Retro-styled motorcycles are the best examples of the fact that not all motorcycles need to be cutting-edge and packed with high-end technologies, or have intimidating styling like big cruisers, to strike your senses. These motorcycles can impress one with just their clean designs, with a keen focus on being timeless and elegant. They might not have the electronics and features that an equally-priced sports bike gets. However, these motorcycles can remain relevant for decades to come.

The number of retro-styled motorcycles on sale right now might not be as high as sports bikes or tourers, with only a few manufacturers backing the idea. However, all these motorcycles have the grace and panache to draw the attention of riders of all groups. Here, we discuss the ten best retro-styled motorcycles available in the US market, and are worth buying for their charm and simplicity. If sports bikes are too extreme for you, these beautiful motorcycles will definitely be a great option.

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10 Triumph Bonneville Bobber

The only authentic factory-made British bobber available in the US, the Triumph Bonneville Bobber retains the classy single-seater configuration of the traditional bobbers from the past. In the case of the Bonneville Bobber, practicality takes a back seat as it doesn’t get one (pun intended). However, the jaw-dropping design featuring a low-slung stance, floating single seat configuration, and the hard-tail look with a curved rear fender give the Bonneville Bobber a one-of-a-kind look that is simply unmatchable. Want a motorcycle that looks good on the go and as a showpiece for your living room? The Bonneville Bobber should be a great choice.

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9 BMW R nineT

BMW Motorrad is well-known for making some good-looking motorcycles with boxer engines. The BMW R nineT is one charming example, with a touch of old-school appeal which goes true with neo-retro motorcycle lovers. Among all the edgy-looking roadsters and sturdy adventure tourers from the German marquee, the R nineT looks distinctive with its old-school appeal, with its rounded LED headlamp and dual-pod analog instrument console affirming that appeal. Adding more uniqueness to its design is the left-side placement of the exhaust pipes and the Boxer engine.

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8 Triumph Bonneville T100

The Triumph Bonneville T100 evokes a sense of nostalgia for motorcycles from a bygone era in the most unadulterated form possible. There is nothing fancy in the design of the Bonneville T100, and neither is it equipped with cutting-edge features. It is one simple-looking motorcycle with halogen lamps and base-spec riding aids like dual-channel ABS and traction control. However, where it strikes the most is the sense of simplicity with its old world design. With a heritage design and a basic yet modern mechanical setup, the Triumph Bonneville T100 is purely intended for those who love motorcycles of the past and don’t want much electronic fuss to play with in their daily rides.

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7 Royal Enfield INT650

The Royal Enfield INT650 does all that a Triumph Bonneville can do, albeit at a relatively affordable price. Also known as the Interceptor 650 overseas, this flagship motorcycle from Royal Enfield evokes the same old-world charm as the Bonnie range of roadsters – it looks simple yet classy, has a potent engine under its skin, and handles splendidly. While its 649cc engine is smaller than the Bonneville’s powertrain, the British essence is evident in its looks. At a price that can give several lesser powerful motorcycles with single-cylinder engines, the INT650 is a fine value-for-money package that is simply irresistible.

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6 Kawasaki W800

One can’t go wrong with the Japanese brands when it comes to making all kinds of motorcycles, and in the game of retro-styled motorcycles, they are acing it too. One potent example of that excellence is the Kawasaki W800, the flagship motorcycle from the W range of neo-retro roadsters from Kawasaki globally. Unlike the cutting-edge, tech-rich sports bikes from Kawasaki, the W800 is a stark contrast, with a fuss-free design, the absence of several electronic riding aids, and a basic mechanical setup. The parallel-twin engine might not be too powerful for its size, but the Kawasaki W800 gets the job done with its smooth mid-range and reliability.

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5 Triumph Thruxton RS

Many think the Bonneville is too ‘ordinary’ with an extreme focus on simplicity. For those who want an additional sense of style and are more inclined towards form than function, Triumph offers another beautiful-looking machine in the form of the Thruxton RS. A café racer from the iconic and beautiful Bonneville range, the Thruxton RS might not be a practical motorcycle for prolonged rides, provided its committed riding posture. However, like the bobber, Triumph has done a commendable job acing a niche segment with the Thruxton RS.

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4 Yamaha V Star 250

Among all the motorcycles mentioned here, the Yamaha V Star 250 is the most primitive-looking motorcycle, and it is, in all senses. The design looks like an old-school cruiser from the 20th century, while it still has a carburetted, air-cooled V-twin engine powering it. However, this old-world essence of the retro-styled Yamaha V Star 250 goes well with a section of people who still have not been able to move over the motorcycles from the past. The V Star 250 might have the smallest V-twin engine for motorcycles right now. However, with decent performance for its size and comfortable ergonomics, the Yamaha V Star 250 is a good beginner's choice for cruising.

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3 Triumph Speed Twin 900

With the Speed Twin range, Triumph offers a touch of modernity to the Bonneville range with a dose of sportiness, both in its looks and performance. The Speed Twin 900 is the range-starting motorcycle in this range of performance-oriented retro-styled motorcycles from Triumph. With the Speed Twin 900, Triumph gives more modern elements like LED lights, alloy wheels, tubeless tires, and additional riding aids. At the same time, the upswept exhausts and a sportily-tuned 900cc engine are enough to let you know this is one neo-retro motorcycle that prefers not to be ridden sedately – at least not all the time.

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2 Kawasaki Z900RS

Kawasaki gained status as a cult manufacturer of motorcycles with the Z1 from the bygone era, and the Japanese brand is keeping the flame alive with the Z900RS. One of the most powerful retro-styled motorcycles of all time, the Kawasaki Z900RS gets something that no other neo-retro roadster gets – an inline-four engine. It's better not to get fooled by the rather plain design of the Kawasaki Z900, as it is a disguised wolf among the herd of sheep. This ultra-refined engine, shared with the far edgier Z900, transforms this sweet-looking motorcycle into a hooligan with thrilling acceleration and sports-bike-like handling.

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Related: Why These Royal Enfield 650 Retro-Modern Twins Are Simply Awesome

1 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

One word that describes the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is 'gentleman'. The retro-styled Speedmaster is one elegant-looking motorcycle that looks premium and sophisticated and has the best road presence from the lineup of modern classics from Triumph. The cruiser-like stance, with lowered ground clearance, long wheelbase, stretched handlebar, and low-set split seats, make it a great companion for long rides, making it a true alternative to the American cruisers from Harley-Davidson and Indian. The 16-inch wire wheels with fat bobber-like tires and a tasteful execution of chrome all around add to the glory of this timeless piece of art on two wheels.

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