Retro motorcycles are really making waves for 2025. Several brands are dusting off their classics, updating old favorites, and rolling out some fresh faces.
Riders now get to choose from bikes that blend vintage looks with modern reliability and comfort. Whether you want a nimble, smaller bike or a big, powerful machine, there’s honestly something out there for just about every taste and budget.
Each model brings its own vibe. Some bikes keep things simple with a single-cylinder engine, while others offer that polished twin-engine feel.
Manufacturers have also upgraded tech, safety features, and customization options, so it’s easier than ever to match a bike to your style—or your mood, really.
Key Takeaways
- New retro motorcycles for 2025 blend classic style with modern performance.
- Models vary in size, power, and price to suit different riders.
- Updated features and accessories add comfort, safety, and style.
Top Retro Motorcycles for 2025
Honda GB350S
The GB350S lands at the affordable end of the spectrum, coming in just under £4,000. Its single-cylinder engine puts out about 20 horsepower and 29 Nm of torque.
Weighing around 178 kg with an 800 mm seat height, it’s a breeze to handle. You get LED lighting, switchable traction control, and a solid chassis for the price.
The styling feels classic but not outdated, though the colors—black, blue, and gray—aren’t exactly wild.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
guerilla 450The Guerrilla 450 shares its platform with the Himalayan 450, packing the same liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes nearly 40 horsepower. The upright riding position gives it a bigger-bike presence.
The round TFT display mixes modern tech with a retro look. At about £5,000, it’s a solid value for riders chasing both style and performance in a mid-size package.
Triumph Speed 400
Triumph’s Speed 400 goes head-to-head with the Guerrilla 450 at a similar price. It stands out for its refined finish and smooth ride.
The design tips its hat to Triumph’s retro roots but adds a little modern flair. It’s a tempting pick for both new and seasoned riders.
Royal Enfield Classic 650
The Classic 650 nails that 1950s vibe with spoked wheels, a single seat, and chrome finishes. It looks a lot like older Enfields, minus the modern disc brakes.
With its classic design and tried-and-true 650 twin engine, it’s sure to appeal to folks who love traditional styling and a laid-back ride.
Royal Enfield Bear 650
Using the same 650 twin platform, the Bear 650 throws in a scrambler twist: longer suspension travel, semi-knobby tires, and high handlebars. The 2-into-1 exhaust and rugged styling give it a bit of attitude.
You also get the round TFT display from other new Enfields. Starting at about £6,749, it’s a lot of bike for the money, especially compared to pricier competitors.
Triumph Speed Twin 900
Once called the Street Twin, the Speed Twin 900 gets a serious refresh for 2025. It keeps the 900 cc parallel-twin, but now sports upside-down forks, piggyback shocks, and radial brakes for sharper handling.
The new digital dash, lean-sensitive rider aids, and Bluetooth option bring it up to date. The styling’s a bit sportier and more aggressive this time around.
Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark
The Icon Dark returns for 2025 as the most wallet-friendly Ducati Scrambler, priced just under £10,000. It keeps the air-cooled L-twin engine and light frame, but now you get ride-by-wire throttle, riding modes, and a TFT display.
All-black styling makes it a great blank canvas for custom builds, or just a sleek way into Ducati ownership.
Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
The new V7 Sport grabs attention with lime green paint and classic Italian lines. Its 853 cc V-twin now delivers more grunt than before.
It keeps practical stuff like the shaft drive and big fuel tank, but tweaks the setup for a sportier ride. This one’s got real presence—hard to ignore, honestly.
Key Features and Performance
Powertrain Details
The 2025 retro lineup covers a pretty wide range. Honda’s 350cc air-cooled single puts out just over 20 horsepower.
Royal Enfield’s 650cc parallel twin bumps that to around 45 horsepower. The new Guerrilla 450 uses a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with almost 40 horsepower.
