Top 10 Modern Classics

Collectibles are a funny thing to figure out. Everyone wants to think a family heirloom or trinket snagged at a garage sale will be worth millions someday on Antiques Roadshow. But the truth behind trying to predict what might be a goldmine 100 years from now is that the market is unpredictable. An object is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

That said, we here at Motorcycle.com are going to take a stab at it anyway. This time, it’s a list of Top 10 Modern Classics. We think the 10 relatively new motorcycles listed here are currently available for a steal compared to what they’ll be worth several decades from now.

The criteria for eligibility is simple: each machine must be a production motorcycle available in the 1996 model year or after. This particular list won’t worry about current market value — this is for those true collectors with deep pockets (stay tuned for a budget-minded collectables list). Electronics and rider aids are really coming into their own, and history tends to remember pioneers in a given field, so expect many models on this list to be fairly current.

However, other modern machines on this list are remembered purely for their riding enjoyment, relative simplicity or sheer rarity. Clearly there are many deserving motorcycles, and we’re sure to miss a few. Tell us which bikes you would pick in the comments section. In the meantime, here are our choices.

The Yamaha R7 made a statement when it was introduced in 1999: “I’m here to win races.” Loaded with Superbike technology like fuel injection (something not even the R1 had at the time), five valves per cylinder, titanium con rods, twin injectors, and top-shelf suspension, the R7 is still impressive even amongst today’s sportbikes.

At the time we called it “ the best handling bike available”, and even by today’s standards it would probably garner the same affection around a circuit. The R7 fell short of winning a World Superbike championship, but it doesn’t matter. It’s not often a Japanese brand pulls out all the stops in search of glory, so we rightly get excited when one does.

The R7 cost $32,000 when new, and with only 500 examples in existence, it’ll be a dream come true to find one that cheap 50 years from now.

If you think trying to find one of the 500 examples of the Yamaha R7 is tough, then good luck sourcing one of the 50 Harley-Davidson VR1000s to roll out of Milwaukee. The VR wasn’t released until late 1993, five years after the project was green-lighted. And only 50 examples were made, just enough to meet the AMA’s homologation requirement, which states a competition motorcycle must start life as a road-legal model.

True to the rules, the VR was road-legal… in Poland! Loophole exploitation aside, the VR1000 was an obvious and drastic departure for The Motor Company, which wanted to reclaim its past roadracing glory. Featuring liquid cooling, four-valve heads, overhead camshafts, and fuel injection, the VR1000 was a technical showcase for Harley-Davidson, despite the fact it never won a race during its seven-year racing career (1994 – 2001). Still, prime examples, if you can find one, have sold for upwards of $60,000 on eBay.

There are a number of Ducati motorcycles eligible to be on this list, but when history looks back on the 1199 Panigale, it will do so with a smile. Consider its monocoque chassis, with the most powerful V-Twin engine to date, its trick electronics package, Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes designed specifically for the 1199, and it’s easy to see why we’ve included it here.

The 1199 Panigale is a technological tour-de-force, and we haven’t even begun with the R model. We’ll all see this tech trickle down to other motorcycles, not just sportbikes, and someday in the future historians will mark the Panigale as the turning point when motorcycles went from analog to digital. Sure its racing success might be lacking at this point, but this is one of the rare times it doesn’t matter.

Remember the Honda Rune? It was only around for two years (2004-2005), so it’s easy to forget, but it sure made a splash when it was introduced. Honda’s attempt at a BAC (Bad Ass Cruiser), the Rune was more than just a trick looking concept-turned-production motorcycle.

The Rune was never accused of lacking any forward motivation as it borrows the Gold Wing’s 1832cc six-cylinder. But it also stopped, too, thanks to twin 330mm discs and three-piston calipers. Not only that, it had impressive suspension for a cruiser, with a trailing bottom link front suspension. But above all, it just looked cool.

New, Runes sold for $26,000. Now, low-mileage examples can be had in the high teens, a relative bargain for a very unique motorcycle. If the sportbike set isn’t for you but you’re in the market for a collectable modern motorcycle, the Rune is calling your name.

Duh. Of course the Ducati Desmosedici RR is on the list. It’s the closest thing to a MotoGP machine most of us will ever know. Welcome to the collectables club.

