If you’re looking for a new motorcycle that won’t break the bank and the bikes on my list of scooters and motorcycles under $3,000 don’t cut it, then you’ll need to start searching for new motorcycles under $4,000.
Only going up another thousand bucks might not seem like it will open up that many more options, but you’ll be surprised to know that there are more than 10 additional options within this price range.
I have pulled together 10 of the best motorcycles under $4000 that also don’t slip into my other list of budget bikes. Without further ado, let’s get into what’s on the list.
Honda Trail125
In my eyes, the Honda Trail125 is one of the most exciting bikes to come out in recent years. It’s small, simple, fun, tough, and just all-around awesome. Zack Courts rode one to the northern-most point of Alaska for God’s sake. This is a tough, cool, and just all-around badass little bike, that I highly recommend you consider if you’re a trail riding fan or simply if you want something cool to commute on.
The Honda Trail125 features a 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine with fuel injection. That engine is mated to a four-speed semi-automatic transmission. pair that with some hydraulic disc brakes, fairly long-travel suspension, and a luggage rack, and you have a simple package ready for anything.
Read a review of the Honda Trail125.
MSRP: $3,899
Learn more at Honda’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
Honda Super Cub C125
The Honda Super Cub C125 is a part of the family of bikes that are the best-selling motorcycle of all time. The Super Cub as sold millions and the latest iteration of this absolute classic motorbike is as good as ever, with classic styling, modern technology, and modern practicality. If you’re looking for the best city runabout the world has to offer, then you had better not overlook this beautiful bike. Honda continues to hit it out of the park here.
The little bike that did and still can features a 124cc single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke engine with fuel injection. It has a four-speed semi-automatic transmission, hydraulic disc brake at the front wheel, a drum brake at the rear wheel, and a comfortable 3.5 inches of suspension travel. It, too, features a rear luggage rack, but the rack is smaller than its off-road sibling.
Read a review of the Honda Super Cub C125.
MSRP: $3,799
Learn more at Honda’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
Honda Grom
The Grom is the badass 125cc minimoto that started it all. When Honda came out with the Grom it was a hit, and it has fueled the rise of the small motorcycle in many ways. The newest Grom is better than ever, featuring a design that’s easy to customize and stock looks and technology that’s easy to use. If you need a little bike for the urban jungle, look no further.
The Grom features a 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine that has fuel injection. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission that gives you plenty of manipulation of the modest power coming from the single cylinder. Overall it’s one of the best rides for the money.
Read a review of the Grom.
MSRP: $3,399
Learn more at Honda’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
Kawasaki Z125 Pro
The Kawasaki Z125 Pro was the Green Team’s response to Honda’s Grom, and it was a good one. The bike was just slightly better, in my opinion. Honda set the bar and then Kawasaki leap-frogged it just barely. Both bikes are fantastic, but the Z125 Pro offers a little bit different package that’s well refined.
The bike features a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that’s air-cooled and has a displacement of 125cc. It’s frugal and powerful for its size. That engine is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. All told, the Z125 Pro is a fantastic commuter with good style and comfort for its size and price.
Read a review of the Kawasaki Z125 Pro.
MSRP: $3,399
Learn more at Kawasaki’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
KTM 200 DUKE
When KTM announced it was coming out with the 200 Duke, I laughed. It seemed like a bad idea given that KTM already had a Baby Duke in the 390. That said, the 200 Duke fills a gap at the bottom of the lineup and offers riders a super affordable price point and an entry point to the KTM brand. Without this bike, I think KTM would miss out on creating new riders for Team Orange.
Equipped with an ultra-compact single-cylinder four-stroke 200cc engine that names a whopping 26 hp (it’s a lot for the size of the engine), the bike is designed to really tear it up. Pair that engine with a six-speed manual transmission and you have a bonafide street badass on your hands with a price tag under $4,000.
Rear a review of the KTM 200 Duke.
MSRP: $3,999
Learn more at KTM’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
SSR Motorsports Buccaneer Classic
SSR Motorsports might not be on your radar, but it should be. The company recently breathed life back into the defunct Benelli brand, and it has a few bikes of its own that will pique your interest. Namely, the Buccaneer Classic you see here. The company does have a cafe version, but I’d put my money towards the Classic, which has more of a standard riding position.
The thing I like best about this is the 60-degree V-twin four-stroke air-cooled 250cc engine. That engine comes with electronic fuel injection, and it is paired to a five-speed manual transmission. I’ve seen this bike up close and the engine sounds wonderful. While SSR Motorsports might not have the dealer network of Honda or Kawasaki, if you want something different, this bike is worth a close look.
Read a review of the SSR Motorsports Buccaneer Classic.
MSRP: $3,499
Learn more at SSR Motorsports’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
SSR Motorsports XF250 Street
Another option from SSR Motorsports is of the supermoto breed. The XF250 Street brings some classic supermoto style and tech to an affordable package. The bike is the street version of the dual-sport XF250, which is another good option if you plan to split your seat time between the urban jungle and the dusty trails.
The XF250 Street offers some street tires and a more aggressive style but is otherwise a dual-sport ride. The engine is a single-cylinder four-stroke 249cc mill that’s carbureted and about as simple as they come. Add to that a five-speed manual transmission and you have a lovely machine ready for pretty much anything.
Read a review of the SSR Motorsports XF250.
MSRP: $3,459
Learn more at SSR Motorsports’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
Kymco Spade 150i
Kymco is mostly known for the scooters it sells, but the Kymco Spade 150i is a little motorcycle that the company still sells and it has some good old-fashioned classic styling paired with a small size to compete with Honda’s minimoto bikes and some of the other small bikes out there.
This model features a four-stroke single-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection and air-cooling. The engine has a displacement of 149cc—so it fits in that 150cc motorcycle category—and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It’s a great bike for scooting around town and has enough power for you to keep up with traffic and have some fun.
Read a review of the Kymco Spade 150i.
MSRP: $3,399
Learn more at Kymco’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
Genuine G400C
Last but certainly not least, I have to mention the Genuine G400C motorcycle. This is the first motorcycle from Genuine Scooter Company, which, as you might have guessed from the name, is known for making scooters. The company’s motorcycle is no joke, offering a viable option that sneaks in just under the $4,000 mark.
The bike features a 397cc single that’s air-cooled and features a four-valve head. That engine design is what gets you two good-looking exhaust pipes. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Overall, the G400C is a bike that feels pretty old school. It’s not going to compete with other 400cc machines out there from Yamaha and other mainstream brands, but then it’s not supposed to. It’s a strong first effort from Genuine, and it’s under $4,000.
Read a review of the Genuine G400C.
MSRP: $3,999
Learn more at Genuine’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
Vespa Primavera 50
Okay, I’m cheating here a bit I admit. The Vespa Primavera 50 is a scooter not a motorcycle, but the iconic two-wheeler is under $4,000 and deserves a spot on this list because it’s so darn good. While other bikes here have more displacement and more power, none can match the Vespa for style and iconic appeal. Also, Vespas hold their value like no other bike on the road.
The Primavera has a four-stroke single-cylinder engine with fuel injection that’s mated to a CVT. That means it’s a twist-n-go affair. Scooting around town has never been easier. Sure, you can find more affordable scooters, even nice ones for under $3,000, but if you want a premium ride for under $4,000, then the Primavera 50 from Vespa is the way to go.
Read a review of the Vespa Primavera 50.
MSRP: $3,999
Learn more at Vespa’s website.
Shop for a similar bike at eBay.
