Top 10 Best Motorcycle Brands in Exeter

Motorcycling From Exeter

Few English cities offer riders a better starting point than Exeter. Within twenty minutes you can be on Dartmoor, with open moorland roads, sweeping curves and views that justify the journey on their own. Head east and the Jurassic Coast offers coastal routes through Sidmouth, Beer and Lyme Regis. Head north and Exmoor provides some of the most enjoyable riding in the country. Head west and the A30 and A38 open up Cornwall.

That variety shapes what makes a good motorcycle here. Devon riding involves tight lanes with limited visibility, steep gradients, unpredictable surfaces including mud and gravel on rural roads, frequent rain, and occasional long motorway stretches on the M5. A bike that excels in all of those conditions looks quite different from one optimised for city commuting or track days.

Matching the Bike to Devon

Adventure and sports touring machines have become dominant among serious Devon riders for good reason. Upright riding position gives visibility over hedgerows, longer travel suspension copes with poor surfaces, and weather protection matters in a county with high rainfall. Middleweight naked bikes offer a lighter, more agile alternative that suits the tightest lanes. Full sports bikes are exhilarating on the right road but demanding and compromised on many Devon routes. Classic and retro machines have a strong following, particularly for relaxed weekend riding through villages and along the coast. Commuter scooters and small-capacity bikes serve the practical daily needs of city riders and students.

Top 10 Best Motorcycle Brands for Riders in Exeter

1. Triumph

Triumph occupies a special position for British riders, combining genuine engineering credibility with domestic heritage. The Tiger adventure range is exceptionally well suited to Devon riding, offering comfort, weather protection and capability on rough rural surfaces. The Bonneville and Speed Twin modern classics appeal strongly to riders wanting character for coastal and moorland weekend rides, while the Street Triple remains one of the finest middleweight naked bikes available for twisting lanes.

2. Honda

Honda's reputation for reliability and build quality makes it the sensible default for many Exeter riders, particularly those covering high mileage or commuting year-round. The Africa Twin is a highly capable adventure machine, the CB range offers accessible naked bikes across capacities, and the PCX and Forza scooters serve urban riders efficiently. Parts availability and dealer support across Devon are strong.

3. Yamaha

Yamaha combines engaging handling with dependable engineering. The Ténéré 700 has developed an enthusiastic following among riders who genuinely use green lanes and rough tracks around Dartmoor, while the MT range delivers accessible performance in a lightweight package that works well on narrow Devon roads. The Tracer sports tourers suit riders covering longer distances across the South West.

4. BMW Motorrad

BMW's GS series effectively created the modern adventure category and remains the benchmark for long-distance touring comfort. For Exeter riders who tour Europe or cover substantial mileage, the combination of weather protection, luggage capability, electronic rider aids and all-day comfort is difficult to match. The R nineT and S 1000 ranges cover the retro and performance ends respectively.

5. Kawasaki

Kawasaki offers strong value across its range, with the Z naked bikes and Ninja sports models providing performance at competitive prices. The Versys sports tourers are practical choices for Devon riding, offering upright ergonomics and decent weather protection. The brand's reliability record is solid and running costs are generally reasonable.

6. Ducati

Ducati appeals to riders prioritising character, design and performance. The Multistrada is a genuinely capable long-distance machine with a distinctly sporting character, while the Monster remains an icon of the naked bike category. Devon's better A-roads and the moorland routes reward the brand's chassis quality, though servicing costs are higher than mainstream alternatives.

7. KTM

KTM brings an off-road heritage that translates well to Devon's unsurfaced lanes and rougher routes. The Adventure range is genuinely capable away from tarmac, and the Duke naked bikes are light, aggressive and enormously entertaining on twisting roads. Riders who want a bike that encourages exploration beyond the surfaced network gravitate here.

8. Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield has grown substantially in the UK by offering accessible, characterful motorcycles at prices well below premium rivals. The Interceptor, Continental GT, Himalayan and Meteor suit riders who value relaxed, unhurried progress through Devon villages and along the coast rather than outright speed. Low purchase price, modest insurance and easy handling also make them popular with newer riders.

9. Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson retains a committed following in the South West, supported by an active club and rally culture. Devon's coastal roads and the sweeping stretches across the moors suit cruiser riding well, and summer weekends see substantial gatherings at coastal destinations. The brand's appeal is as much about community and identity as specification.

10. Suzuki

Suzuki offers dependable engineering and strong value. The V-Strom adventure tourers are practical, comfortable and well suited to Devon conditions, with a reputation for durability. The GSX range covers sporting and naked segments, and the brand's simpler mechanical approach appeals to riders who maintain their own machines.

Riding Well in Devon

Respect the lanes. Devon's rural roads frequently have high hedges, blind bends, mud, gravel, standing water and agricultural traffic. Riding at a speed that allows stopping within the visible distance is not timidity, it is the only sustainable approach.

Invest in weather protection. Devon rainfall is significant and can arrive quickly. Quality waterproof kit, heated grips and effective visor treatment extend the riding season considerably.

Take training seriously. Advanced rider training through recognised schemes improves observation, positioning and hazard perception measurably, and frequently reduces insurance costs. Several providers operate in the Exeter area.

Store and secure your machine properly. Motorcycle theft is opportunistic. Ground anchors, disc locks, chains, alarms and trackers all contribute, and insurers often reward them.

Maintain diligently. Salt on winter roads and moisture in the air accelerate corrosion in Devon. Regular washing, chain care and protective treatment make a considerable difference to condition and resale value.

A Rider's County

Exeter's position between Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Jurassic Coast makes it one of the best bases for motorcycling in England. The brands that thrive here are those offering comfort, capability on imperfect surfaces and genuine weather competence, alongside the character that makes a Sunday ride worth getting up for. Whichever direction you choose, the roads are waiting.