2003. At the Motorcycle Museum in Colorado, America, you can see a Honda CB 750 with a mileage of 1 million kilometers - a more than decent indicator for a motorcycle.
Another study on the topic “Which motorcycles are the most reliable”, already conducted by the US National Consumer Reports Center, provides different results:
The subjectivity of the research is also due to the fact that compliance with the rules of running-in, subsequent operation and maintenance, and the quality of fuel and oils often becomes almost decisive in matters of reliability.
Experienced bikers claim that, other things being equal, a motorcycle with a larger displacement and less forced engine is more reliable. In addition, a motorcycle equipped with a driveshaft instead of a chain or drive belt requires less maintenance. Four-stroke engines have long proven their increased “survivability” compared to two-stroke engines, but if you do not take into account the need to replace piston rings, then modern two-stroke engines can please caring owners for a long time.
The title of “most reliable” is usually awarded not only in the “absolute”, but also in individual classes. A perfect example of this is the favorite of stunt riders, the HONDA CBR F4i. The reputation of the legendary reliability of this motorcycle is formed not only by the engine, but also by other components (strong frame, powerful subframe that does not require reinforcement), important for operation in the specific conditions of stunt riding.
“Strong” bikes in other classes: Honda Magna (cruiser), Yamaha Super Tenere, Honda Africa Twin, BMW R80GS (all enduro), Honda CUB (moped/motorcycle). The favorites in the category “The most reliable domestic motorcycle” in most polls are IZh Planet and Minsk.
Source
Experts analyzed the motorcycle market.
American experts analyzed the motorcycle market and came to the conclusion that the most reliable bikes are produced in Japan. The data was shared with readers by Consumer Reports.
During the study, analysts examined 4,680 motorcycles of different brands and models. The reporting period was four years - from 2009 to 2012. It is curious that readers of the publication provided their motorcycles for testing.
According to the test results, it was revealed that the most reliable “steel horses” have a Japanese registration, American bikes are far behind them in quality. German motorcycles are noticeably inferior to both.
Among the “horses” from the Land of the Rising Sun, Yamaha bikes are recognized as the best. According to the publication, only one in ten motorcycles needs repairs within four years. The results of Honda and Kawasaki are not much worse.
The most common malfunctions, occurring in 21% of cases, are failures of lighting devices, dashboard and switches. Another 20% of breakdowns occur in the brake system, and the fuel system failed American bikers in 15% of cases. Moreover, only a quarter of motorcyclists spent $200 in repairs.
Most often, touring motorcycles broke down, and a little less often, sportbikes. Sports tourists, road bikes and cruisers are the least likely to break down.
In conclusion, the experts expressed the opinion that the most reliable motorcycles are the Honda CBR and Kawasaki Ninja ZX6-R series.
True, it was the owners of Harley-Davidson and BMW who expressed complete satisfaction with their equipment. 75% of American owners said that they would buy a motorcycle of this brand in the future and reliability would not affect their choice in any way. 74% of owners of German “horses” spoke the same way. Japanese Honda won the hearts of 72% of its owners. But the most reliable ones - Yamaha and Kawasaki - completely satisfy their owners only 63 and 60%, respectively.
It is worth noting that readers were not able to provide a sufficient number of Suzuki and Triumph motorcycles for the test, so they did not participate in the study.
Source
Purchase method
There are three main ways to purchase a used motorcycle.
Method number 1. By advertisement
The advantage of the method: you can find a very cheap option.
Disadvantage: there is a high probability of spending the same amount of money on repairs a month later.
Method No. 2. Through an intermediary company
Advantage: everything is done for you - you just come and choose the model you like from the options presented.
Disadvantage: the most expensive method - you have to pay for mediation.
Method number 3. At a Japanese auction
Advantage: the opportunity to purchase a high-quality motorcycle with minimal wear and tear.
Disadvantage: having to wait several months for delivery. The price depends on the exchange rate.
For more information on how to order a car or motorcycle at a Japanese auction, read the article: “Buying a car at an auction in Japan. Step-by-step instruction".
Honda motorcycles
Crosstourer
Today it is one of the best-selling models. This sport-tour bike is suitable for self-confident men who value freedom, but do not neglect comfort and safety.
The bike complies with the Euro-4 environmental standard. At the same time, this motorcycle cannot boast of having modern “bells and whistles”, so it is unlikely to appeal to those who are used to enjoying all the “benefits of motorcycle construction” (numerous sensors, heated seats, xenon).
GL1800 Gold Wing
A powerful cruiser is suitable for those who love a comfortable ride in all weather conditions. Thanks to a special air flow distribution system, even in cold weather it is pleasant and easy to ride.
A fast, powerful, beautiful, stylish motorcycle, however, has a couple of drawbacks - insufficient maneuverability and a large amount of plastic in the casing.
Selecting the number of cubes
The next step is to decide on the required number of cubes. You should rely on the following criteria:
- The golden rule of a motorcyclist is to take a motorcycle that you can lift. Weight is directly related to cubic capacity. For example, to service 120-130 kg you need a 250 cc engine, for 160-180 kg - 400-600 cc, for 200-210 - 750 cc, etc.
- The number of cubes directly affects the cost of the motorcycle, so budget is one of the determining factors.
- More experience is required to operate a powerful model. Therefore, beginners take motorcycles with a 250 cc engine. For those who are confident in their abilities, you can take it “for growth.”
- If you have previously only had experience riding Russian motorcycles, when calculating the required cubic capacity, keep in mind that the same cubes of the “Japanese” will be more powerful.
