Don't just meet your heroes, buy one! MCN's guide to legendary bikes at bargain prices

Fancy owning Ducati’s revolutionary 916, an original standard-setting Honda CBR900RR FireBlade or a mint example of the era-defining Yamaha RD350LC? You’ll need deep pockets – prices for these benchmark modern classics are through the roof.

• Related: The oddball nakeds that prove being normal is overrated

This is a good thing, however. With focus on the headline poster bikes, there’s a vast array of models that shaped the face of motorcycling but remain pleasingly affordable.

Read on for our expert guide to legendary bikes at bargain prices!

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MCN Recommended: 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7R – From £3990

MCN’s Best Buy

Spec:

• Power 748cc
• Engine capacity 110bhp
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 203kg

Heady nights at the local bike meet in colour-matched Texport leathers. The reputation for roaring noise and uncompromising ride. Walker tearingup British Superbike, Anthony Gorbert going sideways in WSB… There are many reasons why riders of a certain age might froth over Kawasaki’s 90s-defining 750, and its super-secure handling, old-school sportsbike cool and flexible inline four are right up there. 7Rs haven’t attracted the collectors/ investors buyings GSX-Rs, ZXRs and other iconic 1990s metal. Get in quick.

Kawasaki ZX-7R used buying advice

Quality and finish aren’t high points in Kawasaki’s history. Famously-stiff suspension gets tired with miles and enthusiatic use, paint flakes off chassis parts, the six-pot front brake calipers need attention to stop them behaving like two-slipers, and the downpipes rot. That’s assuming you find a bike with the original system – ZX-7Rs were targets for purveyors of loud pipes, undertrays and tinted screens. Green and purple is the desirable scheme, but always, always buy on condition rather than miles or age, or get the best example you can – better to stretch for a pristine £3000 bike than buy a £1000 bike that’ll swallow your time and cash.

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1996 Honda VFR750F – From £2790

Best For Engineers To Love

Spec:

• Power 748cc
• Engine capacity 92bhp
• Seat height 800mm
• Kerb weight 209kg

Predictable? Who cares? No other bike has this Honda’s mix of ease of use, mechanical engagement, class and fabulous build quality. It was the sports-touring benchmark for decades. Bulletproof and accurate gear-driven cams, single-sider, cast alloy grab handles, gargling V4 noise and a perfect riding position are all standard on this legend.

Honda VFR750F used buying advice

There’s more chance of a MotoGP talent-spotter grabbing you during your commute than of finding a 20-odd-year-old V4 with a full dealer service history. Instead, hunt a cherished bike owned by a clearly competent home mechanic. Leave bikes with bodged wiring, faulty electrical parts (is the alternator charging?) and non-standard paint. Make sure fasteners aren’t corroded in position – a snapped off exhaust stud could effectively write-off an otherwise peachy VFR.

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Yamaha TDR250

Best For Smell

Spec:

• Power 249cc
• Engine capacity 44bhp
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 137kg

Yamaha went to an island off Japan, rode a TZR250 on trails, and a DT200R on tarmac to see what riders liked. The TDR250 was the result. With proper road performance and dirt potential, you could argue the TDR was the prototype for today’s adventure bikes… and prices aren’t as daft as for other iconic strokers.

Yamaha TDR250 used buying advice

Don’t fret about originality, do worry about bodges. Ask for proof of engine work; pistons, rings and rebore is good, tuned barrels aren’t. Original exhausts rot for fun but are like rocking-horse teeth, so expect welded-in repairs. Frames rust under the seat, and wheels corrode from the inside – not the easiest thing to spot (don’t pay extra for one with TZR wheels or ‘blue spot’ calipers). Check for loose spokes. Gear levers rattle, right-side engine covers weep, but are simple fixes.

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1995 Yamaha TDM850 – From £2689

It’s A Future Classic

Spec:

• Power 849cc
• Engine capacity 75bhp
• Seat height 795mm
• Kerb weight 198kg

The TDM was 30 years ahead of its time. It wasn’t the huge supermoto we expected but a real do anything tool, with a strong Super Ténéré based motor, giant trailie style and comfort, and superbike-style chassis. Ride a Multistrada or Tiger Sport? This is its grandfather. Later 900s are a bit better, and cheap, but early bug-eye 850s are coolest.

Yamaha TDM850 used buying advice

Quality and reliability are good, six-figure mileages are easy, but like any 90s bike buy on condition above all else. The rear shock has two springs, a small second one engaged for pillion use; expect it to be seized and/or knackered. Clunky gearboxes were common even when new, so make sure it engages all ratios. Worn HT lead rubber means wet plugs and dicky running, and the standard regulator doesn’t have a high enough rating – replace with a VFR800 part instead.

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2001 Suzuki TL1000S – From £3495

Ooh, It’s A Man’s Bike

Spec:

• Power 996cc
• Engine capacity 125bhp
• Seat height 835mm
• Kerb weight 191kg

With more horsepower than Ducati’s 916, and a reputation for head-shaking handling that forced a recall, the booming TL immediately got a reputation as a handful. Ride one today and the twin doesn’t feel quite so mad in our world of 200bhp race replicas and adventure bikes that do 160mph. But with direct sensations and thudding drive, a good TL is still totally engaging.

Suzuki TL1000S used buying advice

The gearbox sprocket bearing on early bikes was a bit weak, so check for oil leaks. Some frames cracked around the rear shock mount – there was a recall, but check anyway. Fuel injection niggles can cause erratic low-speed running, and thermostats get grumpy. Bounce the rear up and down to check that the rear suspension action is properly damped – the infamous rotary damper can fail completely. Don’t expect a minter either – finish isn’t great, and there’ll be evidence of the last 20 years.