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The most popular motorbikes in Australia

In this article, we share the top 5 best motorbikes in Australia by brand, make, and model. Plus insider bike enthusiast tips to help you weigh up your options.
By · November 4, 2024
The most popular motorbikes in Australia

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Whether you’re weaving through traffic or cruising country roads, motorcycles have certainly grown in popularity over the years. In fact, more than 65,000 motorcycles and off-highway vehicles (OHVs) were sold in Australia between January and September 2024.

If you’re considering ditching your car in favour of a two-wheeler, there are a lot of options to choose from. A great place to start exploring your options is by getting to know the most popular motorcycles in use across the country.

In this article we share some of the best motorbikes in Australia by brand, make and model.

Best motorbike brands in Australia

Here’s a look at the latest top-sellers in the Australian market.

The best motorbike brands by sales volume as of October 2024.

  1. Yamaha

  2. Honda

  3. Kawaski

  4. KTM

The best motorbike brands - as rated by consumers

  1. Harley Davidson

  2. Ducati

  3. Suzuki

  4. Kawaski

  5. Yamaha

  6. BMW

  7. Honda

Best motorbikes in Australia

While it’s great to understand the most popular motorbike brands in Australia, each brand has countless options when it comes to choosing a motorcycle. To make life a little easier we’re sharing some of the best and most popular motorcycles under each of these high ranking brands.

1. Yamaha MT-07

The Yamaha MT-07 combines agility, power and just enough attitude. This bike has become an absolute favourite among bike riders and is known for its great handling and robust engine. It’s a weekend rider and daily commuter all in one and comes with a minimalist, sporty aesthetic.

The Yamaha MT-07 comes with a powerful engine and lightweight design along with a number of high quality styling and riding features.

Choose the Yamaha MT-07 for:

Engine: 689cc parallel twin engine (delivers 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque).

Lightweight design: Weighing just 182 kg it’s a nimble set of wheels that packs a powerful punch.

Comfortable riding position: The upright, well padded seating on this bike is designed for comfort during longer rides. The handlebars are positioned to reduce wrist strain and back pain.

Advanced suspension: The bike is equipped with a 41mm front fork and rear monoshock which allows the rider to fine tune the suspension for different riding styles or loads.

Price

The Yamaha MT-07 is typically priced between $10,000 and $13,500. Prices can vary depending on the dealership and any promotions they may be running, but this range keeps the MT-07 competitive in the middleweight market.

2. Honda CB650R

If you’re searching for a midweight motorcycle that perfectly balances style and performance, the Honda CB650R deserves your attention. The power, ergonomics and modern aesthetics of this bike appeal to both new riders and experienced bikers.

This bike is designed for versatility, making it perfect for daily commuting as well as spirited weekend rides. With its comfortable seating position and a focus on performance, the CB650R has quickly gained a reputation as a well-rounded machine.

Choose the CB650R for:

Comfortable ergonomics: Features an upright riding position that balances comfort and control.

Lightweight chassis: Weighing approximately 202kg fully fueled, the CB650R is easy to handle and can easily weave through traffic and round tight corners.

Powerful engine: The CB650R is powered by a 649cc inline-four engine, producing around 95 horsepower and 64 Nm of torque.

Price

The Honda CB650R is typically priced between $12,000 and $13,500. Pricing can vary depending on the dealership and any ongoing promotions, but this price range keeps the CB650R competitive in the midweight segment.

3. Kawaski Ninja 400

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a top contender for anyone looking for a mix of performance, comfort, and style. It has a reasonable price tag in Australia and comes with a heap of great features. Suitable for experienced bikers and newbies alike, the Ninja is a great option for city cruising or tearing up the open road.

Designed primarily for street riding, the Ninja 400 combines a sporty aesthetic with a comfortable riding position. Its lightweight chassis and powerful engine make it an excellent choice for both daily commuting and weekend rides.

Choose the Ninja for:

Engine performance: Impressive acceleration and six speed transmission for smooth gear changes and enhanced performance.

Weight: Lightweight and agile weighing just 168kg. It is one of the lightest bikes in its class.

Modern design: Aerodynamic bodywork and sharp lines complemented by LED lighting.

Price

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is priced around $8,000 to $9,000, depending on the dealership, any ongoing promotions, and additional features or accessories.

4. KTM RC 390

The KTM RC 390 is a compact sport bike that offers thrilling performance and sharp handling. Known for its race-inspired design and agile dynamics, the RC 390 is perfect for both track enthusiasts and city riders alike.

This bike is known for its focus on track performance, but it is equally enjoyed on the road.

Choose the KTM RC 390 for:

Powerful engine: The RC 390 is a 373cc single-cylinder engine that delivers around 44 horsepower and 37 Nm of torque.

Lightweight design: Weighing in at just 172 kg (379 lbs) fully fueled, the RC 390 is incredibly lightweight.

Braking system: The RC 390 comes with a dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety during braking. The front features a 320mm disc brake, while the rear has a 230mm disc, providing excellent stopping power and control.

Price

As of 2024, the KTM RC 390 is generally priced around $8,500 to $9,500. Prices can vary slightly depending on the dealership and any current promotions, but this range is fairly competitive as an entry-level sportbike.

5. Harley Davidson Breakout

It would be amiss of us to write an article on the most popular motorcycles in Australia without mentioning the Harley Davidson. The first Harley-Davidson hit the road in 1903. Since then, America's most famous motorcycle brand has produced countless models - although there is one that stands out from the crowd. The Harley-Davidson Breakout is one of the most popular motorcycles in Australia. In fact, Harley Davidson claims it is the best-selling Harley model in the country.

First introduced in 2013, the Breakout quickly became popular for its minimalist, muscular design and strong performance characteristics. Powered by Harley-Davidson's renowned V-Twin engines, this bike delivers the classic rumble and power that HD owners live for.

Choose this bike for:

Powerful engine: The Breakout is equipped with a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine (1868cc) that produces an impressive 162 Nm of torque.

Advanced suspension: The Breakout features a modern suspension system with a softail design that includes a hidden rear monoshock. This setup provides excellent handling and comfort, absorbing bumps and enhancing ride quality.

Customisation options: Harley-Davidson offers a range of customization options for the Breakout, allowing riders to personalise their bike to match their style. From different paint finishes to various accessories, you can make the Breakout your own.

Price

The Harley-Davidson Breakout typically retails between $26,000 and $30,000, depending on the dealership and any special offers. This price range reflects its premium build quality and the iconic status of the Harley-Davidson brand.

Discovering the right motorbike for you

Each one of the bikes on the list above has its unique style and performance features that may be ideal for you.

But, the best way to know which bike is for you is to test some out first-hand. Be sure to test-ride as many motorbikes as you feel and ask as many questions about the motorbikes as you can.

And, when you’ve made your selection, Upmove can help with motorcycle shipping. Get door-to-door motorcycle transport from Australia’s most trusted motorbike movers.

Motorbike relocations around Australia

With scenic coastal roads wrapped around the country, and endless places to off-road across Australia, it's no surprise we're a country full of bike enthusiasts. This also means there's a lot of bike shipping and transporting that happens.

Upmove's latest data reveals the most popular transported motorbike brands are Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, in that order. Perth emerges as the most popular destination city for these deliveries. The average distance that motorbikes are transported across the country is approximately 1,439 km. If you need a bike transported, you can find and book motorbike transport specialists with Upmove.

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