Top Ten Best Air-Cooled Bikes Available in the UK

There’s more to it than you think – and it doesn’t include ‘fake’ air-cooled retro-like Triumph’s Bonneville Family or BSA’s new Gold Star restored, which looks air-cooled but radiator-cooled. Floyd walks. Through their engine. Finally, in 2021, not only BMW’s new 1800cc Air Cooled Cruiser, R18 but also Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350 was released. However, many alternative air-cooled bikes are still available, at least up to Euro6! In alphabetical order, here are our choices for the Top Ten Best Air-Cooled Bikes Available in the UK.

Top Ten Best Air-Cooled Bikes Available in the UK – Top Rated

Benelli Imperiale 400, from £3699

Here is a natural, classic branded air-cooled throwback that slips under the radar. The Imperial may be Chinese-made and produce only 20bhp from its Euro 5 air-cooled, 373cc, four-stroke single, but it is also an authentic-looking roadster with solid wire wheels, propeller silencer, and more. And, best of all, it costs just £ 3699 (+ OTR), which not only reduces Triumph Bonnevilles and possibly the new BSA Gold Star and more, but also Royal 200 less than Royal Enfield’s.

BMW R 18, from £16,999

When the German Behemoth unveiled its new classic cruiser, it caused quite a stir. The giant boxer ever was also the company’s first new air-cooled boxer in almost 40 years, but best of all, with a combination of old BMW and classic cruiser styles, high-tech features such as riding modes, luxurious craftsmanship, and Solid 90bhp performance, as well as he saw. Since then, BMW has launched beggar and total dresser variants that are even more spectacular. Who said air-cooled motorcycles are extinct? Did you say ‘R9T’? It does not count. It has oil-cooled heads.

Ducati Scrambler 800, from £7995

Monsters of Italian folklore are all liquid cold now, and sports classics are no longer available, yet not one but two air-cooled ‘Dukes’ are new. Its retro-inspired scrabblers, which now include Icon, Icon Dark, Desert Sled, and Night Shift, will soon be joined by Funky’s new Urban Motard, showcasing its stunning aesthetics, entertaining accessible performance, and a mix of Are rightly and famous for Old and new features. At the very least, Icon Dark, at £ 7,995, is a deal. The trail-style desert sled, priced at 10,495, is the longest-legged, but the new 10,395 Urban Motorbike may be the choice.

Ducati Scrambler 1100, from £10,995

In 2018, Ducati released significant 1100cc variants for its Scrambler family to attract more experienced, performance-demanding riders. While the larger air-cooled V-twin produces just 85bhp, it improves the experience with better speaker suspension, modes, etc. The Dark Pro starts at £ 10,995, and the Pro has a new 2022 Tribute Pro, starting at £ 13,595 Sports Pro, and 11,995, which may be our favorite group in terms of price.

Harley-Davidson ‘big twins’, from £13,795

The smaller, air-cooled 883 and 1200cc sporters of the USV Twin Cruiser Legend died last year, replaced by a brand new liquid-cooled version. However, its most famous ‘big twins’ have survived due to minor upgrades to its ‘Milwaukee-Eight’ powered engines – although some larger ‘full dresser’ versions, such as Road Glide and Ultra Limited, now Liquid cooler head included. Raise your hand to an American classic as long as you can!

Indian Chief, from £16,195

Since its relaunch in 2013, the Indian has made a significant impact on the American scene, initially with a brand new ‘Thunderstock’ air-cooled, large-bore V-twin family, then a brand new but Finished with liquid. Cool, low-capacity, scout family competing with the Sportster in 2014. The big chief was given a great shape in 2021 due to Euro 5, and the new leaders are worth seeing the Dark Horse Cruiser, Chief Bobber, Super Chief Beggar, Springfield and Chief Fried Baggers, and Roadmaster Phil Dresser. Meanwhile, the liquid-cooled Challenger engine offers even more performance.

MASH 400 & 650s, from £3999

MASH is a relatively new retro-inspired brand based in Belgium. It designs its machines in Europe and then manufactures them in China using fairly old tech air-cooled, single-cylinder engines. However, unlike similar brands, MASH produces not only 125s but also 250s according to Euro5, a Yam SR500-400 identical, and three 650s, the most expensive being £ 5599.

Moto Guzzi V7, from £8200

The Italian Grand Grand’s air-cooled transverse V-tone powered V7 has been the closest contender to the Triumph’s classic Roadster Bonneville since the first V7 Classic was initially released in 2008 in a 744cc, 48bhp version. Although not as fast as Burt, Gozi’s authenticity and charm made it a huge success, giving birth to a family of spin-offs with better engines. Guzzi’s most famous bike of today, and new for 2021, according to Euro5, the V7 claims the latest 850cc engine from the V9, which has long produced 65bhp, making it the largest ever. Makes V7.

Royal Enfield Meteor 350, from £3899

The Meteor, which will be available in 2021, is the next Indian-owned Royal Enfield bike and is designed for an economical, early-friendly introduction to the brand. Its brand new 349cc air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine goes through the Euro5, even though it barely produces 20bhp. Not everyone likes the semi-cruiser look. But it’s ready and straightforward, yet the finest build of Enfield, an excellent introduction to the big 650 (below), and the cheapest to test, starting at just £ 3899.

Royal Enfield 650, from £6039

Yes, it’s no surprise that our last Air Cold Puck is another Enfield, but the 650cc Twin, which was introduced in 2018 in both Retro Roadster Interceptor and Cafe Racer Continental GT Guys, has its charming charm—proven to be such a hit for the decent 47bhp A2. Synchronized performance and excellent value that was impossible to ignore here. Yes, it’s a touch rough around the edges and it lacks Triumph’s now-Far East twin-polished and elegant twins, but with classic styling, genuine branding and details, satisfying performance, and air on budget. Nothing beats the cold experience. Who said air-cooled motorcycles are extinct?

Top Ten Best Air-Cooled Bikes Available in the UK – Top List