Low-Maintenance Motorcycles

10 Most Easy-to-Maintain Motorcycles to Buy

Most-Easy-to-Maintain-Motorcycles

If you are seeking a motorcycle that will not leave you spending most of your time in the garage, then you have arrived at the right place. Motorbikes that are easy to maintain enable you to be on the road and ride longer than to be standing idle at the mechanic's shop. These bikes are ideal for those riders who want to have fun on two wheels without worrying about frequent repairs and upkeep.


In this article, we are going to explore the most low-maintenance bikes to make you ride with a free mind and without much hassle. 

1. Why Choose an Easy-to-Maintain Motorcycle?

Before proceeding to our list of easy-to-maintain bikes, we would like to discuss the importance of maintenance. Certain bikes require more attention than others. Sport bikes that have complex, top-end engines require more regular visits to the mechanic and service center.


However, there are many good motorbikes on the market that are designed to be durable with minimal designs that ensure easy maintenance.


Compared to cars, bikes are easy to maintain. This saves you a lot of time and money. Spending less time in the shop will result in more time on the open road. Besides, with a bike that has longer service intervals, you will incur less labor and parts expenses in the course of its use.


Most of these bikes are powered by air-cooled engines, which are less complex compared to liquid-cooled engines. Air-cooled bikes do not require a change of coolant or radiator maintenance. The engine is cooled by the use of fins, which allow air to pass through during riding.


Nevertheless, there are also modern low-maintenance bikes that have liquid cooling. These provide normal engine temperatures and enhanced performance during hot weather and stop-and-go traffic. The most suitable coolant for bikes is used to keep the engines running smoothly.


Let’s get to our list of the easy-to-maintain motorbikes that make bike riding easy, feasible, and accessible to many riders.

2. 10 Most Easy-to-Maintain Motorcycles

2.1 Suzuki SV650

Suzuki-SV650
Photo Credit: Suzuki Cycles

The Suzuki SC650 is commonly referred to as one of the most reliable bikes that one can buy. The bike is not a new product, as it has been around since 1999, and Suzuki has produced a lot of them. This bike is still in production.


The V-Twin engine used in the Suzuki SV650 is bulletproof. It is a plain design that allows easy access to major parts and components. This bike comes with simple parts. You can also easily find parts for this bike, making bike repair easy.


You will not be the only one who will have no issues with the SV650. The internet is full of positive reviews. There is no doubt that this bike is fully bulletproof and rarely shows any issues that riders can’t handle. You can ask any real user who is either using the Suzuki SV650 or has used it in the past, and you will likely hear good words about this bike.


The SV650 is also excellent for both new and intermediate riders. The power is not overwhelming; it feels harder to manage. Besides, the maintenance checklist is brief and easy to follow. Check the oil levels, clean the chain, and check the brakes, and you are ready.

2.2 Honda CRF300L

Honda-CRF300L
Photo Credit: Honda Powersports

The Honda CRF300L can be a good choice if you like dual-sport riding. You can comfortably take this bike to different terrains. It is a bike that is designed to withstand a beating. The single-cylinder engine is quite simple, straightforward, and rugged. Whether it's an oil change, chain cleaning, engine tuning, or access to other parts, the CRF300L feels quite basic to work on.


The Honda CRF300L can surely go long distances and can cover a great number of miles before requiring any repairs or replacements. This bike is exceedingly dependable. There are riders who ride this bike more than 1,500 miles within one month without any issues. Spare parts are also readily available for both new and older models.


There is nothing on the Honda CRF300L that makes it complex. Everything is easily accessible to riders, so they can easily work on these bikes. This is the bike that you can own if you like to learn how to work on a bike and have sound mechanical knowledge about bikes. There are also fewer complex parts to worry about. It has a dual sport design, which means you don’t have to worry much about the bodywork, too.

2.3 Yamaha MT-07

Yamaha-MT-07
Photo Credit: Yamaha Motorsports

The Yamaha MT-07 is a naked bike that is often termed as a ‘hooligan’ bike. This means it is among the most fun bikes to ride. By ‘fun’, it doesn’t mean to make you feel good while riding this bike. The MT-07 can do more than that. It is one of the most thrilling bikes to ride in the market, especially if you are a stunt rider.


