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5 best value for money neo-retro motorcycles
Bang for buck never looked this good.
Over the past few years, the neo-retro, or modern-retro segment of motorcycles has boomed. We’re now seeing many manufacturers releasing brand new models which adhere to the retro style and philosophy but with a modern twist, which makes it a great time to own one of these classic, stylish, and very modern machines. Finding a motorcycle that provides the best value, however, can be a bit tricky to decide on given the vast amounts of options, features, materials, and more. If you’re thinking about grabbing your own neo-retro motorcycle, here are 5 neo-retro motorcycles we think score very high in value for money.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
If you’re looking for a neo-retro motorcycle to stand out from the vast majority of naked and standard neo-retro motorcycles, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is one of the most affordable cruises you can get your hands on with modern componentry. The Meteor 350 starts at just P232,000 and is equipped with a 350cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine pumping out 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Meteor 350 is styled with a classic peanut-shaped fuel tank, mid-set footpegs, a 19-inch front wheel, and an 18-inch rear wheel. The features and components of the Meteor 350 are fully modern, with a digital and analog gauge cluster combo, Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices, a halogen headlamp with LED daytime running lights, an LED taillight, and a USB charger.
CFMOTO 700 CL-X
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable ways to enter the 700cc class of motorcycles dressed in a neo-retro fashion, the CFMOTO 700 CL-X is the motorcycle to get. Released just this 2021, the 700 CL-X sells for a very friendly P369,800 and is fitted with a 693cc parallel-twin engine that sends 73.75 hp and 68 Nm through a 6-speed manual transmission. The 700 CL-X is equipped with a round digital gauge cluster, a USB charging port, a 13-liter fuel tank, Pirelli MT60 dual-sport tires, LED lights all around, an upside-front fork, cruise control, and multiple rider modes. The 700 CL-X is without a doubt one of the most bang-for-buck motorcycles you can get in this category which makes it a great motorcycle to those looking for that neo-retro spice.
Triumph Trident 660
The Triumph Trident 660 is one of the newest releases in the 650cc class of motorcycles and is a crowd favorite among neo-retro motorcycle enthusiasts. The Trident 660 is the most expensive motorcycle on the list today at P499,000 but is worth every peso. The Trident 660 features a unique liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder, 660cc engine which sends a healthy 80 hp and 64 Nm of torque to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox. The Trident 660 is fitted with all the bells and whistles, including multiple rider modes, a digital gauge cluster, a full LED lighting system, self-canceling LED indicators, and your standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control. While many of these features are quite premium in themselves, what makes the Trident 660 quite special is the 3-cylinder mill which produces a linear powerband and a very unique exhaust note.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 200
The first on our list is a crowd favorite for riders who fancy naked sport and scrambler motorcycles in a neo-retro package. Priced at just P175,000, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 200 is one of the most well-equipped neo-retro motorcycles in its class. The Svartpilen 200’s Swedish minimalist design is accompanied by an LED taillight and a bright LED headlamp which throws a very crisp beam onto the road—and is perhaps one of the best headlights in motorcycles of this class. On top of this, the Svartpilen 200 comes standard with a 6-speed gearbox, a Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), aluminum handlebars with a cross bar, a water-cooling system, a premium set of inverted 43mm front forks, a preload adjustable rear monoshock, and the same basic components found on the bigger Svartpilen 401.
Yamaha XSR155
When released to the local Philippine market, the Yamaha XSR155 was an instant success. Priced at P162,000, the XSR155 is a close alternative to the Husqvarna Svartpilen 200. They are priced not too far from each other, and are both dressed with similar features: full LED lighting all around, a digital gauge, an inverted front fork and mono-shock rear suspension, and standard ABS for safety. Despite the similarities, the XSR155 differentiates from the Svartpilen 200 in more ways than one.
The XSR155 is styled more like a classic retro motorcycle as against the Svartpilen's more retro-futuristic and angular look. On top of this, XSR155 does come with a slightly smaller engine at 155cc but produces a very healthy 19 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque which is competitive with the Svartpilen 200's power figure. Lastly, the XSR155 does come with a very stylish Yamaha Deltabox chassis and dependable Japanese reliability.
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