Best Bikes for a One-Bike-Garage

Motorcycles like the Ducati Superleggera V4 or KTM 1290 Super Duke R are game-changers; they do some things exceptionally well, but for the most part, they are overwhelming and not so usable in your daily life. Imagine taking your Kawasaki H2 grocery shopping — forget about storage; you’d be scared of parking it out of your eyesight. The same goes for many of the best motorcycles in the world; most are not all-rounders. And some are ridiculously expensive, too.

So, what do you do if you are looking for a bike that can do it all? The topic is debatable, of course, depending on the type of rider you are. Someone may consider a versatile ADV an all-rounder, but you may find a naked bike ideal for everyday use. But let’s keep things simple with the bikes on this list — they are versatile and can practically do everything while excelling in one or two things. The bikes in this list are practical, comfortable, nimble, and friendly for most bikers. These are the bikes that you can buy once and keep for a lifetime.

Updated August 2023: To keep you well-informed with the latest updates from the world of motorcycles, we have updated this article with all the latest upgrades to the individual trims and models with a comprehensive addition of pros and cons. So if you are looking to get a brand-new bike for your garage, these are the best motorcycles to consider.

Related: 5 Adventure Bikes To Buy (And 5 To Avoid)

10 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 looks unassuming at first — sure, it is gorgeous, but you might think that’s about it. Throw your leg over it, and you will realize the bike has much more to offer than just the vintage charm. The Interceptor 650 is powered by a smooth yet modest 648cc parallel-twin engine that punches out 41 horsepower and sounds throaty thanks to its 270-degree firing order. The Harris Performance-developed chassis holds the engine, giving this bike a nimble yet composed characteristic. Yes, it is an approachable bike for a beginner, but considering how well it handles itself, even experienced riders wouldn’t mind having just the Interceptor 650 in their garage.

Performance

Pros

• An inexpensive Triumph Boneville alternative
• Its parallel-twin engine is full of character
• Comes with ABS and fuel injection

Cons

• Antiquated engine technology
• Bargain components make it heavy
• Lacks a fair bit of modern tech

9 Honda CB500X

The adventure bike segment almost seems endless with all the options, from mini adventure bikes like the Honda CRF300L to the big BMW G1250 GS, but one bike that stands out from the rest is the Honda CB500X. Taking cues from its elder sibling, the Africa Twin, this middleweight adventure bike is adept and perhaps one of the most balanced bikes in production right now.

It’s not groundbreaking, but it offers an experience that is everything Honda stands for. The 471cc parallel-twin engine is peppy, the tall frame is agile, and the ergonomics make it super easy to handle and comfortable to ride. This is one of the most approachable adventure bikes out there that can easily be the only bike you ever own. Its specialty lies in its simplicity, and being a Honda, it might outlive you.

Performance

Pros

• One of the smoothest power deliveries from a sub-500 ADV
• Honda’s reliability and resale value
• It is a versatile option

Cons

• Comfort is not its biggest attribute
• It’s not really a hardcore adventure motorcycle
• Design is just meh at best

8 Suzuki SV650

The Suzuki SV650 is considered boring by many enthusiasts; it may even remind you of your boring MSF course when you were a wee newbie. But as vanilla as the SV650 is, you can’t deny that this is an incredibly practical and reliable motorcycle. The 90-degree V-twin is punchy at low speeds and capable of highway stints, the ergonomics are comfortable, and at 430 pounds, this bike is easy to maneuver in traffic and corners. The SV650 is the naked bike you should get if you want something that can handle your commutes, weekend rides, and occasional track days.

Performance

Pros

• Some interesting paint schemes and graphics are on offer
• Low maintenance costs
• The engine provides adequate power for most scenarios

Cons

• The suspension is nothing to boast about
• The seat doesn’t provide the most comfortable experience
• Not the most value-for-money option on this list

Related: 2023 Suzuki SV650: Performance, Price, And Photos

7 Kawasaki Versys 650

The Honda CB500X is a terrific adventure tourer, but it can sometimes be a bit too bland or underpowered for long journeys. In that case, you can look at the Versys 650. This middleweight adventure tourer is comfortable and happy to do whatever you want, whether going fast through mountain roads or cruising at 80 mph down the freeways. And thanks to its low center of gravity and a tried-and-tested parallel twin motor, paired with Showa suspension, the Versys 650 is also one of the sportiest motorcycles in its segment. You will be surprised at how well-mannered this bike is.

Performance

Pros

• The 649cc parallel twin is a work of art
• Features adjustable suspension
• Hardly a better option for long-distance journeys

Cons

• It is more a tourer than anything
• Smaller, road-oriented tires
• Comes at a higher price point for budget-conscious riders

6 Honda CBR650R

The Honda CBR650R is an impressive machine that sits somewhere between a sports tourer and a supersport, and it can handle both duties just as well. The 649cc inline-four engine is a screamer that does not sacrifice midrange force, the handling is sharp yet predictable, and the ergonomics are comfortable enough for long hours on the saddle. The CBR650R strikes a balance between performance, comfort, and ease of ownership. No other sport bike can beat the CBR650R in being your only sport bike.

