20 Most Reliable Motorcycles Ever Made

A motorcycle's aesthetics and high-speed performance have always been the benchmark for telling whether a motorcycle is successful. A good-looking bike is a treat to watch for your eyes.

On the contrary, a high-speed, high-performance motorcycle can excite you while riding it. If your bike has super-cool modern features and gadgets, it will make you the coolest in your biker group.

However, a true motorcyclist has better criteria by which to judge a motorcycle. Reliability, durability, and longevity seem to be the underrated motorcycle characteristics for most motorcycle riders.

Nevertheless, to most practical and wise riders, reliability is the most precious aspect of a motorcycle. Reliability not only means that the bike will last longer, but it also ensures low maintenance costs and is easy to work on.

It is evident from the motorcycling history and timeline that the most reliable motorcycles are the most successful. They were and are produced for the longest time due to high demand.

If a motorcycle requires too much effort and money to keep it in shape, it is a reason to worry. An excellent, reliable motorcycle keeps you satisfied, and you keep riding it without investing too much. Continue reading this article as we list the 20 most reliable motorcycles ever made.

If you are tired of investing both your time and money in your motorcycle every other day, it is time to switch to one of the motorbikes below. So, you enjoy riding more and worry less about your motorcycle breaking down during the ride.

The Honda Super Cub is the most successful and best-selling bike of all time, with the record of having the longest production run. More than 100 million units of the Honda Cub have been sold worldwide.

It was introduced in 1958, and thanks to its simplicity and practical performance, the Honda Super Cub is still in production.

The Honda Super Cub is iconic in every way. It is one of the historical masterpieces, but it still holds its place today. It is cherished for its superior reliability, simplicity, and affordability.

The best part about the Super Cub is its straightforward design, which makes maintenance and repairs very easy. All these features have contributed to this bike’s longevity and popularity worldwide.

Yamaha is another most trusted name, alongside Honda, which offers the most reliable motorcycles. On top, we have the Yamaha V-Star 250, one of the Japanese gems.

The V-Star is the only bike with the smallest V-Twin engine. However, it does not compromise its classic cruiser aesthetics, performance, and reliability.

Like the Honda Super Cub, its simplicity makes the Yamaha V-Star 250 reliable. This old-school beginner cruiser is built to last. If you take good care of this bike, it will also serve you for almost a lifetime.

The V-Star 250 looks like a proper big V-Twin cruiser. It stands out due to its superior reliability. On top of that, the ride quality is smooth. The maintenance is also an easy job.

Above all, the classic cruiser ergonomics make the Yamaha V-Star 250 a joy to ride, thanks to the comfortable ergonomics.

The Suzuki SV650 is a solid choice for those looking for a dependable and versatile bike. It is well-known for its impressive reliability and beginner-friendliness.

The SV650 was recently discontinued in 2023, and you can still buy a fresh 2023 model from the Suzuki official website. This bike stands out in the category thanks to the class-leading 649 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine.

The SV650 is appreciated for its lightweight build and agile handling, making it a favorite of most beginners and experienced riders. As a beginner, you must choose a dependable option for your daily commutes and weekend rides. This is where the Suzuki SV650 shines.

The Honda CRF300L is considered bulletproof thanks to its indestructible build. The reason why it seems so tough and rigid is because it is a dual sport bike. It is made to overcome both on- and off-road terrains with ease.

The strength is quite visible by just looking at it. Not just the CRF300L, almost every Honda CRF model is made to last longer. The CRF300L is the type of bike that can last forever.

It is not only durable; it is one of the most versatile bikes designed for both beginners and skilled dirt riders alike.

The Honda CRF300L has a lightweight, simple design and robust engine, making it suitable for rough usage on dirt tracks.

It may not be the ideal bike for long travels, but the strong build allows you to travel within the city and dirt tracks with confidence. If you don’t want to worry about falling on a motorbike while overcoming off-road challenges, the CRF300L is the bike you should choose.

The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a sturdy adventure bike known for its reliability and longevity. It is more of an ADV tourer as it stays happy on the road. However, you can also do a bit of off-roading on this bike.

What makes it a popular, reliable build of all times is its simplicity. The V-Strom 650 has nothing fancy in it. It is among the most practical and sophisticated ADV touring bikes currently available in the market.

Despite being simple, riders love this bike for its strong character, smooth V-Twin engine, and comfortable ergonomics. If you ride the Suzuki V-Strom 650, you will not find yourself complaining about this bike as it hardly breaks down. It is well-known as a reliable ride partner.