The Triumph Speed Twin 900 keeps its 900cc parallel twin but sharpens up the handling. Ducati’s Scrambler Icon Dark sticks with its air-cooled L-twin. Moto Guzzi’s V7 Sport gets a boost from its 853cc V-twin for a bit more punch.
| Model | Engine Type | Approx. Output | Cooling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda GB350S | Single‑cylinder | 20 hp / 29 Nm | Air |
| Royal Enfield Gorilla 450 | Single‑cylinder | 40 hp | Liquid |
| Royal Enfield Classic 650 | Parallel twin | 45 hp | Air |
| Triumph Speed Twin 900 | Parallel twin | 65 hp (approx.) | Liquid |
| Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark | L‑twin | 73 hp (approx.) | Air |
| Moto Guzzi V7 Sport | V‑twin | 65 hp (approx.) | Air |
Frame and Suspension Setup
Chassis setups differ a lot. The Honda GB350S keeps it simple with a basic steel frame and a comfy 800 mm seat height.
The Guerrilla 450 borrows its frame and suspension from the Himalayan 450, so it sits taller and handles rougher roads. The Royal Enfield Classic 650 rolls on spoked wheels with a traditional single-seat layout.
The Bear 650 Scrambler variant adds longer-travel suspension and semi-knobby tires. Triumph’s Speed Twin 900 now uses upside-down forks and piggyback shocks for a sharper, sportier feel.
Technology and Rider Support
Modern tech is everywhere, but it doesn’t ruin the retro vibe. Honda’s GB350S brings LED lighting and switchable traction control.
Both the Guerrilla 450 and Bear 650 come with round TFT displays, so you get clear info without losing that vintage look. Triumph’s Speed Twin 900 adds lean-sensitive rider aids, ride modes, and optional Bluetooth.
Ducati’s Scrambler Icon Dark introduces ride-by-wire throttle and riding modes. Moto Guzzi’s V7 Sport benefits from updated electronics for smoother power delivery.
Appearance and Design
Design pretty much makes or breaks a retro bike. The Honda GB350S balances classic proportions with modern finishes, though its color palette stays mellow.
The Guerrilla 450 pops with bold paint and a rugged stance. Royal Enfield’s Classic 650 goes all-in on old-school, with chrome, spoked wheels, and a 1950s-style headlight cowl.
The Bear 650 looks tougher, rocking high handlebars, a two-into-one exhaust, and scrambler styling. Triumph’s Speed Twin 900 has sharper lines and a sportier look now.
Ducati keeps the Scrambler Icon Dark blacked out for a minimalist, almost stealthy vibe. Moto Guzzi’s V7 Sport goes for eye-catching with its lime-green finish—it’s very Italian, in the best way.
Pricing and Value
Budget-Friendly Picks
If you’re watching your wallet, the Honda GB350S is a solid pick at under £4,000. It makes just over 20 horsepower from a smooth single-cylinder.
Features include LED lighting, switchable traction control, and a comfortable 800 mm seat height. The styling is a nice mix of modern and vintage, though the paint choices are pretty understated.
| Model | Price | Power | Seat Height | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda GB350S | ~£3,999 | 20+ hp | 800 mm | LED lighting, traction control, retro styling |
Middle-Tier Selections
In the middle range, bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450-based Gorilla 450 and Triumph Speed 400 land around £5,000.
The Gorilla delivers nearly 40 horsepower, a relaxed upright stance, and a round TFT display that mixes modern tech with classic vibes.
The Triumph brings a bit more refinement and finish for a similar price. Honestly, it just feels a little more polished.
Move up a notch, and the Royal Enfield Classic 650 and Bear 650 sit between £6,000 and £6,749.
