Top 10 Retro Bikes in India: Discovering the Best Classics Motorcycles

Retro bikes are timeless as they reflect the rich heritage of biking without compromising on the trend quotient. They offer an immense scope to tailor any classical old-school design with modern engineering. The love for retro bikes has revived in the past few years, especially among millennials and Gen Z who are more obsessed with these bikes and are venturing into the older era, i.e., the classical bike world. 

We have compiled a list of the Top 10 Retro Bikes in India that are sure to spark a conversation. These attract bike enthusiasts due to their classic appeal, nostalgic value from the days gone, and unique mix of old charm and modern reliability.

 

• Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (650 cc)
• Jawa Standard (350 cc)
• Benelli Leoncino (500 cc)
• Triumph Street Twin (900 cc)
• Kawasaki Z900 RS (950 cc)
• BMW R Nine T (1170 cc)
• Norton Commando 961 (960 cc)
• Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (650 cc)
• Triumph Thruxton R (1200 cc)
• Ducati Scrambler Icon (800 cc)

 

1. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 – Numero Uno!

 

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 revives the spirit of its predecessor Continental GT 250 and draws inspiration from the café racer culture of the 50s and 60s with distinctive features.

The bike blends the retro and modern eras with a sculpted tank, tucked-in riding position, and finely tuned suspension with piggy-back gas-charged twin shocks.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is loved for its dynamic looks, refined engine, sporty riding position, and comfort in all weathers.

Key Specifications

Engine	4 Stroke, Air-Oil cooled, SOHC Engine
Max Power	47.65 PS @ 7150 rpm
Max Torque	52 Nm @ 5250 rpm
Body Type	Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 100/90-R18, Rear: 130/70-R18
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 2,71,673 (ex-showroom)

2. Jawa Standard – Authentic & Economical!

 

Jawa Standard is a cruiser reminiscent of Jawa 250 Type-A from the 1960s and makes a statement with robust technology and ergonomic features like a six-speed gearbox, conventional telescopic front forks, and twin rear shock absorbers.

The design of Jawa Standard is truly winning the hearts of Indian customers and even giving a tight competition to the beast of a retro bike, Royal Enfield. Jawa Standard has a fuel tank capacity of 14 litres and weighs 172 kg.

Key Specifications

Engine	BS6-Compliant, 293cc Single-Cylinder Liquid-Cooled Engine
Max Power	27 bhp
Max Torque	27.05 Nm
Body Type	Cruiser Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 90/90-R18, Rear: 120/80-R17
Tyre Type	Tube
Price	Rs. 1,64,000 (ex-showroom)

3. Benelli Leoncino 500 – Classic Demeanor!

 

Benelli Leoncino 500 is a classical neo-retro bike built with modern technology. Its design harkens back to the Italian brand’s ‘lion cub’ models of the 1950s and 1960s. The retro bike is accentuated by a lightweight, compact, and strong steel lattice frame, a 500-cc twin-cylinder motor, a six-speed manual gearbox, and more.

Benelli Leoncino 500 has 17-inch cast-alloy wheels fitted with wide, sticky tyres paired with strong brakes, making them ideal for urban riding. It is the performance of Benelli Leoncino 500 that has garnered the praise and liking of Indian motor enthusiasts.

Key Specifications

Engine	Liquid-cooled, 4-Stroke, Parallel-Twin 500cc Engine
Max Power	46.8 bhp @ 8,500
Max Torque	46 Nm
Body Type	Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 120/70-R17, Rear: 160/60-R17
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 4.79 lakh (ex-showroom)

4. Triumph Street Twin – Solid Performance

 

Triumph Street Twin keeps the spirit of the original 1959 Bonneville on with lucrative features, top-notch technology, and splendid performance.

The bike gets ride-by-wire throttle along with three riding modes, Road, Rain and Sport. You can customize the Triumph Street Twin with over 140 custom accessories, including a machined black oil filler cap, a brown quilted bench seat, a black sump plate kit, and more.

Triumph Street Twin is loved for its unique character, peculiar sound, exhaustive looks, and dynamic riding experience.

Key Specifications

Engine	900 cc Liquid-cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° Crank Angle Parallel Twin
Max Power	65 PS @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque	80 Nm @ 3800 rpm
Body Type	Sports Naked Bikes, Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 100/90-R18, Rear: 150/70-R17
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 9.45 lakh (ex-showroom)

5. Kawasaki Z900 RS – Poised!

 

Kawasaki Z900 RS reignites the charm of the Z1 900 motorcycle and features a classical design with minimal bodywork, preserving the essence of retro-style. Authentic retro-styling, tuned stainless steel exhaust system, round LED headlight, iconic teardrop fuel tank, and bullet-shaped analogue dials are some of the highlights of the bike.

Equipped with running gear, Kawasaki Z900 RS offers an authentic riding experience for the rider by offering a balanced flex to achieve responsive and agile handling on city roads and highways. Retro-styling, power, and performance are the winning points for Kawasaki Z900 RS.

Key Specifications

Engine	948cc Liquid-cooled, Inline Four-cylinder Engine
Max Power	109 bhp @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque	98.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Body Type	Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 120/70-R17, Rear: 180/55-R17
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 15,70,000 (ex-showroom)

6. BMW R Nine T – For A Retro Roadster

 

BMW R Nine T embodies fusion and class of over 90 years of motorcycle design with an iconic boxer engine that keeps the weight low. Along with the classic roadster look, BMW R Nine T features an Akrapovic exhaust that can be mounted at different heights and a powerful air/oil-cooled engine to roll easily on the tarmac. The design of the BMW T Nine T emphasizes the retro look of the bike.

