For a time, it seemed like the whole retro bike concept was just a fad, but a fad simply doesn’t last this long. So, for all intents and purposes, retro motorcycles are here to stay. We now have a wide range of nostalgia machines at our disposal, ranging from motorcycles that are quite literally from another time to thoroughly modern machines that simply offer a retro design.Out of all these machines, it is the Triumph Bonneville that really stands out as one of the very best retro bikes on the market, with a timeless design coupled with modern internals. Unfortunately, you need to pay for this level of timelessness. With an MSRP of $11,495, it is not a cheap way to scratch that nostalgic itch. Looking for a used option can bring the price down a fair bit, but if you are willing to consider used options, then there are a couple of even cheaper Japanese bikes that need your attention. Retro Done Right Is A Hard Line To Walk Kawasaki There are those who might argue that simply getting a classic motorcycle might be a better, cheaper option. But most people do not want to deal with all the added maintenance that entails, and that is understandable, especially if the bike will be used as your primary means of transportation. Retro bikes offer us a means to own a classic-style motorcycle with a reliable, modern engine.Kawasaki has had the Z650RS available for quite some time now, and it offers a lot of value on the used market. With an authentic retro design, it certainly looks the part, and its trusty 650 parallel-twin offers relatively sporty performance as well as an impeccable reliability record.Yamaha Yamaha offers the XSR700, which was updated in 2024. Finding a bike from that year will save a little cash, and it won’t be any different from a brand-new model. While its design certainly is a little more modern, the CP2 engine is a genuine point of difference. The bike in question is a little down on power compared to these bikes, but is a degree more accessible for new riders. The 2023 Honda SCL500 Is An Underrated Used Bargain Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000 Honda With so many great retro options available to us, the SCL500 flies under the radar a little. The asking price of the new model is a little high, all things considered, but a three-year-old bike offers good value. While these bikes will most likely be out of warranty, Honda’s little 471cc parallel-twin has been around for ages now and has proven more than capable of racking up over 100,000 miles.Trade value is currently sitting at just under $4k, while the retail value is sitting at just under the $6k mark. That means you can save over $2k, with minimal risk. For those keeping track, that is also around half the price of a new Bonneville, for what is most certainly not half the motorcycle. Powered By A Bulletproof Twin-Cylinder Engine Power: 46 Horsepower Honda Although the SCL500 has only been around for a few years, this 471cc lump has been doing duty in Honda's CB range for well over a decade now. Like most Honda products, it has proven to be metronomically reliable. CB500X owners have generally accumulated the most miles, with those bikes regularly getting up over the 100,000-mile mark. Peace Of Mind Guaranteed Honda While the same could be said for the other Japanese bikes competing in this space, the peace of mind you get with a Honda is hard to beat. It isn’t just a matter of mechanical reliability, either. Honda has an unrivaled dealer network. It is pretty easy to find parts or get your bike serviced, no matter where you live, and as long as you take care of basic maintenance, this bike will outlast you. The SCL500 Is New-Rider Friendly Honda While 46 horsepower might not look like much, the SCL500 is pretty light for a retro machine, tipping the scales at just 425 pounds. That is almost 80 pounds lighter than the modern Bonneville, so even though the Triumph is a fair bit more powerful on paper, its power-to-weight ratio is actually pretty similar. While the overall difference in performance will be incremental, the Honda is by far the more approachable of the two bikes.Power delivery is smooth and linear, which is ideal for any new rider. A used option is always going to be a better bet for a new rider, too. Falls and mild tip-overs are all just part of the learning experience, but falling on a bigger bike can end the whole experience early. You also won't feel half as bad about scratching a used bike. Simple Motorcycling At Its Best Honda In terms of features, you don’t get much. ABS is standard fitment, and so is a slipper clutch (the aforementioned XSR700 does not get a slipper clutch). Both features every new rider needs. Further than that, it is just an engine and two wheels, about as simple as a motorcycle can get. There will be those who want more features, and there are many motorcycles out there that offer more for less.This is a simple bike for those after an unfussed, unhurried kind of motorcycling experience. More experienced riders might also prefer something with a bit more power, but if you were considering a Bonneville, then we sincerely doubt speed was ever a priority, and shouldn't be put off by its mild-mannered nature. For new riders who like how retro bikes look, a used SCL500 presents itself as an ideal starting point. Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications