8 Best Motorcycles for Street Riding: My Real-World Picks

I’ve spent more than a decade commuting through traffic, carving backroads, and cruising boulevards on a long list of motorcycles. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the right street bike is the one that makes you want to ride every single day.

Specs on paper matter less than how a bike feels in a stop-and-go commute or on a Sunday canyon run. So I’ve picked eight bikes I’ve ridden or spent real time around, each excellent for the street in its own way.

Below you’ll find my honest take on each one, plus a short buying guide and some maintenance advice to keep your bike happy.

1. Yamaha MT-07 — Best Overall Street Bike

If a friend asked me for a single recommendation, I’d say Yamaha MT-07 without hesitating. It’s the bike I keep coming back to when I want something that does everything well.

Why I Love It

The MT-07 uses Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 parallel twin with a crossplane crankshaft. It makes roughly 73 hp, but the real magic is the instant midrange torque. It pulls hard out of corners and zips through traffic without constant downshifting.

At around 414 lb wet with a 31.7-inch seat, it feels small and easy to flick around. The upright ergonomics are comfortable for an hour or a whole afternoon.

Things to Consider

The stock suspension is basic, and I found the seat a little thin on long days. Still, at roughly $8,000, I can’t think of a better value. Expect ABS and a clean LCD dash, but few electronic aids.

2. Honda Rebel 500 — Best for New Riders

The Honda Rebel 500 is the bike I recommend to anyone nervous about their first purchase. It’s approachable, handsome, and nearly impossible to dislike.

Low, Light, and Confidence-Inspiring

The seat height is just 27.2 inches, so most riders can plant both feet flat. The 471cc parallel twin makes about 45 hp, which is plenty for city riding and gentle highway stints. Weight is around 408 lb, and the steering is light and predictable.

I’ve watched several friends learn on this bike and graduate to bigger machines. Honda’s reliability record is a big reason it holds its resale value so well.

Where It Falls Short

It isn’t a corner-carving weapon, and the suspension is simple. At about $6,500, though, it’s a fantastic starter. If you’re weighing smaller-displacement options, I also put together a guide to the best 300cc motorcycle for 2 up riding.

3. Kawasaki Z650 — Best Lightweight Naked for Daily Commuting

I’ve always found the Kawasaki Z650 underrated. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it quietly does nearly everything right.

Smooth, Practical, and Fun

Its 649cc parallel twin makes about 67 hp and revs smoothly. The steel trellis frame keeps weight near 410 lb, and the 31.1-inch seat is manageable for most riders. I love the 4.3-inch TFT dash with Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, which is a nice touch at this price.

The handling is neutral and friendly, so you can lean in confidently without the bike feeling twitchy. It’s a perfect commuter by the week, canyon toy by the weekend.

Price and Value

Expect to pay somewhere around $8,000. Kawasaki’s build quality is excellent, and the fuel economy regularly lands in the mid-50s mpg in my experience.

4. Triumph Trident 660 — Best Premium Middleweight Naked

The Triumph Trident 660 proves you don’t need massive displacement to feel special. That triple engine has real character.

That Triple Soundtrack

The 660cc inline-three makes about 80 hp and has a wonderful growl as the revs climb. It also pulls cleanly from low rpm, so it’s flexible in town. It weighs roughly 417 lb with a 31.8-inch seat.

What sets it apart from rivals is the electronics. You get ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, and two ride modes (Road and Rain). It’s a very confidence-boosting package for the money.

Quality Feel

Fit and finish feel a step above most competitors. At roughly $8,500 to $8,600, it costs a little more than the Japanese twins, but I think the character justifies it.

5. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 — Best Retro Cruiser-Style Roadster

Sometimes I don’t want speed. I want a bike that makes a quiet morning ride feel like an occasion. That’s the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

Classic Looks, Modern Reliability

The 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel twin makes about 47 hp and a healthy dose of low-end torque. It’s not fast, but it’s relaxed and easy to ride. The chrome, round headlamp, and classic tank say “vintage” without the old maintenance headaches.

Weight is around 445 lb with a 31.5-inch seat. Dual-channel ABS comes standard, and the smooth vibration-controlled engine is a pleasure at city speeds.

The Budget Angle

With a price around $6,000 to $6,500, it’s among the cheapest ways to get a big, charming twin. It’s the bike I recommend to riders who value style and feel over outright performance.

6. Suzuki SV650 — Best V-Twin Value

The Suzuki SV650 has been a street favorite for decades, and I understand why. That V-twin engine is a joy.

