Top 10 Modern Classic Motorcycles of 2023

[@danielmcneil3004]

I think that the W800 should have been high on your list. One of the best looking retro classics out there.

[@LoudValves]

far more classic than some on this list ...

[@fritzcastillo8905]

Un

[@icedidi]

damn right - I just bought one

[@GapBahnDirk]

Yes!

[@Bob-xc2us]

The W800 is one of the most authentic retro classic bikes on the market and it doesn't hurt that it is so gorgeous. It has no rider modes and not even a fuel gauge. It is the only retro that I know of that still uses a 360 degree crank just like all the old British bikes. Nothing sounds like a 360 degree twin. Everyone else is using a 270 degree crank and they sound nice but to me they just don't sound quite right. Too much like a V-twin. Can't imagine it not being on this list.

[@TheArtdecovampire]

The inclusion of the CFMoto really stretches the definition of modern classic. Then to say its good value compared with the Interceptor. Yes but the Interceptor is a modern classic, and will be a classic in its own right in a few decades. The CF would look as much part of the ace cafe as a flying saucer. Otherwise good choices.

[@denchua]

The W800, the truest modern classic, isn't even on the list. Wow... Pure air cooled no radiator, 360 degree crank, real twin exhausts, spoked wheels, analog dials. Only modern thing on that bike is fuel injection, disc brakes, LED headlight, and ABS. The bare minimum to pass regulations.

[@maneesh2316]

Interceptor doesn't even have led lights lol

[@kurdiansyahsiauw8202]

@@maneesh2316 interceptor 270° crank

[@MachoMadness69420]

XSR900 at the top, really? IMO it’s a very modern looking bike with a few throwback design features, but it does not go anywhere near far enough to be consider a retro bike as such. And this is coming from someone who bought a new MT-09 a couple of months ago.

[@sathishrao7926]

Exactly my thoughts !

[@ronwhite8503]

And it's fugly.

[@touchthebacon5447]

Recently picked up a 2019 Speed Twin 1200 and I have to say I wish I would have looked into this style of bike sooner. The Z900 RS is also in my crosshairs as well as a few others.

[@bluefoam]

I'm just back from an Italian bike meetup in Dublin. Out of all of these, I'll stick with my Moto Guzzi V7... It's a fantastic bike.

[@luckyleo88]

Any crazy expensive Italian bikes you saw? I'm outside Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick... good to know someone that watches this channel from Ireland!

[@bluefoam]

@@luckyleo88 lots of Ducatis, all ages. There was a panegali today, a few Moto Guzzi's including a Norje and a California trike. A few fast Aprilias too... They do the occasional meetup on the west coast too...

[@whiterabbitt2002]

I own a 2016 Motto Guzzi Stone II. Customized it to my liking. It is a very dependable bike. Definitely retro. Not a speed demon but more than ample power to put a smile on one's faace everytime it is ridden. And OMG, the 2022 MG V7 Special in blue is absolutely beautiful IMO.

[@davidleblanc8467]

While I'm sure that the Yamaha is a fine bike, it is the least Retro looking of the examples discussed. In fact, I find it hard to fine anything retro looking about it. The V7 interests me and I've never really considered Italian bikes before.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I would put on my modern classic list: Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Honda Monkey 125 Honda DAX 125 Honda CT125 Honda C125 Honda CB1100

[@visordown]

Are you a Honda fan by any chance?

[@abymathew295]

Honda CB1100 EX should be on the list.

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Yes it should, but sadly Honda discontinued it.

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Yes it should, but sadly Honda discontinued it.

[@johnshield8101]

A great shame they stopped making it. Was a nice bike. Honda never really marketed it properly.

[@abymathew295]

@@johnshield8101 . You are right, and the pricing was also too high i believe.

[@ant86chory]

For me, Motoguzzi is in my "taste", the machine looks so special,👍

[@MaverickAus]

Z900RS is the best of them all

[@olavoleite2416]

+1

[@SSS-mp8th]

R9T got my money, one of the best looking along with many in the Triumph range and also decent power. Most Modern classics I feel are under powered excluding the R9T, Superveloce, 900RS and XSR900. Also CFMoto instead of the W800 or Ducati Scrambler? My 22 Monkey is more retro than that.

