/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/LRZ22PYH45GXBON7KSUBE5O7U4.jpg "Best Motorcycles for Touring Like Barbie and Ken")
Barbie and Ken, perhaps the most famous fictional couple of the 20th century, are back in vogue thanks to a new live-action Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. But Barbie’s history goes way back, to 1959 when the first iteration of the doll debuted. Since then, Barbie has gone on to become a cultural icon, loved by millions over the decades and adapted to take on just about every profession and pastime imaginable. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Barbie is well-acquainted with new motorcycles. Ken, too.
So we’re going to jump on the Barbie bandwagon and list five of the best streetbikes now on the market for a true Barbe-and-Ken-type ride. These bikes are great for two-up rides (learn about other options in the Best Motorcycles for Two-Up Riding and Best Motorcycles for Long-Distance Two-Up Riding 2022 articles), each has a bit of nostalgia built in, and each offers its own type of class and comfort. Some even look pretty damn close to bikes that have been sold in Barbie sets throughout the years. Although it’s up to you to find someone willing to paint these rides pink…
Kawasaki W800
The Kawasaki W800 exudes a ‘60s motorcycle aesthetic but with none of the fuss of a true retro bike. It’s got modern touches like a smooth 773 parallel twin and assist-and-slip clutch alongside all its nostalgic design elements. It’s not the ideal ride for a long tour but is absolutely perfect if you want to spend a day riding up and down the California coastline. It’s approachable enough for the dilettante (which is great for a gal as busy as Barbie), but also cool enough for a stylish guy like Ken.
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
Barbie and Harley-Davidson have teamed up on numerous collaborations throughout the years, even producing a Harley for Barbie with a striking resemblance to the brand’s Softail Standard. So to up the game a bit without losing that classic look, we propose the Heritage Classic as the perfect H-D machine for a Barbie-and-Ken-like tour. It’s got the look, the storage capacity, seating for two, great standard wind protection, a huge range of color options (which makes coordinating the wardrobe a lot easier), and gobs of accessories.
Suzuki Hayabusa
The venerable Hayabusa (see the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R MC Commute Review and 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Track MC Commute Review articles and videos) might seem like it’s way, way out of place here but Mattel has produced a Spy Barbie set in the past complete with a motorcycle that looks a whole lot like a ‘Busa. Of course, this bike has also won the hearts of countless riders as a highly capable sport-touring machine over the years. Power, handling, the latest electronics from Suzuki, a catalog of available accessories, surprising levels of comfort despite its sporty appearance. It’s an all-rounder capable of providing smooth, scenic rides and jaw-dropping exhilaration at the drop of a hat.
Honda Gold Wing
In the ‘90s Mattel produced a motorcycle for both Ken and Barbie that had an awful lot in common with Honda’s Pacific Coast. Since that model is no longer in production, we’re opting for the latest in Honda touring technology with the Gold Wing (read the 2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT MC Commute Review). This bike is about as luxurious as it gets on two wheels. Get it with or without automatic DCT transmission, but either way, you’ll have a highly comfortable and capable bike complete with top-of-the-line electronics and a sound system. That last bit is important because Barbie’s ‘90s machine ditched panniers in favor of two boomboxes, so it’s clear that tunes are important.
Triumph Bonneville T120
The Triumph Bonneville T120 has much of the same aesthetic allure as the W800. The retro design coupled with modern tech is perfect for the pair who wants to look effortlessly cool during a cruise. The high-torque 1,200cc twin is an engaging and exciting engine, the build is solid and striking, and the heritage aligns perfectly with Barbie since the first Bonneville came to market the same year Barbie was born.
