We want our readers to offer their opinion in the Comments section below on their idea of the single, best looking retro standard currently available in the U.S. market. Just to get things rolling, MD nominates the Moto Guzzi V7 III Special pictured here (and also featured in the video below).
There are plenty of bikes to choose from, including models available from European (e.g., Triumph and BMW), American and Japanese (e.g., Honda) manufacturers. Let us know what you think.
See more of MD’s great photography:
This is one seriously good looking standard, but do I spend the extra money for a Bmw R1200R pure? The Bmw may actually be too powerful for an old (65) fart like me. I also am concerned the 2017 Euro 4 emissions on these air/cooled may make them too hot for Florida.
1. Cb1100
2. Street twin
CB1100
1. Honda CB1100 by a mile, looks good, very nice fit and finish. Someone said cheap-looking? Really?
2. New Triumphs, (choose one)
3. I like the color of the Guzzi, just not the rest of it..
4. The R9-T appears to be a great bike, but i don’t consider it a retro.
,
I think the Honda CB1100 is the best looking retro-standard so far.
Honda cb1100 for me, triumph t120 a close second
It’s a great time to be in the market for a retro standard.
My pick is the CB1100EX based on looks with the V7 running a close second. It’s an air cooled bike like the Guzzi while others have gone to water with fake fins. Some allowances must be made for emissions, but the CB gets by with an oil cooler and fuel injection and leaving it at that. The Triumph, BMW and so forth are also good and it’s great to have different interpretations. This is, by nature, an eye of the beholder thing.
Full disclosure – I own a CB1100 DLX.
I don’t consider cruisers like Harleys or Honda Shadows to be standards. Doing that brings in the Indian Scout and a host of others. Standards should be “sit up & beg” riding positions with mid positioned pegs and seat heights of 30″ or better
I’ve got a Yamaha XSR900 60th Anniversary and it’s a great bike but the Guzzi is more of a throwback design. But what about the Triumph Bobber? I was on one at our latest show and the design is the ultimate throwback.
I think the vibe against them is manufacturers did not build bobbers… individuals did.
Indeed, you already hit the nail on the head with the new Moto Guzzi in blue. This has to be one of the best color combinations of any manufacturer today. I think what really does it on this particular version of the V7 III is the bright alloy wheels – a great throwback.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/040317bottom-730×502.jpg
Second nomination would be the new Bonneville T120. Perfect in every way. Not the black one, but the silver and red one, again with the bright alloy wheels.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-triumph-bonneville-t120-and-t120-black_031516-730×444.jpg
The Street Twin by Triumph. The red with silver is nice. As a standard
The BMW R nineT Racer is the hottest seller right now. Much more interest than the Triumph Thruxton 1200 got
The Guzzi is very Honda looking and the Honda is just cheap looking
The BMW R nineT Racer is the hottest seller right now. Much more interest than the Triumph Thruxton 1200 got
Max, where did you find the figures to back up that statement?
I’d like to know this, as well.
Honda Shadow RS. They really nailed it with the VT750S!
That was a nice bike. Very comfortable. Really slow seller though.
Honda. Sometimes they make me want to beat my head against a wall. Or maybe theirs.
Cobra showed them the way to put cool Flat Trackers on the street before Ducati and Triumph’s updated Street Trackers and they do…nothing. Soichiro has left the building.
The Cobra flat tracker and scrambler were both awesome. IF Honda produced those for sale, I would have 2 more Hondas in the garage.
They should also consult with Oberdan Bezzi on design. He draws some fantastic looking motorcycles.
I would’ve bought a W800 if they were imported to the US. However, I’m very pleased with my recently purchased 2000 w650.
I like the Triumph T120 best of all.
The V7 Guzzi looks nice. But what about the Eldorado? Does that count? The Eldorado looks like a standard to me.
I also like the Honda CB1100RS.
As a long time Guzzi rider, I should pick something in their line. But the Royal Enfield Continental GT has got them beat for looks. We’re talking just looks now, not function.
It really opens one’s eye to how crowded the retro-standard market really is when pondering this question. I can’t think of a design I don’t like. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say I can’t think of one I don’t love.
I tend to favor the more modern retros: the r-nine-t family, Ducati Scramblers, Honda CB1100RS, etc. The blend of modern and classical those bikes exhibit is very appealing to me. But at the same time, the Guzzis and even Harley’s new Roadster are definitively old school and no less inspiring to me.
My first pick would be BMW’s r-nine-t Racer, but I guess that bike technically isn’t a “standard” by definition. So with that in mind:
1) Honda CB1100RS
2) Guzzi V7 III (any flavor)
3) BMW r-nine-t Urban G/S
Thruxton R.