Above all, the best thing about the MT-07 is its low maintenance costs and requirements. The engine of this bike is a 689 cc twin-cylinder engine, which has a reputation for being one of the most reliable engines ever produced. Being a dependable bike, it requires less service compared to many bikes. The bike features simple and steady engineering. There is nothing funkie installed on this bike.


The Yamaha MT-07 is lightweight. Even though it is a naked bike, it still offers comfort on longer rides. Also, the bike is quite easy to handle in city traffic. On top of everything, you will have more time to ride and less time in the garage.

2.4 Suzuki V-Strom 650

Suzuki-V-Strom-650
Photo Credit: Suzuki Cycles

Another brilliant bike by one of the Big Four Japanese bike makers, Suzuki. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is undoubtedly one of the easiest bikes to maintain. There are many good reasons why it is not too demanding when it comes to upkeep and repairs. The V-Strom 650 has a reputation for being one of the most reliable bikes ever made in the history of motorcycles. This is also a great factor why it is very easy to upkeep a bike with low maintenance costs.


The Suzuki V-Strom 650’s reliable engine, simple design, and readily available parts make it a solid contender. It offers decent accessibility for daily and routine tasks. Whether valve adjustments or any other replacement, everything is quite simple and easy. The V-Strom is a perfect bike for both long rides and daily use.


The engine installed in the V-Strom 650 is quite popular for ease of use and reliability. The simple, clean design allows easy access to key parts, like cylinder heads and spark plugs.


The aftermarket parts are also readily available, making the repairs easy. These parts are affordable, too. What makes the V-Strom 650 stand out from the rest is the fact that it ensures strong performance, along with lower maintenance costs. This means high value for the money.

2.5 Honda Grom

Honda-Grom
Photo Credit: Honda Powersports

If you are interested in mini motos, also known as pocket bikes, there is no way you haven’t heard about the Honda Grom. It is equally popular among beginners and skilled riders alike. It is so simple, small, and lightweight, making it perfect for novice riders who want to start learning on a beginner platform.


On the other hand, the Honda Grom is also loved by riders who want to go hooligan on a small and lightweight bike. This bike offers an edge to stunt riders who want an affordable, light, and small bike that can do anything.

Being a mini bike, the Honda Grom not only makes it one of the easiest to maintain bikes, but also a highly customizable one. Riders, even beginners, can easily work on these bikes. Whether simpler maintenance tasks or complex ones, riders can easily do them by themselves with decent know-how of bike upkeep and simple tools.


The Honda Grom features a small 125 cc single-cylinder engine. Nothing can go wrong with this motor thanks to a simpler design. There are no fancy parts on this bike, which can make riders think twice before making a quick or challenging maneuver. The Grom also ensures a more than perfect fuel economy of above 165 mpg. So, you can ride more and worry less.

2.6 Royal Enfield Classic 350

Royal-Enfield-Classic-350
Photo Credit: Royal Enfield

Are Indian-made bikes simple and easy to maintain? Maybe or maybe not. However, if you are asking about the Royal Enfield bikes, they surely are reliable and easy to maintain. Talking about the initial models, there were a few issues with these bikes. Nonetheless, these classic Indian-made bikes have improved a lot over the years.


The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has simple engines, like other RE models, which are quite easy to maintain and work on. The bike also allows easy access to all components while maintaining the bike. The rider can easily adjust the valve without having to remove the fuel tank, which is a great benefit.


Royal Enfield had become a significant motorbike brand in the past few years. It has earned the reputation of being affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. Older models may be less reliable than newer models. These bikes have the potential of making it through a long time with routine oil changes and basic care.


If you are worried about the service centers and other help regarding the maintenance, don’t worry. Royal Enfield is big enough to offer aftermarket and other support to help make the upkeep process much easier.


What makes the RE Classic 350 an easy-to-maintain bike is its simplistic nature. The bike is way too raw and simple to ride and own. It features the basic parts and components that help you ride this bike.

