Last month we brought you the Top 10 Most Anticipated Bikes of 2016. For February, let’s take a look at the most affordable new bikes of 2016, because, well, a lot of the bikes in that other list are pricey: XDiavel, Brutale 800, Super Duke GT … you get the picture. There already exist a lot of motorcycles in the sub-$10k price category, and here’s 10 more new models joining that list. From retro to modernistic, cruiser to sportbike, on-road to off, there’s a little something for everyone in this list.
A few of the prices we had to guesstimate due to the unavailability of an official MSRP, butMO editors have won the Price is Right Showcase Showdown 32 times, so we’re fairly confident in our pricing prognostications. We’ll begin with the most expensive bikes on the list and work our way down. Let’s kick this list off with two very similar new models from Moto Guzzi.
10. Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber & Roamer
At $8,990 the V7 II Stone is the most affordably priced model in the Moto Guzzi lineup, and winner of our HepCat TooCool Millennial Shootout. Producing only 41 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque from its 744cc, the V7 II is somewhat underpowered. With the announcement of a new 850cc V-Twin engine – the V9 – powering two new models, Bobber and Roamer, we’re expecting big things from the two new bikes.
9. Indian Scout 60
So impressed were we with the first Indian Scout we named it our 2015 Motorcycle of the Year. For 2016, Indian is following up the success of the Scout with the more affordably priced Scout 60. What’s the difference between the two? For $2300 less ($8,999 vs $11,299) the Scout 60 comes with one less gear (five vs six) and 134 fewer cubic centimeters (999cc vs 1133cc).
8. KTM 690 Duke
It may just be a glorified thumper, but KTM’s 690 Duke is certainly the overachiever in this list. At $8,999 the new 2016 model retains the same MSRP of the old 690 Duke it’s replacing.
7. Triumph Street Twin
It’s almost impossible for 2016 to be a bigger model year for Triumph than it already is. This year the Hinckley factory will launch two new Speed Triples, an expanded family ofExplorers, three new engines powering five new Bonnevilles, and then there’s the recentspy photos of another new Bonneville. The most affordable among all of these is the newStreet Twin – an $8,700 Bonneville powered by a new liquid-cooled 900cc parallel-Twin. “The OG British Superbike, circa 1965, takes on an entirely new character in the new Street Twin, a modern classic set to inspire a new generation,” says old-is-new-again editor, Burnsie, in his 2016 Triumph Street Twin First Ride Review.
6. Yamaha XSR900
The XSR900 is the third iteration utilizing Yamaha’s potent 847cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinder. Both the FZ-09 and FJ-09 have won numerous shootouts here at MO and, since the mechanically alike XSR is largely a styling exercise, it should exhibit similar performance qualities and continue the Triple’s winning tradition. Yamaha is releasing the pricing details February 16, but knowing the 2016 FZ-09 retails for an incredibly affordable $8,190, we’d be surprised if the XSR’s price strayed far from that figure. Even Vale seems to think this is a cool new bike.
5. Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
Eight grand for an air-cooled 400cc motorcycle seems a little steep to us, but theScrambler Sixty2 is a Ducati and it’s cool. So, maybe that’s all it needs to demand its premium asking price. It’s $7995 MSRP got it to fifth place in this Top 10, though, so the Sixty2 remains a relatively affordable new model for 2016. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a lovely video chock full of surfing, skating, motorcycling millennials having the time of their lives with the Scrambler Sixty2.
4. Suzuki SV650
According to Suzuki, the new SV650 is returning to all the elements that made the original SV a cult classic – but with more of everything. The 645cc liquid-cooled V-Twin has been updated with more than 60 new parts, boasting more low-to-mid range horsepower and torque, as well as improved fuel economy and lower emissions. The SV’s updated chassis incorporates more than 70 new parts and components, and when combined with the new steel truss frame, equals a weight reduction of 15 pounds over the previous model.
Top 10 Reasons The Suzuki SV650 Is A Great Bike
Like Yamaha and its XSR900, Suzuki is keeping a tight lip on the SV650’s retail price. We can, however, approximate from the $7,599 MSRP of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS that to remain competitive, the new SV should be priced somewhere near the Ninja. We estimate the SV will be priced around the $8,000 mark. New SVs are targeted to be available in dealers in late spring to early summer.
3. Honda CBR500R
The 2016 Honda CBR500R was aggressively restyled to more closely resemble itsCBR600RR and CBR1000RR counterparts. In addition to its new styling, the CBR500R also receives new LED headlights and taillights, a lighter muffler design for better mass centralization and an “improved” exhaust note, according to Honda. Other additions include an adjustable front brake lever, smoother gear change feel, a larger fuel tank with hinged cap, and preload-adjustable front suspension. The 2016 Honda CBR500R will be available in Red, Matte Black Metallic and Pearl White, starting in early 2016 with an MSRP of $6,499.
2. BMW G310R
BMW’s forthcoming G310R will be the smallest displacement motorcycle in the OEM’s model lineup since forever. With S1000R styling cues, and powered by a 313cc Single with a slightly rearward canted cylinder and reverse-mounted cylinder head, the G310R is looking to make a splash in the small-displacement category. But, as editor of all things tiny, Troy Siahaan points out in his BMW G310R Versus The World article, the G310R is joining some already established models as well as a few more new ones that will most likely be joining the fun soon. BMW hasn’t announced the G310R’s pricing, but to be competitive against the likes of Honda’s CB300F ($3,999) or KTM’s 390 Duke ($4999) it should be $5k or less (Honda’s CB500F is $5,799). As soon as BMW releases the G310R’s MSRP, we’ll let ya know.
1. CSC TT250
For a limited time, if you put a $1,000 deposit on CSC’s new TT250, you can purchase the bike for $1,895 – a brand new 250cc motorcycle for under $2k! When the special event ends, the retail price for the TT250 will be $2,495, which remains an incredibly good deal by any new-bike standards. We tested CSC’s RX3 Cyclone about a year ago and came away impressed with its performance and craftsmanship. The new TT model looks to match the RX3 in those categories but in a package reminiscent of a Honda CRF250L ($4,995).
2016 CSC TT250 Announced, With $1895 Introductory Price
TT250 models should be available by March. We’ve already requested a test unit and will be bringing you a full review, as well as shootout against its competition, in the near future. For more information or to order, visit cscmotorcycles.com or call (909) 445-0900.