Performance

Pros

• We love its sporty and aggressive design cues
• The smoothness of the inline-four engine
• Well thought-through ergonomics

Cons

• Lack of color options
• Doesn’t have a lot of modern features like others on this list
• May feel a bit heavy for lighter riders

5 Triumph Street Triple 765 R

If you are looking for a motorcycle that doubles as a track weapon and triples as a street bike — pun intended — check out the Triumph Street Triple 765 R. Enthusiasts often describe this motorcycle as addictive and explosive but believe us, this is also one of the most intuitive motorcycles you can ride. With enough mid-range torque and top-end drama, this lightweight naked motorcycle from the British manufacturer feels unlike anything else. It is exhilarating, precise, and engaging. It’s no surprise since it is a naked sibling of the Daytona, one of the craziest supersports ever made.

Performance

Pros

• The fast, zippy acceleration
• Its nimble handling is among the best in class
• Top-of-the-line electronics package

Cons

• For a bike this good, the colors on offer are straight-up disappointing
• The design of the front blinkers makes them easy to break with the smallest of falls
• Forget pillion comfort

Related: 2022 Triumph Street Triple RS: Performance, Price, and Photos

4 BMW F 850 GS

The BMW F 850 GS is a unique proposition in BMW’s line of adventure bikes. Its miniature, G 310 GS, has very little going for it, and its elder sibling, G 1250 GS, has too much going for it. But if you want the quintessential German taste and like your only bike to be more off-road oriented, the BMW F 850 GS is what you should get. It has the off-road prowess to suit your intercontinental adventures, while its composure and performance also make it something you can ride to work without looking like a sore thumb in the parking lot. This bike fits in wherever you take it, sometimes even on a track. And like any other BMW, you enjoy an elaborate buffet of electronics and rider aids, making this bike much easier and better to own.

Performance

Pros

• Proper ADV credentials
• Electronic suspension adjustability is a rarity
• Beefy powerhouse

Cons

• Near-540-pound curb weight
• Not the cheapest option in its segment

3 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX is a unique bike on this list; it is a liter-class sport tourer that looks bulky, but it feels surprisingly light and nimble. This bike blends performance, comfort, and advanced technology in a package that is easy to ride in the city, comfortable on long, fast highways, and agile for some sporty shenanigans. And let’s not forget its aggressive design inspired by the Ninja ZX-10R. If a liter-class four-cylinder bike with agile handling and an approachable price tag is your cup of tea, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX should be your go-to choice.

Performance

Pros

• Provides a great balance of sporty riding and touring capabilities
• The powerful 1,043cc engine
• Comfortable ergonomics for long-distance journeys

Cons

• Barely any color options
• Might prove to be a little too heavy for some
• The stock windshield is useless

2 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX may be too mature (read: boring) for some bikers who want to experience thrill even when commuting to work. Lo and behold: the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, one of the most surreal motorcycles to ride in any segment. The 1,077cc V4 engine produces ruthless power that’s tamed by a suite of electronics, the chassis is so well-balanced you’ll want to scrape your knee at every turn, and everything else on this bike oozes Italian engineering. The Tuono V4 1100 may make you feel like it is a supernaked, but it balances its versatility on a knife’s edge. Ride it once, and you won’t feel like stopping.

Performance

Pros

• It’s unbelievable stable at high speed
• Its exhaust note is music to the ears
• The V4 engine is a work of art

Cons

• Expensive
• Should’ve come with an adjustable clutch lever

1 Ducati Multistrada V4

The word Multistrada is Italian for “many roads” — an apt name for the Ducati Multistrada V4. At first glance, the Multistrada V4 may not look like a versatile bike; it is the creme-de-la-creme of adventure bikes that blends exoticism, performance, and cutting-edge technology (don’t even get us started about the design). But this bike can handle everything you throw at it.

Track days? The V4 engine produces enough grunt to catapult this bike faster than most bikes on tracks, and the handling is unbelievably precise for an ADV. Touring? You bet; the bike is comfortable and plush in the right settings. Adventure? Except for the super technical trails, the Multistrada V4 can handle everything with finesse and style. The Multistrada V4, with its many flavors, is one of the most accomplished motorcycles, and while it comes at a price, you won’t need any other bike after owning this one. It is worth every penny.

Performance

Pros

• Powerful V4 engine
• The Ducati red!
• Striking design language

Cons

• Pricey
• Limited color options – Only the Ducati red
• Potential higher maintenance and servicing costs compared to some competitors