2.7 Honda NC750X

Honda-NC750X
Photo Credit: Honda Powersports

The Honda NC750C is one of the low-maintenance bikes that you can have. This bike proves that Honda motorbikes can be as good as they are said to be in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance.


The NC750X is a smartly designed bike that produces 54 hp of horsepower with a 745 cc twin engine. Thine engine operates at low revs, hence less stress and wear and tear on parts. The bike should also be oiled after every 8,000 miles or at least after one year of use, which is quite low compared to most bikes. The job takes only 30 minutes when you finally decide to change the oil because it is easy to access the drain plug and filter.


A good aspect of this bike is that the valve check is so easy. You just have to work with two heads, and you can access them without removing the fuel tank. Honda suggests that you should check valves after every 16,000 miles, which is twice the number of miles compared to most other bikes.


The Honda NC750X also has a chain drive, which requires simple care. All you need to do is clean and lubricate the chain after every 500 miles, and you are good. You can find all the parts you need to work on this bike, and they will not strain your wallet.


Owners who have traveled 20,000 miles or more on their NC750C complain of nearly no problems with this bike. The bike only requires oil and a new air filter every now and then, as well as chain maintenance. The Honda NC750X is designed to be durable and, hence, one of the best motorcycles that is easy to maintain.

2.8 Suzuki DRZ400

Suzuki-DRZ400
Photo Credit: Suzuki Cycles

The Suzuki DRZ400 has been one of the most preferred bikes among riders who desire a bike that is easy to maintain. The design of this dirt-bike-style dual sports bike is excellent. It has been in the market for more than 20 years with minimal changes, which ensures simplicity.


The Suzuki DRZ400 is powered by a single-cylinder engine of 398 cc, which is easy to service. Changing oil is a crucial maintenance task, and most riders change the oil after every 1,500 miles to keep the engine in good condition.


The DRZ400 requires a quick air filter change and care. The air filter is in a convenient location that can be accessed using a few scres. Wipe it frequently in case you ride the bike in dirt. Taking care of the chain is also quite easy. Clean and grease it after every 500 miles or after riding in the rain.


The front gear nut is one thing in the DRZ400 to check regularly because it may become loose. To permanently resolve this problem, many owners of this bike use thread lock on this bolt. There is also a need to check the valves in the bike. However, the single head makes this task much easier than the multi-cylinder bikes.


Parts for the DRZ400 are quite inexpensive and readily available because Suzuki produces a great number of these bikes. Its simple design allows riders to do most of the upkeep work at home using simple tools. This bike continues to run with minimal care. Hence, it is one of the most dependable, easy-to-maintain bikes.

2.9 Kawasaki KLR650

Kawasaki-KLR650
Photo Credit: Kawasaki

The Kawasaki KLR650 has been called one of the most trustworthy bikes of all time. It is actually bulletproof, as most riders who have used it confirm.


The KLR650 has a 652 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This bike has been on the market since 1987. The build and bodywork are plain and rugged, and it does not break easily. The KLR650 requires an oil change after every 7,500 miles, and the process is not difficult, as the drain and the filter are easily accessible.


Valve checks are at 15,000 miles, and being a single-cylinder, single-head bike, it is not a difficult task. Riders should clean air filters frequently, and the bike will be running for several years. The chain should be lubed and taken care of just like any other bike.


The most crucial fix to the Kawasaki KLR650 is the “Doohickey”, which is an engine component that may fail. Many owners do this repair once, and then the bike remains set for life. The KLR650 only requires regular maintenance, and riders must follow the recommended service schedule to ensure the bike remains in top shape for decades.

2.10 Yamaha V Star 250

Yamaha-V-Star-250
Photo Credit: Yamaha Motorsports

The Yamaha V Star 250 is among the most suitable bikes to be used by riders seeking a bike that is easy to maintain. The V-Twin engine os this small cruiser is a 249 cc that is dependable and easy to work on.


The V Star 250 is fast and simple in oil changes. The bike consumes approximately 1.6 L of oil, and the entire job can be completed in less than an hour. Yamaha recommends that you replace oil after every 4,000 miles or after every six months. The oil filter is changed during every other oil change to save money and time.