I have to agree on the V7. One of my customers is a high volume Aprilia dealer and just recently acquired an MG franchise. I have been eyeing a blue V7 11 classic, but they have a Red/Black Griso marked down to 11.6K. Easy to justify a few more grand for the Griso. If Honda brings the CB1100 RS to market in the US I will park one in the garage. If the Euro dealers were a bit closer to home, MG and BMW would be in serious contention. If I had to boil it down on personal desirability and stick with the retro theme:
1.Honda CB1100 RS (if it happens)
2.Triumph Thruxton 1200 (like to see it with better ergos but doable)
3.MG V7
4.BMW R9T
Currently riding a classic…89 FZR 600. I wonder when the early superbike retros will start being tossed around for re-issue?
I’ve wondered the same thing about early superbikes. There were some cool, dual-round headlight designs. The color pallets were a little..loud(?)..but they were still cool bikes. And most were still street focused.
Yamaha SR400 FTW
Yep, that’s the one I’d most likely buy. In fact it may well happen, I can’t stop looking at them.
SR400
Sportster (roadster style only)
V7 distant 3rd
I vote for the V7III. I recently purchased a MG V9 which is the same basic bike as the new V7III, but with a slightly larger motor and more cruiser-like ergos (for an Italian bike). The bike is phenomenal. These are not bikes which will win magazine-spec duels. But, take an extended test ride and they will win you over! That grabby clutch smooths out. That clunky transmission starts to click with precision. You will get used to the switchgrear. You will love not cleaning a chain. But, it will not ever feel like an appliance.
The Triumph Street Cup does it for me.
The Moto Guzzi V7 is a nice looking motorcycle, but to call it a retro classic is just wrong. The fact is, this motorcycle has not changed much at all since it was first introduced and therefore isn’t a retro at all. It is the same low powered bike it has always been but now with new paint colors.
The Honda CB1100, Kawasaki W800, Triumph T100, Yamaha SR400 and perhaps even the Royal Enfield Continental GT on the other hand are much better examples of a retro classic as the use modern technology in old-school guise.
Do you mean the V7 series themselves or the small block line as a whole? Small blocks have been going for more than 30 years since the v50 was launched, but the V7s have been going less than 10 years I think? They were brought out to replace my bike, the Breva750ie, with a more clasically styled line. I’d guess that was around 2009 or so. And the whole small block line has been subject to continuous improvement since the start. Ride an Enfield and you will feel how refined the Guzzi is, and how much faster it is as well. Now THATS a bike with some deep roots in the past!
Scott – with the Guzzi V7 out a mere 10 years or so, then it isn’t a retro classic, but instead a ten year old design with new paint. Same unchanged bike it was ten years ago, that’s my point.
One can only speak of the speed and refinement of the V7 relative to a Royal Enfield or Ural. š
Hey, what can I say? If you like Guzzis you like em. Nothing else will do.
The SR400 is not new. It’s been around for 40 years.
Whilst the v7 is no technology leader, neither are the other models you list that you say use more modern technology.
How does the Royal Enfield use more modern technology than the v7? V7 comes with ABS and traction control, Royal Enfield has neither. Mechanically the Royal Enfield is certainly no more advanced.
Am not even sure the Kawaski W800 or Yamaha SR400 have ABS or traction control.
I like the Triumph new ” bobber” it is great looking, standard riding position and great details with top notch fit and finish.
Yeah very nice machine. Gonna be a big hit for them. Many pre-sold.
Honda CBX.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CBX#/media/File:CBX_1000_arg.jpg
I love the Moto Guzzi V7 Special. It is beautiful. The Triumph Bonneville would look much better if it had a smaller tank, just like the 1970s models. I know the bigger tank gives more range but it looks too bulbous. I am holding off buying until I see Royal Enfield produces with the new twin. An Interceptor would open my wallet ASAP. Also, that new Yamaha SCR-950 is pretty sweet.
1.Triumph T120 Bonneville
2.Triumph Thruxton R with optional cafe fairing
3.Honda CB1100EX
4. My 1981 XS11
I love the XS11. Also the GS 1100 E … owned one in college, one of my favorite all time bikes.
The V7-III is pretty enough but most, if not all here, will not buy one. Same with the new Bonnies in any and all their variations.
What we “think” looks the best does not matter unless we also buy it.
I am honest enough to admit that as good looking a bike as it is, I would never buy the V7-III as it sits. And given Guzzi’s sales record here in the States, I would have to say that this holds true for a great many more people.
Yeah, if you want to ride a bike just like most everybody else has, don’t get a Moto Guzzi. You’ll definitely stick out of the masses. Heaven forbid.
I wonder why that is, really. Through the years, I’ve spoken to what I consider to be a somewhat large number of MG owners – some well known, some mere acquaintances, some strangers – and I don’t recall ever hearing a bad word about their bikes. Stories about a less than stellar dealership or perhaps a bad mechanic, yes…but doesn’t everyone have those stories? Odd that, for what seems like such a good machine, it still remains the niche product that it’s been for decades.
The biggest reason I believe is acceleration as 45 hp is not enough these days for a bike costing $10,000. Seems that MG could lean on that motor a bit more and give us maybe 80 hp? As it is it’s a real dog. I know, I know, it’s all about torque with MG riders, but I’m not buying it. Seems that sales figures would reflect that point.
