In a world of ever-evolving technology and change, retro motorcycles offer something different. They have the charm, looks and appeal of yesteryear but also have the modernity, reliability and tech to bring them into the 21st century.

Gone are the days of carburettors with their fiddly, albeit simple configuration. Now having been replaced with efficient, cleaner and higher performing fuel injection, all these bikes still retain the charm, looks and kerbside appeal of their older relatives, except without the hassle... & a warranty! We will be going through what makes them deserve a spot on the list.

So, shall we take a look at what the ten best are in 2025?

In at number 10, we have the Kawasaki Z650RS. With 70s-inspired looks influenced by the Zs of old, Kawasaki has done a fine job of making a retro for the modern day.

Coming in alongside the already popular Z900RS, the Z650RS offers something for the A2 rider (with restrictor, of course) or even someone with a tighter budget. The 650 retains nearly all the appeal and 70s ‘Retro Sport’ inspired looks as the 900, and I think it looks great.

Powering the Z650RS is an 8-valve, 4-stroke, 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with dual throttle bodies and just over 67hp. Enough for most riders, but again, if you need more speed, the Z900RS is the one for you.

A low seat height of 820mm makes the Z650RS approachable for a lot of riders and the analogue dual speedo and rev counter is a nice classic touch, albeit staying modern though with the inverted black LCD sandwiched in between them. Also keeping up with modernity on the Z650RS is the round LED headlight, 2-mode traction control, slipper clutch, eco riding indicator and ABS.

With three distinctive and classic colourways on offer for 2025, including Ebony, Ebony/Green and Ebony/Yellow, you can be sure that this Z will stand out among the crowd - you also get gold wheels if you opt for the ‘Ebony’ colourway, which I think looks fantastic.

A great offering from Kawasaki and priced from £7,799, I think they’ve hit the mark.

At number 9 on the list is the BSA Scrambler. The much-anticipated Goldstar was launched nearly a year ago now, but before we get to its first anniversary, we now have the Scrambler, and doesn’t it look glorious?

Diving into a bit of a history lesson on BSA, having ended production in 1973 following a 63-year production run, BSA was acquired by Classic Legends in 2016. The Goldstar was announced in 2021 before it became available to buy in 2024 and carried over much of the original styling cues of its elders and even featured in our Top 10 Retro Motorcycles for 2024 last year.

The Scrambler is based upon the Goldstar and features a thumper of an engine – a 652cc dual overhead cam, 4 valve liquid cooled single cylinder with twin spark plugs. It produces 45hp (at 6500rpm) and manages to put out a healthy 55 Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Low power for a 650, but it’s all torque on the Scrambler. It does come with some mass though, 218kg wet is what BSA spec.

In terms of spec, the BSA is well-equipped. A single twin piston floating Brembo caliper at the front with a 320mm disc and a single piston floating Brembo caliper at the back with a 255mm disc and ABS. The Scrambler also comes with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres as standard.

At £5,999, what a job BSA has done. It looks every bit the real deal of Retro scramblers in my opinion (maybe aside from the size and placement of the radiator), carrying the iconic name of BSA on its classically shaped 12L 70s style tank, managing to perfectly blend the old with the new.

Definitely one to keep an eye out for when it’s brought to dealers.

In at number 8, we have the A2-compliant Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450.

Increasing in popularity for their retro offerings, Royal Enfield has been gaining traction over the years and for good reason. Having been established in 1891, Royal Enfield produced their first motorcycle in 1901, that’s 124 years ago!

Now solely an Indian owned company, having formed with Madras Motors in 1955, they are producing some stonking machines in 2025 and for not that much money either.

Based on the outgoing Himalayan 450, the Guerrilla features a 4 valve, dual overhead cam, liquid-cooled 452cc ‘Sherpa’ single cylinder engine producing 39.5hp at 8000rpm and 40 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. The Guerrilla is also relatively light, coming in with a kerb weight (90% Fuel + Oil) of 184 kg and has an 11L tank capacity.

Royal Enfield is also known for their variety of colourway options and the Guerilla is no exception. Smoke Silver, Playa Black, Gold Dip, Brava Blue & Yellow Ribbon are the offerings for 2025, so you can be sure there’s something for everyone.

Tech-wise, there are two rider modes - Performance Mode and Eco Mode (controlled via a button on the right switchgear) and a large 4-inch circular ‘Tripper’ TFT display, which even has integrated Google Maps.

Pricing is competitive from £4,850, depending on colourway and options, and with an unlimited mileage, 3-year warranty, I think the Guerrilla is definitely one to consider in 2025.