Who Makes Motorcycles? 10 Motorcycle Brands to Know Before You Buy
From the rev of an engine to the freedom of the open road, riding motorcycles has been a favorite activity and means of transportation for over a century. Over the years, a number of motorcycle manufacturers have emerged, giving shoppers hundreds of options to choose from when it comes to make, model, style, and more. If you’re thinking about buying a bike for the first time, or are thinking about purchasing from a different manufacturer, take a look at Cycle Trader’s list of 10 motorcycle brands to know before you buy.
This list is in alphabetical order. If you’re interested in learning more about a manufacturer’s full line of models, take a look at the respective brand guides.
1. BMW
BMW Motorrad, a subsidiary of BMW, was initially developed to manufacture aircraft engines, but produced its first motorcycle in 1923. Just like the brand’s four-wheel options, BMW’s motorcycles are equal parts sporty and luxurious.
The brand’s line of superbikes, including the S 1000 RR or M 1000 RR, were developed for the race track but optimized for riders to achieve maximum performance on the road. For a more classic ride, check out the R18 cruiser or six-cylinder K 1600 GT touring motorcycle. Ride on road or off road on one of BMW’s enduros, such as an adventure-worthy GS model.
2. Ducati
Ducati is an Italian manufacturer that’s now part of the Volkswagen family. The brand is a favorite among motorcycle riders for its premium, performance-oriented bikes.
Ducati gained fame for its V-twin engines, but introduced the Panigale in 2018, a sportbike with a powerful V4 engine. While sportbikes are a big part of Ducati’s portfolio, the brand also manufactures Diavel and XDiavel models of power cruisers and the sport touring Multistrada line. Ducati’s DesertX was built for adventure, with a frame designed for off-road riding, and the Scrambler family of bikes includes entry-level models for newer riders.
3. Harley-Davidson
The Harley-Davidson brand is an American classic. The company is best-known for its advancements in V-twin engine design, which still power Harley motorcycles today.
Harley’s most popular motorcycles include the cruiser and touring models, especially the Grand American Touring line. These bikes, including the classic Electra Glide, were built to go the distance, with the ergonomics to ride for miles. Similarly, the Pan America adventure touring bike can go from on road to off road to accommodate any detour you decide to take. Harley also brought its iconic design to the sportbike category with the agile Sportster S.
4. Honda
While Honda is known for its cars and SUVs, the company was initially founded as a motorcycle manufacturer after WWII. Honda motorcycles are often a more cost-effective choice that don’t compromise quality.
Honda’s Gold Wing touring motorcycle is equipped with a 1,833cc six-cylinder engine for a smooth ride for miles on the road. For street riding, Honda’s lineup also includes sport and supersport bikes, such as the CBR650R, the easy-to-ride Navi minimoto, and the Shadow and Rebel cruisers that offer modern power. For trail and motocross riding, look no further than the CRF line of dual sport and off-road bikes.
5. Indian
The Indian Motorcycle began in 1901 and is America’s first motorcycle company. While the company had to close its doors in 1953, Indian was back and better than ever in 2013, now part of Polaris Industries Inc.
The brand’s Scout and Chief cruiser models cemented Indian’s legacy early on. Both lines have maintained their iconic style, while integrating modern performance and technology to appeal to today’s rider. In addition to cruisers, Indian also produces the Roadmaster and Indian Pursuit families of touring motorcycles and flat-track racing-inspired FTR line of bikes.
6. Kawasaki
Kawasaki has a long manufacturing history, dating back to 1878 when the company started building ships in Tokyo. It wasn’t until 1969 that the Japanese brand began producing motorcycles.
Kawasaki is all about manufacturing adrenaline-fueled motorcycles, especially sportbikes. The Ninja line of sport, supersport, and hypersport bikes are engineered for thrills. From the track-ready Ninja ZX-6R to the Ninja H2 SX sport tourer, these motorcycles are super charged and ideal for speed. Kawasaki’s off-road and motocross bikes are also popular, including the dual sport KLR 650, beginner-friendly KLX 110R, and KLX 300R trail bike.
7. KTM
Adventure-riding enthusiasts often choose the expertly designed off-road bikes from KTM. KTM is an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer that also produces bicycles and sports cars.
KTM’s off-road offerings include enduro, motocross, and supermoto motorcycles. The brand’s enduro and motocross bikes utilize both two- and four-stroke technology, however, the two-stroke models offer ready-to-race power that shouldn’t be ignored. KTM’s supermoto models are street-ready bikes that have the performance of a dirt bike. The company also has a line of naked bikes that includes the lightweight and nimble KTM 390. For race-bred performance on the track, KTM developed the KTM RC supersport bikes, with race-inspired ergonomics and liquid-cooled four-stroke engines.
8. Suzuki
Suzuki has been in the business of manufacturing motorcycles since 1952. The Japanese company solely produced two-stroke motorcycles for more than 20 years before expanding their engine technology.
Suzuki motorcycles range from the Burgman scooter models and youth bikes to touring and cruiser models in the Suzuki Boulevard family. Suzuki is best known for the GSX-R line of sportbikes, originating with the modern GSX-R750. According to the manufacturer, these models have won more AMA Superbike championships than any other model in the world. For all-around rideability, Suzuki created the GSX and SV models, including the cafe racer-inspired SV650X.
9. Triumph
From building bicycles in the late 1800s to producing motorcycles, Triumph has become the largest U.K.-owned motorcycle manufacturer. Triumph’s long history includes providing motorcycles to the allies in both WWI and WWII.
The Tiger family of adventure motorcycles feature agile handling, a commanding riding position, and premium equipment specifications. Triumph’s Speed Triple is the original hooligan bike. Both the Speed and Street Triples are high-thrill naked sportbikes. In the cruiser category, Triumph has the Rocket 3 that delivers a smooth, responsive, and refined ride. Triumph motorcycles also feature a line of modern classics that include Thruxton, Scrambler, and the iconic Bonneville models.
10. Yamaha
While Yamaha began in 1887 as a producer of reed organs and pianos, after WWII, the company transitioned to motorcycle manufacturing. Today, Yamaha Motorsports makes a range of on- and off-road bikes.
For on-pavement riding, Yamaha’s sportbikes range from the entry-level YZF-R3 to the sophisticated, 998cc YZF-R1. The Yamaha lineup also includes the MT hyper naked bikes, sport touring motorcycles, a line of sport heritage motorcycles, and scooters. Off-road options include the YZ competition dirt bikes that come with two- or four-stroke engines, along with trail bikes, dual sport, and adventure touring motorcycles.
Each of these popular motorcycle brands offers riders a different type of experience, with various features and styles to make your rides even better. Now that you know a bit more about these popular manufacturers, we hope it will be easier to shop for the motorcycle that best fits your needs. If you’re ready to begin your search for a motorcycle, browse the nationwide inventory on CycleTrader.com.
Arielle Patterson
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