[@rross47]

The latest Speed Twin 1200. Magnificent

[@ozzyprogdomino8815]

The new Honda Monkey gets my vote as the best modern retro. The smiles per miles is of the chart.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

And now the Honda DAX 125

[@joetorres9928]

Triumph T100 the perfect little all rounder especially in the goldline colours

[@dbwgoblue74]

I would buy any competitor to the Kawi Z650 just to get rid of that lawnmower sound. Please, Kawi, for heaven's sake put a 270 crank in some of your parallel twins. Before long you'll end up in the Suzuki department of updates consisting of "brand new colorways" while still brandishing a carburetor.

[@visordown]

The last line of this comment actually made me LOL! :-)

[@kildareman051]

My V7 850 Centenario scratches my itch. Now with Guzzi's own sports bar and some Babyface rearsets and decent tyres it looks the dogs and handles to boot.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Some excellent bikes to choose from my picks are Triumph Thruxton RS ( not on your list), Moto Guzzi V7 Claasic, Kawasaki 900 RS. Honorable mention BMW R9T.

[@johnshield8101]

The T120 should sit at the top of this list!

[@momchilyordanov8190]

Kawi Z900 RS is the best motorcycle on this list. And CFMoto CL-X does not know what it is. I would even consider current Suzuki SV650 more of a modern classic, than the CL-X. And, as others noted, W800 is should be on the list too.

[@orlandogloria2153]

I agree with the no 1,the XSR900.

[@CaptHollister]

But what's retro about it ?

[@HaggisPower]

@@CaptHollisterhave a look at the 80’s YZR500 or RZ350, in Gauloise GP livery. You’ll figure it out..

[@CaptHollister]

@@HaggisPower How very condescending. A couple of my friends owned RZs back in the day and the XSR looks nothing like it.

[@johnwillard6198]

I’d love a list of prices in US , leaning R9T but as yet still undecided .

[@pdark3930]

Z900rs in 7th, that's the first

[@TallyHoTech]

No Scrambler Ducati and you have Chinese Junk and a Imitation Gold Star.

[@geoffbroderick403]

myself and motorcycle trainer both bought a cf moto after testing a ducati scrambler 800 2016 3 thou kls a terrible bike ,desmo rattler,uncomfortable ,bad fueling ,cables over front ,no gear indicator ,cf moto great quality

[@TallyHoTech]

@@geoffbroderick403 🤣

[@darraghkinahan9952]

So the first bike you show is in no way shape or form a "retro" bike! It's just a naked modern bike

[@stephenb9019]

As a Triumph owner, I would urge shoppers to strongly consider reliability. My 2022 has been in the shop for 5 of the 13 months that I’ve owned it.

[@nguyenanh6850]

what model did you get and what are the problems? Can you share your experiences so that we can learn and research?

[@shiftyshamsk]

Avoid modern bikes and buy a real bike you can fix yourself.

[@S.R.Crnt.]

It would have been nice to see more still-images of the bikes mentioned

[@MauriceTarantulas]

No bonneville or Guzzi or W800? Interesting...but some good bikes on that list.

[@Winterstick549]

What happened to centerstands? Wheel alignment, tire repair, and maintenance is far easier with one.

[@rottweilerfun9520]

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 is my favorite.

[@1990-t1j]

I like the CL-X.

[@mikebusby1471]

How can you have a video about 'modern classics that would look good outside the ace cafe' and not include the Triumph Thruxton RS! Unbelievable!!

[@visordown]

*shakes fist at the sky angrily*

[@baronbristow8764]

W800? Katana? Ducati scrambler?

[@johnkestly4762]

I don't think you know what a "modern classic" is. #1 Kawasaki W800, #2 Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special, #3 Triumph Bonneville T100, and #4 Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor. The order may be changed, but still the only 4 that qualify. I currently own a 2022 W800, and will be purchasing a V7 Special or a 650 Interceptor soon. I have had a 2003 T100 and a 2015 T100. (45 total motorcycles in 54 years)

[@drsuzuki6506]

I think you were pretty accurate with you picks. 👍

[@jobyEN]

W800 for me is the GOAT.

