Tech & Auto
Motorcycles That Won't Break The Bank On Maintenance
By RUSS GOOD
Royal Enfield
Best known for its Bullet model, Royal Enfield has manufactured motorcycles since 1901. 2020 saw the end of the Bullet, which was replaced by the Classic 350.
The new model comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty when purchased new, making the Classic 350 a reliable, low-cost, low-maintenance option.
Indian
The first American motorcycle company, Indian promotes do-it-yourself maintenance on its website, providing many articles and videos for those comfortable with a wrench.
One of the company's lowest-maintenance bikes is the Scout Bobber Sixty, which only requires an oil change every 10,000 miles and can last a long time with proper care.
BMW
While 40% of BMW motorcycle owners from 2008 to 2014 reported experiencing a "major failure," many riders still swear by the reliability of their personal bikes.
Some standouts in the BMW Motorrad lineup are the R nine T Pure and G310 GS, both of which are said to have relatively affordable maintenance costs.
Ducati
Despite the manufacturer's bad reputation for producing unreliable bikes, the Ducati Monster is considered the company's most dependable bike.
However, while the motorcycle is relatively low maintenance overall, the Monster's desmodromic valves require adjustment every 7,500 miles.
Triumph
The British-based Triumph is another company with a long history. The new models are some of the most reliable and easy to maintain in the brand's history.
The classic Bonneville model requires service 10,000 miles or annually. The Street Twin 900, renamed the Speed Twin 900, is also highly recommended for its minimal maintenance.