Yes, the Desmo cost a fortune at $72,500, but look what you got for the price: sand-cast aluminum crankcases and heads, one-piece forged steel crankshaft, titanium con rods and valves, Marchesini forged magnesium wheels, and MotoGP-derived technology, just to name a few. Contrary to some internet rumors, the D16RR is not a repurposed MotoGP bike. It was, in fact, developed alongside the D16GP6.

Riding the D16RR is a unique experience, as one side of the brain is telling you not to crash, while the other can’t resist and begs to open the throttle. Do so and you’re greeted with a rush of acceleration unmatched by anything before or since. It’s equally frightening and addicting. The exhaust note is exhilarating, suspension stiff and brakes stout. It’s the epitome of “racebike with lights,” and it will be remembered for a long time.

Sportbikes may dominate this list, but that doesn’t mean a sport-touring machine doesn’t belong. Especially the BMW K1600 GT/L. With its silky 1649cc six-cylinder engine, trick and easy to access electronics suite, and its all-day comfort, the competition has a long way to go before it tops this heavy hitter.

Beyond its performance, the attention to detail is astonishing. Adjustable winglets on the fairing help direct air towards or away from the rider for either warm or cold rides, ESA offers push-button suspension adjustment, and the adaptive headlight peeks around the next corner to tell you what’s ahead. The K1600 is the ultimate sport-touring rig from the makers of the ultimate driving machine and is worthy of any two-wheel collection.

In much the same way the K1600 injected new life in the sport-touring category, the BMW S1000RR shook up the sportbike wars. Finally, a proper sportbike from BMW to challenge the Japanese at their own game. And it won in its first year.

On paper, the S1000RR doesn’t seem too special, with its Inline-Four, conventional fork, typical geometry numbers, radial-mounted brakes, and traction control. But on the track, street or dyno, the Beemer blew away not only the Japanese, but also the rest of the competition. Its engine puts 170-plus horsepower to the ground and has dominated virtually every magazine test, including ours.

A low-mileage, pristine example will become a rarity as time goes on. These are the ones that’ll be worth something several decades from now. And if low miles are critical to your investment, consider the exotic HP4 version introduced this year, which boasts a semi-active suspension and lightweight forged-aluminum wheels that deliver even sharper steering responses.

When you think of an Italian V-Twin with Ohlins suspension, forged pistons, forged wheels, dry clutch and gorgeous styling, it’s usually a Ducati that comes to mind. But don’t overlook the Moto Guzzi MGS-01. Only a handful of these machines were ever made, but the lucky few who own one have something special in their possession.

Powered by a 1225cc Twin, the sporty Guzzi has eight valves, Marelli fuel injection, forged pistons, and produced somewhere in the ballpark of 120 horses and 83 ft-lbs. of torque. All delivered to the rear wheel via shaft drive, in typical Guzzi fashion.

The MGS-01 was an impressive performer, capable of holding its own against other sporty Twins of its time. It surprisingly excelled in the twisty stuff thanks to its sharp 23.5-degree rake, 95mm trail and 55.9-inch wheelbase. Finding one today won’t be easy or cheap, but if the opportunity comes to get a hold of one, don’t pass it up.

We know there are a number of MV Agustas that belong on this list. However, it’s been nearly 40 years since MV last churned out a three cylinder, and the F3 is equally stunning now as the 500cc racer of 1974 was when it was introduced.

Three cylinders, 675cc, engine-brake, wheelie and traction control, plus a counter-rotating crankshaft set the F3 apart from its four-cylinder brothers and most everything else on the road. And let’s not forget its sexy curves; if looks alone could win comparison tests, the others don’t even need to show up. At $13,999, expect the F3’s value to drop slightly in the short term. However, we think it’ll be a fine investment for the long haul.

Yes, folks, whether you like it or not, the electric bike movement is here to stay, and the Brammo Empulse is the first production electric bike to really gain legitimacy amongst the petrol heads among us. With its sporty suspension, Brembo brakes (on the R model) and power rivaling a 650cc Twin, we found ourselves embarrassing lesser riders on traditional sportbikes in the canyons.

Range anxiety is a common concern when discussing e-bikes, but with proper planning, a full day’s ride can be achieved through choice stops at charging stations throughout the country. Nonetheless, a collector with bottomless pockets likely won’t mind the Empulse’s shortcomings. If that’s you, and you want to own a piece of e-bike history, grab one of these.