[@TheChrysler56]

For me and it’s only my opinion, I’ll be sticking with my Kawasaki Z900rs. A decent video but there’s a couple of bikes missing here. As mentioned the Kawasaki W800 and also the Honda CB1100. Happy biking to one and all. Oh! Just realised Honda stopped producing the CB1100 so can’t go with that. Come on Honda bring back the CB1100ex or rs. It wasn’t such a bad bike really.

[@sturejonsson]

I like this video😊👍💪

[@robertomarrerog703]

how the ducati scrambler line is missing in this top 10 is very sad....

[@garyives1218]

Nothing with a 17" front wheel should be considered "modern classic" IMHO. Meaningless argument I know, but since we all have nothing better to do. Oh yeah, I stand strong with Team WTF No W800?

[@sicks6six]

The goldy is a IF ONLY. . The radiator, the rear lights and front suspension legs are all awful, should have had modern USD forks, rear light unit mounted on mudguard to stop road grit from destroying it and that radiator just has to go, it's a single thumper 4T so could have been big finned with a small oil cooler hidden under the tank, the Kawasaki is the best of the lot but where is the W800 kawasakis real classic bike, and some are not classic bikes any ways..CFM ! But the RE @ £6K must be the obvious choice for a modern classic, all in all not a great choice of bikes by any measure,

[@ЕвгенийКатин-ы9н]

Большое спасибо за подборку классических мотоциклов!

[@jerrymorehead1542]

What about the Harley Sportster?

[@beer3029]

The Thruxton RS is a million times better looking than the than the XSR, and would decimated it on the racetrack.

[@bastrix69]

True, Thruxton RS is the best looking performance retro out there.

[@bastrix69]

Not sure it would win on a race track though... the CP3 engine is super punchy from low revs and has higher HP then the thruxton. It probably handles better as well.

[@beer3029]

@@bastrix69 facts....the motor on the XSR is one of the best motors out there for fun (hopefully one day they will make an R9), but the suspension is garbage at best especially once you start pushing it hard.

[@bastrix69]

@@beer3029 hmm dunno man.. I use to own the MT09 and even though the suspensions were limited the engine response is superb and the agility is frigging awesome on tight corners. I have not tried the Thruxton, I have only seen the reviews. Michael Neeves from MCN praised the Thruxton RS handling but obviously also has its limitations being the type of bike it is. I think it would come down to what track, they both have similar top speed, the thruxton has more torque and the CP3 has more HP... BUT the Thruxton is lot heavier.

[@beer3029]

@@bastrix69 I have had an MT-09 and an XSR-900 and both of them had very poor quality suspension, admittedly I have not ridden the new one. Now this is completely anecdotal but the suspension was sub par, the brakes were wooden and the throttle was an on off switch. Loved the motor and the chassis seemed decent, granted those things could be remedied and should not stop you from buying a motorcycle if you like it. You definitely need to ride the RS, the power feels like riding a Ducati 996 from back in the day. The RS is heavier, but it pulls out of corners like a freight train and handles amazing once you get it dialed in, I feel like the RS should out brake the XSR and out handle it with no problem....it might not, only one way to find out.

[@mikadavies660]

Test rode an R-Nine-T.... Great quality but shockingly uncomfortable riding position. Low seat with high footrests!! Totally crippling for anyone over 5'8" with long legs.

[@RiverRat1953]

You can buy a well maintained 🗝HD Sportster for half the money of any of these bikes and have a true classic! Sportsters will last for boo-koo miles and then they can be rebuilt and run another 30 to 40 thousand miles. I love All types of motorcycles and have owned many different makes in my 69 years. But many new riders will buy a sportster only to trade up to a big twin Harley, leaving these sportsters at a real good price. I hope I live long enough to wear out my 1200 sportster!

[@stephenhunter2409]

Love Yamaha but that bike isn't what I would call a true retro like the Guzzi and Triumph which get my vote

[@malharb6109]

Why disnt included cb1100ex

[@actionsportsnorthshore520]

I would have put Yamaha XSR700 over the 900 looking at most of the lineup being mid-weights

[@mirkocometti8452]

Guzzi v7 stone 850!!!

