Top 10 Affordable New Models Of 2016

Tom Roderick
by Tom Roderick

Last month we brought you the Top 10 Most Anticipated Bikes of 2016. For February, let’s take a look at the most affordable new bikes of 2016, because, well, a lot of the bikes in that other list are pricey: XDiavel, Brutale 800, Super Duke GT … you get the picture. There already exist a lot of motorcycles in the sub-$10k price category, and here’s 10 more new models joining that list. From retro to modernistic, cruiser to sportbike, on-road to off, there’s a little something for everyone in this list.

A few of the prices we had to guesstimate due to the unavailability of an official MSRP, but MO editors have won the Price is Right Showcase Showdown 32 times, so we’re fairly confident in our pricing prognostications. We’ll begin with the most expensive bikes on the list and work our way down. Let’s kick this list off with two very similar new models from Moto Guzzi.

10. Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber & Roamer

At $8,990 the V7 II Stone is the most affordably priced model in the Moto Guzzi lineup, and winner of our HepCat TooCool Millennial Shootout. Producing only 41 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque from its 744cc, the V7 II is somewhat underpowered. With the announcement of a new 850cc V-Twin engine – the V9 – powering two new models, Bobber and Roamer, we’re expecting big things from the two new bikes.

The V9 engine features a new aluminum crankcase, a new oil pan design and what Guzzi calls an inertia-calibrated crankshaft. Each cylinder has two pushrod-actuated valves set at an incline to the cylinder head, a brand new ECU moderates the fuel injection system while a new exhaust system with a three-way catalytic converter and double oxygen sensors help the engine meet Euro4 emission standards. The engine is paired with a new six-speed transmission with a dry clutch, delivering power to the rear wheel via a double-jointed drive shaft. Expect an MSRP somewhere slightly above the $10k mark, but without much difference between the two models besides cosmetics and wheel sizes, they should be priced within a few hundred dollars of each other.

9. Indian Scout 60

So impressed were we with the first Indian Scout we named it our 2015 Motorcycle of the Year. For 2016, Indian is following up the success of the Scout with the more affordably priced Scout 60. What’s the difference between the two? For $2300 less ($8,999 vs $11,299) the Scout 60 comes with one less gear (five vs six) and 134 fewer cubic centimeters (999cc vs 1133cc). It doesn’t appear to us you’re sacrificing much to save $2k. “Personally, I feel like five speeds is plenty for a cruiser, really. Who wants to be shifting extra gears when they’re cruising relaxationally along feeling all Lee Marvin,” says Burns in his First Ride Review of the Indian Scout 60.

8. KTM 690 Duke

It may just be a glorified thumper, but KTM’s 690 Duke is certainly the overachiever in this list. At $8,999 the new 2016 model retains the same MSRP of the old 690 Duke it’s replacing. “The 690 Duke has truly broken new ground in the area of smoothness in single-cylinder engines, making it a bike that is desireable for more than just its impressive cornering ability,” editor Brasfield wrote in his 2016 KTM 690 Duke & 690 Duke R First Ride Review. The 2014 690 Duke was defeated by the new FZ-07 by a scant 0.2% in a six-bike shootout. With a new Duke, a new SV650 and an XSR900 emerging in 2016 we may have to recreate that shootout. Stay tuned.

7. Triumph Street Twin

It’s almost impossible for 2016 to be a bigger model year for Triumph than it already is. This year the Hinckley factory will launch two new Speed Triples, an expanded family of Explorers, three new engines powering five new Bonnevilles, and then there’s the recent spy photos of another new Bonneville. The most affordable among all of these is the new Street Twin – an $8,700 Bonneville powered by a new liquid-cooled 900cc parallel-Twin. “The OG British Superbike, circa 1965, takes on an entirely new character in the new Street Twin, a modern classic set to inspire a new generation,” says old-is-new-again editor, Burnsie, in his 2016 Triumph Street Twin First Ride Review.

6. Yamaha XSR900

The XSR900 is the third iteration utilizing Yamaha’s potent 847cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinder. Both the FZ-09 and FJ-09 have won numerous shootouts here at MO and, since the mechanically alike XSR is largely a styling exercise, it should exhibit similar performance qualities and continue the Triple’s winning tradition. Yamaha is releasing the pricing details February 16, but knowing the 2016 FZ-09 retails for an incredibly affordable $8,190, we’d be surprised if the XSR’s price strayed far from that figure. Even Vale seems to think this is a cool new bike.