MG claims that horsepower is up 10% … to a whopping 52!
Depends what you like Grover. My 750 Guzzi took me on 9 days of touring (carrying camping gear) in France and Spain, and apart from the superbikes and supercars on the Pas de la Casa (into Andorra) not that much traffic passed me and I passed quite a bit. Plenty of people have gone round the world with less power.
I guess it depends on your mindset, really. Glad you’re enjoying your MG.
Owned an 1100 Quota (’00?) and an approximately ’99 Sport 1100, both FI.
For no good nor known reason, with only moderate mileage, the Quota tossed a rod. Both FI bikes have software installed rev limiter, making it hard to flog these beasts. Oil was what many Guzzi wrenches swear by, a particular Chevron grade for diesel motors, consistent with low-RPM high-load engine design.
On the Sport, whilst enjoying the Marin Sunday Morning ride just a couple miles E of Pt. Reyes (fast, smooth, wide radius curves, just what “Doctor John” prescribes for this bike), the Sport engine stopped at the apex of one of the fastest curves.
The ECU blew. Admittedly, one of the battery terminals was loose, directly related to the ECU expiring.
Also, on the same Sport, improper slack on the mechanical clutch actuator caused the dry clutch to blow, a costly error. Amittedly, I’m a “Clyde” as we say in MTB, not a fly weight, but of about seventy bikes owned this was only the second clutch I ever blew.
On one of my MGs I needed a clutch lever. Early ’00s replacement cost from MG was about $125, just one step shy of pure unadulterated theft. I spent many hours attempting to cross reference the part for a lower cost replacement, but can’t recall if that was successful or not.
I’ll tell you this though. I just stopped at the MG website yesterday, thanks to this article. Their current Griso is a freakin’ delightful pair of wheels, among my very most favorite street rides at this time. 105 HP and 500# curb weight is totally acceptable in my book, with awesome torque (“Quatrovolve” unlike my slugs described above). The entire package looks stellar, with cosmetics to die for. Check that sucker out right now. Cost is even reasonable, $13k or so.
The truth was spoken. I like it, but chances of buying it are slim; mind you I tried to swap it once for my old Hornet 900 (now I ride another Honda). It did not happen.
MG does not sell in Canada either. When I opened inquiry with my insurance broker I was facing astounding sum which I was not willing to pay; they are apparently viewed as exotics. You see very few on the road as a result.
“Exotics”? Interesting take but exotic usually means elevated price, and thus risk, to an insurer. Guzzis are no more costly than any number of other bikes and are mildly tuned so do not naturally appeal to those wanting drag strip slips. I think your insurer(s) just don’t want the business, for whatever reasons, and price them high.
I personally rather like that I don’t see me coming and going everywhere I ride (can you imagine owning a Harley? :)). In our area it’s generally the young guys on sportbikes and the older guys on Harleys. Riding my Guzzi gives me a feeling of uniqueness. Come to think of it, so does my ’84 Interceptor now that few of its generation are still on the road. As far as most beautiful retro-standard on the market today, the V7 is nice, so are the Triumphs but I also like the fringe Colorado Norton Work’s products. They almost immediately take me back to a time I consider to be the most beautiful for motorcycling in general.
Moto Guzzi V7III. Evokes pretty closely the original V7 Sport which is the most beautiful motorcycle I have ever seen. The new V7s are purity of design.
I liked V7 Sport when it was introduced a lot, although it was not accessible to me. But, in reality this is not a true sport bike; on ‘merit’ of weight and wheelbase to mention few.
Wheelbase maybe, but the V7s aint heavy by any means. Well under 200kgs IIRC. My old B750 is 183kgs, and I believe the V7s are slightly heavier.
R nineT for me.looks so good in so many forms.
1) Harley Sportster. 2) Triumph Bonneville. 3) Ducati Monster
My first and immediate response to your first choice was “no way, such a performance slug, etc, etc.” Followed immediately by recalling a parked burnt metallic orange Sportster I saw today, that really made me do a double take, it just looked so sharp.
Plus, talk about the kettle calling the pot black. My first choice was the Royal Enfield, which a Sportster might outrun even with one spark plug cap detached.
The R Nine T with the aluminum rear seat cowl is perfect. To me at least…
Thruxton R by a wide margin.
I think Honda could have done better on the CB1100 without much effort.
I own one- and am working on making it more 1980ish. A stepped tuck/roll seat, bars with more pullback, ground down the engine fins and side covers, chrome chain guard, about to swap the valve cover for one I stripped and brushed, …etc. Oh yea..and a custom built sissy bar. š
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170326/a2d335406b65c9a2e11bdea3f2bb061d.jpg
Man, that bike looks familiar lol
Well put. Your bike is a massive upgrade.
Instead of going hard retro, Honda’s bastard has too many modern touches that tend to decrease overall cosmetic effect compared to the original CB750.
