When we think of powerful motorcycles, the likes of track-bred sports bikes and streetfighters, such as the Yamaha YZF-R1 or the Triumph Street Triple, come to mind. However, there exists a parallel in the world of fast motorcycles, where café racers and chrome-laden roadsters pack enough muscle to make powerful track-ready sports bikes sweat. That’s not all. This list also includes a 760-pound cruiser bike with more power than the Yamaha YZF-R7. Yes, power alone is not the sole factor in determining the performance appeal of a motorcycle. However, this list of mostly unassuming retro-styled motorcycles shows how grin-worthy performance can hide well behind pretty faces and gorgeous curves.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, including Suzuki Cycles USA, BMW Motorrad USA, Harley-Davidson USA, Triumph Motorcycles USA, Kawasaki Motorcycles USA, Yamaha Motorsports USA, and MV Agusta USA. This list is organized in increasing order of power rating from the least powerful to the most powerful retro-styled motorcycle on sale in 2025.
How The Yamaha XSR Retro Naked Rivals The BMW R nineT At A Lower Price
The Yamaha XSR900 offers superior performance and value, making it a compelling alternative to the BMW R nineT’s premium price tag.
BMW R 18
Power: 91 HP
This is a classic cruiser bike that flipped the script and shocked veterans, including those from Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. The weapon of choice? Charming old-school design with loads of chrome and gorgeous curves. BMW has recently introduced some notable updates for its flagship cruiser bike for 2025, further enhancing its desirability.
The form factor is minimal, but the low-slung design, its protruding boxer-twin heads, and the visual charm of yesteryears nail the formula of a Harley killer. It is worth noting that BMW achieved this feat in its first attempt, and the R 18 is not even five years old. Its burbly 1,802 cc boxer-twin produces 91 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque, which are commendable numbers, especially for under $15,500.
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
Power: 98 HP
This is an underrated Harley-Davidson touring-ready cruiser bike that blends old-school charm with new-age technology features. It exudes more nostalgic charm than the Fat Boy, largely due to its thoroughly old-school styling. Classic-vibing features include an old-school fuel tank medallion, leather-wrapped saddlebags with blackened-nickel studs, dual-tone paint jobs, and optional laced wheels.
This Harley isn’t a fast mover due to its weight, which exceeds the 700-pound mark. However, it still falls into this list of “powerful” retro bikes, because this land yacht boasts an old-school Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine that produces 98 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque. Despite all its added components, it remains lighter and more powerful than the bare-bones BMW above.
Triumph Thruxton RS
Power: 103 HP
Often badged the “original modern café racer”, the Triumph Thruxton RS is a motorcycle that has a huge fan base, us included. While it sure is bad news that Triumph is pulling the plug on its iconic café racer, all is not lost, as the standard model is still available this year. The sculpted fuel tank clip-on bars and the rear seat cowl are its defining visual elements.
Adding the optional semi-fairing adds to its sporty appeal. Powering this beast is a 1,200 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 103 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque. Despite its “retro” looks, this Triumph is loaded with hidden technology features like ride modes and traction control.
10 Retro-Style Motorcycles Under $5,000 That Turn Heads
These retro-styled bikes have turned into affordable bargains on the used market
Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS
Power: 103.5 HP
We might very well call this Triumph a sleeper bike because not many can guess that a simple retro roadster packs over 100 horsepower. The Speed Twin 1200 RS appears to be a simple, barebones retro roadster design. It has a fuel tank and side panels for “bodywork.” The circular headlamp is compact and neatly fits between its chunky 43 mm Marzocchi inverted forks.
Other top-spec components include Brembo Stylema brakes, three ride modes, and sticky Metzeler Racetec M9 RR tires wrapped around lightweight, cast-aluminum wheels. At the heart sits a 1,200 cc parallel-twin engine (the same mill as on the aforementioned Thruxton RS) that produces 103.5 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque.
