Riding the open road on the back of a motorcycle represents one thing above all others: freedom. That makes it the quintessential American ride, not to mention the most free-spirited way of life a man can achieve. In an era when your freedoms are being eroded in Washington, DC, bit by bit by bit, you can count on the motorcycle to take you away from the bonds that hold you down.
Of course, all philosophy aside, riding a great motorcycle is just great fun, too. But two-wheelers do not come without their risks, which is why practicing motorcycle safety practices is of paramount importance for any rider, new or seasoned.
To the law offices of Morris Injury Law, motorcyclists can face major exposure when they take to U.S. backroads and highways. What this means is even a minor accident can result in life-altering injuries. Even with excellent riding skills and the proper gear, you might still find yourself the victim of a bad motorcycle accident. In that case, you will need to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer you can find. If all goes well, chances are you’ll be back on the road in no time.
That said, what are some of the most classic motorcycles being manufactured today? As a motorcycle enthusiast, you will most definitely want to read further. According to a recent report by Visor Down, it’s back to the future when it comes to satisfying your motorcycle fetish. That’s because the sales of Modern Classic motorcycle models are said to be soaring.
Maybe the term Modern Classic can appear on the surface as an oxymoron, but if you’re not entirely familiar with the beloved category, then you might think of motorcycles that are engineered and styled to appear traditional, nostalgic, and even retro. In other words, motorcycles that would not look strange parked outside a café or a diner back in the 1950s or 1960s.
If you’re looking to cruise along Memory Lane in a hot classic motorcycle, here are a few models still being manufactured in 2024 to consider.
The CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage Modern Classic
Maybe this bike appears to be too modern and not so classic, making it sort of an imposter on this list. The Chinese company CFMoto was founded as recently as 1989, after all. But its retro-flavored version of the 700cc middleweight triumvirate makes the CFMoto 700 CL-X Heritage a subtle tribute to the Modern Classic motorcycle cannon.
This isn’t meant to put down the Heritage since it’s an excellent, if not stunning, value for less than $10,000. It remains, however, somewhat of a mongrel with its design stemming from the Haus of KTM, its somewhat aging but still powerful 693cc twin engine, which is lifted from the Lawasaki ER-6, and its switchgear snatched from the BMW components bin.
What this means is the Heritage isn’t exactly cutting edge, but when you compare it to other similarly priced bikes, you’ll see that it offers a better finish and fit along with a primo warranty. In the end, you might consider the Heritage a Modern bike minus the classic.
The Moto Guzzi V7 Special Modern Classic
In terms of historical significance, the Moto Guzzi V7 Special is up there with the best of them. In fact, the Italian company recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary, which means they’ve been around long enough to recognize precisely what a modern classic motorcycle is.
The V7 is just such a modern classic, and it is said to be quintessentially Italian, much like the Triumph Bonneville, which is considered quintessentially British. This is the perfect ride for motoring along the Amalfi coast, along the cliffs of Sorento, or along your suburban neighborhood road. So what if you don’t speak Italian? Your Moto Guzzi V7 Special modern does.
With its analog dials and exposed oily components, the bike is said to be one of the most authentic retro rides available on the global market today. The Moto Guzzi’s 853cc V-Twin engine is a definite throwback to the 1970s, back when Steve McQueen might have decided to forgo the train in favor of the motorcycle to get him from Rome to Florence in less than two hours.
The BMW RnineT Modern Classic
Says Visor Down, sometimes the most basic ideas are the very best. The BMW RnineT is said to be solid evidence of that. Its back-to-basics engineering doesn’t take away from its good looks. It’s a pleasant ride with its 1170cc boxer engine, which provides some real quality to the affordable ride.
But here’s the thing: despite its moniker, the RnineT isn’t truly a BMW. The German company simply assembles all the parts and components of the motorcycle. When the RnineT comes off the assembly line, it is said to be like a “blank canvas” that’s waiting for you to place your individual stamp all over it.
The RnineT encourages customization and modification. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you can go nuts with add-ons.
The BSA Gold Star 650 Modern Classic
Said to be the original modern classic, the BSA Gold Star 650 is an iconic motorcycle in every sense of the word, with an open road legacy stretching some 50-plus years. The “must-have” motorcycle of its era, today there is a brand-new generation of BSA Gold Stars appearing on the market. The bike is a stunning, authentic tribute to the British motorcycling legend.
With its no-nonsense nostalgia theme, the engineers of the bike have adopted a simple, if not pure, approach to the Gold Star 650’s development in the 2020s. Maybe it’s not the sharpest-looking motorcycle around, but it remains an easy-to-ride classic. It’s not overburdened or overcomplicated with gadgets and gizmos, which can come as a real relief to riders who are looking only for performance and simplicity in engineering.
You won’t win any races with the Gold Star either since it’s not very quick. But its single-cylinder engine is said to be bristling with character. If the original BSA Gold Star of yesteryear changed the future of motorcycles forever, the new BSA Gold Star 650 modern classic will offer you a more than satisfying ride down Memory Lane.
In a world where the combustion engine is under threat, it’s good to know that modern classic motorcycles are still being manufactured. But remember, operating a motorcycle doesn’t come without its risks. Ride responsibly, and above all else, have fun.