I’m not sold on the 1100cc displacement. Keeping it closer to 750cc or 900cc puts it that much closer to the DNA of the iconic original. Honda released their all new VF750F Interceptor 90-degree V4 in ’83, ushering in their all new liquid cooled technology. The CB1100F arrived the same year (’83), blurring the line between the old and new eras.
The ’83 CB1100 is a stark contrast from ’69, when the CB750 was the first and only mass produced 4-cylinder, and the bike with among the greatest magnitude of good juju in Honda’s splendid catalog.
never heard of anybody grinding down cylinder fins, but dam,it looks good. makes the cylinders look round. I like it!
Those cylinder fins serve a purpose. They are engineered to have a certain surface area so they can dissipate engine heat at a particular rate. By grinding down the fins, you’ve reduced the surface area and, in turn, reduced the rate at which heat can be dissipated. I’d bet Honda overbuilt the bike but you’re playing with fire here, maybe literally. You should add an oil cooler if its possible.
I was thinking the same, Neal. They had heat issues in the beginning. I’m not into that brushed look, but that’s just my opinion. I had a 700 from 85 and it was ok. I do like fully brushed engine covers or the all silver engines. When I first saw an all black CB11, I thought, man that looks nice. I was drawn to the black chrome valve covers.
The CB is more my style but I went with a used, air-cooled T100 because there is just so much aftermarket support. And the stuff you can snag in the For Sale forum at TriumphRat!
I still have fond memories of the first MG I ever saw, an 850 leaned way over coming out of the bike shop. They have the perfect tank/seat shapes, and a nice standard riding position, ideal for meandering around with little or no purpose. I remember wasting many a teenage day just bonding with my bike. For long distance or high speed, perhaps something with a graceful fairing and luggage accommodation would be best, but that kind of ruins the purity of the shape. A pretty girl and a pretty bike will always get my attention.
I agree hands down with MD. The new v7III classic hits all the right buttons.
I’m with the Guzzi V7 group but please make mine the red Scrambler:
http://www.garagemotoguzzi.com/wp-content/uploads/gallery/kit-scrambler/scrambler-cover-gallery.jpg
Thruxton is a very close 2nd with the Enfield Continental GT last on the podium.
The V7 III Special is my pick for the best looking new standard. I like the T120 in solid red metallic as a close second, but the Moto Guzzi engine looks more distinctive and impressive than the Triumph engine, doesn’t have fake carburetors(although the Guzzi’s plastic intake shields are ugly), and doesn’t have a radiator to clutter appearance or chain to accumulate gunk. I wish the V7 had acceleration equal to the Bonneville, dual front discs, and had a fuel guage and grip heaters standard, but having fewer features and less performance doesn’t degrade the Guzzi’s appearance.
I wouldn’t purchase one, because it is way overpriced for what it is, but I can’t recall a more attractive bike than the new Norton Commando:
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/2012-Motorcycles/Norton%20Commando%20961%20Cafe%20Racer2.JPG
Yes loved the Norton!!
Give me access to a Kawasaki, Honda or Suzuki factory and I’ll make the best retro standard myself. It will be in the theme of a GPZ (circa ’82), Freddie Spencer CB or Wes Cooley GS – whatever aftermarket suppliers show the most enthusiasm for.
Ditto.
Few if any bikes exude more pure unadulterated sex appeal than Kawasaki’s ’83 and ’84 GPz550 air-oil-cooled I-4. F/R 18″ wheels look spot on perfect. Wish I still had mine. Their ’83 GPz750 is about as good, the ’83 GPz1100 maybe one step behind.
All are a little soft on the bottom and mid range, but with great top end power.
Although I’m disappointed, I understand why Kawasaki may not resuscitate the ZRX. However, they sold a ton of them and they still have a cult following. Kawasaki has such a rich history. I refuse to believe that something like a faithful, modern GPz or Z would not be a success. Same for a proper CB or GS.
Thruxton, saw that thing. You know the situation: Cafe for alchogolics. Huge railway station. Parking, of course.
In Russia this bike will cost you about 18000 dollars.
Ducati Scramblers…
(curly fry exhaust notwithstanding) the Desert Sled and CafƩ Racer in a 1-2 punch.
Triumph T 120 – in metallic cranberry and silver. The one sitting in my garage does not affect my opinion in any way…
Best looking? Thruxton……no question. However, if I were buying I would buy the T120.
I own a 2014 Road King, and a 2000 ZRX1100, among other old and new bikes.
I vote for the Road King as the best looking Retro bike. Its hands down the very best fit, finish and true to form machine on the market. However, its a Harley, and really, not part of the program.
HD Road King – but its a Harley…
so..
Moto Guzz V7 is the pretty girl
Triumph’s Bonnevilles are a close second
BMW RNineT Racer varient is 3rd.
Yanaha SR500 is 4th
Honda CB 5th
Indians look plasticky and have too much fringe.
none of the current Japanese retro bikes are true enough to any form. Even the Honda (they really tried).
