They’re stylish, they’re timeless and they’re new-rider friendly. What more could you want from an A2 retro motorcycle?

How about 10 of the best available on the market right now? Let’s not waste any more time and get straight into it!

The XSR700 is a true Scrambler and comes equipped with all the necessary equipment that makes these bikes so respected.

The frame is lightweight, nimble, and perfect for those looking for a bike that’s fun to ride and easy-going. Off-road looks are shown through wide handlebars, chunky footrests, and an upright riding position.

Styling inspiration, including the colours and graphics, flat seat, and fork gaiters, has been taken from the original XT500 to ensure it has all the retro good looks and authenticity! And modern-day features include the 689cc engine, which is available in a reduced power version, that delivers a 21st-century ride. 

As the name suggests, Yamaha’s XSR700 is an X-citing tribute to an iconic model and, for a bona fide bike with such legendary status, it’s worth dipping into your pocket that little bit deeper to cover the £8,402 price.

Engine	689cc, 73 hp (A2 restrictor kit available), liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	14L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	845mm
Weight	188kg (wet)
Price	£8,402

From mustard and ketchup to the McDonald’s logo, red and yellow is a colour combination we know and love and when designing their Scrambler 500, Fantic has taken full advantage of this. It’s in-your-face, loud, fruity, and pays homage to the ’70s, and if I said I wasn’t enjoying it, I’d be lying!

Refreshed to be Euro5 compliant, the 449cc liquid-cooled engine hits 40 hp and, combined with the ECU control unit with updated mapping, provides a magic carpet smooth ride. Fantic have highlighted the dual-sports blood running through the Caballero’s veins with a light and compact chassis which allows riders to easily control the 500 on or off roads.

It’s not all about the past though as with LED lights and dual-channel ABS it’s got some nifty modern features too (hence its prominent feature on our top 10 scramblers list also). 

Fantic states that the bike is “dedicated to the dreamers” but, if you’ve got the cash to cover the £6,999 starting price, then you won't need to dream for long!

Engine	449cc, 40 hp, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	12L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	820mm
Weight	150kg
Price	£6,999

One of two Triumph’s on the list today, shall we find out if the Street Scrambler is your type?

Well, it's a tall, dark and handsome machine. It’s a rugged, cool, and contemporary all-round performer with a no-nonsense design. The liquid-cooled engine is responsive, rich in Bonneville power, and Euro 5 compliant. And rider-focused tech includes three riding modes, ABS, traction control, torque-assist clutch, and LED rear light.

The A2 licence restrictor kit includes an APS twist grip and an engine tune to make it accessible for you A2 riders.

The Street Scrambler is a real scamp that takes inspiration from the long line of desert racers it’s descended from. You’ve got to remember though that it is a Triumph, so you are paying extra for that quality finish the UK manufacturer is known for. That figure today is £9,300 but you do get a 2-year and unlimited mileage warranty with that though.

Engine	900cc, 64.1 bhp (A2 restrictor kit available), liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	12L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	790mm
Weight	223kg
Price	£9,300

Ducati’s Scrambler sixty2 has been a best-seller since 2016 and it’s not hard to see why.

It’s a very Instragramable model – especially in that bright coral with those black finishes! Design-wise, it’s trendy, feisty, fun, and inspired by the youth subculture based on surfing, skateboarding, and pop music so is definitely one that will target the younger generation and those hipsters!

It falls in line with Ducati’s styling but also hits the retro motorcycle brief with the round front headlamp, tank graphics, and spoked wheels.

A2-compliant in nature, the sixty2 features a 399cc air-cooled engine that reaches 40 hp and has an average for this category £6,499 price tag.

It might not be your first choice, but Ducati has created a toy for all ages that’s suitable for new riders that does the job in style!

Engine	399cc, 40 hp, air-cooled
Fuel tank	14L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	790mm
Weight	183kg
Price	£6,499

If this were based on looks alone, the T100 would be my winner because it oozes old-school charm and premium quality! With style inspo coming from the 1959 Bonneville, that two-tone tank, black finishing, and flowing lines, Triumph has definitely paid attention to the details and created a real piece of eye candy that’s for sure!

Modern features such as a digital display, USB charging point and LED rear light show how it’s carefully been built to evolve for real-world practicality without losing any of that classic character.

You may be looking at the 900cc engine and thinking why has she included this as an entry? But an accessory fit conversion kit makes it accessible for you A2’s. Other A2-friendly features include a relaxed riding position, 790mm seat, torque-assist clutch, and Brembo brakes with ABS.

It’s one of the most expensive choices on the list but if you’ve got a higher budget then the T100 puts a modern spin on a retro classic and, as you can probably tell, I’m loving it!

Are you as impressed as me though? You’ll have to let me know in the comments below (after you’ve finished reading the rest of the article though of course)!

Engine	900cc, 64.1 bhp (A2 restrictor kit available), liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	14.5L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	790mm
Weight	228kg (wet)
Price	£9,100

Traditional in looks and build, Herald’s Classic 400 is following on from the success of their Classic 125.

It’s the stylish tank with subtle branding and stainless-steel strap, clip-ons, twin-pipe exhaust and gloss finish that really make it look the business!

Herald has kept it simple, so the tech isn’t too savvy. However, alongside the design, the 400 includes dual clocks, adjustable rear shocks, and bullet indicators to ensure it’s a bike that’s been built to look good and function well for everyday use.

It may be Chinese-built and not able to keep up with the quality and standard of some of its Japanese rivals, but with the 397cc engine reaching 27 bhp and that pocket-pleasing price tag of £4,299, this British-based company’s retro offering is sure to put a smile on any new rider’s face!

