Motorcycles with the Best-Looking Tail Section

We have written about motorcycles with the best-looking taillights and exhausts, so now we combine them both with a few other things to give you the list of motorcycles with the best-looking tail section. This, of course, includes many more aspects apart from taillights and exhausts like the rear tyre width, grab rail design, number plate holder etc. Since the list was really long, we decided to categorize them based on the design of the bikes. Also, remember they are not in any particular order. So here’s how they fared against each other.

Retro

This is one of those styles that you can claim are timeless pieces of art, and the manufacturers, especially Royal Enfield, bank on this feature to make sure their motorcycles sell in good numbers. Even so, the tail section of these motorcycles is designed well and looks very good in our books.

1. Royal Enfield Classic 350

   

   You cannot talk retro without including a Royal Enfield, especially the Classic 350. The 2021 update thankfully retains the retro design, with the tear-drop-shaped fuel tank, chrome fenders, and of course, the retro-looking halogen headlamps. In the rear section, of course, the combination of the long, straight-lined exhaust, combined with the retro taillight on the chrome fenders and the spoked rear wheels, definitely invokes nostalgic memories. That is the reason it stays on top of the list of the best-looking tail section. Are all things retro?  Check. Does it look good? Double-check.

2. Jawa 42 2.0

   

   When Mahindra decided to revive the Jawa brand in India, it was definitely not an easy task as they had a mammoth (Royal Enfield) to go against. But we did not expect the bikes to be so good, especially with the recent update; the Jawa 42 2.0 looks unrealistically beautiful. The rear section has an uncanny resemblance to the Jawa from the yesteryears, with the twin exhausts, minimalistic taillight, and retro indicators. Spoked wheels would have made it look more retro, although alloy wheels are more preferred as we need tubeless tyres for safety purposes.

3. Benelli Imperiale 400

   

   The Imperiale 400 is Benelli’s attempt to steal the limelight from the Royal Enfield Classic 350, which is selling like hotcakes. They wanted to copy the sales figures and ended up copying most of the design with it. The difference is almost negligible, and apart from the differently positioned taillight, everything else from the indicators, the long,straight-lined exhaust, and even the seats look similar. Thankfully, it is a wee bit more powerful with slightly more torque than the Classic 350.

4. Honda Hness CB350

   

   Just like Benelli, even Honda wanted to eat into Royal Enfield’s major share in the market, and hence the Hness CB350 was born. Apart from the looks, nothing else is retro in this bike. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but the engine characteristics, long gearing, and precise handling all make it a more modern bike. Even so, the tail section still looks good, especially on the chrome fenders, among others.

Cruiser

This is one of the lesser-known types of motorcycles, and the main reason is that cruisers usually tend to have lower ground clearance to allow the rider to sit low. Now you guys understand how that becomes a problem on our Indian roads. Even then, these are comfortable mile munchers and primarily used for cruising long distances without much pain in the butt.

1. Bajaj Dominar 250/400

   

   The Bajaj Dominar is not your normal cruiser motorcycle as it is a power cruiser. Yes, it does not have a low seat height, nor does it have a bigger front wheel, but it has the right ergonomics and a brilliant engine to keep pulling you throughout the day. The tail section of this bike is inspired by the biggest power cruiser in the business, the Ducati Diavel. The similar-looking taillights, beefy exhaust system coupled with a beefy tyre and stylish alloy wheels make this a looker. The grab rails are also neatly integrated and are comfortable to hold.

2. Royal Enfield Meteor 350

   

   Royal Enfield Meteor may look retro, but it is a cruiser by heart and hence landed up in this category. Right now, if you don’t want to zoom past landscapes and want to take a slower but calmer approach to the view that goes by, then the Meteor 350 is the motorcycle for you. The tail section of this bike is definitely retro, with minimalistic objects like the small taillight and indicators. The grab rail that extends to become a backrest to the pillion shows how serious it is in showcasing itself as a cruiser. We like it and no complaints there.

3. Bajaj Avenger 160/220

   

   The design of the Avenger stays true to its core of being a cruiser. The really low seat height, long wheelbase, bigger front wheel, a very wide and comfortable rider’s seat and a chunky but smaller rear tyre are the elements that can be found only on a true cruiser bike. The rear end of the bike is the most cruiser looking part, which is why it has one of the best-looking tail sections in its segment.

Naked Sports

This is the most famous category as most bikes fall in this space, and there is always tough competition among the contenders. Manufacturers need to keep updating the motorcycles to stay in the game, and we get to see new interesting designs on many of them.

1. TVS Apache RTR 160/180

   

   TVS brought in one of the best performing naked sports bikes in the Apache RTR 160/180 to fight against the Pulsars. In all honesty, the tail section of the Apache does look better than the one on the Pulsars. Not only does it have LED taillights, but it also has stylishly designed, surprisingly functional grab rails. Among the naked bikes, this has to be the one that has one of the best-looking tail sections for the longest time.