There are so many gorgeous Harleys…
I would not give a second lookto any Harley made. I am glad you like them I think they are all hideous.
Good choice on the 2014 Road King. Most people don’t understand the RK as they are completely biased against Harley. The RK is not a cruiser and offers one of the best touring postures available. You really do have to live with one to appreciate the comfort and handling that this big standard offers. Too bad so many close-minded riders will never get to sample what it offers.
Then again, Grover, you don’t understand what a “standard” is, which the Road King with its forward-mounted floorboards most certainly is not.
The Road King is most definitely a cruiser: a light-touring cruiser. It is most definitely not a standard. It is also slow, heavy, antiquated, overpriced, and nowhere near as comfortable for real touring as a purpose-built touring bike with proper footpeg placement is, such as an FJR1300, R1200RT, K1600LT, Gold Wing, nearly every CHP or motorcop bike, etc.
There’s a reason real long-distance touring bikes that rack up serious miles don’t feature forward-mounted pegs, never mind forward-mounted floorboards. It’s the same reason the above-mentioned touring bikes dominate things like the Iron Butt Rally, while H-Ds are few and far between.
There is also a reason why Road Kings can’t hang with any decent standard, and it has to do with the fact that a Road King with all its cruiser-based limitations simply can’t turn, stop or accelerate proficiently enough to cope with a reasonably well-ridden, modern standard.
In any case, you might just want to get your facts straight before whining about anti-Harley biases and close-mindedness. For many people on this forum, this ain’t their first rodeo. “If you have to ask, you wouldn’t understand” doesn’t fly with people who have not only asked but also received the answer, and noted the result.
Anyone that has been on this site has heard all the Harley bashing over the years and thats a fact, period. No exaggeration there. Personally, I’m non-denominational when it comes to bikes and eagerly look forward to riding any bike given the opportunity. I’m sorry that you got your panties in a wad over my opinion of the Road King. My apologies.
The point is, Road Kings are not standards, which was your original contention. One needn’t be biased against H-D or closed-minded to understand and point out that simple fact.
@VLJ its a good thing you know everything.
So Harley riders don’t rack up miles?
Maybe you should get your “facts straight” clown.
“So Harley riders donāt rack up miles?”
On average, no, they don’t.
You think you got it figured out, huh? You understand what Harley touring bikes really are better than all those fools that bought them (and they’re the top selling line of bikes from the top selling OEM in the US).
Real riders want to do Iron Butt rallies and corner speed is the real determination of a bike’s chops, right? And there aren’t cops on RK’s, so they’re bad bikes, right?
Handling, braking, acceleration, comfort, amenities, reliability, and cost are the only determiners of a bike’s chops. The rest (looks, sound, feel) is purely subjective.
In terms of handling, braking, acceleration, and cost a Road King has little to no chops, compared to a good standard. In terms of overall comfort, amenities, and reliability a Road King has little to no chops compared to a true touring bike.
Also, again, a Road King is not a standard anyway, so it has no business being mentioned in this article.
I know plenty of serious, veteran riders on Harleys … many of whom are former racers, and rack up more annual miles than you do. A Road King with a back rest is a damn nice rig for touring.
Triumph Street Twin. It’s my pick out of all the new Triumph twins, having the best overall proportions to my eye. The T120 models have tanks that look wrong to me – too tall and bulbous.
Harley Road King. Not sure retro was the intention, but it is the end result. No one stayed truer to the formula than Harley. Love them or hate them, their character has been consistent over the years.
Perhaps I’m just hoping that Polaris/Indian will eventually offer a real “standard” bike, but the first thing that came to mind for me is the Indian Scout. This from a guy who still has a couple of old BMW airheads lying around.
http://www.aimag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015-Indian-Scout-8.jpg
Triumph Bonneville T120, Kawasaki W800 and the MotoGuzzi V7 III
Triumph Bonneville T120, not even close.
I don’t know why some call this retro? To me it’s what a motorcycle should look like plain and simple, unless you are riding gsxr1000 or R1 you don’t need all the plastic garbage.
There are people on this earth that feel that things should show the effects of progress. If I am going to fly somewhere. A Sopwith Camel might be fun for a short hop. I would rather take a more modern plane for a longer flight.
Though given the street venue and its inherent limitations. I guess one could fashion a retro look into a thoroughly modern ride. I am assuming that you feel that motorcycle styling reached a pinnacle sometime around the late sixties or early seventies. The Harley guys are obviously stuck more in the fifties. Other’s prefer a forties look. I think the early 2000 dirt bikes are about right.
Who are any of us to dictate what all of our motorcycles should look like?
It was Fairey Swordfish
HAHA … Gannet
Good point about aircraft, they generally avoid pure stylistic protuberances and crappy valance panels covering crappy welds and pipes, on the outside. What you see is what it does.
Hey I’m a 100% Fairey Gannet fan here. Dont dis the Gan man! š
Thruxton
Really wish MG had a better offering than the V7.
