Retro Reviews

What rider doesn’t love a look back at the motorcycles that preceded today’s tech-savvy creations? Welcome to the Ultimate Motorcycling archives; we’re revisiting some of our favorite reviews from years past, highlighting the machines that laid the rubber for what’s on today’s showroom floors. Enjoy.

2006 Harley-Davidson Night Train Retro Review | Mad Dog Custom Cycles

2006 Harley-Davidson Night Train Retro Review | Mad Dog Custom Cycles

The 2006 Harley-Davidson Night Train—not to be confused with the high alcohol-content wine favored by derelicts—is a retro-modern cruiser motorcycle.
MZ 1000S German Motorcycle on track

2005 MZ 1000S Retro Motorcycle Review | From the Archives

Back in 2005, we tested the MZ 1000S from the "other" German motorcycle company simply known as MZ (Motorradwerk Zschopau), which has roots back to 1920.

Triumph Speed Twin & Thunderbird Bible Review | Rider’s Library

Now in its third printing, Harry Woolridge’s "Triumph Speed Twin & Thunderbird Bible" is probably the one book a Triumph fan should definitely own.
2005 BMW R 1200 RT for sale

2005 BMW R 1200 RT Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

From our retro review: The 2005 BMW R 1200 RT was designed for the nomadic spirit that resides in the heart and minds of so many motorcyclists.
2004 Kawasaki ZZR1200 Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

2004 Kawasaki ZZR1200 Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

"The 2004 Kawasaki ZZR1200’s mix of brute force and elegance will deliver everything he could wish for." - Arthur Coldwells back in 2004.
2005 Triumph Rocket III top speed

2005 Triumph Rocket III Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

Undeniably unique and massively powerful, yet perfectly civilized for normal riding duties, the Rocket III represented a quantum leap ahead for Triumph
2004 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Evoluzione Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

2004 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Evoluzione Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

Greater throttle response, more power, air suspension, and the gorgeous bodywork make for a fast, tight ride, and earth-shaking styling aboard the 2004 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Evoluzione.
2005 Triumph Bonneville T100 Review

2005 Triumph Bonneville T100 Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

The 2005 Triumph Bonneville T100 continues to honor the revered "Bonnie" lineage with a tasteful reproduction—sans oil leaks and stubborn kickstarters.
2005 Ducati ST4s Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

2005 Ducati ST4s Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

Derived from Ducati’s impressive line of racing bikes, the 2005 Ducati ST4s is a capable mount that leaves nothing to be desired in handling or power.
2004 BMW R 1200 GS Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

2004 BMW R 1200 GS Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

Like a trusty Swiss Army knife, the BMW R 1200 GS has always enjoyed a militaristic functionality with regard to looks and design.
2004 Ducati 1000DS Multistrada Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

2004 Ducati 1000DS Multistrada Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

With the 2004 Ducati 1000DS Multistrada, the men from Bologna have managed to create the two-wheeled equivalent of a luxury, high performance SUV without surrendering the Italian brand’s revered lineage of attractive lines and provocative stature.
2004 Aprilia Mille Factory Retro Review

2004 Aprilia Mille Factory Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

2004 Aprilia Mille Factory Retro Review A full factory ride is the goal for any racer, and both Colin Edwards and Noriyuki Haga have achieved...
2005 BMW K 1200 S Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

2005 BMW K 1200 S Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

BMW, which scoffed at "crotch rocket" styling at one point, finally entered the high-speed fray with the introduction of its 2005 BMW K 1200 S.

2005 Honda CRF450R Retro Review | Total Domination

The CRF450R will frighten the meek and toss the disrespectful. At the same time it will elevate the willing novice, enthrall the astute intermediate, and level the playing field for the expert rider.

2005 Honda Gold Wing Retro Review | Digging Into Archives

Having been thoroughly disabused of any notion that the Gold Wing is little more than a two-wheeled station wagon, I would go so far as to say that between its potent acceleration, confident braking and competent cornering, the Wing feels like, well . . . feels like a real motorcycle.