When you think of motorcycles, practicality might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But many people turn to motorcycles for low-cost transportation, and a used motorcycle can be an especially smart purchase for the budget-conscious buyer.

When you’re buying used, you want to be sure to invest in a reliable machine that won’t require costly repairs down the road. Get the most for your money by sticking with reputable brands, and give any used bike a thorough inspection before you commit.

Read on for a list of brands we recommend looking out for when you’re in the market for a used motorcycle. And if you’re shopping in the region of St. Louis, MO, then come check out our used stock at Big St. Charles Motorsports. We have great deals on a wide variety of new and used powersports vehicles at our dealership in St. Charles, MO.

Yamaha®

Owners have consistently rated Yamaha as the most reliable motorcycle brand, and the company boasts the lowest failure rate of any motorcycle manufacturer. Better still, Yamaha strikes a perfect balance between quality and affordability. New or used, you can’t go wrong with a Yamaha.

Honda®

Honda bikes are comparable to Yamaha in quality and reliability. You might spend a little more on maintenance with a Honda, but a used Honda in good condition is an excellent deal. You can definitely expect a sturdy, powerful Honda motorcycle to stand the test of time. Their comfortable, low-riding designs make these bikes great for commuters.

Kawasaki®

Sporty and stylish Kawasaki motorcycles have a lot more to offer than just good looks. Kawasaki has a failure rate well below the industry average, and their bikes are both versatile and affordable. Kawasaki machines are also ideal for novice riders, being lightweight and easy to handle.

Suzuki®

Another dependable Japanese brand, Suzuki ranks just behind Yamaha in reliability. Plain and simple Suzuki bikes make excellent, straightforward commuting vehicles, delivering high performance at a very reasonable price. You can also count on low-cost maintenance with a Suzuki.

Harley-Davidson®

Harley-Davidson is considered the most reliable American-made motorcycle brand. While they’re best known for their heavyweight cruisers, which come with a heavyweight price tag, Harley-Davidson also offers smaller and more budget-friendly models.

Indian®

Indian Motorcycle® is a legendary American brand, and their bikes are almost on par with Harley-Davidson when it comes to reliability. Repairs might be a little more frequent, and more costly, with larger Indian® models. For the best deal, look for a smaller model - Indian® products pack plenty of power at any size.

KTM®

KTM began in Austria producing rugged off-road motorcycles, and the company expanded from there into manufacturing simple yet powerful street bikes. KTM is known for having great customer service, and your KTM motorcycle is going to be easy to maintain thanks to the convenient availability of parts.

Are any of these brands calling your name? Whether or not you have your heart set on a particular brand, come pay us a visit at Big St. Charles Motorsports, and let our friendly staff guide you through our selection of used motorcycles. Our factory-trained technicians are always available during business hours for all your servicing needs. We proudly serve our St. Charles community, along with our neighbors in St. Peters and throughout the St. Louis area.