I have a Rifle Sport 2/3rd fairing on my `04 Guzzi 750 Breva and 3rd Guzzi I own. It works great ! Rifle makes smaller fairings too. http://www.rifle.co
COOL! I have the original Rifle Sport fairing, a superbly engineered fork-mount, with almost full fairing coverage copied directly from BMW’s then-R100RS series. The Sport is awesome and stable well over the ton.
Also have a mint, never used vintage Rifle Superbike fairing, still flat gray from the factory/ready for paint. IMO this is among the world’s all time best fairings, with superb balance of coverage, low weight, and fantastic cosmetic design.
IIRC both fairings were designed by Craig Vetter, designer of the iconic Vetter Windjammer fairings.
Triumph Thruxton
Most desirable: Thruxton R
Most like the original: Ural M70
I have always felt that if I ever needed to replace my 1975 BMW R90 with a new modern bike, it would be the Moto Guzzi V7.
Your view is valued, because it supports my own. I also once liked BMWs, but the new R9 is too much on glitzy side, in my feel anyway. MG V7 is as pure as motorcycle gets.
“MG V7 is as pure as motorcycle gets.”
++++ NO MORE CALLS PLEASE! We have a winner.
Honda cb1100ex.
Second that. Tried to buy one, but it is too small for my 6’5″ frame. Instead, I bought a Super Tenere. the S-10 is OK, but i wish i would have fit on that honda. My 1982 CB750F fit me well, but the CB1100ex is tiny.
I’m so old I remember a Sportster with a factory optional high pipe for the dirt not being a joke so I vote for a Suzuki DR650.
I’ll see your “old” and raise you one. Harley-Davidson Part Number 65454-59. Been there, done that.
That M/G V7 is a looker for sure! Toss up between that and a Triumph Thruxton.
For me personally, the V7 III is hard to beat. Especially that Anniversario model. That’s some kind of sexy right there.
Honorable mentions: HD Forty-Eight, New Triumphs – especially the Thruxton, Honda CB1100
One I wish was still made: Kawasaki ZRX1200
1st place is: 2017 Triumph Street Cup, in Jet Black and Silver Ice With Hand Painted Coach Lines
2nd place is: 2017 R Nine T Racer
3rd place is: between 2017 Honda CB 1100 EX and 2017 Suzuki TU250X
MG V7
Retro is not my market. But having just finished five years of living in Europe, a land teaming with motorcycles. I’ll just comment on the retro models that I noticed as having been well done.
Modern US available retro goes to the BMW R nine T. I’m not a boxer fan. I’m always crashing my shins on the heads. A motorcycle should do things like that IMO. I find the bike visually striking and it almost has a whole tail section.
For overall retro design I have to go with Mash motorcycles. They have a lot of models that are really cool looking. Absolutely retro bikes nearly unrecognizable from real old bikes. Yes, they are named after the TV show.
http://www.mashmotorcycles.co.uk/models
my eyeballs nearly flew out when I saw those leather-wrapped gauges…
Was that a Mk I or a Mk II eyeball on the Mash model?
Completely agree about Mash motorcycles.
1. R Nine T
2. Thruxton R
3. XSR900 Abarth
The Guzi’s look nice. The CB1100 is sweet, I like Honda, but they’re kinda…. Meh. Bandits? Never mind.
For me. The Triumph Thruxton R is the bike that gets me fired up. Triumphs Modern Classics have always been intriguing but not until the newest generation this line up did I get amped up about them. We had a 2013 Bonnie, but I was looking for ways to improve it. Looks, Horse Power, utility, etc. The new Thruxton R, was set up out of the box the way I wanted to customize the Bonnie.
Too often the “Standards” are bikes made for price point. They have cheeper brakes, crappy welds, cheesy low cost parts designed with an eye towards profit margins instead of a better quality bike. (Don’t get me wrong, I understand the need to have price points bikes for dealers, and these budget bikes are typically fantastic bikes)
Triumph seems to buck that trend, and they hit a home run with these new bikes at the same time.
So my Nomination would be the Truxton 1200R its got everything a modern Motorcycle needs and looks like a classic, only much better!
Personally, I like the Suzuki Bandit GSX-1250. It’s got a fairing, but it’s a UJM. If that counts. They made it for 2016, not this year though. But it’s still available.
The V7 or Honda CB 1100 are the best lookers available as new standards. But I have a blue 2003 ZRX with a round headlight and no fairing. With basic upgrades to the drive train and suspension delivers 130 rwhp, handles better, and looks as good if not better for <$4k if you want to look at used. For that kind of difference I can get around looking at the radiator.
If we’re going on looks alone, and we can be lenient in interpreting the word ‘standard’, then I would go with the Harley Davidson 48. If it has to be a real standard, then I’d pick the Triumph Street Twin.
‘Agree, both on choices and reasoning.