Engine	397cc, 27 bhp
Fuel tank	12L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	790mm
Weight	165kg
Price	£4,299

After a short break, Kawasaki brought their middleweight retro the W800 back with a bang in 2019 and over the last few years, it’s made its mark on the market.

Tuned for low-mid range performance, the 773cc vertical twin engine reaches the 47 hp limit for an A2 motorcycle and therefore is friendly and mellow whilst still being full of feel-good energy.

The glossed sculpted tank, pinstripes, W-logo, ribbed saddle, upright-style handlebars, and spoked wheels provide the W800 with all the style, soul, and flair of the W1 model it takes inspiration from.

Alongside all of this, expect to see a low-profile tuck and roll seat, LED headlamp, LCD screen, and slightly higher price tag – it is a Kawasaki after all!

With the Kodawari craftmanship meaning devotion to the art, the Japanese green giants have taken this literally and created a masterpiece that will appeal to a wide range of riders. And as you can trace this bike’s DNA all the way back to the 1960’s it’s definitely worthy of a place on this list!

Engine	773cc, 47 hp, air-cooled
Fuel tank	15L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	790mm
Weight	221kg
Price	£8,499

Full of new features and old-fashioned soul, the V7 Special is Moto Guzzi’s latest retro-offering. But what makes it so Special?

An upgraded 853cc engine replaces the old 744cc and is claimed to kick out 13 hp and 13 Nm more than its predecessor. This is then housed in an elegantly and classically styled frame sporting new side panels, exhaust, front LED light, larger rear wheel, and a shorter rear mudguard. Available in two colourways, 'Blu Formale' and 'Grigio Casual', I really don’t know how anyone is supposed to choose!

On this new model, you’ll also see new longer-travel twin shock absorbers, two-tier vintage-styled saddle (in brown upholstery may I add), passenger grab rail, and updated rider footpegs all for better comfort.

To make it A2-compliant, the V7 will be available in a reduced power version that’s equipped with adjustable MGCT traction control as standard.

It’s been around for over 50 years and we can’t see it going anywhere anytime soon. Though a few things have changed, the V7 is still the authentic bike with the same character that you would have fallen in love with all those years ago.

And, if you like what you see with the Moto Guzzi V7, why not check out our in-depth 7 things you need to know article?

Engine	853cc, 64 hp (A2 restrictor kit available), air-cooled
Fuel tank	21L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	780mm
Weight	203kg
Price	£8,600

Benelli has created a buzz around their Imperiale 400. Now, I don’t know whether that’s because of its good looks, rider-friendly features, or piggy-bank-friendly price tag but what I do know is if you’re an A2-rider and don’t know about this bike then get to know because it’s a fantastic option to consider!  

Let’s start with that single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled engine. Reaching 21 hp and producing 28 Nm of torque with a 5-speed gearbox, front telescopic forks, and adjustable rear swinging arm, the Imperiale delivers a smooth and precise ride.

With a teardrop tank, round front headlamp, and chrome inserts, no matter what angle you look at it, you can’t deny this cruiser’s classic styling.

Other features on this model include simple controls, easy-to-read analogue dials, and a balanced braking system.

Benelli’s Imperiale 400 has that evergreen look that will never go out of fashion and, for £3,499 (+OTR), this is a budget-friendly option for those who want to look good and aren’t driven by spec or power.

Engine	373.5cc, 21 hp, air-cooled
Fuel tank	12L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	780mm
Weight	205kg
Price	£3,499 (+OTR)

Finishing off today’s list is a striking pair, yes you heard me right, I said a pair! Let me introduce you to Royal Enfield’s Interceptor and Continental GT – AKA ‘the twins’.

Underneath it all, they’re identical, they share the same foundations and 648cc beating heart but it’s on the outside where you’ll really start to see their individual personalities shine through. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

With clip-on handlebars, bump stop seat, and stripped-down silhouette the Continental GT has the look of a classic cafe racer. It’s not disappointing on the features front either. Expect to see a double-cradle frame, Brembo disc brakes, aerodynamic riding position, and twin rear shock absorbers. The Continental GT puts on the show what we love most about the 60s Cafe Racer.

The Interceptor, however, follows more along the lines of an old school naked street bike built to reflect the fun-loving, go-with-it 1960’s beach culture. You’ll see the charming, laid-back attitude echoed through the styling and A2-friendly features in the form of an upright riding position, light-alloy wheels, and a new lightweight frame.

Numbers-wise, the models differ when it comes to the fuel tank, seat height, weight, and price.

There are many famous sets of twins in this world but none quite with a reputation like these two. Both are fun, full of character, and easy-going and that’s why they deserved, and are sharing, a spot on this list. 

Engine	648cc, 46.8 hp, air-cooled
Fuel tank	Continental - 12.5L  Interceptor - 13.7L
Brakes	Front and rear disc
Seat height	Continental - 820mm Interceptor - 805mm
Weight	Continental - 212kg Interceptor - 217kg
Price	Continental - £6,099 (Rocker Red), £6,299 (Ventura Storm, Dux Deluxe & British Racing Green) & £6,599 (Mr. Clean) Interceptor - £5,899 (Canyon Red, Ventura Blue & Orange Crush), £6,099 (Downton Drag, Baker Express & Sunset Strip) & £6,399 (Mark 2)

There are more choices for new riders than ever before! If retro isn’t your thing, then take a look at our top 10 list of A2 motorcycles for a broader selection.

Last but not least, if you have your very own retro motorcycle you need to insure, make sure to get a motorcycle insurance quote direct with Lexham!