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Fashions come and go, but some bikes have established themselves as two-wheeled style icons thanks to their groundbreaking design. These bikes need little introduction as their silhouettes have been around for years and their model names ingrained within popular culture – sometimes hitting the big screen.
Here are five great used options whose timeless design has seen them become style icons. Being cool never goes out of fashion and bikes don’t get much cooler than these five…
Read on for our expert guide to style icon motorbikes!
MCN Recommended: 2016 – 2025 Triumph Bonneville T120 – £4999 – £11,499
About as classic and as stylish as a motorcycle gets
Spec:
- Power: 79bhp
- Engine capacity: 1200cc
- Seat height: 785mm
- Kerb weight: 240kg
- Read the full Triumph T120 review for all the details
A name that needs no introduction – it took until 2016 for Triumph to release a big-capacity Bonneville – but when they did, they knocked it out of the park. Stunning to look at and powered by an effortless parallel-twin motor, the Bonnie is a fabulous two-up cruiser that has lots of tech and a wonderful attention to detail. The Bonnie is a touch heavy-handling due to its relaxed nature and 18in front wheel but this helps it retain a sure-footed feel in bends.
A choice of styles
The T120 models came in two variants – standard and Black. The standard T120 features chrome details on its engine and cases alongside a chrome exhaust, wheel rims, grab rail, indicators and mirrors. It comes in single colours as well as the option of two-tone schemes, which give it a more retro theme and are often based on colours from the 1950s and 1960s. The black is identical in spec to the stock T120 but has all its chrome details blacked out and comes with a brown seat in more muted single colour paint choices.
Past influences designed for the future
The Bonneville’s 1200cc HT (High Torque) engine may look old school but it is thoroughly modern with some clever engineering integrated to give it a retro look. Despite its liquid-cooled nature, the barrels retain fins to assist with cooling, and while its 270° crank gives it a dose of character, twin balancer shafts reduce vibrations. The head is designed to be narrow and runs a single overhead cam with finger followers to allow the engine’s studs to be exposed as a nod to 1950s Bonnie motors, whilst the fuel injection system is concealed in carb-style covers. There are even old-school spark plug caps.
Triumph Bonneville T120 used buying advice
- There are several special editions, such as the Diamond, Ace, Bud Ekins and Gold Line. But a touch more exclusivity comes at a cost.
- Brake squeal is common on early models. Later bikes are fitted with a damper ring on the discs but owners often swap the fixed discs for the Thruxton R’s floating items (spacers are required), which
- cures the issue.
- Check under the gaiters for signs of oil leaking past the fork seals.
- The Bonnie was updated in 2021 with Brembo brakes, cruise control, a 7kg weight loss, tweaked engine and aluminium wheel rims.
2003 – 2005 Ducati M1000 Monster – £2999 – £5500
Early Monsters are getting rare, but the M1000 is good value.
Spec:
- Power: 84bhp
- Engine capacity: 992cc
- Seat height: 800mm
- Kerb weight: 189kg
- Read the full Ducati M1000 Monster for all the details
The iconic Monster changed Ducati’s fortunes in 1993, forming the sales bedrock that allowed the firm to invest in racing and headline-grabbing models such as the 916. Despite gaining water cooling in the S4 generation, the air-cooled M900 and M1000 have the quintessential Monster ‘hunched-up’ silhouette and ‘less is more’ design philosophy, giving them more visual appeal.
Ducati M1000 Monster used buying advice
- The sportier Monster S2R comes with twin stacked exhaust pipes and a single-sided swingarm but keeps the air-cooled motor.
- The M1000 Monster S adds an aluminium swingarm and more adjustability in its suspension.
- Cam belts should be changed every two years and valve clearances checked every 6000 miles.
- Inspect the starter motor for corrosion on the positive cable. It can become weak and crack its mounting point.
2018 – Current Honda Monkey – £1999 – £5500
An icon of the 1970s – and perfect for just monkeying around…
Spec:
- Power: 9.3bhp
- Engine capacity: 125cc
- Seat height: 776mm
- Kerb weight: 105kg
- Read the full Honda Monkey for all the details
Initially a kids’ plaything in a Tokyo amusement park in 1961, the Monkey became the poster bike of the free love generation. Reintroduced in 2018, the Monkey is as basic as it gets, but its air-cooled two‑valve engine is bulletproof. Larger riders look a bit daft on one, but there is something cool about a Monkey and people always smile when they see one. And it can average over 120mpg.
Honda Monkey used buying advice
- In 2022 it gained uprated shocks and a new five-speed gearbox (taken from the Grom), making it a bit more practical. Euro5+ compliance followed in 2025.
- Servicing is every 4000 miles with a valve clearance check at every service. It’s fairly cheap, but check it has been done.
- Honda’s IMU-based ABS system helps keep the bike level under braking, but it doesn’t have cornering ABS. Ensure all is well with the ABS sensor as it is easily damaged.
2019 – 2021 Suzuki Katana – £5999 – £6999
Suzuki’s modern retro celebrated a 1980s icon but failed to cut it.
Spec:
- Power: 148bhp
- Engine capacity: 999cc
- Seat height: 825mm
- Kerb weight: 215kg
- Read the full Suzuki Katana 1000 for all the details
When Suzuki asked German firm Target Design to create a radical concept in 1980, Hans Muth didn’t disappoint. The GSX1100E Katana gained a cult following, leading to Suzuki reinventing it for a modern audience in 2019. Based on the GSX-S platform, the new Katana looked great but flopped due to a disappointing fuel range (it has a 12‑litre tank) and poor fuelling.
Suzuki Katana used buying advice
- The ‘Samurai Pack’ adds a fly screen, coloured seat, tank pad, carbon alternator and starter cover, carbon mudguard and a decal kit.
- If the bike has been remapped, ask who has done the work and what has been modified. If done by a competent dyno house, it can transform the bike’s fuelling.
- The Katana was updated in 2022. It looks identical but features engine and chassis upgrades as well as a new dash, ride-by-wire throttle and enhanced electronics suite.
2018 – 2024 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114 – £12,000 – £19,999
Unmistakable style and sound. If it’s good enough for Arnie…
Spec:
- Power: 94bhp
- Engine capacity: 1868cc
- Seat height: 675mm
- Kerb weight: 304kg
- Read the full Harley-davidson Fatboy FLFB for all the details
The bike the Terminator rode, the Fat Boy was launched in 1990 as a pet project of Willie G. Davidson and its 1950s styling reignited riders’ passion for cruisers. Refreshed in 2018 with the Milwaukee-Eight motor, it has all-new solid wheels, an enhanced Softail chassis with Showa forks and a 16kg weight loss. A legend in every way – and can jump 30ft from an overpass (in a movie).
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114 used buying advice
- The Fat Boy came with either the 107 (1746cc) or 114 (1868cc) motor. The 114 is more desirable.
- Service history from an authorised Harley dealership is critical.
- Lots of Harleys get ‘tuned’, with free-breathing air filters and a loud pipe common additions. They add value as long as they are Harley Screamin’ Eagle accessories.
- Harley’s Certified Approved Used program covers used bikes with a year’s warranty if bought from an official dealer.
