Motorcycles are built all around the world, and understanding where different brands are manufactured can give valuable insight into their structural quality, heritage, and global influence. To explore this further, Cycle Trader is highlighting the manufacturing locations of ten popular motorcycle brands. This list is ranked by the number of listings available on Cycle Trader, from most to least.
1. Harley-Davidson (USA)
Harley-Davidson manufactures its motorcycles primarily in the U.S., with major facilities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and York, Pennsylvania. Although they once operated a plant in Kansas City, Missouri, it closed in 2019. While Harley-Davidson does have assembly operations in Brazil, most of the motorcycles sold in the U.S. are made domestically.
2. Honda (Japan)
The majority of Honda motorcycles are manufactured at the Kumamoto Factory in Japan, its flagship production facility. However, Honda’s global presence includes plants in Thailand, India, and Brazil. Motorcycles for the U.S. market are often assembled at Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio.
3. Kawasaki (Japan)
Kawasaki builds most of its motorcycles in Japan at the Akashi plant. For the United States market, Kawasaki has established an assembly plant in Lincoln, Nebraska that produces both motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
4. Yamaha (Japan)
Yamaha motorcycles are also primarily manufactured in Japan, specifically at the Iwata plant, which is located in Shizuoka Prefecture. The company also operates production facilities in Thailand, Indonesia, and India. Some models sold in the U.S. are assembled domestically, though their core engineering and components remain Japanese.
5. KTM (Austria)
Most KTM motorcycles are manufactured in Austria, which is also where they’re headquartered. KTM has also partnered with Bajaj Auto, an Indian motorcycle manufacturer, to produce smaller-capacity models in India. In addition, after the Pierer Mobility Group acquired KTM, some of the brand’s production was transferred to China with CFMoto.
6. Suzuki (Japan)
Suzuki motorcycles are primarily produced in Japan at the Hamamatsu plant. Additionally, to Japanese production, Suzuki has plants in countries like Pakistan, China, and Taiwan. For the U.S. market, many Suzuki models are imported directly from Japan.
7. BMW (Germany)
BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of BMW, is headquartered in Munich, Germany. Most BMW motorcycles are manufactured in Berlin, at the company’s Spandau plant. However, BMW also has manufacturing and assembly plants in other countries, including Brazil and China.
8. Indian (United States)
Indian Motorcycles, owned by Polaris Industries, manufactures its bikes in Spirit Lake, Iowa. As a brand deeply rooted in American history, Indian designs, engineers, and produces all of its motorcycles in the United States.
9. Triumph (United Kingdom)
Triumph’s headquarters are located in Hinckley, England. While Triumph’s design and engineering remain rooted in the UK, the company has expanded its production globally. Triumph operates additional manufacturing facilities in Thailand and Brazil.
10. Can-Am (Canada)
Can-Am is part of BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), which is headquartered in Valcourt, Quebec, Canada. Can-Am’s motorcycles are manufactured in various BRP facilities, with the majority of production taking place in Canada and Mexico.
Whether it’s Harley-Davidson’s American craftsmanship, KTM’s Austrian roots, or Yamaha’s Japanese origins, knowing where your motorcycle is made offers valuable insight into its performance and reliability. If you’re interested in purchasing one of these brands for your next adventure, browse our extensive marketplace at Cycle Trader .
