10 Best Motorcycles for Solo Riders

May 12, 2023

Experience riding in its purest form without any distractions with the best motorcycles for solo riders, which don't care about "passenger comfort"

The thrill of a solo journey is often unbeatable, especially on a motorcycle. It's just you, your motorcycle, and the open road. But most motorcycles on the market are designed for two people, and when you are riding solo, pillion-oriented features are nothing but distractions and unnecessary weight. Plus, such features can hamper the bike's performance in the name of "pillion comfort."

So, whether you are a seasoned rider or a newbie who wants to experience pure motorcycling, finding a bike ideal for solo riders is crucial. From nimble nakeds that slice through traffic like a hot knife through butter to hyper-focussed superbikes that dominate the track, there are solo motorcycles that can help you experience motorcycling in its purest form.

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Think of a 124cc thumper that produces 9.3 horsepower and 8.1 pound-feet of torque — doesn't sound like much, right? But pair it with a 232 pounds mini motorcycle, and that's a recipe for fun, and that's what the Honda Monkey is. This bike shares the same engine and platform as the Honda Grom, but it captures the essence of the 60s and 70s with its retro styling. The Monkey can handle local highways and cities, and it's a terrific motorcycle for beginners, but it stands out most as a toy bike for experienced riders. Riding it is fun and exciting, whether you like wheeling, racing on go-kart tracks, or just being an agent of chaos on the road.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Arch Motorcycles KRGT-1 is an exceptional American motorcycle developed by Keanu Reeves’ brand. This hot rod motorcycle comes with a sharp chassis, a lively engine, and meticulously crafted aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel components. The KRGT-1 defies classification — it is a part café racer, part cruiser, and part hot rod, yet it handles like a modern sport bike. This bike can be your gateway into the world of exclusive motorcycles. The team spends 90 days tailoring your KRGT-1 to fit you, and the pure metal artistry is drool-worthy — but this comes with a hefty price tag, which is totally worth it.

If Arch Motorcycles wasn't exclusive enough, you could look at the Brough Superior SS100, the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles and a favorite of the Lawrence of Arabia. This ultra-exclusive motorcycle is the stuff of dreams — it's handcrafted, features an evocative V-twin engine, fastidious attention to detail, and premium components. Plus, don't let the vintage British looks fool you; this bike has terrific road manners and is a worthy successor to the old Brough Superiors. With only 300 of these ever produced, good luck finding one of these bespoke machines on the used market.

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Featuring a clean design, an unpretentious approach, and the biggest boxer engine (1802cc) BMW has ever produced, the BMW R 18 is a gorgeous motorcycle that appeals to the retro crowd, unlike any other cruiser motorcycle. And despite the minimalist looks, the motorcycle is packed with electronic wizardry like cruise control, hill-start assist, adaptive headlights, and heated grips — as you would expect from a typical BMW. This stripped-down German cruiser offers a pure riding experience, despite the higher price tag than other cruisers in the segment. It is worth experiencing.

The Indian Scout Bobber is a stripped-down version of the Indian Scout, and while it may not be designed for long-distance touring, this American cruiser is light and small enough for your everyday rides. But show it some straight roads, and the V-twin engine will surprise you with its performance and reliability. Even the chassis is responsive, making the experience quite entertaining. The Scout Bobber is not an intimidating bike, so even beginners can easily ride this. While this one is different from a Harley — it's smooth and fast — it still offers an essential American cruiser experience.

The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto is one of the best motorcycles from the brand's stable, and it can be your companion in urban adventures. It is essentially a 701 Enduro with street tires and suspension. The large single-cylinder engine offers plenty of punch for wheelies at every intersection, and the bike's light dynamics make it terrific to throw around into corners or fool around on the streets. The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto is one of those bikes that encourages you to break the law, so you'd have to control your impulses while riding it.

The KTM 890 Duke R, known as the Super Scalpel, is a naked motorcycle that houses the most powerful 2-cylinder engine in the segment. This R variant of the 890 Duke is ideal for those looking for ultimate naked performance and fun, both on and off the tracks. And thanks to its aggressive steering geometry, this one handles unlike anything you have experienced — it offers a fierce riding experience. It also has top-of-the-line components like WP Apex suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers, ABS, traction control, and a slick six-speed gearbox. It is a recipe for manic fun, bringing everything KTM is known for in an accessible yet exciting package.

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The BMW S 1000 RR is one of the best superbikes in the world, but for the German brand, it wasn't enough. So, they improved on an already perfect bike by slapping an M badge on the S 1000 RR. The BMW M1000RR is the ultimate superbike that is powerful, agile, aerodynamic (winglets!), composed, and lightweight. In developing this bike, BMW has left no stone unturned — it features a 205 horsepower engine, advanced electronics like ABS, HSC, DTC, and DBC, carbon fiber wheels, fully adjustable suspension, and expensive brakes. This motorcycle combines everything BMW has learned from its racing career with cutting-edge technology to deliver a riding experience unmatched by any other superbike. And it looks menacing.

When the Ducati Panigale V4 goes on a diet and gets a carbon fiber frame, swing arm, and rims, it turns into a Superleggera, which is an Italian term for super light, weighing under 335.5 pounds only. This weight, paired with a 998cc V4 engine that produces 234 horsepower, gives this bike an insane power-to-weight ratio of 0.63 horsepower per pound — enough to rocket the bike to 200 mph! The Ducati Superleggera V4 is what you get when Ducati spares no expense, making the Superleggera V4 the very best motorcycle you can buy in today's time. But given its price tag, you may hesitate to throw this bike around the track.

If speed is everything for you, no other bike can satiate your thirst than the Kawasaki H2R. This mind-blowing motorcycle can overtake Formula 1 cars, thanks to its 998cc supercharged engine that produces 326 horsepower and 121.7 pound-feet of torque, which gives this bike a top speed of approx. 250 mph! This is not a bike for beginners. To control the berserk power this bike offers at every rpm, it is suited with all the tech wizardry to ensure the bike does not fly off from under you. If you are a track junkie who wants to beat anything with wheels, the Kawasaki H2R is the one for you. Be warned, you may have to cash out your retirement savings for this one.

Meet Aayush, a motorcycle-loving writer from Goa. With almost a decade of riding experience and a (not so) trusty Dominar 400, you can find him exploring the Western Ghats on Sundays or tinkering with motorcycles during his free hours. From touring tips to DIY maintenance, he's got you covered. So, grab your helmet and join the ride!