BMW R 12 S
Power: 109 HP
This retro roadster is fan service at its best. The BMW R 12 S pays homage to the iconic 1970s R90S. This is highlighted by its cool headlight cowl and the gorgeous Lava Orange Metallic paint job. The neatly integrated color-matched rear seat cowling completes its drool-worthy cafe racer look.
This is the Triumph Speed Twin’s kryptonite, with a stronger old-school charm, thanks to its air- and oil-cooled boxer twin. This mill produces 109 horsepower and 85 pound-feet of torque. The sporty side is strong here, which is further complemented by a range of electronic features.
Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe
Power: 110 HP
This is a gorgeous retro-styling roadster that neatly hides the fact that it’s based on a wicked-fast streetfighter. The Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe utilizes the chassis and engine from the Z900 sports bike. Powering it is a sweet-revving 948 cc inline-4 engine that produces 110 horsepower and 72.3 pound-feet of torque.
The most notable retro-vibing design element here is a curvy quarter fairing, laced wheels, and a brushed finish for the exhaust system. Adjustable suspension, sharp brakes, and sticky tires indicate its athletic riding characteristics.
Yamaha XSR900
Power: 117 HP
The Yamaha XSR900 is neo-retro styling done right. Styling is minimal, but the four body panels on this motorcycle pop out well, thanks to the gorgeous dual-tone Heritage White paint job. For those who love stealth, there’s Raven, an all-black shade with golden accents. The black shade gives off strong Ducati 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition vibes.
Powering this peppy retro-charmer is the renowned CP3 inline-3 engine, which also powers a slew of other Yamahas, including the MT-09 and the new R9. It produces 117 horsepower and 68.6 pound-feet of torque. Key technology features include a 5-inch TFT display, smartphone connectivity, and customizable ride modes, among others.
Why The Kawasaki W800 Is A Perfect First Bike For Retro Fans
Timeless looks, modern tech, and easy-going ergonomics make the W800 an ideal beginner bike
MV Agusta Superveloce 800
Power: 147 HP
This is a sports bike that proves that curves can also make for an intimidatingly fast motorcycle. The Superveloce 800 is a gorgeous marriage of smooth curves and contrasting sharp elements. Its cafe-racer-inspired headlamp seamlessly integrates into the muscular side fairings. The headlamp is also circular, enhancing the retro look. Under the skin, it’s of stark contrast.
This retro sports bike is powered by a screaming inline-3 engine that produces 147 horsepower and 65 pound-feet of torque at 13,000 RPM and 10,100 RPM, respectively. It comes equipped with top-spec hardware and technology features, including fully adjustable Marzocchi inverted front forks and a Sachs rear monoshock. The bike also boasts Brembo Stylema hardware at the front, a 6.5-inch TFT display, cruise control, launch control, front lift control, Bluetooth connectivity, and an anti-theft system with geolocation, among other features.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR
Power: 177 HP
This Triumph is the epitome of café racers as it fuses the performance and dynamics of a hardcore sports bike with the design of a gorgeous café racer. The highlighting design element is its curvaceous half-fairing, which beautifully blends into the relatively chiseled and muscular tank design. Power comes from a 1,160 cc inline-3 engine that produces 177 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque.
This offbeat mix of retro styling and sharp performance features other cool additions, including carbon fiber detailing, a full-color 5-inch TFT display, five ride modes, top-spec Brembo Stylema brakes, and Ohlins semi-active suspension, among other notable features. If you love what you see, then now’s probably the best and last chance to buy this smashing retro racer.
MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Series Oro
Power: 208 HP
MV Agusta has done the seemingly impossible by fusing retro-styling elements into a “sharp-looking” 200+ horsepower track-ready sports bike. There is a beautiful harmony of curves and sharp edges on this sports bike. It even features integrated winglets without compromising the classic, round headlamp design. The MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Series Oro is a limited-edition sports bike that costs over $70,000.
Powering MV Agusta’s top-spec speedster is a 998 cc four-cylinder producing a whopping 208 horsepower. Upholding its exotic appeal further are features such as carbon fiber bodywork, titanium components, and a range of cutting-edge technology features, including launch control, front lift control, and an anti-theft system with geolocation, among others.