[@hemantkharkongor5433]

Expected to see the Trident 🤔

[@motorwest]

All on the list for my next bike, I just can't decide... However the short list of 3 is, moto guzzi v7, royal enfield interceptor, bsa goldstar..

[@antoineallard8788]

Go for the interceptor, you wont regret it

[@bluefoam]

The V7 is a step ahead of the other two. The quality is fantastic, the transverse v twin, the shaft drive, the sixth gear, the extra horse power

[@motorwest]

@@bluefoam Yep, but I'm not sure about the looks............

[@gregnorth1982]

I good selection of very accomplished models and as you rightly say, it's a subjective category that is driven by personal preference. For me, I personally feel the CFMoto, BMW, Kawasaki's, CCM and Yamaha are all too modern without enough classic. I think the styling on them is more akin to a modern street bike than a true retro asthetic.

[@18adam91]

where is the men's department here?

[@scottburghart9278]

I'll take the Moto Guzzi V7 Special.........I own one. The CF, the Kawasaki 650 and that Yamaha 900...........not really modern classics in my book.

[@CaptHollister]

When you see the Kawasaki Z650RS in the metal, it is impossible not to imagine the original KZ650. Granted the RS has a water-cooled twin vs the original air-cooled four, but the overall look is dead on. That said, I completely agree about the CFMoto and Yamaha. Whatever else they may be, they are not retros classics.

[@davidhiggins7026]

The BSA 650 Gold Star looks a nice bike but with otr charges the non green versions come out at £7100 which is £1000 MORE than the Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor. And we hear there is only 2 years Guarantee, RE is 3 years and also NO roadside assistance yet RE supply 3 years of that PLUS 12 months road tax not the BSA's 6 months. Both are great looking bikes but those watching their pennies are more likely to get a 650 from Royal Enfield. I would like both as I am sure some of the more well healed will have both. However I would consider the Moto Guzzi V7 at around £8200, not too big a step up in price from a £7100 BSA Gold Star, weighing in at 218kg of which 13.6kg being fuel. 64hp, 65 CV, (47,8 kW) - 6.800 rpm of power. With 53.84 lbs/ft or 73 Nm of Torque - 5.000 rpm. Far beating the RE 650's 47 hp, 47.65 PS @ 7150 rpm and a torque of 38.35 ft/lbs or 52 Nm @ 5250 rpm. Though of cause is £2000 more and 200cc more. And has a shaft drive for those who don't want to fiddle around with a chain & sprockets & chain lube. For a high mileage bike all those 3 items soon add up in extra costs.

[@shiftyshamsk]

Injector problems and various sensors failing put me right off modern classic bike. Dealer plug fault finding too. All you need is a bike from an era with carbs. Cable driven speedo and zero electronics. Properly retro is far more satisfying to ride and maintain yourself.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

Clx?

[@davidbesant]

You wouldn't call a Harley 'retro'; it's just old and under developed.. Same with the Guzzi.

[@davorharapin7499]

Whot about Honda cb650r, cb1000

[@abymathew295]

I think the Triumphs are becoming too much polished..🤔🤔🤔

[@bluefoam]

They are becoming too modern and not enough classic

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Try and clear emission standards without being polished and then sell,globally with a warranty 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@johnDukemaster]

Did you say "Husqvarna is owned by BMW"? That was years ago!

[@VapidUsername]

CCM use a Husqvarna engine developed during BMW's ownership period if I recall correctly

[@ronwhite8503]

He did say was owned.

[@CaptHollister]

Perhaps because I was already riding when some of the bikes these retros emulate were current, but I fail to see the "retro" in the CFMoto and Yamaha. They're both capable, relatively ugly bikes, but certainly not retro. I also think the Z900RS and Z650RS are some of the prettiest true retros, again maybe it's because I can remember the original Z1 and KZ650, but these two nail the looks. Now, how do you justify not including the Kawasaki W800 or its Meguro K3 variant on this list ?

[@adisakapichai5512]

chinese junk on this list ? lol why bro is it your own bike ? , RE INT650 is okay this is the bike that got many award in many years but Cf ...

