The Most Reliable Motorcycle Engine, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the motorcycle engine you think is the most reliable!
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 07:50
When cruising down winding roads or navigating the hustle of urban traffic, the reliability of a motorcycle engine becomes crucial to every rider's peace of mind. Knowing which engines stand the test of time and elements isn't just useful; it's a necessity for those looking to make informed purchasing decisions or maintain their current rides. A list that ranks motorcycle engines based on reliability provides clear insights drawn from collective experiences.
This dynamic ranking invites participation from all motorcyclists to cast their votes based on personal encounters with various engines. It is not just about seeing which motor tops the chart but understanding why it earns the trust of the community. The outcome helps prospective buyers and existing owners alike, offering a consolidated resource of valuable feedback directly from the experiences of fellow riders.
What Is the Most Reliable Motorcycle Engine?
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179votes
Honda CB750
Soichiro HondaThe CB750 is often considered one of the most reliable motorcycle engines in history. Its four-cylinder engine was built to last and is still highly sought after today.The Honda CB750 is a legendary motorcycle known for its timeless beauty and outstanding performance. It is often considered one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made, revolutionizing the industry with its iconic design.- Engine: 748cc inline-four
- Power: 67 hp
- Torque: 44 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Top Speed: 120 mph
Honda CB750 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable motorcycle
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable classic motorcycle
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful motorcycle ever made
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Honda motorcycle
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243votes
Yamaha XS650
Yamaha Motor CompanyThe XS650 was produced from 1970-1984 and is known for its reliability and durability. Its simple design and sturdy construction make it a popular choice for custom builders.The Yamaha XS650 is a classic motorcycle that was first introduced in 1968 by Yamaha Motor Company. It is considered one of the most dependable and reliable motorcycle engines ever produced. The XS650 is known for its strong performance, durability, and easy maintenance, making it a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts and vintage bike collectors alike.- Engine Type: Four-stroke, parallel twin
- Displacement: 654 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 75 mm x 74 mm
- Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
- Maximum Power: 50 hp @ 6,500 RPM
Yamaha XS650 in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable classic motorcycle
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332votes
Yzflyboy · Public domainKawasaki KLR650
KawasakiThe KLR650 is a dual-sport motorcycle that has been in production since 1987. Its rugged design and dependable engine make it a popular choice for adventure riders.The Kawasaki KLR650 is a popular dual-sport motorcycle known for its reliability and versatility. It is designed to excel both on and off-road, making it suitable for various riding conditions. With a strong and durable engine, it offers a balance of power and efficiency.- Engine Type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, single cylinder
- Displacement: 651cc
- Bore x Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0 mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
- Fuel System: Keihin CVK40
Kawasaki KLR650 in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable motorcycle
- Position 5 of 10 in Most reliable dirt bike ever made
- Position 5 of 10 in Most reliable dual-sport motorcycle
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414votes
Highbrow · CC BY-SA 4.0Suzuki SV650
SuzukiThe SV650 has been in production since 1999 and is known for its reliability and versatility. Its V-twin engine is smooth and responsive, making it a popular choice for both commuting and sport riding.The Suzuki SV650 is a versatile and powerful motorcycle that is highly regarded for its reliability and performance. It belongs to the sportbike category and has gained a strong reputation among riders of all levels of experience. The SV650 is known for its smooth power delivery, comfortable riding position, and excellent handling abilities.- Engine Type: V-Twin
- Displacement: 645 cc
- Power Output: about 75 horsepower
- Torque: 47 lb-ft
- Fuel System: Fuel Injection
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523votes
Romain9247 · CC BY-SA 3.0The R1200GS is a popular adventure motorcycle that has been in production since 2004. Its powerful boxer engine is known for its reliability and durability, making it a top choice for long-distance touring.The BMW R1200GS is a highly popular adventure motorcycle known for its impressive performance and versatility. It is renowned for its ability to handle both on-road and off-road terrains with ease. With a robust design and advanced features, it has become a favored choice among adventure enthusiasts worldwide.- Engine: 1,170 cc, Flat-twin
- Power: 125 horsepower
- Torque: 125 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Suspension: BMW Telelever front, Paralever rear
BMW R1200GS in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most reliable motorcycle
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular motorcycle
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612votes
Harley-Davidson Evolution Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe Evolution engine was introduced in 1984 and is still in use today. Its durability and dependability have made it a favorite among Harley-Davidson riders.The Harley-Davidson Evolution Engine is a V-twin motorcycle engine series produced by Harley-Davidson from 1984 to 1999. It replaced the Shovelhead engine and was succeeded by the Twin Cam engine. The Evolution Engine is known for its durability, smoothness, and power delivery.- Engine Type: V-twin
- Displacement: 883cc - 1340cc
- Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 - 9.2:1
- Horsepower: 46-72 hp (Depending on model)
- Torque: 50-78 lb-ft (Depending on model)
Harley-Davidson Evolution Engine in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable Harley engine
