Fancy a bike to pop to the pub on? Look no further than my five favourite Sunday superstars!
In the modern high-speed world, it is all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to take a step back and relax.
And what better way to do this than on a retro bike, especially if the sun is out and you head for a local pub to enjoy a quiet (alcohol-free) beer?
- Related: Retro riding gear buying guide
This week we have singled out some great used motorcycles that are ideal for pottering about on when you want to unwind from a stressful week at work. And the even better news is that none of them will break the bank.
Read on for our expert guide to easy-going Sunday superstars!
MCN Recommended: 2016-current Triumph Bonneville T120 – £6000-£11,000
A British classic reinvented for the modern age
Spec:
- Power 79bhp
- Engine capacity 1200cc
- Seat height 785mm
- Kerb weight 239kg (kerb)
The Triumph Bonneville T120 is a perfect example of Hinckley doing retro exceptionally well. Powered by the firm’s parallel-twin HT motor, the Bonnie not only looks fabulous it is also easy-going thanks to its low-revving motor and makes for a brilliant two-up machine. With TC and ABS, it has modern safety but the overall look is in keeping with Triumph’s heritage. Although the suspension is set quite soft, this isn’t to the Bonnie’s detriment as it is a bike for chilled out cruising.
Triumph Bonneville T120 used buying advice
● Some owners criticise the finish with corroded spokes, tarnished engine cases and damaged chrome on the exhaust jackets.
● The reg/rec is a bit weak, so check it is charging its battery using a multimeter. It’s not too expensive to replace at about £150.
● Early models suffered issues with the wiring loom and a few had their clocks changed. Owners reckon it is down to the clutch cable squashing the harness.
● Some suffer squeaky front brakes. Thoroughly cleaning the calipers does seems to reduce the chances of it happening.
2014-2021 Honda CB1100EX – £5500-£6500
Classy air-cooled retro packs huge retro appeal
Spec:
- Power 88bhp
- Engine capacity 1140cc
- Seat height 795mm
- Kerb weight 247kg (kerb)
The Honda CB1100EX is a classy-feeling retro that has loads of plus points and makes for an elegant machine for enjoying those sunny days. While its 18in wheels may feel a bit odd to those more used to 17in items, once you get to know how they make the chassis respond the EX can be ridden with a fair degree of spirit. But do you want to rush it? Not really, just revel in the sound and feel.
- Related: Top retro leather jackets
Honda CB1100EX used buying advice
● Although it is generally very well built, owners report issues with the quality of the EX’s chrome.
● If you want something a bit sportier, check out the CB1100RS. With 17in wheels it is a step-up in terms of its handling but retains the same air-cooled charm.
● The engine requires is valveclearances checking every 16,000 miles, which isn’t as tricky a job as on a water-cooled bike but does need doing or they can close up, potentially leading to damage.
2015-2017 Yamaha XJR1300 – £5500-£8000
A sporty update to Yamaha’s classic bruiser
Spec:
- Power 96bhp
- Engine capacity 1251cc
- Seat height 829mm
- Kerb weight 240kg (kerb)
Although not popular at the time due to its 6.5-litre smaller tank size and less comfortable seat, the reinvented 2015-on Yamaha XJR1300 is a very good bike for zipping around quiet back roads on. The air-cooled engine has bags of spirit and although heavy, the 2015-onwards model’s uprated suspension (it still has Öhlins shocks) copes with the weight far better than the previous generation.
Yamaha XJR1300 used buying advice
● Ensure the red ‘master’ immobiliser key is included.
● Check the EXUP valve (located just before the end-can) is moving freely. If there is an Fi warning light, nine times out of ten it is the EXUP valve at fault.
● Don’t be tempted by the XJR1300 Racer version, it looks cool but has a hideous riding position.
● The rear brake caliper’s underslung position means it tends to get hammered by road crud, leading to corrosion.
- Related: Retro helmet buying guide
2003-2013 Honda CB1300 – £3500-£6500
A Big One for the weekend? Step right this way…
Spec:
- Power 114bhp
- Engine capacity 1284cc
- Seat height 790mm
- Kerb weight 255kg (wet)
A brilliant bike for two-up cruising, the Honda CB1300’s monster inline four has huge midrange drive and its seat is simply enormous and very deeply padded. Available in naked or semifaired CB1300S versions (the S looks the best, especially in red and white as pictured) the 1300 is a bit chunky but it handles really well. Even if you aren’t a fan of the classic ‘Big One’, this modern retro reinvention is a great bike.
Honda CB1300 used buying advice
● The five-speed gearbox is a weak area, especially on bikes built before 2009 (Honda introduced an update). Fourth gear is usually the one that fails, so check all the ratios engage nice and smoothly on a test ride.
● Check the rubber-covered push buttons work on the dash as they are known to split their rubbers.
● The exhaust isn’t supported very well on early bikes, so check it for cracks caused by vibrations. Also
inspect the tank well, it tends to get dinged if the bike is dropped.
2018 – 2020 Kawasaki Z900RS Café – £7000-£9000
Short-lived café racer mixes heritage and tech
Spec:
- Power 109bhp
- Engine capacity 948cc
- Seat height 835mm
- Kerb weight 215kg (kerb)
A beautiful blend of nostalgia with modern performance and technology, the Kawasaki Z900RS Café was launched alongside the naked Z900RS in 2018 but only remained on sale for two short years. Quite why the bike was dropped so soon is a bit of a mystery but you can only assume that the majority of riders opted for the naked option over it, which seems a shame.
Kawasaki Z900RS Café used buying advice
● The engine is solid but a few have developed gearbox issues, which manifest themselves as bikes hopping out of gear.
● The radiator is quite exposed, which can lead to damage from stones. Check for any dents and leaks as a new unit is over £700.
● If you don’t fancy the faired model, the naked Z900RS is just as good. Prices start at £6000, which is about £1000 less than the Café.
● The valve-clearance check is fairly early at 15,000 miles.
