Best Modest Motorcycles Of 2020

Motorcycles garner a lot of attention for power output, sex appeal, technological sophistication, and the like, but there’s a whole roster of machines released or renewed each year that don’t score high in any of these areas. These low-key bikes are often a bit more practical, appealing to a segment of riders that uses a motorcycle for everyday affairs, as a commuter, or a trusty mount to roll out on the weekend.

Related: Motorcycle Reviews And Comparisons

Even though they might not turn heads, these under-the-radar motorcycles can easily become the go-to machine in a rider’s garage. And despite the fact that they might look a little dull and not have much kick, they often do have benefits which can be pretty appealing to someone in the market for a new bike.

So we’re going to give these bikes a little extra love, with a rundown of some of our favorite low-key 2020 motorcycles.

Sign up here to receive our newsletters. Get the latest in motorcycle reviews, tests, and industry news, subscribe here for our YouTube channel.

A definitively neutral bike with a name as unappealing as plain, room-temperature oatmeal, the 2020 Honda NC750X DCT ABS can easily be overlooked. But it’s actually a convenient and effective ride for a variety of situations. Honda’s DCT automatic transmission makes this twist-and-go bike a breeze to ride, plus its short-shifting nature helps make the most of the fuel in the tank. You get a 5.8-gallon tank storage compartment capable of holding a full-face helmet, as well as a silky smooth, nearly vibration-free engine, super-comfortable ergos, traction control, and ride modes. A decent amount of wind protection from the screen makes this bike appealing for longer-range rides too. Looking for a bike that can commute, travel, and run errands? Give the NC750X DCT ABS another look.

Suzuki’s V-Strom platform is far from new or revolutionary, especially in an adventure segment that is led by some pretty sophisticated machines. But the 2020 V-Strom 1050XT shows that incremental updates can keep a model alive, well, and appealing despite there being no huge advancements in electronics or engine performance. It’s true that displacement was increased back in 2014, but since then it’s been mainly smaller tweaks like cam profile updates and new pistons, for example. The 2020 XT version is a bit more advanced than stock, but its essence as a capable road rider with moderate off-road chops remains steady. It’s got enough pep to be fun, but it’s not the most potent machine you can buy in the segment. Nor is it the best-looking bike on the block, even with its cool new retro colorway, but people have loved their V-Stroms for the better part of the past two decades. And for good reason. The V-Strom platform consistently delivers a pleasing ride, comfortable ergos, and multiuse functionality. Can’t go wrong with that.

How is a 1,269-pound Harley-Davidson Trike low-key? Well, in a lot of ways it’s not. It’s a full-decked touring rig that’ll cost you nearly $50 grand. Not super modest. What makes the CVO Tri Glide low-key is less about its features, and more about the fact that it doesn’t have just two wheels. Some riders will instantly look past the Tri Glide because it pushes the definition of what makes a motorcycle, but this thing provides a smooth, comfortable ride, stability, loads of luggage space, and a spirited powerband for those wishing to explore it. The Tri Glide also extends riding years for many who may no longer be able to safely manage a strict two-wheeler. This is a great bike for those who can afford it, even if you have to put up with a little flack from your more traditionally equipped riding pals.

Kawasaki gave its middleweight sport standard Ninja 650 ABS a face-lift for 2020, to give it a little bit more appeal to sport-minded riders. But it still exists in that gray area between full sportbike and full standard. It’s got a fun but approachable powerband; decent handling, brakes, and suspension; a new Bluetooth-compatible TFT display; and a fairly new frame design. This bike isn’t the best at anything, but it’s pretty darn good at most things on the road. And it’s less than $8,000 brand-new, which is a fantastic deal considering it’s a bike that newish to experienced riders can thoroughly enjoy. Kawasaki has numerous add-ons for longer-range travel, so it can quickly convert to a more long-range-capable machine. Plus, it’s actually a pretty good-looking machine. If Kawasaki continues to refine the platform in the coming years, the Ninja 650 ABS may well lose its low-key status.

A lot of Honda’s mid-level models sort of fly under the radar unless you’re a beginner, but the Rebel 500 ABS is one that is easily overlooked for a few reasons. The small stature and 471cc parallel twin is just not enough for some, plus the Rebel has long been a staple of rider intro courses. It can be awesome for a period of time as you get some miles under your belt as a beginner, but is quickly outgrown, in other words. But the 500 provides a decent experience even for seasoned riders. It has respectable low-end torque, relaxed cruiser ergos, extremely smooth controls, and acceptable suspension. As a commuter, and around-town motorcycle, the Rebel 500 is actually quite capable.

CSC motorcycles are designed and built by Zongshen in China, so for a lot of riders these bikes are a complete nonstarter. Coupled with ridiculously low price tags, CSC bikes can get a bad rap. But they’re not as terrible as you’d think. When we rode the RX3 back in 2015, we were surprised. The little water-cooled single had better-than-expected output, the suspension was surprisingly adept at a modest pace, and the transmission felt solid and smooth. The brakes could use some work, but overall it delivers much more than its $3,995 price tag would suggest. I still wouldn’t say this is a bike you’ll own for the long term, but if you’re just starting out or looking for a decent bike to kick around town, the RX3 could be the answer you’re looking for.

With cruisers pricing at $20,000 and more these days, the Suzuki Boulevard C50′s $8,299 price tag is an absolute steal. It’s a full-size V-twin, with a low-slung seat, relaxed ergos, and decent handling and build quality. Sometimes metric cruisers get a bad rap because of the firm hold American companies have on the cruiser market in the States, but the Boulevard C50 is fully capable of tackling long trips, commutes, and weekend rides comfortably and enjoyably. There are other, more advanced mounts in the Boulevard line, but for a classically styled cruiser that can log plenty of miles in its lifetime, the C50 is a solid choice.

Even though 2018 is the latest available model year for the Kawasaki KLR650 in the States, it remains a great bike that can easily be missed by riders in the market for a new ride. On one hand, it does have a fairly dedicated following of riders who have been to the ends of the earth and back on one of these nearly bulletproof mounts. On the other hand, its simple, carbureted, single-cylinder design might make it a nonstarter for a lot of folks. It’s also a fairly rugged adventure/dual sport so might not make the cut in that regard as well, but the KLR650 is a really fantastic motorcycle. It’s comfortable, capable, easy to work on, and its lack of updates means you can get used models that are just about as technologically sophisticated as newer models. It fits a passenger easily, can handle bolt-on luggage no problem, and zips around town better than you’d imagine. An unsold 2018 KLR650 remains a good option for riders today, especially if you have any intention of getting off pavement.