The Worst New Motorcycles from Every Major Manufacturer: A Comprehensive Breakdown

When it comes to motorcycles, every manufacturer has its hits and misses. Despite the advances in technology and design, some bikes just don’t measure up, even when they are still available for purchase brand new on showroom floors. Over the last few years, many manufacturers have done a great job of eliminating their worst-performing models, but there are still some motorcycles in production that are not worth your hard-earned cash. Here’s a list of the worst current motorcycles from every major manufacturer, from Yamaha to Royal Enfield, and why you should avoid them.

Yamaha: The V-Star 250

Yamaha is known for producing high-quality motorcycles with powerful engines and race-winning pedigree. The Yamaha R1, for instance, is a favorite among sportbike enthusiasts. However, not every bike in Yamaha’s current lineup is a winner. The V-Star 250 is a prime example of a bike that seems stuck in the past.

What makes it bad?

• Outdated Design: This bike features a carburetor and rear drum brakes—technology straight out of the 1990s.
• Lack of Power: It comes with a small V-twin engine that doesn’t offer much in terms of performance.
• Price: Though it’s one of the more affordable cruisers at $4,700, there are much better options in the same price range, like the Rebel 300, which offers better performance and modern features.

For beginner cruisers, the V-Star 250 is simply not competitive with today’s offerings. There’s no reason to buy one when there are more modern, powerful, and feature-packed bikes in the same price range.

Kawasaki: The E1 Electric Motorcycle

Kawasaki has made some incredible bikes, like the Ninja ZX-6R and the Z900, but their first foray into electric motorcycles, the E1, falls flat.

What makes it bad?

• Low Power: The E1 generates only 12 horsepower and 30 ft-lb of torque—disappointingly low for an electric motorcycle.
• Limited Range: The 41-mile range is very limited, especially if you use the “EB boost” mode to reach higher speeds.
• High Price: At $7,900, it’s too expensive for what it offers. There are better electric scooters and motorcycles that provide more range and power for the same price.

Unless you’re looking for a low-power electric scooter that can barely reach 65 mph, this bike is not worth the investment.

Suzuki: The GSX 250

Suzuki has an impressive history with sportbikes, but the GSX 250 is not one of them.

What makes it bad?

• Underpowered: With only 25 horsepower and 17 ft-lb of torque, it’s one of the weakest motorcycles in its class.
• Heavy: At nearly 400 pounds, this bike is far too heavy for the little power it delivers.
• Overpriced: For over $5,000, you can find much better bikes with more modern technology and better performance.

The GSX 250 is a relic of the past and should not be a consideration for anyone looking to buy a new motorcycle today.

Honda: The CBR 500R

Honda makes some amazing motorcycles, but the CBR 500R stands out as the worst bike in their current lineup.

What makes it bad?

• Heavy for its Class: Weighing 421 pounds, it’s about 40 pounds heavier than other bikes in its category, such as the Ninja 500.
• Underpowered: With a 471cc engine that only produces 47 horsepower and 32 ft-lb of torque, it lacks the power-to-weight ratio needed for a good riding experience.
• Expensive: Priced at around $7,400, it’s almost $10,000 out the door in some markets, which is far too high for what this bike offers.

The CBR 500R is outclassed in both performance and price by competitors in the beginner sportbike segment.

Ducati: The Multistrada V4

Ducati is known for its exotic, high-performance motorcycles, but the Multistrada V4 doesn’t quite hit the mark.

What makes it bad?

• Identity Crisis: The Multistrada V4 doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be. It tries to blend off-road capabilities with touring, but it doesn’t excel at either.
• Weight: Weighing over 530 pounds, it’s too heavy for an adventure bike.
• High Price: Ducati’s flagship adventure bike comes at a steep price, yet there are better options available for serious off-road enthusiasts.

With the introduction of the DesertX, the Multistrada V4 feels redundant and overpriced.

Aprilia: Limited Edition RSV4

Aprilia makes some of the best sportbikes in the world, but the Limited Edition RSV4 models are not worth the hype.

What makes it bad?

• Too Expensive: These limited-edition models are incredibly expensive, and they don’t offer much more in terms of performance compared to the standard models.
• Heavy for the Track: The RSV4 is heavy, making it difficult to handle in tight corners, which is crucial for track performance.

If you’re going to buy an Aprilia, stick with their standard models, which offer more value for money.

MV Agusta: The Brutale

MV Agusta motorcycles are known for being luxurious and exotic, but the Brutale is not one of their best offerings.

What makes it bad?

• Price vs. Power: At around $20,000, the Brutale offers only 40 horsepower, making it a terrible deal when compared to other bikes in its class.
• Reliability Issues: There’s no guarantee that this bike will even start every time you turn the key, which is a significant issue when paying such a high price.

For the price, you’d be better off looking at other high-performance naked bikes, like the Street Triple RS, which costs less and offers more.

Moto Guzzi: The V85 TT

Moto Guzzi has invested heavily in their V-twin engines, but the V85 TT adventure bike doesn’t quite measure up.

What makes it bad?

• Low Power: With only 80 horsepower, it struggles to keep up with other adventure bikes in its class.
• Heavy: Weighing over 500 pounds, it’s difficult to handle on rough terrain.
• Overpriced: There are much better adventure bikes available for the same price or less, such as the BMW GS series.

The V85 TT lacks the performance needed to compete in the increasingly competitive adventure bike market.

Harley-Davidson: CVO Street Glide

Harley-Davidson has long been criticized for the high prices of their motorcycles, and the CVO Street Glide is no exception.

What makes it bad?

• Astronomical Price: At $50,000, the CVO Street Glide is more expensive than some cars and trucks.
• Limited Appeal: While Harley-Davidson’s fanbase is loyal, this bike is not worth the price tag for most riders.

You could buy two well-equipped motorcycles for the price of this one, making it an absurd purchase unless you’re a die-hard Harley fan with deep pockets.

Royal Enfield: Himalayan 411

Royal Enfield has made great strides in recent years, but the Himalayan 411 is still underwhelming.

What makes it bad?

• Low Power: With only 24 horsepower, it struggles on highways and even steep inclines.
• Old Technology: The air-cooled engine and basic design are outdated compared to other bikes in the adventure category.

While the Himalayan 450 is a big improvement, the 411 remains a poor choice in today’s market.

Table of Key Specs for the Worst New Motorcycles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the Yamaha V-Star 250 still in production?

• The V-Star 250 remains in production because it’s an entry-level cruiser, but its outdated technology makes it less competitive today.

Is the Kawasaki E1 worth considering for city commuting?

• The E1 could be used for city commuting, but its limited range and power make it a poor value compared to other electric motorcycles.

What are better alternatives to the Suzuki GSX 250?

• Alternatives include the Yamaha R3 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300, both of which offer better performance and modern features.

Why is the Honda CBR 500R considered overpriced?

• It’s considered overpriced because its power-to-weight ratio and lack of advanced features don’t justify its $7,400 price tag.

Is the Ducati Multistrada V4 good for off-road riding?

• The Multistrada V4 is more of a touring bike than an off-road bike, and its weight makes it difficult to handle in rugged terrains.

Should I consider buying a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411?

• The Himalayan 411 is underpowered for highway use and outdated in design, so it’s better to wait for the 450 model.

Are Harley-Davidson CVO models worth the price?

• Harley-Davidson CVO models are very expensive, and unless you’re a collector or a die-hard fan, there are better options at lower price points.

For more information on motorcycles and their performance, visit https://sojampublish.org/.