2. Bajaj Pulsar 150/180/180F/220F

   

   Bajaj is the company that brought in many firsts, among which the LED taillights was a game-changer. Although we did say that the ones on the Apache look better, we still have to give the Pulsar some credit for being the first one to bring the LED taillights, and the tail section was even better on the Pulsar 220F because of the better-looking silencer and the rear discs that gave it a more muscular look. The Pulsar 150/180 might be more suited for city commutes, but the Pulsar 220 is an all-rounder and very famous for its touring capabilities as well.

3. Bajaj Pulsar NS200/160

   

   When Bajaj had to upgrade the Pulsar, they came up with a spectacular design in the Pulsar NS200. Its performance and handling are still among the best in the market. The rear end of this bike looks different and quirky because of the underbelly exhaust. The design of the mudguards is questionable, but they do serve their purpose, and the most interesting bit is below the taillight where the number plate is held. It looks almost like a tail tidy kit straight from the manufacturer and is designed neatly as well. The grab rails look good and comfortable to hold too.

4. TVS Apache RTR 160/200 4V

   

   TVS could not stay put when Bajaj was grabbing all the limelight with the quirky design of the NS200 and hence had to bring out something new. This was when they had to go back to the Auto Expo and finally bring in the Draken concept. According to us, the Apache RTR 200 4V is heavily inspired by the Draken concept and definitely checks all the right boxes. The double-barrel exhaust, the chunky rear tyre, stylish alloys, and the functional grab rail that almost looks like the Bat symbol combine to give one of the best-looking tail sections.

   Get your car serviced at GoMechanic.

   

5. KTM Duke 125/200/250/390

   

   The pocket rockets always did look different from their competitors and still manage to do so. Yeah, we understand the taillights are inspired by the Pulsar lineup, but the blacked-out parts look cooler. The beefy 150 section rear tyres on those orange wheels, the huge gap with nothing between the wheels and the taillights give a clean look. This makes it the most naked looking naked bike, according to us. The grab rails and pillion seats on the older models were a joke, but the new design has bigger and more comfortable pillion seats along with functional grab rails that are easy to hold.

6. Honda Hornet

   

   The Honda Hornet’s rear end is the most masculine-looking in its segment. Apart from the sleek LED taillights, everything else from the tyres, silencer and even the saree guards are beefy. It is not to everyone’s liking for sure, but that is what sets the Hornet apart, and that’s the reason we like it.

7. BMW G310 R

   

   No matter what, we had to include the most affordable beemer in the world. It might not have set the sales charts on fire, thanks to the Duke 390, but it is a respectable opponent, and we think its trump card is the handling. The Michelin tyres, sleek taillights just above the number plate holder and the functional grab rails make it a desirable rear end. But, we feel the huge bulky exhaust which does not sound well too, sticks out like a sore thumb.

8. Suzuki Gixxer 150/250

   

   Suzuki gave a much-needed upgrade to the Gixxer lineup and introduced the Gixxer 250 simultaneously. The rear of the Gixxer series is interesting. The beefy exhaust is actually placed well, the taillight is minimal and positioned in the perfect place, the indicator design is old but functional, and the number plate holder extends down a lot to act as the mudguard. The grab rails look good but can fit only small hands and will be uncomfortable for people with bigger hands, especially on long journeys.

9. Husqvarna Vitpilen/Svartpilen 250

   

   The tail section of the Huskies is what we call, Addictive. The longer you stare at it, the more you will start liking it. This may not be the same with all the people, but for those who like things that have a minimalistic approach, it can’t get more minimal than this. The number plates are placed on the mudguard positioned below, and behind the seat, it goes one up above the tail tidy kit and looks neat. The exhaust is also very well integrated and completes the minimalistic look.

Faired Sports

This category is undoubtedly the best-looking design as a whole, and Indians are definitely addicted to faired bikes just like the rest of the world. They look gorgeous in almost every angle, and the fairings are not just for show, too, as they play an important role in aerodynamics. I know it’s hard, but let’s concentrate only on the rear end (we mean the bike’s rear end).

1. TVS Apache RR 310

   

   The Apache RR310 is hands down the best looking bike in any segment, and damn, it looks good. We understand that other categories have good-looking bikes, but something pulls us towards the faired bikes, among which the RR310 steals more hearts. We understand the Yamaha R15 and the KTM RC also look good, but the taillights on this bike bring out the inner monster in you. Those devil horns taillight, combined with the 150 section rear tyre and a neat looking exhaust, is a perfect combination that scores a 10/10 in our books.

2. Yamaha R15 V3/V4

   

   You got to give it to the Japanese when it comes to designing motorcycles and cars. Yamaha, in particular, has had a history of designing the best-looking bikes, and almost all of them are eligible to be on posters in a petrol head’s bedroom. Similarly, the R15, right from the beginning, was one of the best-looking bikes, and now, in its 3rd and 4th avatar, looks drool-worthy and is one of the most desirable bikes on our list. The tail section consists of the R1-looking taillight, normal yet functional indicators that are bright, neatly integrated exhaust and a 140 section rear tyre. This is undoubtedly the best-looking tail section in the 150cc category.

