It is probably no secret to anyone that frequently searched articles on the Internet usually have the words “accessible” or “cheap”. Perhaps it is a sign of post-pandemic times or maybe it has always been this way, but, seriously speaking, price awareness seems to dominate SEO nowadays and any motorcyclist can tell you that the suggested price is often an important factor in the final purchasing decision. But don’t just look at the price lists; ultimately, aspects such as power, riding style, quality, and long-term reliability are also important.
The good news is that in recent years, there has been a race of small and medium-displacement models at competitive prices in a variety of genres, as manufacturers have sought that increasingly lucrative space. We have limited our favorites to those that are close to or below €7,000 and have tried to avoid low-displacement scooters, Chinese imitations, and beginner examples with a limited focus. We are talking about highway capability, folks, so maybe they are not the cheapest… But perhaps the 4 most affordable motorcycles of 2023?
Triumph Scrambler 400 X 2024 | €6,295.00
Yes, we know we are supposed to be talking about motorcycles from 2023, but the new Triumph 400s are so attractive, well-equipped, and with such a good price that there was no way to avoid them. Both the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 X have a new 398cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection and liquid cooling, with a power output of 39.5 hp (29.4 kW) at 8,000 rpm and maximum torque of 37.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm, as well as ride-by-wire throttle with traction control, but we are drawn to the Scrambler 400, a bit more expensive and with scrambler characteristics, due to its longer suspension travel, larger 19-inch front wheel, and still respectable weight of 179 kg – making things easier to control both on and off the road.
As a 400 cc machine not specific to the road (but with off-road capability), weighing less than 90 kg, powerful enough to stay ahead of traffic, and priced under 7,000 euros, the Scrambler occupies a small slice of the market. When you add the solid construction quality of Triumph, top-notch suspension, and a decent safety package, the result is an attractive choice – whether you are a new rider or just looking for another bike for your garage.
KTM 390 Duke 2023 | € 6,723.00
The 390 Duke has earned a prominent place in the small-displacement motorcycle category. It is both an excellent bike for beginners and experienced riders. This is thanks to the ultra-compact 373 cc single-cylinder with liquid cooling and a lightweight steel trellis frame, along with a wide range of quality components and standard features. We’re talking about elements like an inverted WP fork, ride-by-wire, a slipper clutch, and standard ABS. With a dry weight of 150 kg, a wheelbase of 53.4 inches, and claimed 43.5 hp / 32.0 kW, beginners will be privileged with all the maneuverability and power they need, but there is also enough capacity to satisfy most riders, regardless of their skill level. In summary, the KTM 390 Duke is not an easy choice; even with a compact single-cylinder engine of less than 400 cc, the excellent power-to-weight ratio and the well-selected riding quality of the little Duke, combined with a good list of modern technology, make it an excellent choice for almost every rider.
Kawasaki Z400 ABS 2023 | € 6,790
The Kawasaki Z400, a mid-displacement motorcycle, consistently reliable, offers a simple streetfighter style, a fun 399cc engine, agile handling, and refined aesthetics, all for less than 7,000 euros. The best part of this liquid-cooled 399cc twin-cylinder engine may be its wide and flat torque curve that doesn’t scare beginner riders, but can be increased when absolutely necessary for quick thrills. On the dynamometer, we recorded 33.4 kW {45 PS} / 10,000 rpm and 37 N•m {3.8 kgf•m} / 8,000 rpm of torque, better than most other competitors at similar prices. An assist and slipper clutch helps control the extra-smooth power delivery, and while the natural environment for the Z400 is the streets, it can still be squeezed on secondary roads or even a closed circuit, although the ergonomics are more upright than racing. The end result is a lively, easy-to-maneuver, lightweight, but not intimidating motorcycle that most riders will not easily outgrow.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 2023 | €4,487.00
A Royal Enfield? It’s inevitable on a list of “Most Affordable Motorcycles” thanks to its continuous price-value proposition. Even within that range, the Hunter 350 continues to stand out, with its price and a rather impressive set of features: classic and attractive style, easy handling, neutral riding position, and a versatile and reliable 350cc engine. The Hunter uses the same air-cooled SOHC two-valve engine that appears in the Classic 350 and Meteor 350, but thanks to an alleged weight of 195 kg, it feels more agile at low speeds.
If the specifications may seem unimpressive – only 14.87 kW@6100 rpm and a peak torque of 27 Nm@4000 rpm – consider the fact that the Hunter’s neutral ergonomic system, upright riding position, and relatively low seat height of 31.1 inches still suit a wide range of riders.