Being the smallest in the V-Strom family, the V-Strom 650 is a perfect choice for beginners.

In the classics, the Honda CB750 is considered the most revolutionary and legendary bike ever made. It is regarded as one of those classic motorcycles that changed the game in its time.

Introduced in 1969, the CB750 immediately gained popularity due to its remarkable 736 cc air-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine. At that time, no other manufacturer was able to produce a budget-friendly four-cylinder bike.

Despite its old-school look, the Honda CB750 was considered the first superbike of its time with unmatched performance.

It was surprising to see a true classic bike that was powerful and quick. Above all, the CB750 was a highly reliable bike that continued to dominate for decades.

Motorcycle enthusiasts still cherish and remember the iconic CB750 for its supreme balance of power, ease of maintenance, and reliability it offered.

If you miss the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 after its departure and want to buy something very reliable, try the Yamaha Bolt. It is a perfect Japanese take on the iconic Iron 883.

Nevertheless, the Yamaha Bolt is well recognized for its superior solid build, unmatched reliability, and performance. It is a sports-style cruiser bike admired for its simplicity.

The minimalist design ensures ease of maintenance. The 942 cc air-cooled V-Twin engine is also quite efficient and smooth, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

The Yamaha Bolt is a dependable ride for highway cruising and long-distance riding. This bike also handles great.

The simple and minimalist design offers ease of maintenance and makes the Yamaha Bolt a perfect choice for customization. You can give this bike a personal touch to make it your own.

Another beginner-friendly, highly reliable motorcycle by Yamaha is the TW200. This bike may not amuse or excite many riders due to being low-powered. However, in the small-displacement dual sport category, the TW200 has a big name.

The Yamaha TW200 is one of the most rugged-looking dual sport bikes. What makes it a dependable dual-purpose bike is its basic build and small 196 cc air-cooled engine.

The TW200 is among those dual sport bikes with carbureted engines. It is designed for both on-road and off-road enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on their adventures.

Introduced in 1987, the TW200 has been around for years. The bumpy, fat, wide tires and low seat height in the dual sports category make it easily approachable and stable.

You can navigate almost every rough terrain on the TW200 without being worried about breaking down. The remarkable durability and ease of maintenance add more charm to this bike.

The Suzuki DR650 is another legend in the dual sport category, with a bigger engine for more fun. It is a very popular bike and has been around for more than three decades.

The 644 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine brings more fun while off-roading. The added engine capacity and power make off-roading easier and exciting. However, the engine on this bike also gets the fuel through a carburetor.

The simplistic, lightweight design makes the Suzuki DR650 a very reliable dual sport bike. The ease of maintenance provides off-road riders the chance to spend more time on dirt tracks.

The superior reliability and added engine size make the DR650 a versatile choice for riders who want the best of both worlds. You can either take it for highway cruising or let it face the extreme off-road challenges; the DR650 shines in almost every department.

In the motorcycling world, the Honda Rebel 500 can be defined as simplicity at its peak. It is among the most sophisticated classic cruisers. However, it is equally unique and modern in every sense.

Despite the classic bobber look, the Rebel 500 is modern thanks to its slightly sportier stance and blacked-out look. This bike features nothing other than the optional ABS, standard programmed fuel injection by Honda, and slipper & assist clutch. Still, performance-wise, it checks all the boxes.

There is no other better competitor than the Rebel 500 when it comes to smoothness, reliability, and affordability. It is decently powerful and is suitable for both beginners and skilled riders.

The 471 parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine in a cruiser body makes it a truly modern bike. This bike is not only easy to maintain, but it is also cheaper to operate thanks to the remarkable fuel economy it offers.

The Rebel 500 is a perfect ride partner for urban commuting, riding backcountry roads, and light highway cruising.

If you are experienced and want more power and features, get the Rebel 1100. If you are just starting to ride a bike with no prior experience, the Rebel 300 is right for you.

The Kawasaki “Ninja” is the most renowned, established, and reliable name in the sports bike domain worldwide. If you are a sports bike enthusiast, it has to be your dream to ride one of the Ninjas.

The Kawasaki Ninja series, as a whole, is among the most reliable sports bike series ever built. However, in particular, the Ninja 250R is recognized as one of the bulletproof beginner sports bikes.

It is a highly nimble machine, offering a great balance of power and fuel efficiency. It is one of those comfortable sports bikes that you can plan to take on twisty backroads.

The minimal and straightforward motorcycle design contributes to its superior reliability. Though it is majorly known as a beginner sports bike, it has the reputation as the most dependable and enjoyable sports bike for all.