I don’t know if it qualifies as a standard, but I’m going with the Triumph Scrambler. I’d go with the Ducati, but I’m not sure if they still offer it.
Suzuki TU250X-my wife has one that I ride more than she does.
Triumph Bobber looks awesome!
Road King
I’ll go with the cb1100. It’s the “best looking” to me. I’d like it sitting in my living room. – But I like the Street Twin, V7 Classic and HD Roadster too.
I own a 2013 Honda CB1100. Slightly altered to suit my vision of what a motorcycle should look/sound like. Excellent build quality. I think most of the other bikes mentioned so far are also excellent candidates. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and so on.
Hmmm. Retro Standard. Pretty narrow field as there aren’t that many true Standards left. Based on looks alone, I’d go with the Guzzi.
Top of the list, Norton 961 Commando. They all trip my trigger though, from high end down to Suzuki’s TU 250.
Any HA/DA, obviously.
Interesting that several people mentioned Harley (myself included) , but no one has mentioned Indian. Their giant Chief thingies certainly look like they are old…er retro. Maybe moreso than Harley even.
And the Moto Guzzi Eldorado sure looks the part.
Good point, about the Indians. The Scout isn’t bad looking, but is it really retro? Indian’s circus tent luxo-barges are certainly retro. The thing is, the majority of MD’s forum contributors loathe cruisers, especially parade float cruisers, so there you go.
I don’t care for the almost complete blacked out treatment(anything but retro..) and the mufflers could be a little more compact. Other than that I’ll give it the nod… Grumps
I concur with writer of article, V7 is a gorgeous bike. It is not pretentious, it is not plush, it is not overpowered…. it looks like motorcycle any way you look at it.
Every styling element of the 1989 Honda GB500 was covered. They even added a dry sump oil system with exposed lines. Wheels, tank, seat, color (very dark British Racing Green) muffler, fenders, etc. are classic and it is a 500cc single with 4 valve head and two exhaust pipes. It was too expensive to produce and resisted selling until Honda cut the price. I rode mine for 20+ years and sold it for 3 times what I paid for it. Now that’s a Classic! http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/03/17/1989-honda-gb500-riding-impression-by-peter-egan
BMW RnineT in the old school G/S paint
http://images.1000ps.net/b-f_W3002718-bmw-r-ninet-urban-g-s-2017.jpg?width=640&height=420&mode=crop
How about SWM’s Gran Milano? http://swm-motorcycles.it/en/models/classic/gran-milano/
Nobody make retros as well as Harley-Davidson.
My pick is the Low Rider S
Honda CBX. https://search.aol.com/aol/image?q=honda+cbx&s_it=img-ans&imgId=426B983FB7EB3A0909B2D671E3633C6A1CC44492&v_t=clpromo1
I think the requirement is it has to be built today as a retro.
I got all excited they were building a new CBX!!
Suzuki TU 250
Triumph Street Twin. I like the cleaner, less cluttered look over the Bonneville and Thruxton 1200’s.
They look good; it would be my 2nd choice.
Royal Enfield anything or in my own garage, a Honda XR650L that’s essentially unchanged for over 25 years
Triumph T120. Ask me next year and I may switch my allegiance to the Triumph Bobber, but I need to see one for real first.
Honda CB1100, no contest…
Looks only: Royal Enfield HP model (forgot the name, sorry)
Looks and performance: Triumph Thruxton 1200
Agreed. Triumph Thruxton 1200
I own a cb1100, nice bike, front end a bit squirrelly even after putting in race tech springs and emulators. Didn’t like the looks at first, sorta grows on you. Owned several versions of the Guzzi V7, low bars one, regular ones. Looks aren’t everything, as the bike is sluggish. Owned a 2001 Triumph Bonneville, top heavy and I hated the kink in the exhaust. Just bought a Street Twin, and I have to say, is the best retro I have ever owned, decent suspension, and with the upgraded bench seat pretty comfortable. This week I am adding Ohlins shocks to take advantage of its nimbleness in the twisties.
I like the Street Twin over the T120 etc, because the tank is not bulbous. The need for immersed fuel injection pump makes the T120 tank look out of place in my opinion. Having more power isn’t an advantage if the frame and suspension aren’t up to scratch.
So I vote for my Street Twin.
The Guzzi is right at the top for me. I don’t really consider the R nine T very “retro” at all. To me, it looks very modern and… phony.
I really like the SR400 too. It would be a toss up if it weren’t for the (slightly) superior performance of the V7.
“To me, it looks very modern andā¦ phony.”
You’ve got it… I said ‘glitzy’, but really feel this is best description.
I’m going to stick to the stated rules here and go ONLY by looks (as opposed to a combination of looks and performance, which many here are doing), and the bike has to be currently available in the U.S…
Since Honda made the new 2017 CB1100 a bit less attractive than its predecessor, it falls down the list for me. If it still looked like the 2014 Deluxe, I might be forced to go with a three-way tie for first place. Instead, I’ll go with the red and silver Bonneville T120 as #1 and that blue Guzzi V7 as a very close #2, with the latest CB1100 coming in fourth behind the new Triumph Thruxton at #3.