The bike has only two valves per head, and hence, checking valves is not a major job. Chain care is just as simple as it is in any other small bike. Clean and lube after every 500 miles. The V Star 250 has a simple design and no high-tech components; hence, the majority of the work can be performed at home with basic tools.


The lightness of this bike is one of the best things, considering that it only weighs 324 lbs. This ensures that you can ease yourself around the garage when you are working on it. The V Star 250 parts are cheap and easily available in Yamaha dealers or online.


The Yamaha motorcycles have a fantastic reputation for being reliable, and the V-Star 250 does not disappoint. This bike is ideal when one wishes to know how to work on their bike by themselves. It is a really simple motorbike for novice riders in all aspects.

3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

3.1 Which Motorcycle Brand Is Easiest to Maintain?

Honda holds the first place when it comes to the most easy-to-maintain motorcycle brand. Bikes from Honda are designed to be long-lasting and have fewer problems and time between service intervals. Yamaha ranks second with bikes that require less maintenance and have powerful engines, too. The two brands are very affordable to all riders who need dependable, easy-to-maintain bikes.

3.2 Which Bike Has the Lowest Maintenance?

The Kawasaki KLR650 has the lowest maintenance requirements. This bike requires oil after every 7,500 miles, a valve check after every 15,000 miles, and not a lot more. The Honda NC750X is also an exceptionally easy-to-maintain bike with an 8,000-mile oil change gap. They are the most convenient bike models to maintain.

3.3 What Brand of Motorcycle Is the Most Reliable?

Honda is the most trusted brand of motorcycles. Yamaha is also competing for the first spot, alongside Honda, with a lower breakdown rate of only 11%. Suzuki and Kawasaki are also at the top of the list of most reliable motorcycle brands. Most other makers did not stand a chance against the Big Four Japanese brands when it came to making reliable bikes.

3.4 Which Bike Is Best for Long-Term Use?

Both the Honda NC750X and the Kawasaki KLR650 are good choices to be used in the long use. With proper care, the NC750C can be ridden to 150,000 miles or even higher. The KLR650 is also known to travel 100,000 miles without any major breakdown or repair. The designs of both these bikes are very simple, making them easy to repair and inexpensive to operate. Along with the long-term use, both the NC750X and the KLR650 can be used for long-distance rides as well. The KLR650 features off-road ability as well.

3.5 Are Indian Motorcycles Easy to Maintain

Indian motorcycles require more maintenance than Japanese brands, though they are relatively simple to maintain. Most of the Indian bikes have belt drives that do not require much attention compared to chains. Most models have oil changes that are done after every 5,000 miles. Components are even more expensive than Japanese bikes. Indian bikes are not bad, provided that you stick to the maintenance checklist and recommended schedule.

3.6 Are Triumph Motorcycles Easy to Maintain

Triumph motorcycles are relatively easy to maintain, and they are more expensive than Japanese brands. Most models have long service gaps, which measure 10,000 miles. Components are pricier than those of Honda and Yamaha, and certain labor requires special equipment. The modern Triumph bikes are good, provided that you maintain them well.

3.7 Are Yamaha Motorcycles Easy to Maintain

Yes, Yamaha motorcycles are very easy to maintain and among the best. Yamaha bikes require minimal work as compared to most brands, with long periods between services. They have cheap parts and are readily available at any Yamaha dealer. Most of the work can be performed at home using simple tools and a motorcycle maintenance manual. The failure rate of the brand is only 11 percent.

4. The Bottom Line

With these 10 easy-to-maintain motorbikes, you will have more time to ride and less time to spend at the garage. You want a cruiser, sport bike, adventure bike, or a classic ride; you can find one that will be reliable and easy to work on.


It is crucial to keep in mind that even the best easy-to-service bikes require maintenance. Use your service manual. Replace your oil when it is due, and clean and lube your bike’s chain. These few tasks will pay off as your bike will give you several years of trouble-free riding.


The secret of successful bike ownership is the choice of the right bike and its maintenance. When it comes to the simplest to maintain bike, one should settle on the familiar Japanese brands, such as Honda, Yamaha, or Suzuki.


With these easy-to-maintain bikes, you will have more time riding and less time reading repair manuals and undertaking repairs.

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