Retro Motorcycle Reviews, Tests and Comparisons https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/reviews/retro-reviews/ Motorcycle Reviews, News on Motorcycles, Specs, Test & Race Results Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:06:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cropped-UMC_LOGO_512x512-140x140.jpg Retro Motorcycle Reviews, Tests and Comparisons https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/reviews/retro-reviews/ 32 32 2004 Sport-Touring Comparison: BMW vs. Honda vs. Yamaha https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/07/10/2004-sport-touring-comparison-bmw-vs-honda-vs-yamaha/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:06:52 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=267977 Rolling along east from Los Angeles on Interstate 40 at high speed for two hours across the bleakness of the Mojave Desert can conjure up these kinds of thoughts. Old quotes from an English lit class or a book you’ve just finished. It’s not often that you can achieve that level of introspection riding a […]

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]]> 2008 KTM 950 Super Enduro R Review [Retro Test] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/03/14/2008-ktm-950-super-enduro-r-review-retro-test/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:33:21 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=264659 Manufacturers of dual-sport motorcycles are forced to make various compromises as they skew their products toward a particular segment of the consumer spectrum. As avid motorcyclists, our challenge is to correctly identify the machines with the specific blend of attributes that best suit our particular tastes. For those of you who believe that raw, unbridled […]

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]]> Harley-Davidson Switchback, US Route 6, and an iPhone 4: Touring Story https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2022/02/08/harley-davidson-switchback-us-route-50-an-iphone-4/ Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:13:45 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=237011 Ten years ago we published this story by Editor Don Williams. We have rediscovered it for the website. This touring story on the Harley-Davidson Switchback was written when travel photography with an iPhone 4 and the use of digital filters—Camera+ in this case—was a novelty. Enjoy this retro motorcycle touring story. The plan was simple. […]

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]]> 2011 Triumph Speed Triple and Street Triple R: Retro Review https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2021/08/03/2011-triumph-speed-triple-and-street-triple-r-review/ Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:58:36 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=232331 Two subcultures of English kids. One group, dressed impeccably in fine suits riding highly stylized Italian scooters and listening to the latest R&B and soul music. The other, grimy leather-clad toughs mounted on leaky, thundering British motorcycles bopping to the sounds of Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent. Many Americans were introduced to these English subcultures […]

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]]> 1981 Yamaha Seca XJ750RH: Even After 40 Years It Hasn’t Mellowed https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2021/03/12/1981-yamaha-seca-xj750rh-even-after-40-years-it-hasnt-mellowed/ Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:47:41 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=229347 Looking back on it, I am amazed that I have owned this 1981 Yamaha XJ750RH Seca for 28 of its 40 years. What’s more, I owned an identical Seca, right down to the red metallic color for ten years before I got the one I still have and had both of them for three years! […]

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]]> 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback Retro Test: A Convertible https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2020/11/09/2012-harley-davidson-dyna-switchback-retro-test-convertible-motorcycle/ Mon, 09 Nov 2020 09:19:33 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=226207 It’s time for another retro test. This is a throwback from 2012. We test a rare ride—a Dyna touring motorcycle. The 2012 Harley-Davidson Switchback had quick-release windshield and bags, so you could cruise in-town and take to the open road for an epic trip. —Ed. With its roots in the CVO Convertible, the 2012 Harley-Davidson […]

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]]> 2008 Moto Guzzi Norge Retro Review: Satisfying A Craving https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2019/08/26/2008-moto-guzzi-norge-retro-review-satisfying-a-craving/ Mon, 26 Aug 2019 15:41:55 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=216574 We take a look back at our review of the 2008 Moto Guzzi Norge, which Editor Don Williams tested during a 650-mile day trip. Here's our retro review.

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]]> 2010 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX ABS Review: Retro Test https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2019/05/13/2010-moto-guzzi-stelvio-1200-ntx-abs-review-retro-test/ Mon, 13 May 2019 16:58:45 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=214472 The 2010 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX ABS is at least one of the best, if not the best, Italian touring bikes available on the market.