I like the looks of the T120 the best,the Guzzi is ok but I don’t care for the blacked-out engine,black rear fender and funky side covers.The Honda CB1100 doesn’t do much for me.
Guzzi V7 Special, without a doubt.
Bmw R Nine T Racer, Might buy one but not sure I can deal with it. Need a test ride, at 62 and busted up. would love to try though.
I have to go with the Royal Enfield Continental GT. A close second is the BMW R Nine T.
T120
Harley Davidson 750 street. Why? I saw it on the street and it was one of the few bikes that looked right without trying to do so. To me retro doesn’t mean vintage. It suggests the past.
That thing looks HIdeous!
Agree, not inspiring and apparently has ergonomy faults. Mainly, it has no tradition attached to it.
Yamaha SR400 (with an electric starter). I never got much joy out of kick starting a bike.
I love the look of the Honda CB1100 but after riding both a 13 and 14 I found them totally lacking in personality. Hopefully the current version has changed in that respect.
The Goose is sano but I am thinking Trumpet Scrambler.
CB1100 since I own one. The Guzzi and T120 are gorgeous also and if I could I’d own one of each.
I love the look of the Honda CB1100 but after riding both a 13 and 14 I found them lacking in personality. Hopefully the current version has changed in that respect.
2017 Honda CB 1100.
Harley Roadster. Not even a Harley guy.
They are all classically beautiful in my eye. I of course think the Honda CB1100DLX is the best looking retro on the market, followed by the T120 Triumph in maroon and silver, the Guzzis are a distant 3rd for me. I would put them in that order in terms of riding and performance as well. I don’t view the R9T or Guzzi Griso as retros. I do view the std HD sportster as a retro because it really hasn’t changed since the 70s lol and although a poor performer, not a bad looking bike. The Yamaha SR 400 fits in that club as does the Royal Enfield. The XSR 900 Yamaha is kind of retro. I’d put it at the bottom for looks and near the top for performance. I wish Kawasaki imported the W800 as it is a good looking retro..or bring back the Xephyr series updated, they would be retro. Suzuki could certainly ise the Bandit engine to bring back a Wes Cooley styled GS and I think that would sell.
But best overall, my money is on the CB1100 and I did put my money where my mouth is and bought not 1 but 2 of them. Great motorcycles imo.
“The XSR 900 Yamaha is kind of retro. Iād put it at the bottom for looks and near the top for performance.”
NEAR the top for performance? None of the other retros come within a country mile of the XSR for performance!
Jeez!
š
ok VLJ I’d change the word near to at for you if I could, but I’m out of my 5 minute edit window.
…XSR is terrible in looks department, but it may have power, true. Not my cup of tea.
Looks are subjective, but performance isn’t. I think the XSR looks decent enough. No, it’s nowhere near as beautiful as this Guzzi, or a T120 Bonneville, or a CB1100, or even an RnineT, but it’s not bad either, aside from the two stupid boxes at the top of the frame. In terms of looks, “terrible” would be the FZ-10, the last FZ-09, the B-King, the Gladius, the Kawi Z1000, the most recent V-Stroms, the Ducati Multibeak, etc.
Regardless, when it comes to turning, stopping, and accelerating, the XSR blows the doors off of every retro on the market.
Ok, sounds fair.
why only japanese or european manufacturers?
Harley Davidson Street Bob.
there…i said it.
Because this is MOTORCYCLE Daily
there…I said it
My favorite would be the Kawasaki W800, but if we limit it to those available in the US, I’d have to go with the CB1100. I like the Bonnevilles, but the motors are just too big and bulky looking, not as streamlined as the originals (though the did do a better job making the most recent motor look better.)
What Jonny said “The Street Twin” !
I own two Honda’s bikes, a small roadster single, locally known as MegaPro and a scooter, Honda Beat, the most ubiquitous one in Indonesia, perhaps in the world.
Big bikes, any bikes with engine displacement equal to or more than 300cc (regardless of the number of their cylinders), in Indonesia are really expensive due to 175% tax on luxury items. Their prices are higher than family cars.
So, while not owning any of the bikes referred to in this article, I’ve spent some time looking at and admiring them. I think I fall for Honda CB 1100. That’s the bike that I would buy if i could ever afford it.
if ya don’t buy one, I don’t think that they care…
Triumph T120, then the Moto Guzzi.
I own a Honda CB1100 as well but I have to agree that the Moto Guzzi V7 is the best looking. How it rides is different story – not great. It’s an all around authentic retro in looks and feel.
The Guzz rides excellent. I tested it and it was very retro. Not too powerful. Old school brakes. Twin shocks.
I ride the Triumph Street Twin.
Being a CB1100F owner, I’ll have to go with Honda. But, I really like the Moto Guzzis and Triumphs too.
Triumph Bonneville not the ugly black one thought