The 2020s is a roller coaster ride that has changed the way we live, experience things, and see the world. And this evolution has trickled down to the motorcycling industry as well, with more and more brands experimenting with their products and pushing the boundaries of what’s expected of them. Some motorcycles have hit the mark, and many have completely missed it, but there are a few select motorcycles that have hit the mark but no one saw them.

If a tree fell in a forest, but you weren’t there to see it, did it make a sound? If we’re talking about motorcycles, damn right — the tree did make a sound. That’s the principle these underrated motorcycles of the decade are working on. They are some of the most capable, exciting, and amazing motorcycles we’ve ever seen, but they are unfortunate enough to go under the radar. But let’s ensure that’s not the case as these motorcycles deserve to be loved, ridden, and remembered by the community. If our gut is true, many of these motorcycles are going to be future classics, too!

Update November 2023: While manufacturers continue to update their lineups, we want to keep our readers up-to-speed with all the latest developments by periodically updating this article, whether it be technical specifications or prices.

Looking at the data from manufacturers, Motorcycle.com, and MCN, we have put together this list of the ten most underrated motorcycles of the current decade.

Related: Best Sports Bikes Of The 2010s

10 GSX-8S

Introduced in 2023

Suzuki motorcycles often get a bad rap for being squid missiles, but switch out your flip-flops, tank tops, and baseball hats for proper riding gear, and you’ll start to appreciate Suzuki motorcycles for what they are. The GSX-8S is an excellent example — a practical, high-performing, and borderline over-engineered naked bike. This bike is developed out of the brand’s version of future sports bikes, as is evident by its futuristic design, but the robust parallel-twin engine is an old template perfected by Suzuki to be an effective implement for the platform. The GSX-8S aims to replace the long-celebrated SV650, and just like the latter, we fail to give enough credit to Suzuki for creating one of the best naked bikes in the segment.

Performance Specs

Pros

• It’s a brand-new Suzuki engine that’s welcomed by the community
• The engine and chassis complement each other well
• It’s a practical, easy-to-ride motorcycle

Cons

• The design may not be everyone’s favorite
• It’s not as powerful or exciting as its rivals
• Many riders would wish for a four-pot screamer in this segment

Related: 5 Reasons Why We Love The New Suzuki GSX-8S (And 5 Reasons Why We Think The Yamaha MT-09 Is Still Better)

9 Aprilia Tuareg 660

Introduced in 2022

2022 was a crazy year for Aprilia as it launched many new models and variants, including the Tuareg 660 — an ADV iteration of the massively successful 660 lineup. This middleweight ADV fills the void in the brand’s lineup of stunning road-going bikes by being a capable tourer and an off-roader. Also, the 660cc twin-cylinder engine feels so at home in this ADV avatar than in the RS 660, as if it was made for this bike only. Too bad, the Tuareg 660 is often ignored; it may not be as capable as a Tenere 700, but it brings a flair you won’t find in any other middleweight adventure bike.

Performance Specs

Pros

• The parallel-twin engine is tractable and suited for off-road use
• Like other Aprilias, it’s an excellent road bike
• The chassis is predictable without sacrificing agility or sharpness

Cons

• We wish it came with lean-sensitive ABS and traction control
• The gearing feels too tall for proper off-road use
• The Aprilia Quick Shift is a costly option

8 Triumph Tiger Sport 660

Introduced in 2022

One of the most underrated motorcycles of the decade is the Triumph Tigert Sport 660, but we can’t blame anyone but Triumph for this. See, the 660 Triple platform is exhilarating, but the Trident doesn’t feel engaging enough; it is too soft and dull for many bikers. But in an adventure tourer setup like the Tiger Sport 660, the inline-triple engine feels at home. The Tiger Sport 660 is a capable, exhilarating touring bike that makes the Kawasaki Versys 600 feel like an elephant.

Another reason why the Tiger Sport 660 was dismissed by many was the (mis)naming of the bike. This is by no means a Triumph Tiger; this bike feels like a street bike with a semi-fairing and a windscreen — perfect for casual tourers and nothing else. The Tiger name should’ve been reserved for the more serious adventure touring motorcycles in the lineup. Nonetheless, the Tiger Sport 660, barring its name, is an excellent touring bike that many bikers will enjoy — it’s still Triumph in the sense of being versatile, polished, and exciting.

Performance Specs

Pros

• The 660 Triple engine offers a broad, linear powerband
• The riding position is comfortable, and the cockpit is not confusing or cluttered
• It’s a versatile, practical touring bike

Cons

• The front end tends to dive under hard braking
• Despite being a touring motorcycle, it lacks features like cruise control and heated grips
• Slight vibes creep in at 5,500 rpm, which is where you’ll spend most of your time in

7 Ducati Multistrada V2S

Introduced in 2022

The Ducati Multistrada V4 defines the premium ADV segment, but it overshadows the Multistrada V2S. After all, why not — the V4 Granturismo engine will always win more hearts (and races) than the V2 Testeretta engine. But if you keep the spec sheet aside and compare the two bikes on the road, the Multistrada V2S is better than the V4 in many ways. It’s lighter, easier to ride, versatile, and can do everything the Multistrada V4 variant can, but a little slower. Yet, it’s enough to satiate your adventure and touring appetite without burning a big hole in your wallet. You won’t regret this purchase unless you only want the bragging right of having a V4 adventure bike.

Performance Specs

Pros

• This “entry-level” Multistrada is almost as capable as the Multistrada V4 without the bells and whistles
• It’s a light, nimble adventure tourer that you can take to the track
• The design is still drool-worthy

Cons

• The screen is too noisy for tall riders, which can be annoying on long hauls
• It may feel outdated if you start nit-picking it
• Despite being an ADV bike, it’s not even decently capable of off-roading

6 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Introduced in 2021

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are often associated with low-slung, slow-revving, laid-back cruisers, but the Sportsters S is not that. It’s more of a sport-naked bike wrapped in a cruiser aesthetic. Of course, the lack of the signature “potato” sound overshadowed these things; the new 1250 Revolution engine makes a much raspier sound — it still sounds terrific in our books, but it’s not a Harley sound. The looks are a hit or miss on most bikers, but it looks polished and modern, as you’d expect contemporary Harleys to look. While the brand missed its target audience and loyal customers with this bike, it’s still a fantastic bike that handles and sounds unlike a Harley, but who’s complaining?

Performance Specs

Pros

• The power delivery is exciting, thanks to the potent V-twin engine
• The refinement levels are on par with its Japanese rivals
• It’s got the visual appeal to win awards and hearts

Cons

• The signature Harley-Davidson sound is missing
• It’s too sporty for a cruiser, too heavy for a street bike
• The suspension travel is too short for everyday use

5 Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa

Introduced in 2021