5. Ducati Scrambler Sixty2

Eight grand for an air-cooled 400cc motorcycle seems a little steep to us, but the Scrambler Sixty2 is a Ducati and it’s cool. So, maybe that’s all it needs to demand its premium asking price. It’s $7995 MSRP got it to fifth place in this Top 10, though, so the Sixty2 remains a relatively affordable new model for 2016. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a lovely video chock full of surfing, skating, motorcycling millennials having the time of their lives with the Scrambler Sixty2.

Ducati Scrambler Retrospective

4. Suzuki SV650

On paper anyway, the fourth generation SV650 looks to have the same formula that made the original so great.

According to Suzuki, the new SV650 is returning to all the elements that made the original SV a cult classic – but with more of everything. The 645cc liquid-cooled V-Twin has been updated with more than 60 new parts, boasting more low-to-mid range horsepower and torque, as well as improved fuel economy and lower emissions. The SV’s updated chassis incorporates more than 70 new parts and components, and when combined with the new steel truss frame, equals a weight reduction of 15 pounds over the previous model.

Top 10 Reasons The Suzuki SV650 Is A Great Bike

Like Yamaha and its XSR900, Suzuki is keeping a tight lip on the SV650’s retail price. We can, however, approximate from the $7,599 MSRP of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS that to remain competitive, the new SV should be priced somewhere near the Ninja. We estimate the SV will be priced around the $8,000 mark. New SVs are targeted to be available in dealers in late spring to early summer.

3. Honda CBR500R

The 2016 Honda CBR500R was aggressively restyled to more closely resemble its CBR600RR and CBR1000RR counterparts. In addition to its new styling, the CBR500R also receives new LED headlights and taillights, a lighter muffler design for better mass centralization and an “improved” exhaust note, according to Honda. Other additions include an adjustable front brake lever, smoother gear change feel, a larger fuel tank with hinged cap, and preload-adjustable front suspension. The 2016 Honda CBR500R will be available in Red, Matte Black Metallic and Pearl White, starting in early 2016 with an MSRP of $6,499.

2. BMW G310R

BMW G 310 R (K03)

BMW’s forthcoming G310R will be the smallest displacement motorcycle in the OEM’s model lineup since forever. With S1000R styling cues, and powered by a 313cc Single with a slightly rearward canted cylinder and reverse-mounted cylinder head, the G310R is looking to make a splash in the small-displacement category. But, as editor of all things tiny, Troy Siahaan points out in his BMW G310R Versus The World article, the G310R is joining some already established models as well as a few more new ones that will most likely be joining the fun soon. BMW hasn’t announced the G310R’s pricing, but to be competitive against the likes of Honda’s CB300F ($3,999) or KTM’s 390 Duke ($4999) it should be $5k or less (Honda’s CB500F is $5,799). As soon as BMW releases the G310R’s MSRP, we’ll let ya know.

1. CSC TT250

For a limited time, if you put a $1,000 deposit on CSC’s new TT250, you can purchase the bike for $1,895 – a brand new 250cc motorcycle for under $2k! When the special event ends, the retail price for the TT250 will be $2,495, which remains an incredibly good deal by any new-bike standards. We tested CSC’s RX3 Cyclone about a year ago and came away impressed with its performance and craftsmanship. The new TT model looks to match the RX3 in those categories but in a package reminiscent of a Honda CRF250L ($4,995).

2016 CSC TT250 Announced, With $1895 Introductory Price

TT250 models should be available by March. We’ve already requested a test unit and will be bringing you a full review, as well as shootout against its competition, in the near future. For more information or to order, visit cscmotorcycles.com or call (909) 445-0900.

Tom Roderick
Tom Roderick

A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.

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  • Dino Sabelli Dino Sabelli on May 01, 2017

    Beautiful modern rendition of a UJM

  • Peter c Peter c on Aug 23, 2017

    Ducati Scramber? A 400cc bike selling for mega bucks that is outperformed by many lower priced and cc bikes has no place on this list.

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