All motorcycles are incredible, but a few truly shine in a sea of otherwise generic machines. These are the bikes that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
With today’s increasingly stringent emissions regulations reshaping the motorcycle industry, larger engine displacements have become the norm, and electronic enhancements are playing a bigger role in daily riding. While we highly encourage any motorcycle enthusiast to seize the chance to ride a classic two-stroke or a vintage British bike, here are five contemporary motorcycles available for purchase now that you absolutely must try before you retire your helmet. Given the fast-paced changes in the market, don’t hesitate to seize these opportunities while they last…
Ducati Scrambler
Ducatis carry a certain allure, particularly the models featuring their iconic 90-degree V-twin engine and desmodromic valves.
Recently, the Italian manufacturer has shifted focus away from this classic format. The V4 engines introduced in MotoGP two decades ago have gradually seeped into their range of street bikes, while even the V-twins now often feature conventional valve operation, which results in longer service intervals and reduced maintenance costs.
Some ‘Desmo’ twins still exist, like the Monster, but if you seek the most traditional experience, hop on the Scrambler while it’s still available. It showcases all the quintessential Ducati features, featuring an air-cooled, 803cc version of the V-twin engine complete with the signature Ducati valvetrain.
It’s a fun, lightweight, and highly accessible entry point into the world of Ducatis, reminiscent of when motorcycles were simpler and devoid of radiators. Though Euro5 regulations have muted some of the Scrambler’s sound and character, it remains one of the few air-cooled motorcycles available today—so take it for a spin before they become a thing of the past.
Check out our review of the latest Ducati Scrambler here.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Do you recall the disdain many bikers had for Harleys?
Admittedly, two decades ago, they were viewed as slow, pricey, and technologically outdated, yet they possessed a unique character and offered a riding experience that garnered a dedicated fanbase. It’s unfortunate they faced such criticism, as these American icons needed to be ridden to be truly understood. That’s why we believe that riding a Harley remains a bucket-list item. Contemporary Harleys are markedly more sophisticated than their predecessors, while still retaining a distinctiveness that continues to provoke unwarranted backlash from those who have (usually) never experienced one.
We’re featuring the Fat Boy, one of Harley-Davidson’s most iconic designs, but feel free to choose whichever model you prefer. Better yet, why not go full HOG (get it?) and rent a Fat Boy for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure down Route 66? Sure, it will cost a pretty penny, but it’s a bucket list experience, right?
Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
The late 1990s marked an era when power and top speed were everything.
Kawasaki’s ZZR1100 was among the world’s first hyperbikes, boasting a top speed of 180mph. The Honda Blackbird followed, and then came Suzuki’s GSX1300R ‘Hayabusa’ in 1999, surpassing them all.
Claiming a 200mph potential, the ‘Busa was named after a peregrine falcon that famously preys on blackbirds. It was designed to be the fastest bike on the market and showcased unique streamlined bodywork that sparked debate yet propelled it closer to its headline-grabbing top speed.
And headlines were indeed made, although often not in a positive light. With governments stepping in to impose power restrictions, Japanese manufacturers struck a deal to halt the race and limit their bikes to 186mph. The Hayabusa survived, but only the first two years of production saw it at full throttle.
As tastes evolved at the turn of the century, lighter and more nimble sportbikes rose in popularity, pushing R1s, GSX-Rs, and Ninjas to the forefront while the Japanese brands phased out their hyperbikes following every new emissions law.
Except for Suzuki, which even revamped its iconic Hayabusa in 2022.
The latest ‘Busa, having undergone a facelift and equipped with an array of electronic enhancements, offers a more refined experience than the original models. It remains long and hefty compared to modern sportbikes and is less versatile than an adventure motorcycle, but there’s still something truly special about riding a 190bhp inline-four. The ‘Busa is a legend, and even as it nears its twilight years, it delivers a riding experience that’s unforgettable.
Discover more in our review of the latest Suzuki Hayabusa on our website.
Triumph Rocket 3
Launched in 2004, the Triumph Rocket 3 (originally Rocket III) made waves as the world’s largest capacity production motorcycle. With its 2.3-liter three-cylinder engine, this powerful British cruiser attracted a new demographic to Triumph, including many former ‘Busa enthusiasts who understood that bigger is often better. Although it’s large and heavy, the relatively low seat height makes it less daunting than you might expect.
The second-generation Rocket arrived in 2019. Where the original models were rather rudimentary, the latest Rocket 3 boasts a much higher level of sophistication. The engine continues to be the focal point, now complemented by modern electronics for a refined riding experience.
Nonetheless, the engine is still phenomenal – arguably more impressive than ever. With 221Nm of torque available at 4000rpm, you can choose a gear and ride that torque curve, while the engine has been substantially upgraded to deliver 180bhp from an impressive 2.5 liters. It’s undeniably a unique motorcycle – making it one you absolutely have to try sometime.
To learn more, check out our review of the 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 GT Storm.
Zero DSR/X
Electric motorcycles often receive a bad reputation, usually from those who haven’t tried them, but we advocate giving them a chance before casting judgment.
While they do come with limitations—particularly regarding range and charging times (not to mention the price)—we can assure you that they are incredibly fun to ride. The Zero DSR/X stands out as a top contender among electric bikes, and the immediate hit of 225Nm of torque is something that will stick in your memory for a long time. The delivery of power and torque is unlike any traditional internal combustion engine bike, and while we understand why some riders may view the lack of gears and engine noise as undesirable, it’s a completely different experience that delivers instantaneous power.
In recent times, several electric motorcycle manufacturers have gone under. The market for powerful, high-priced electric options appears to be slow to grow, but the American brand Zero remains resilient. We could have suggested a classic Guzzi (air-cooled and shaft-driven V-twin) as a must-ride bike, but experiencing a powerful electric motorcycle is an opportunity too unique to overlook. If nothing else, we encourage you to book a test ride, engage Sport mode, and twist that throttle. Whether or not electric biking is the future is still up for debate, and they might not be around forever—so at least try one before passing judgment.
Read about our experience touring on a Zero DSR/X.