The Classic 650 leans hard into vintage appeal with spoke wheels, chrome finishes, and a single-seat setup. The Bear 650 adds a scrambler style, semi-knobbly tires, and a two-into-one exhaust for a tougher look while still keeping the price reasonable.
| Model | Price | Power | Style | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Gorilla 450 | ~£5,000 | ~40 hp | Retro adventure | TFT display, upright stance |
| Triumph Speed 400 | ~£5,000 | — | Roadster | Refined finish, compact size |
| Royal Enfield Classic 650 | ~£6,200 | 45 hp | Traditional | Chrome details, spoke wheels |
| Royal Enfield Bear 650 | £6,749 | 45 hp | Scrambler | Rugged design, TFT display |
High-End Selections
At the top of the list, the Triumph Speed Twin 900 and Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark both hover near £10,000.
The Triumph features upgraded suspension, radial brakes, and lean-sensitive rider aids for sharper handling and a sportier feel.
The Ducati keeps its air-cooled L-twin charm, but now you get modern touches like ride-by-wire and a TFT display. It’s honestly a pretty solid way to get into the Ducati world without breaking the bank.
The Moto Guzzi V7 Sport also joins this group with an 853 cc V-twin engine, shaft drive, and a large fuel tank for longer rides.
Its bold styling and extra power make it stand out among the other retro options.
| Model | Price | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph Speed Twin 900 | ~£9,900 | 900 cc parallel twin | Upside-down forks, rider aids |
| Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark | ~£9,995 | Air-cooled L-twin | Ride-by-wire, TFT display |
| Moto Guzzi V7 Sport | ~£10,000 | 853 cc V-twin | Shaft drive, sporty styling |
Customization and Accessories
Riders in 2025 have tons of ways to personalize their retro motorcycles. Many models come with factory options so you can tweak the look and feel without much hassle.
Paint choices go from subtle grays and blues to head-turning finishes that really pop on the road. There’s something for everyone, honestly.
Some bikes, like the Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark, make a great base for custom work. Its simple blacked-out design gives owners a blank canvas for adding parts or changing colors.
Others, such as the Royal Enfield Classic 650, already include vintage details like chrome trim, spoke wheels, and a single seat that highlight their old-school style.
Popular add-ons include:
- LED lighting kits for better visibility
- Upgraded exhausts for improved sound and performance
- Custom seats for comfort and appearance
- Handlebar swaps to adjust riding position
Here’s a quick look at customization potential by model:
| Model | Custom Appeal | Notable Options |
|---|---|---|
| Honda GB350S | Simple base for light mods | Paint options, LED lights |
| Royal Enfield Classic 650 | Classic look ready to personalize | Chrome parts, seat choices |
| Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark | Ideal for full custom builds | Paint, accessories, exhaust |
| Moto Guzzi V7 Sport | Sporty retro with bold color | Performance parts, styling kits |
Small accessories matter too. Stuff like flexible riding glasses, Bluetooth modules, and tank bags help riders match their gear to both comfort and style—sometimes it’s the little things that make the ride.
Conclusion
The 2025 lineup of retro motorcycles really highlights how brands juggle classic design with modern performance in ways that just keep getting better.
Riders can actually find affordable models like the Honda GB350S that feel solid and handle easily. There are also mid-range options—think Royal Enfield Classic 650 and Baar 650—that bring stronger engines and a bit more style to the table.
| Model | Engine Type | Power Output | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda GB350S | Air-cooled single | ~20 hp | Under £4,000 |
| Royal Enfield Classic 650 | Parallel twin | ~45 hp | ~£6,200 |
| Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark | L-twin | Moderate | ~£10,000 |
| Moto Guzzi V7 Sport | V-twin | Higher torque | Above £10,000 |
Each model speaks to a different kind of rider. Some folks care most about heritage looks and nostalgia, while others just want updated tech like TFT displays and traction control.
It’s nice to see familiar names like the Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark and the refreshed Moto Guzzi V7 Sport back in the mix. They add even more personality to this whole segment.
Retro motorcycles in 2025 keep their charm. Now they offer better performance, more comfort, and way more tech—making them just as appealing for new riders as for seasoned ones.