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]]> 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2 Vintage Motocross Racer https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/07/21/1981-maico-490-mega-2-vintage-motocross-racer/ Sat, 21 Jul 2018 07:35:50 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=208860 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2: Legendary Motocross Motorcycle One day when the final history of motocross is written, there will be a chapter on the 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2. It was an important motorcycle for three reasons. The 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2 was the last gasp for the European motorcycle manufacturers, who struggled […]

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]]> 2008 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob | Retro Review https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/06/26/2008_harley-davidson_fat_bob/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/06/26/2008_harley-davidson_fat_bob/#respond Tue, 26 Jun 2018 14:15:00 +0000 The Fat Bob has come a long way since in 2008, the biggest update to the modern model being the Milwaukee-Eight 107 platform. Here's a look back at the appealing 2008 Fat Bob.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/06/26/2008_harley-davidson_fat_bob/feed/ 0 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC | Retro Review https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/05/08/2011-aprilia-tuono-v4r-aprc-review/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/05/08/2011-aprilia-tuono-v4r-aprc-review/#respond Tue, 08 May 2018 14:49:25 +0000 The 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC is possibly the most extreme streetfighter type streetbike ever made. Aprilia have upped the ante by a large measure. I don't often feel so good about a new motorcycle I have ridden and this one never fails to impress.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/05/08/2011-aprilia-tuono-v4r-aprc-review/feed/ 0 2010 Ducati SportClassic GT 1000 | Retro Review https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/04/11/2010_ducati_sportclassic_gt_1000_review/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/04/11/2010_ducati_sportclassic_gt_1000_review/#respond Wed, 11 Apr 2018 14:50:00 +0000 Without a doubt, the Ducati SportClassic GT 1000 is the ultimate in a gentleman's touring mount. It provides the style, grace, performance and, importantly, the comfort that an experienced rider needs to cover considerable distances while retaining the visceral impact of motorcycling. Here's a retro review.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/04/11/2010_ducati_sportclassic_gt_1000_review/feed/ 0 2011 Suzuki GSX-R750 Review | Street Test of the Middleweight https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/12/28/2011-suzuki-gsx-r-750-street-test/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/12/28/2011-suzuki-gsx-r-750-street-test/#respond Thu, 28 Dec 2017 20:00:13 +0000 2011 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Review