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77votes
Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0The Monster has been in production since 1993 and is known for its reliable engine and distinctive styling. Its air-cooled V-twin engine is both powerful and efficient, making it a popular choice for sport riders.The Ducati Monster is a naked street motorcycle known for its comfortable riding position, agility, and power. It embodies a minimalist design that emphasizes performance and versatility. The bike's iconic exposed trellis frame adds to its unique and aggressive appearance. The Ducati Monster series has become one of the most popular motorcycles in Ducati's lineup.- Engine: Liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin
- Displacement: Varies across different Monster models
- Power: Varies across different Monster models
- Torque: Varies across different Monster models
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
Ducati Monster in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most fun motorcycle to ride
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular motorcycle in Italy
- Position 4 of 10 in Most comfortable Ducati
- Position 6 of 10 in Most reliable Italian car
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular motorcycle
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83votes
Joachim Köhler · CC BY-SA 3.0Triumph Bonneville
Edward TurnerThe Bonneville has been in production since 1959 and is known for its classic styling and reliable engine. Its parallel-twin engine is smooth and responsive, making it a popular choice for both city and highway riding.The Triumph Bonneville is a classic and iconic motorcycle that has captured the hearts of riders and enthusiasts since its inception in 1959. Its timeless design and powerful performance have made it one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made.- Engine Type: Parallel-twin, air-cooled
- Displacement: 900cc
- Maximum Power: 54 bhp
- Maximum Torque: 59 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed
Triumph Bonneville in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Triumph Motorcycle
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful motorcycle ever made
- Position 5 of 10 in Most reliable classic motorcycle
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular motorcycle
- Position 10 of 10 in Most reliable cruiser motorcycle
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911votes
Moto Guzzi V7
Moto GuzziThe V7 has been in production since 1967 and is known for its unique transverse V-twin engine and dependable performance. Its classic styling and reliable engine make it a popular choice for both casual and serious riders.The Moto Guzzi V7 is a popular motorcycle in Italy known for its classic design and retro appeal. It is a vintage-style bike with modern engineering and performance. The creator of the Moto Guzzi V7 is the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Moto Guzzi.- Engine: 744cc, 90° V-twin
- Power: 52hp
- Torque: 44 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection
Moto Guzzi V7 in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular motorcycle in Italy
- Position 7 of 10 in Most reliable classic motorcycle
- Position 8 of 10 in Most reliable Italian car
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107votes
[Richard Linnander] · CC BY 3.0KTM 690 Enduro R
KTMThe 690 Enduro R is a dual-sport motorcycle that is known for its powerful engine and rugged design. Its single-cylinder engine is both reliable and efficient, making it a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts.The KTM 690 Enduro R is a versatile off-road motorcycle designed for rugged terrains and long-distance exploration. It is known for its reliability, power, and exceptional performance in various conditions.- Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke
- Displacement: 690 cc
- Power Output: 74 horsepower
- Torque: 54 lb-ft
- Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle
KTM 690 Enduro R in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable KTM
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Discussion
Ranking factors for reliable motorcycle engine
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1) Manufacturer ReputationThe manufacturer's reputation for producing reliable motorcycles is essential. Brands with a history of producing reliable and durable engines should be given higher rankings.
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2) Engine DesignThe engine's design, including the materials used, type of construction, and configuration, will significantly affect its reliability.
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3) MaintenanceRegular maintenance is essential for ensuring a motorcycle engine's continued reliability. Bikes that require less frequent or less complex maintenance would be ranked higher.
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4) PerformanceA motorcycle engine's performance can indicate how reliable it will be over time. A performance engine that frequently fails or experiences issues will likely be ranked lower.
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5) Customer Reviews and FeedbackReviews and feedback from customers who have owned or used the motorcycle can provide valuable insight into the engine's reliability and durability in the real world.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable motorcycle engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3752 views
- 229 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most reliable motorcycle engine
When it comes to motorcycles, the engine is the heart and soul of the machine. A reliable engine is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride. But what makes an engine reliable?
There are a few factors to consider, such as the materials used in its construction, the design and engineering, and the maintenance and care given to the engine. Some popular engine types known for their reliability include the Honda CB750, the Yamaha XS650, and the Harley-Davidson Evolution engine.
However, it's important to note that reliability can vary depending on the specific model and year of the motorcycle. Regular maintenance and proper care can also greatly impact the longevity and reliability of an engine.
Ultimately, the most reliable motorcycle engine is one that is well-maintained and cared for, using quality materials and engineering.
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