Whatever Honda makes, whether motorcycles, cars, or other equipment, is known to last forever. The Honda logo has become a symbol of reliability. Even the old Honda models are appreciated for their reliability and ease of maintenance.

One of the iconic Honda sports bikes that riders still cherish is the CBR600 F4i. It was introduced at the beginning of the 21st century and was upgraded to the CBR600F in 2006. Those who still own this bike know what a masterpiece it was in terms of reliability.

It was the time when Honda was dominating the 600 cc sports bike class, and the CBR600 F4i was no exception. It not only dominated the race tracks but was also a comfortable sports bike for riding on freeways and twisty backroads.

The remarkable Honda engineering and quality manufacturing made the CBR600 F4i a hallmark of Honda when it comes to reliability.

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is itself a brand in the world of motorcycling. It is one of the currently-produced motorcycles with an uninterrupted longest production run. The history of this bike dates back to 1932, when it was introduced.

Apart from its vintage look, there must be something very special about this bike that makes it successful. What makes it special is its bulletproof build, thumping engine, and incredible dependability.

The Bullet 350 is a modern bike. The ride experience is also very classic, and most riders often call it soulful and engaging. Despite being produced in modern times, it is a very simple bike. It still looks and performs like a bike made in the 1990s.

Because it is built with minimal parts, the RE Bullet 350 offers great ease of maintenance and repair. Are you looking for a reliable timeless beauty manufactured in modern times? The Bullet 350 is a great choice.

Related: The 10 Best Royal Enfield Motorcycles Ever Made

We all know the BMW R NineT is among the most successful and best-selling BMW bikes. However, this success didn’t come overnight. It arrived at the right time when the German company was facing several reliability issues with their existing models.

The R NineT brought the reputation back. This bike has a few classic elements; however, the rest of the bike is a true modern gem. It shows the company's top-level engineering efforts. The build quality and performance are also top-notch.

The blend of cutting-edge technology, along with a 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled, Boxer-twin engine, makes it responsive, robust, and reliable as well.

The BMW R NineT is designed to support customization. It is highly customizable thanks to the bolt-on sub-frame. You can cover miles on this bike without having to worry about breaking it down. It is certainly one of the most dependable bikes that last longer.

As an exception, it is not a simple bike. It comes with several modern features, ensuring a modern performance. As a result, the price is also a bit higher.

There are many well-equipped luxurious touring bikes currently available in the market, but the most established, trusted, and reliable is still the Honda Gold Wing.

The term “Gold Wing” was first coined in 1974. Then on, this touring bike kept on changing drastically. Today, the Honda Gold Wing is one of the most premium, large, and modern touring bikes. It is an icon and a legend in the motorcycling world.

Despite being a fully loaded modern bike with the latest features, the Gold Wing still tops the list of most reliable bikes ever made. This is the reason why it has a dedicated and loyal fan following. It also continues to impress new and younger riders worldwide.

The Kawasaki KLR650 is a very popular dual-purpose bike known for its reliable build. This bike has a rugged look, like a pure off-road bike. However, the decent on-road capability of the KLR650 cannot be denied.

You may not love the KLR650 when you first see it, but as you get to know about it, ride it, and feel it, you will start loving it. This bike has also been around for more than three and a half decades, and it is still running thanks to its reliable build quality.

It is easy to maintain, use, and handle. This is the type of bike that lasts forever.

The KLR650’s dual-nature capabilities make it a perfect choice for budget-minded adventure riders. Even if you want to use it roughly on dirt tracks, this bike gives you the confidence to ride it anywhere you like.

The KLR650 is a dependable choice for almost all types of riders with different skill levels.

Though the BMW R 1200 GS was upgraded to the R 1250 GS in 2019, it is still remembered as one of the most reliable adventure bikes ever produced by BMW. The GS Adventure bike series by BMW are all very favorite of adventure-seeking enthusiasts. However, the R 1200 GS holds a distinctive place in terms of reliability.

It is a renowned Adventure bike all over the world and the first choice of most adventure enthusiasts. From its size, it may look like an ADV tourer, but the R 1200 GS’s off-road capability is unmatched. If you are an expert and can handle a lot of weight, it is a totally fun bike for off-roading.

The R 1200 GS ensures a dynamic performance thanks to its smooth and responsive 1,170 cc air/liquid-cooled Boxer-Twin engine. It also features advanced tech features, making off-road challenges easy to overcome.

This BMW ADV bike is also very comfortable. Despite having too many great features and performance benefits, the R 1200 GS is still renowned as one of the most reliable modern ADV bikes.