[@dr.mahera9284]

Stfu CF moto is not junk… did you even look at the bike in person.. they have been making engines for KTM and the 700CLX is has a bored out Kawasaki 650 engine..so most of their bikes are based on reliable engines..also the fit and finish on CF moto are better than some Japanese bikes from Honda and Suzuki

[@waydegardner7373]

So the R18 isn’t on here because….? It oozes retro. Because of the displacement?

[@roywane354]

W800?

[@TheAlskjdo]

CF moto morden classic??? They really pay a lot on online marketing thesedays. I see their ad like this clip everywhere. It is good to have new player as a rider, but comon.. it's not a morden classic bike.

[@FJBx100]

Kawasaki W800. Why didn't you???

[@ant86chory]

Wait, where is CB ?

[@visordown]

Discontinued over in the UK - sadly!

[@ZabDevin]

No Ducati Scrambler? 🤨

[@bluefoam]

Aren't they replacing it soon

[@zhdlot]

Your No 1 bike looks the least like a classic of the 10 ?

[@high.xavrr.]

Nobody’s gonna notice how it says 2023 when it’s not?

[@garryedwards2917]

R nine T for me

[@kimthakkukimchi9]

Top 10 Classic Modern Motorcycles In 2023 1. HONDA CB1000R Black Edition ABS 2. INDIAN FTR 1200 ABS 3. BMW R NineT ABS 4. Triumph Speed Triple ABS 5. DUCATI Monster 1200 S 6. Triumph 1200 Scrambler ABS 7. YAMAHA XSR 900 ABS 8. SUZUKI SV650 ABS 9. KAWASAKI Z650 RS 50th 10. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

[@visordown]

Not sure the CB1000R or FTR1200 really qualify as 'modern classic'...

[@zafrullahyazid6542]

Colnago Arabesque!

[@I-Libertine]

#1: Indian Scout. ('s okay, I fixed it for ya...) 😉

[@anjolapresca]

shouldn't consider monoshock bikes as classic/retro

[@twistieslayer3592]

Modern classic? So pretty much every Harley Davidson

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Yep, I own 4 motorcycles two of them are Harleys. A 2015 Harley Super Low 1200T and a 2020 Harley Low Rider S.

[@pggp273]

Everyone has an opinion but it's just a shame that the the narrator of this video opinions are totally irrelevant.

[@vjvr2010]

None Ducati Scrambler, seriously? 🤣

[@nieczerwony]

Some of them are not classic for me at all. look more of like naked bikes rather than classics.

[@esr243]

Bland and totally conventional comments heard a thousand time.

[@thesmithsmaf]

Honda DAX

[@jimshaw2466]

any mono shock is not a retro1960

[@souvikmukherjee5353]

Wow how boringly predictable list, other than the Chinese one every single of them pretty predictable

[@ПавелЕгоров-ю2я]

Супер ❤❤❤👍👍👍

[@zacharypickering9202]

What a drunken video

[@jnmcc7782]

I had a Chinese bike and it fell apart within 2 years !!!

[@fitzyholden1036]

No Norton......

[@K4rgo]

Anything that claims its a modern classic or "retro" and doesnt have analogue dials.... gtfo!

[@cd6649]

Not modern classics

[@visordown]

Name some then?

[@vincemikhaelhortelano427]

First

[@markmath2883]

CFMoto is a Chinese motorcycle. Chinese have a billion dollar industry in organ harvesting, slave labor and on and on. I stopped watching your video as soon as you mentioned CFMoto.

[@Corky341]

Dude. take that up with the Chinese Embassy. Tell THEM. Sadly it won't change anything. I do agree the CF Moto is NOT for me.

[@markmath2883]

@@Corky341 The place to take it up, is with the democrat party, especially the Biden's wheeling and dealing with the Chinese; not that they have been the only ones.

[@iancatlin5985]

can't hide those really ugly modern engines (yes Z650 RS, you especially) 😂

[@jimmydumaguit9331]

😳😲👍👋

[@roadwarrior8560]

Triumph are scrap.

[@warrensykes193]

No such thing.