The tubeless spoked wheels in BMW R Nine T give a tingling sensation, the Ride Modes Pro brings the most out of the retro bike with Dynamic mode, the ASC and DTC control systems, which make riding on tarmac dynamic fascinating the riders.

Key Specifications

Engine	1,170 cc Iconic Air/Oil-cooled Boxer Engine
Max Power	107.2 bhp @ 7,250 rpm
Max Torque	116 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Body Type	Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 120/70-R17, Rear: 180/55-R17
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 17.48 lakh (ex-showroom)

7. Norton Commando 961 – Elegant!

 

Norton Commando 961, a modern retro bike, takes design cues from classic cafe racers in the UK. Along with the sporty riding posture, Norton Commando 961 comprises a carbon fibre fly screen, remote master cylinders for the brakes, clip-on handlebars, and polished wheel rims. The bike is handcrafted with superior quality material, the fuel tank is shaped elegantly, and the curved tail section with the integrated tail-light enhances the overall look.

Norton Commando 961 has been one of the most lovable retro bikes among youngsters for its charming features.

Key Specifications

Engine	313 cc, Liquid-cooled, Single-cylinder Unit With Four Valves And A Dohc Cylinder Head
Max Power	80 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque	90 Nm at 5,200 rpm
Body Type	Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 120/70-R17, Rear: 180/55-R17
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 21 lakh (ex-showroom)

8. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 – Boldness Overload!

 

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is influenced by its own version from the 1960s, keeping the soul of the British Roadster alive with its modern retro design and unparalleled performance.

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has a fuel tank capacity of 13.7-litres and gives a mileage of roughly around 26km/l.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is loved for its free-revving twin-cylinder engine and extreme comfort during upright riding position. The wide handlebars and diamond-quilted seats enhance the looks and comfort of the bike.

Key Specifications

Engine	649cc Air/Oil-cooled Parallel-twin Engine
Max Power	47 bhp @ 7,250 rpm
Max Torque	52 Nm @ 5,250 rpm
Body Type	Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 100/90-R18, Rear: 130/70-R18
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 2,66,755 (ex-showroom)

9. Triumph Thruxton R. – Legendary Bike!

 

With its breathtaking style, exceptional handling, and phenomenal performance, Triumph Thruxton R is a legend of retro bikes. The fine features of Triumph Thruxton R maintain the regal retro Triumph inheritance intact, and the robust engine delivers thrilling performance with a unique Thruxton tune.

High-class equipment and electronics, superlative speed and style make Triumph Thruxton R one of the most popular and desirable retro bikes in the country.

Key Specifications

Engine	1200 cc Liquid Cooled, 8 Valve, Sohc, 270° Crank Angle Parallel Twin
Max Power	97 PS/ 96 bhp @ 6,750 rpm
Max Torque	112 Nm @ 4,950 rpm
Body Type	Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 120/70-R17, Rear: 160/60-R17
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 12.63 lakh (ex-showroom)

10. Ducati Scrambler Icon – Iconic!

 

Ducati Scrambler Icon is a contemporary roadster bike with a perfect blend of retro and innovation. The intricate design language, premium features, enhanced ergonomics, attractive aesthetics, improved riding, and safety aspects won the hearts of retro riders.

Ducati Scrambler Icon ensures all-round safety and agility on different tarmacs with New Cornering ABS, and the flat seat, wide handlebars, and renewed suspension provide a more comfortable ride. You can customize Ducati Scrambler Icon to fit your choice.

Key Specifications

Engine	803 cc BS6 Engine
Max Power	71.8 bhp @ 8,250 rpm
Max Torque	66.2 Nm @ 5,750 rpm
Body Type	Cafe Racer Bikes
Tyre Size	Front: 110/80-R18, Rear: 180/55-R17
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Price	Rs. 7.28 lakh (ex-showroom)

 

Conclusion:

Retro bikes continue to grab the eyes of not only motorcycle enthusiasts but also typical civilians. They tend to stand out due to their timeless aesthetic look along with technology still relevant. Who doesn’t like to reminisce about the golden era of motorcycles? We hope reading and learning about these classic bikes has transported you to a world where these beasts were ruling the roads. 

 

FAQ: Retro Bikes

Q – What is a Retro-style bike?

A – Retro bikes are those that are classic in their look but also include certain modern components such as lighter frames, advanced disc brakes, etc.

Q – Which is the best Retro motorcycle in India?

A – This would be subject to various factors but the one that is the most well-known and often most sought-after is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650.

Q – Why are Retro motorcycles so popular?

A – People tend to emotionally connect with their old bikes. They form a bond of sorts with the timeless appeal, reliability and classic look and feel of their old bikes. The combination of classic design and modern performance appeals to a lot of people out there.

Q – Can I use Retro motorcycles for long-distance travel?

A – Many of these retro bikes can be safely used for long-distance travel. They are equipped with comfortable seating, fuel-efficient engines and stable handling, making them suitable for long-distance travel.

Q – Are Retro motorcycles more expensive than modern bikes?

A – The price of retro bikes can vary. Depending on the brand value, condition, and unique design, some bikes may be more expensive than others. Always do your research before purchasing such a bike as most times, someone selling them for cheap, could mean underlying issues.