Leaned over, looking through a wide turn with not a tree, rock, fence or any other obstruction in sight, I felt the Alpinestars' left knee puck flat against the road.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/12/28/2011-suzuki-gsx-r-750-street-test/feed/ 0 2010 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom | Retro Review https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/12/15/2010-harley-davidson-fltrx-review/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/12/15/2010-harley-davidson-fltrx-review/#respond Fri, 15 Dec 2017 14:15:26 +0000 The 2010 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom is a fantastic in-town bike and welcomes the open road, as long as that road keeps speeds under a mile a minute.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/12/15/2010-harley-davidson-fltrx-review/feed/ 0 2005 MV Agusta F4 vs. Ducati 999R | Superbike Motorcycle Comparision https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/11/01/mv_agusta_agostini_f4_ducati_testastretta_999r_motorcycle/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/11/01/mv_agusta_agostini_f4_ducati_testastretta_999r_motorcycle/#respond Wed, 01 Nov 2017 04:00:00 +0000 Two of the very finest, highly pedigreed superbikes bred carefully by two very different Italian manufacturers take the term “exotica” to another level. These two machines are very much alike—though clearly very different. Varied interpretations on a theme, these storied Italian factories steeped in racing heritage arrive at almost exactly the same point, yet via very different routes. The lucky rider who gets to experience both machines will be absolutely spoiled for choice.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/11/01/mv_agusta_agostini_f4_ducati_testastretta_999r_motorcycle/feed/ 0 2007 Harley Sportster 883R Review: How’s it Doing 10 Years Later? https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/04/17/2017-harley-sportster-883r-review-hows-10-years/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/04/17/2017-harley-sportster-883r-review-hows-10-years/#respond Mon, 17 Apr 2017 19:37:33 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=199554 On the 60th Anniversary of the Harley-Davidson Sportster, we check in on our 10-year-old Sportster 883R, and see how its doing 21,000 miles later.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/04/17/2017-harley-sportster-883r-review-hows-10-years/feed/ 0 2006 Honda CBR1000RR Retro Review: Digging Into Archives https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/04/06/2006-honda-cbr1000rr-review-fireblade-redo/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/04/06/2006-honda-cbr1000rr-review-fireblade-redo/#respond Thu, 06 Apr 2017 15:36:57 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=199384 With incredible attention to detail, the then new 2006 Honda CBR1000RR was better than ever, never losing sight of Honda’s usefulness.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/04/06/2006-honda-cbr1000rr-review-fireblade-redo/feed/ 0 2006 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide | Retro Review https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/03/30/2006-harley-davidson-cvo-ultra-classic-electra-glide-retro-review/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/03/30/2006-harley-davidson-cvo-ultra-classic-electra-glide-retro-review/#respond Thu, 30 Mar 2017 21:05:45 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=199119 Blessed with unique style and character, the 2006 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide responds readily to the call of the open road.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/03/30/2006-harley-davidson-cvo-ultra-classic-electra-glide-retro-review/feed/ 0 2005 Yamaha Royal Star Midnight Venture Retro Review: Hunting Nirvana https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/03/06/2005-yamaha-royal-star-midnight-venture-retro-review-hunting-nirvana/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/03/06/2005-yamaha-royal-star-midnight-venture-retro-review-hunting-nirvana/#respond Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:50:41 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=198565 We take a look back at the 2005 Yamaha Royal Star Midnight Venture, one of Yamaha's leading touring bikes with all the technical goodies...and carbs.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/03/06/2005-yamaha-royal-star-midnight-venture-retro-review-hunting-nirvana/feed/ 0 Freddie Spencer High Performance Riding School | Retro Review https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/02/02/freddie-spencer-high-performance-riding-school-retro-review/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/02/02/freddie-spencer-high-performance-riding-school-retro-review/#respond Thu, 02 Feb 2017 19:14:59 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=197661 In 1997, the Freddie Spencer High Performance Riding School was established at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and closed in 2008. Here's a retro review.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/02/02/freddie-spencer-high-performance-riding-school-retro-review/feed/ 0 2006 Honda VTX1800F Retro Review | Refined Tough Guy https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/01/10/2006-honda-vtx1800f-retro-review-refined-tough-guy/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/01/10/2006-honda-vtx1800f-retro-review-refined-tough-guy/#respond Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:59:15 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=197031 The 2006 Honda VTX1800F is all about that glint—the fleeting light, part reality, part simulacrum—a ray of the past, shot to the promise of a shiny future.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/01/10/2006-honda-vtx1800f-retro-review-refined-tough-guy/feed/ 0 2006 BMW HP2 Retro Review: Dirty Boxer https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/01/03/2006-bmw-hp2-retro-review-dirty-boxer/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/01/03/2006-bmw-hp2-retro-review-dirty-boxer/#respond Tue, 03 Jan 2017 16:40:28 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=196876 For off-road enthusiasts looking for a unique, capable motorcycle, the 2006 BMW HP2 became a machine that was hard to ignore.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/01/03/2006-bmw-hp2-retro-review-dirty-boxer/feed/ 0 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636 Retro Review | Digging Into Archives https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/28/2006-kawasaki-ninja-zx-6r-636-retro-review-digging-archives/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/28/2006-kawasaki-ninja-zx-6r-636-retro-review-digging-archives/#respond Wed, 28 Dec 2016 13:06:51 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=196747 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636 Retro Review Of all the classes and categories that exist in motorcycling, none is as hotly contested among motorcycle manufacturers as that of the supersports—the domain of the 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. Middleweight sportbikes represent the cornerstone of street-going product in the United States, with bragging rights and consumer demand […]

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/28/2006-kawasaki-ninja-zx-6r-636-retro-review-digging-archives/feed/ 0 2006 Harley-Davidson Night Train Retro Review | Mad Dog Custom Cycles https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/17/2006-harley-davidson-night-train-softail-retro-review-mad-dog-custom-cycles/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/17/2006-harley-davidson-night-train-softail-retro-review-mad-dog-custom-cycles/#respond Sat, 17 Dec 2016 13:40:29 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=196547 The 2006 Harley-Davidson Night Train—not to be confused with the high alcohol-content wine favored by derelicts—is a retro-modern cruiser motorcycle.

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]]> https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/17/2006-harley-davidson-night-train-softail-retro-review-mad-dog-custom-cycles/feed/ 0 2005 MZ 1000S Retro Motorcycle Review | From the Archives https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/12/2005-mz-1000s-retro-motorcycle-review-archives/ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/12/2005-mz-1000s-retro-motorcycle-review-archives/#respond Mon, 12 Dec 2016 14:50:31 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=196435 Back in 2005, we tested the MZ 1000S from the "other" German motorcycle company simply known as MZ (Motorradwerk Zschopau), which has roots back to 1920.

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