It is sad to see riders still doubting the quality of Triumph motorcycles. There was a time when these British-made motorcycles were a sign of reliability and top quality. However, the time also came when oil leakage became a common problem with Triumph motorcycles.

The issue persisted for quite a long time, and it became a norm. However, then came the modern triumph. The brand became a global entity. The technology, production strategy, and engineering all changed, and the facilities became more advanced.

As a result, what Triumph we know today is totally different. These bikes are highly reliable and have a superior-quality build and reliability.

We have included the Triumph Street Twin 900 in this list of the most reliable motorcycles ever made. Why? Because this bike has earned its reputation. The sales figures also show that it is a popular choice for those riders looking for a reliable ride.

The 900 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine technology is known to last longer. The bike is quite efficient and durable and ensures a great balance between power and comfort for both city traveling and long-distance riding.

The Yamaha XS650 is an old classic bike of the past that was introduced in 1969 and discontinued in 1983. It has been more than four decades since its discontinuation. However, this bike still needs to be mentioned in the list of most reliable motorcycles ever built.

The 654 cc air-cooled, parallel-twin engine is well-known for its simple and reliable build and quality. The standout feature of this bike is the ease of maintenance it offers.

Despite being old, the Yamaha XSR650 has a solid and sturdy construction. The durable components and solid frame used in this bike make it usable even after decades.

Even though the XS650 is a very old machine of the past, it has a cult following. Motorcyclists still own and use this bike thanks to the aftermarket parts that are still available.

It may be shocking for some motorcycle enthusiasts to see a Harley-Davidson on the list. However, if you have been a die-hard fan of this brand and have used previous models, you would know what a gem the H-D EVO Sportsters were.

The Harley Sportster models powered by the Evolution engine are still considered to be the most reliable ever built by the company.

These engines were built for around 15 years and were manufactured in 883 cc and 1200 cc configurations. The H-D Sportster models powered by the Evolution engine were therefore considered to be one of the most reliable bikes ever produced by Harley.

The major reason behind their supreme reliability was sophistication and simplicity. These engines were very simple in nature and build.

Unlike most Harley-Davidson models, powered by Twin-Cam and Milwaukee-Eight engines, the Evolution engines required minimal maintenance. If you have owned a Harley, you know it is not common for Harleys to require low maintenance.

The Harley-Davidson Evo Sportsters, including the 883 and 1200, were not powerful, lightweight, and quick. The Evolution engines were infamous for their low-revving capability.

Nevertheless, if you properly maintain the bike and change the oil on time, the Evolution engine-powered Harleys can last forever.

According to most reviewers, consumer surveys, and users’ feedback, motorcycles that break the most are:

• 42% Failure Rate: Can-Am (Canadian Brand)

• 40% Failure Rate: BMW Motorcycles (German Brand)

• 33% Failure Rate: Ducati Motorbikes (Italian Brand)

Not all models produced by these manufacturers have reliability issues. There are certain models built by these brands that have higher reliability scores.

The best or number 1 motorcycle can be defined as the most popular, best-selling, and highly influential. As of today, Honda qualifies as the best brand, surpassing expectations. It is not only the largest motorcycle producer in the world, it also sells well.

Motorcycles made by Honda are reliable and last longer than any other brand. There are several notable models made by this Japanese manufacturer that are widely popular worldwide.

As a general rule of thumb, a motorcycle older than two decades is considered old. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean an old motorcycle is low value.

If you don’t take good care of a new motorcycle, regularly wash and clean your bike, and don’t follow the maintenance schedule, even a new motorcycle will get old early. It will also lose its value quicker than an old model.

Motorcycles with simple constructions and low-displacement engines last longer. Their engines are not under extreme stress and are used normally, so they survive longer.

Also, road-biased motorcycles last longer than off-road capable bikes as the wear and tear are slower on such bikes.

There was a time when motorcyclists didn’t seem to compromise on the aesthetics and performance of their motorcycles. However, one major thing that every motorcycle rider finds the most crucial nowadays is reliability.

Almost every motorcyclist now wants a motorcycle that lasts longer and offers ease of maintenance. Motorcycle riders have become more practical and wise. They no longer waste money on useless fancy design elements.

All top Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, particularly Honda and Yamaha, have raised their engineering and manufacturing standards. Almost every motorcycle manufacturer has realized the importance of producing motorcycles with top build quality and longevity.

If you have read this article and you are in the market to buy a motorcycle for yourself, you better know where to invest your money.