7 bikes to buy before they die

These machines are all set to be superseded in 2016. Here’s why you should grab one while you still can…

Kawasaki ZX-10R (2011-2015)

Universally accepted as the best, most extreme and most-track-focused of the Japanese superbikes for the past five years, the ZX-10R remains the track bike of choice and the only Japanese contender to challenge BMW’s S1000RR thanks to an intense 197bhp, quality suspension, power modes and traction control.What you’ll pay today We’ve already seen pre-registered zero-milers for as little as £10,299. But should you? The new bike was designed in conjunction with new WSB champ Jonathan Rea and has uprated brakes, suspension, geometry, instruments and more). But with looks essentially unchanged most mere mortals will do just as well with the oldie.

Triumph Speed Triple R (2012-2015)

The much-loved ‘Speedie’ has been pretty much the definitive super-naked ever since its 1050 revamp in 2005. Though aging, the 2011 facelift and 2012’s addition of the blinged-up R version has kept it there or thereabouts. Key strengths are its terrific three-cylinder engine, decent all-round ability, good looks and value. The 2016 update is set to bring a further mild facelift and revisions to meet new Euro4 regulations.What you’ll pay today Current end-of-line Speed 94 and Speed 94 R are priced at £9749 and £10,999 respectively, but we’ve seen virtually 0-mile Rs for as little as £9800.But should you? New old stock Speedies can be bargains. R versions have the X-Factor.

Triumph Bonneville (2015)

Next year’s all-new, 1200cc Bonneville family has been a long time coming, many of them are mouth-watering in their own right (particularly the Thruxton R) and, with 77ftlb on tap, their performance will be revolutionised. But they’re also set to be much more expensive and, 900cc Street Twin perhaps apart, we wonder if they’ll be as accessible and affordable for newbie or inexperienced riders as before.What you’ll pay today List for the basic, black, 2015 Bonneville is just £6999, with more for the T100, Newchurch, Thruxton and so on but we’ve seen old stock already going for as little as £6500. But should you? If you loved the Bonnie as it was (and plenty did) there’s never going to be a better time to blag a bargain.

Honda CBR500R (2013-2015)

Sport-styled version of Honda’s all-new A2 licence-compliant 500 twin was introduced in 2013 alongside the adventure-styled CB500X and roadster CB500F and all are great, easy-to-ride, good value first big bikes. For 2016 it gets a Fireblade-style facelift, preload-adjustable forks and bigger tank. What you’ll pay today We’ve seen 0-mile pre-regs for as little as £4699. But should you? There’s not much wrong with the old ’un, especially at this money.

Ducati Hypermotard 821 (2013-2015)

The supermotard-style Hypermotard has been the wackiest way into Ducati ownership since 2007 and the revised, liquid-cooled, 821 version, introduced in 2013, is the best yet. Next year sees a new 939cc engine version, in part due to emissions rules.What you’ll pay today We’re seeing low-mileage ex-demos for under £8000.But should you? It’s almost entry-level Scrambler money but with 30 extra bhp!

 

2015 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion (2009-2015)

No-fuss, budget-priced, middleweight four has been quietly getting on with being a decent all-rounder ever since it was introduced in 2009. Its expected demise in 2016 is due in part to the huge success of Yamaha’s new MT family and particularly the brilliant MT-09 triple at £6949. What you’ll pay today Current list is £6499 but pre-reg 0-milers are £5500.But should you? At that sort of money you’d almost be mad not to.

MV Agusta F4 1000 (2013-2015)

Definitive Italian four-cylinder exotica may not have (quite) the sophisticated prowess of a Ducati or Aprilia or usability of the best from Germany and Japan but, for some, more than makes up for it with howling potency and great looks. What you’ll pay today Stock F4 list is £14,499. Most old stock now gone but there are still bargains to be had. But should you? MVs defy logic, but when they’re cheap…

None of these take your fancy? MCN Bikes for Sale features thousands of new and used motorcycles for sale from both dealers and private sellers. With the best selection of new and pre-owned motorbikes for sale, you can rest assured that MCN is the best place to buy and sell a bike online.