3. KTM RC 200/390

   

   If you have only one aim in life, and that is to take on corners with precision just like a hot knife through butter, then don’t look anywhere else; buy yourself a KTM RC 390. This is the best in the business if you’re serious about it, but if you want a little less power, then you can go for the RC125/200 or even the Yamaha R15. The rear end of the KTM RC series is pretty simple, with the highlight being the single LED that runs in the middle of the taillight. It looks so good, especially at night and sits perfectly in sync with the rest of the rear end. The high-set pillion seat is definitely a problem, though, and the recess below the pillion seat that acts as a grab rail is definitely a joke. Even then, when it comes to just the design, the pillion seat that looks like a cowl and the high raised rear end really give it a sporty look and hence manages to be on the list of motorcycles with the best-looking tail section.

4. Kawasaki Ninja 300

   

   The most affordable Kwacker is also one of the motorcycles with the best-looking tail section for a really long time. The design might be old, but we like to call it timeless, and it has inspired many other designs as well. The taillight, superb-looking exhaust, the rear tyre and the lovely alloy wheels come together to make it a beautiful rear end. What spoils the look is the ugliest-looking grab rail in the entire world and probably in the entire galaxy as well. The first thing I would do if I buy a Ninja 300, even before taking delivery, is to remove the grab rail. Everything else is so beautiful.

5. Suzuki Gixxer 150/250 SF

   

   The tail section of the Suzuki Gixxer and the Gixxer SF is similar, but we have to mention it here, as the design of the rear end of the Gixxer SF matches better with the entire design of the bike than the naked Gixxer. That being said, the exhaust, rear tyre, and taillights are well integrated and look neat.

Adventure

This is an upcoming segment and has started to receive a lot of demand thanks to the well-maintained Indian roads(sarcasm-intended). We also see a rise among bikers trying to tread unexplored paths and finding serene beauty in places that cannot be reached on normal motorcycles. These motorcycles need to follow the function over form approach, yet the manufacturers give it their all to make them look good.

1. Royal Enfield Himalayan

   

   The first purpose-built motorcycle in India for off-roading is definitely the Royal Enfield Himalayan, and from a functional point of view, it looks beautiful. The minimalistic taillight and indicators fall in place, and the number plate holder extends just as much as required, and the exhaust canister is long and high-set. It might look more like a naked owing to the minimum use of body parts, but that is exactly how an ADV motorcycle should be to reduce the damage when it falls. The grab rails extend at the back and can be used to mount top-boxes which is a neat touch.

2. Hero Xpulse 200

   

   The Hero Xpulse 200 is the most affordable ADV motorcycle in India right now, and honestly, this motorcycle is all that is required. It can be thrown into any surface, and with a capable rider, it can easily conquer any terrain and come back unscathed. The tail section, as required, is more functional, and we definitely like it.

3. BMW G310 GS

   

   The ADV sibling of the naked BMW G310 R, the BMW G310 GS, can easily be mistaken as one of its elder siblings like the G1200 GS. Well, the difference in dimensions might be a lot, but the design majorly remains the same, and if that is not enough to impress you, then we don’t know what else will. The beefy rear tyres, beefy exhaust and sleek taillight, give it a rugged look and are ready to conquer any terrain.

4. KTM 250/390 Adventure

   

   KTM, the world leader in off-roading, Dakar champions for multiple seasons, obviously could not stay put looking at other ADVs and introduced the KTM 390 Adventure. We want to inform you; please do not mistake this to be a hard-core off-roader and take it to silly places. Please don’t do it because as much as KTM says it is an off-roader, it is only a soft-roader, meaning it can go off-road but not on very rough terrains. Coming to the tail section of this bad boy, it has all the raw materials required to impress you with its design and unfortunately, we don’t see anything to complain about. The taillights, exhaust, chunky rear tyre all scream adventure, and that’s exactly what we need.

Unique

We have a few other contenders who belong to a unique category just for their tail section as people are really confused in deciding whether they look good or not. There are only two of them right now, and we think they need a special mention.

1. Jawa Perak

   

   Currently the only Bobber in India under 500cc, this is one amazing bike. The theme of the motorcycle is a Bobber style, and every part of the bike stays true to that design. The stylish single seat with an integrated taillight, the number plate holder on the fender, the indicators right next to the number plate holder, even the exhaust, is stylish and is well integrated. It comes in only one colour, and we are sure nobody is complaining about it.

2. Bajaj Pulsar RS200

   

   The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 has one of the most polarizing tail sections in the market, only because of the weird-looking taillight. If you remove the taillight from the question, it does look gorgeous with the neatly designed split seats, the short and stubby exhaust, the functional mudguard, and the 140 section rear tyre. Now for some, it might look good even with the taillight; we will leave that to your personal choices. Yet we think the Pulsar RS200 is a good looking machine and hence had to include it in this list.

This list might belong, but we have tried to integrate all the motorcycles with a good-looking tail section, and we believe we have not missed out on any of them. Please let us know which motorcycle you think is the best on this list, irrespective of the category it belongs to.