Top Ten Used Bikes to Avoid in 2022

There is almost always some emotion involved in buying a motorcycle because we rarely buy them as rational commuters, especially regarding large displacement motorcycles. When logic finally knocks, we tend to tolerate a few minor anomalies. Unfortunately, the price is a tiny window into what we’ll pay during ownership in the beautiful world of used motorcycles. A common misconception is that a bike is cheap to ride. Maybe for smaller scooters, but not for the more desirable models. So, here is our final list of the Top Ten Used Bikes to Avoid in 2022.

Top Ten Used Bikes to Avoid in 2022 – Top Rated

Suzuki TL1000S

A powerful V-twin sport bike that is reliable in Japan. It was a winning formula, but Suzuki ruined it. An unproven feature — the decision to add a rear spring and rotary damper with push rods (inspired by F1) instead of a standard Coilover — would result in the bike suddenly going into a corner. It is one of those things that can be corrected, but the effort may not be worthwhile unless the shock is already replaced.

CFMoto 650NK

Overall, Chinese-made bikes have advanced significantly in product quality and performance. The truth is that they still have a ways to go before they can compete on the same footing with the rest of the planet. Their bikes break even after a few years of ownership, even if they hit the right design notes. Before buying a product made in China, you should also ask yourself an ethical question.

Ducati Hypermotard

There’s no doubt that it’s one of the most attractive bikes money can buy, and the stunning looks can tempt you into an unwise purchase. Unfortunately, most Ducati Hypermotard buyers are more interested in riding their bikes than maintaining them, which is understandable. It’s illegal on any Italian V-Twin, though. A transgression that results in catastrophic destruction.

Honda CBR900RR FireBlade

These revolutionary motorcycles are becoming incredibly desirable today. They were the first to break out of the accepted 750cc class and quickly established themselves as the standard sportbike for the streets. If one is offered for sale and it sounds good to be true, it probably is. Very few of these motorcycles managed to avoid at least one slide. Fairings that are brand new or recently restored are a dead giveaway, but only a test ride will show if the chassis is still straight.

Ducati Panigale 1299

1299 was the most potent V-Twin of all time when it stopped being produced, and it probably will be. That level of power always has a price, and that price is usually reliability. There are enough angry performance-focused owners of this super-strong motorcycle to warrant a class-action lawsuit.

Benelli Leoncino 500

This motorcycle is technically an Italian model as it has an Italian name in all its attractive Italian build. Underneath it, all can be found an affordable and pleasant “Made in China” bike. They will break and eventually have little value on the used market.

Aprilia Shiver 900

Indeed, bigger is not always better. It is especially true of the 900cc shaver, which replaced the older 750cc model. Unlike the sporty, rugged 750cc bikes that had come before, Aprilia built these bikes with extreme refinement. They also had a short existence as the brilliant Tuono/RS660 successfully displaced them, and today they often sell for less than a classic 750cc.

Benelli TRK 502X

The Italians, er, Chinese, quickly responded to the boom in the adventure bike market with bikes like this one. It’s not a brilliant idea to buy a bike that may have been thrown off the road by a previous owner who treated the cheap machine as a disposable toy.

Husqvarna Norden 901

Before the Norden made its much-anticipated premiere, there was so much hype surrounding the bike that people lined up to get their hands on it, but many of them were let down. The first alarm bells rang when KTM essentially scrapped its 790 engine, returned to the design board, and released it as the 890 just a few years after its launch. It’s a powerful but imperfect machine, and all those flaws — along with a few original Husky marks — came with it to the heart of the Husky. Although many first-year models have some quirks, it is advisable to stay away from them.

Any Custom Chopper

While not all motorcycles are created equal, choppers are the most distinctive and will probably only appeal to those who built or built them. If buying one second-hand because of the price appeals to you, then resist the temptation because, if you like the way it looks, it’s made for the person trying to sell it. Yes, not for you.

Top Ten Used Bikes to Avoid in 2022 – Top List