The Best Motorcycles Under $7,000

June 30, 2011, By Jonathan Wylie 1 comment

Some of the most affordable motorcycles are also the most fun. Each of the bikes below costs less than a third of your average family sedan, yet they are at least three times as much fun. So, before you blow your budget on a Ducati 1198R, here's what you can get for $7,000 or less!

Kawasaki ER-6N - This middleweight roadster promises sportsbike performance in a practical, affordable street bike and is yours for around $6,699. The aggressive styling may not appeal to everyone, but the under-engine exhaust and single-sided swingarm look great. The powerful 650cc twin engine will power you from zero to 60 mph in around four seconds if you need it to, yet still manages an average of 40 miles to the gallon. The upright riding position is comfortable for the majority of riders, while the great suspension and brakes mean that you will always have entertaining rides.

Harley Davidson 883L Sportster - At $6,999, this is the lowest-priced Harley that money can buy. It comes with over 100 years of engineering expertise and is a great way to get riding on a limited budget. The 883cc V-twin engine is belt driven, instead of chain. This gives you a smooth, even ride and means you will have less maintenance than with a chain-driven bike. The seat height is on the low side to appeal to a wider gamut of riders, but if you are taller than 5' 10", make sure you try one out to see how that feels for you. The Harley 883L offers a great way onto the first rung of the Harley Davidson ladder, has numerous after-market customization options and the security of a company that has some of the best resale values in the industry.

Kawasaki KLR650 - The perennial popularity of the do-it-all KLR650 is hard to match. Kawasaki first introduced this dual-sport motorcycle in 1987, and has made improvements through the years. However, a 2008 overhaul gave this model a new lease on life and a whole new fan base. It is styled like an off-road bike but runs equally well on or off the road. Its dogged reliability is legendary, and many have even seen service with the US Army. The torquey 651cc engine gets great fuel economy, and at $5,599, the wallet-friendly KLR650 is certainly one of the most affordable motorcycles in this class.

Yamaha FZ6R - Riders looking for the most performance for their money frequently end up with Yamaha's FZ6R. This sporty-looking street bike has a 600cc engine that is tuned for usability and performance. With an adjustable seat and handlebars, the FZ6R has a riding position that will suit lots of riders, while the built-in fairing offers protection from the wind and rain. Selling at $7,390, it is the most expensive model on this list, but you may be able to save money by picking up one of last year's sportier, but now discontinued, FZ6 models.

Are these the fastest and most exciting bikes available? No, but they are affordable, fun to ride and offer great value for the price. Best of all, it's a buyer's market right now, so that makes it a great time to invest. Watch out for low-rate financing and special offers on all of these models.