Proven and Playful

The 645cc 90-degree V-twin makes around 75 hp, with a wonderfully linear power delivery. Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist keeps stalling at bay, and the three-mode traction control is a welcome safety net. Weight is about 435 lb, and the seat sits at 30.9 inches.

I find it more engaging than many modern parallel twins. The sound alone is worth the price of admission.

What to Know

It’s an older design, so the instrumentation is plain and the suspension is basic. Even so, at about $7,600, it’s reliable, easy to maintain, and a blast. If you ever want to expand into touring, the V-Strom 650 shares the same engine, and my guide to the best adventure motorcycle for 2up riding covers more of that territory.

7. Ducati Monster — Best for Style and Performance

When I want a bike that turns heads and thrills me on a twisty road, I reach for the Ducati Monster. It’s the Italian classic, modernized.

Performance Without the Intimidation

The 937cc Testastretta 11° L-twin produces around 111 hp and a beefy, linear wave of torque. The current Monster is lighter than its predecessor, at roughly 366 lb dry, and has a 32.3-inch seat. It’s also easy to ride at low speeds, which surprised me the first time.

The electronics are excellent: three riding modes, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and traction control. It’s a premium experience that still feels approachable.

The Price of Passion

Expect to pay roughly $12,000 or more depending on the year and trim. It’s not cheap, and maintenance costs are higher than on Japanese bikes. But if you value style and sound, I think it’s worth every penny.

8. Harley-Davidson Street Glide — Best for Comfortable Street Cruising

Not everyone wants a nimble naked bike. If your idea of street riding is cruising long boulevards in comfort, the Harley-Davidson Street Glide is hard to beat.

Big, Bold, and Comfortable

It’s powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin (1,923cc) in recent model years, with plenty of effortless torque. The batwing fairing, hard saddlebags, and infotainment system make long rides easy. The seat sits at about 26 inches, though the bike weighs well over 800 lb, so it takes some confidence at parking-lot speeds.

On the road, though, it rides beautifully. It’s smooth, stable, and has a presence that no other bike here can match.

Customization Culture

Harley owners love to personalize. If you step up to the CVO model, you might look into the best motorcycle exhaust extension for cvo street glide to fine-tune the sound and look. Base pricing starts around $26,000, so this is the premium end of my list.

How I Choose a Street Bike: My Buying Checklist

After helping many friends pick their first (or fifth) bike, I always come back to a few key points. Here’s my short checklist.

Fit Comes First

Sit on every bike you consider. Can you flat-foot or at least get the balls of both feet down? Do your arms reach the bars without strain? A bike that fits you will always feel better than a faster bike that doesn’t.

Be Honest About Power

Horsepower is seductive, but most street riding happens below 6,000 rpm. I’ve had more fun on 70 hp bikes I could ride hard than on 150 hp bikes I had to hold back. Middleweight twins and triples are a sweet spot.

Think About Electronics

ABS is a must in my book. Traction control and ride modes are nice extras, especially for newer riders or wet climates. The Trident 660 and Monster are especially good here.

Budget for the Whole Ride

Remember to include gear, insurance, registration, and maintenance. A good helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots can easily add $800 to $1,500. I never skimp here, because gear is the one thing that protects you when things go wrong.

Keeping Your Street Bike Healthy

Regular maintenance is the cheapest way to protect your investment. Fresh oil is at the top of my list.

Most of the bikes above use a wet clutch, so choose an oil rated JASO MA or MA2. If you want a deeper dive, check out my guide to the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle. I also recommend reading about the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle options if you want to compare brands.

Beyond oil, I check tire pressure weekly, lube the chain every 300 miles or so (if your bike has one), and inspect the brake pads regularly. These small habits keep a bike reliable for years.

Quick Comparison: Which One Should You Choose?

• Best all-rounder: Yamaha MT-07
• Best for beginners: Honda Rebel 500
• Best daily commuter: Kawasaki Z650
• Best premium middleweight: Triumph Trident 660
• Best retro style on a budget: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
• Best V-twin value: Suzuki SV650
• Best performance and style: Ducati Monster
• Best for comfortable cruising: Harley-Davidson Street Glide

Final Thoughts From My Garage

There’s no single perfect street bike, only the one that fits your body, budget, and riding style. I’d happily own any bike on this list, and each one has given me memorable rides.

If I had to choose just one, I’d stick with the Yamaha MT-07 for its mix of fun, value, and practicality. But if you fall in love with the sound of a Ducati or the comfort of a Street Glide, follow your heart.

Whatever you choose, take a test ride, invest in good gear, and take a rider-training course. The best motorcycle is the one that keeps you smiling and keeps you safe. Ride well, my friend.

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