As a road tester I love the legendary RD350LC, but for £12k how about these ace used retros instead?

Nostalgia sells. But there is a problem with nostalgia – in fact there are several. For starters older classic machines are now becoming very expensive. You are looking at over £12k for a mint Yamaha RD350LC.

And the truth of the matter is that they are old bikes with old technology. So what’s the answer? How about a modern bike that takes its styling from an older model?

Related: Retro motorcycling kit buying guide

Machines that blend up-to-date performance with evocative styling and deliver the best of both worlds. And are also much cheaper than a mint LC.

Read on for our expert guide to retro motorbikes for less than the cost of a Yamaha RD350LC!

---

MCN Recommended: 2019 – 2021 Suzuki Katana – £6500 – £8500

Striking looks meet modern performance

Spec:

• Power 148bhp
• Engine capacity 999cc
• Seat height 825mm
• Kerb weight 215kg

A great value option that (if you are prepared to invest a few quid) can be made very good. With a high level of detail and lots of lovely nods to the original, this incarnation of Suzuki Katana is based around the GSX-S platform and has bags of power and a sweet chassis. But, and this is a big but, it is hampered by not only a poor shock and snatchy throttle, but also a 12-litre fuel tank which compromises its range. Treat it to a new shock and ECU remap and it’s a classy bike – for shorter rides.

Suzuki Katana used buying advice

• A lot of owners have their Katanas remapped in an effort to sort the fuelling. Check it has been done by a competent dyno house.
• Technically, the Katana’s rubber brake lines should be replaced every four years (not that this will have been done). Swapping for braided lines and uprating the pads adds extra bite to the system.
• The Katana was originally only made in Metallic Mystic Silver but in late 2019 it was also offered in a stylish black option. Black is definitely worth considering as it is adds a dash of meanness to the Suzuki’s overall look.

---

2018-on Honda CB1000R – £6500 – £11,000

‘Neo retro’ that packs a pleasingly sporty punch

Spec:

• Power 143bhp
• Engine capacity 998cc
• Seat height 830mm
• Kerb weight 212kg

Second-gen Honda CB1000R arrived in 2018 and transformed Honda’s super-naked into a ‘neo retro’ while also upping its tech. The 2006 Fireblade-derived engine gained a ride-by-wire throttle alongside TC, power modes and a stack of midrange while the chassis was made sportier. Often overlooked, as a sporty naked roadster, it’s a great option and is well-priced.

Honda CB1000R used buying advice

• As with all single sided-swingarms, check the eccentric hub is moving freely and hasn’t seized. Look at the C-spanner adjuster ring for signs of abuse and ask the owner to demonstrate it moving. If the pinch bolts are incorrectly torqued up (they should be 74Nm) they can damage the hub.
• Be wary of any customised bikes as not all mods are welcome. A fair few CBs have loud pipes and tail tidies as well as bar-end mirrors fitted and even luggage racks.

---

2017 – 2023 BMW R nineT Urban G/S – £6600 – £10,499

BMW’s old-school adventure bike that harks back to the R80

Spec:

• Power 110bhp
• Engine capacity 1170cc
• Seat height 850mm
• Kerb weight 221kg

It may just be a Scrambler model with a high-level mudguard, white Motorsport paint with a red bench seat and white nose cowl and single pipe, but the BMW R nineT Urban G/S looks fantastic and rides brilliantly. The air-cooled boxer has bags of spirit and the chassis is far sportier than you would expect. Don’t bother with knobbly tyres, give it some proper sticky road rubber and you’ll have a ball.

BMW R nineT Urban G/S used buying advice

• Check the wheels for rust or damage, especially where the spokes meet the rim. Water can collect there, leading to corrosion.
• There are a few other R nineT variants. The Roadster (also just called the R nineT) is the top-spec model, the Pure is the base model, the Racer is a Pure with clip-on bars and a small half-fairing and the Scrambler is a Pure with taller suspension and a 19in front wheel.
• 2021-on models are Euro5-compliant and boast ABS Pro.

---

2018-on Kawasaki Z900RS – £6200 – £9999

Lush paint and proper seventies styling make it a real winner

Spec:

• Power 109bhp
• Engine capacity 948cc
• Seat height 835mm
• Kerb weight 215kg

Powered by the Z900’s engine, which is actually 948cc, it has lots of midrange drive as well as TC and power modes. What sets the Kawasaki Z900RS aside is the fact it handles beautifully and is incredibly good fun with just the right blend of power and agility. Kawasaki have lavished lots of attention to detail when it comes to the look and fans of the original Z1 will appreciate the clever little touches that hark back to this legendary bike.

Kawasaki Z900RS used buying advice

• Check for stone chips or peeling paint on the front of the engine and also the radiator for damage. Owners report the level of finish is high but this area is vulnerable.
• The Z900 engine requires a valve clearance check at 16,000 miles, a figure some used bikes are approaching. Always bear in mind this is a costly service that will set you back roughly £700.

---

2018 – 2020 Triumph Speed Triple S – £7500 – £10,000

The last of the old-style Speed Triple naked road warriors

Spec:

• Power 148bhp
• Engine capacity 1050cc
• Seat height 825mm
• Kerb weight 208kg

The last of Triumph’s old-school nakeds, the Speed Triple S is a superb bike that manages to have lots of easy-going triple charm as well as a high level of tech. In this final generation before it went to 1200 and got too serious, the Speed Triple is hard to fault. Engaging to ride and sporty without overstepping the mark, there is little not to love about these 1050-engined bikes.

Triumph Speed Triple S used buying advice

• Lots of owners fit Arrow exhaust end cans to the Speed Triple, which were the official Triumph accessories. They are road legal (the RS had them as standard) and as well as being lighter give it a bit of extra bark. If there are other cans fitted, just check their legality.
• The triple needs its valve clearances checked at a fairly low 12,000 miles. This will set you back around £600, so bear it in mind as a lot of used bikes are approaching this figure.

Related: Best retro helmets