Best Motorcycle Brands in the World: Top Bikes, History & Performance

Some people feel more alive riding a motorcycle than driving a car. The open ride gives a sense of absolute freedom. Some enjoy the thrill of burning asphalt like the Ghost Rider, while others feel connected to clubs like the Hells Angels. Whatever your reason, motorcycles offer an experience no car or truck can match.

If you’re wondering which are the best motorcycle brands, this list covers top names from around the world. Some manufacturers may be familiar, others less so, but all are known for quality, performance, and long history, with many having decades of legacy in the industry.

After learning to ride and gearing up with the right accessories, your next step is choosing a brand that fits your needs. Factors to consider include style, engine power, handling, and comfort. This article will guide you through the best bikes, whether you’re into touring bikes, adventure bikes, or street models that deliver thrilling experiences.

1. Harley-Davidson

Harley Davidson Breakout best motorcycle brands

The motorcycle equivalent of American muscle cars like the Mustangs and Chevys, Harley-Davidson (often called Harley) is one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the USA. While not seen in many top-level motorsports like MotoGP, Harley-Davidson dominates touring bikes with unmatched style and reputation.

Known for its classic models since the 1950s, the Harley chopper with lengthened forks defines custom bikes. These are designed not for racing, but for long-distance rides that feel like freedom on open highways.

A standout feature is its unique engine roar, almost bulletproof in sound, which no other company dares to imitate. Founded in 1903 by Arthur Davidson and William S. Harley in Wisconsin, USA, the brand has a rich history of production in the industry. Today, Harley-Davidson represents not only motorcycles but also a lifestyle.

2. Indian Motorcycles

Coming next after Harley-Davidson is Indian Motorcycles, one of the most beloved brands in the USA. Founded in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts, the company produced iconic two wheelers until 1953. Indian Motorcycle is known as America’s first motorcycle company.

For years, Indian was a staple of American culture, and even during production pauses, its legacy lived on. Later, Polaris acquired the license and resumed motorcycle development under the Indian name.

While some loyalists prefer vintage models, many riders are thrilled to see new bikes introduced under this legendary brand, keeping the history and future alive.

3. Ducati

Ducati Panigale V2 & Panigale V4- Best Motorcycles

Ducati from Italy, may not have the signature roar of Harley-Davidson, but it holds a prestigious place in the motorcycle industry, much like Ferrari in cars. Known for racing dominance in MotoGP and motorsports worldwide, Ducati has built an elite reputation. Yamaha Motor Company, formed in 1955 as an associate company of Yamaha Corporation, also stands out for its cutting-edge technology and all-around performance.

With 17 Manufacturers Superbike World Championships and 14 Riders titles, its performance in racing speaks volumes. Ducati also thrives in Europe’s Formula TT and British Superbike Championships, showing its ability to dominate the tracks.

Founded in 1926, the company originally produced radio parts before moving to motorcycles. Today, Ducati’s range includes the Monster, Supersport, Diavel, Hypermotard, Multistrada, and Scrambler — each offering thrilling handling, stylish design, and unbeatable value for passionate riders.

4. BMW Motorcycle

Coming about 3 years before Ducati, BMW Motorrad from Germany has a long history of innovative development. Known for quality, BMW has expanded its range to include touring bikes, sport bikes, and even scooters. BMW Motorrad was created as a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW in 1921 to handle manufacturing of motorcycle and aircraft engines.

One iconic appearance was in a James Bond film, with Bond riding the BMW R1200C, a model that showed off both style and cinematic value.

BMW competes in motorsports like Superbike and Dakar Rally, proving its engineering bulletproof and competitive. With its reputation in Europe and worldwide, BMW Motorrad continues to deliver reliable bikes that balance performance with luxury.

5. Aprilia

Aprilia, another Italian brand, started with scooters and mopeds but quickly moved into motorcycles. Founded in 1945, it gained reputation for stylish models and performance in racing, particularly MotoGP. Initially, Aprilia began as a bicycle manufacturer right after World War II before transitioning to scooters and motorcycles in 1968.

Aprilia’s history in motorsports may not match Ducati, but its range of bikes showcases impressive handling and style. This company remains a favorite in Europe and worldwide, especially for new riders exploring sport and adventure bikes.

6. Honda

Honda is one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers from Japan, with a global legacy in production and research. Known for quality, it has built a bulletproof reputation for performance in MotoGP, winning multiple titles. Honda holds around one-third of global motorcycle sales, a testament to its dominance in the industry.

Honda produced its first bike in 1949 and quickly became the world’s largest motorcycle company by the 1960s. Today, its range includes scooters, touring bikes, off-road bikes, and two wheelers for new riders and professionals alike.

Though often at a higher MSRP than competitors, Honda’s value is proven by its models’ durability, style, and unmatched engine engineering.

7. Yamaha

Another top Japan brand, Yamaha, has a rich history in racing and motorsports, winning MotoGP and Moto2 titles. Its bikes are known for sharp handling and sporty performance, perfect for riders who want thrills. Yamaha produces a wide range of bikes known for all-around performance and cutting-edge technology.

Since 1955, Yamaha has produced motorcycles, scooters, and two wheelers for every rider, from new riders to seasoned racers. While its models may not always be best for long touring bikes, their style and quality make Yamaha a brand respected worldwide.

8. Kawasaki

Part of Japan’s industrial giant, Kawasaki has been in production since 1949. Known for high-speed models like the Hayabusa-rivaling Ninja ZX-series, Kawasaki bikes emphasize lightweight frames, sharp handling, and powerful engines. Kawasaki Heavy Industries started as a producer of maritime equipment and vessels in 1878 before venturing into motorcycles.

In motorsports, Kawasaki competes in Superbike and Endurance World Championships, showing its ability to deliver performance on the street and track. Its legacy in racing continues to attract loyal riders.

9. Suzuki

Suzuki, another Japan brand, gained fame with models like the SV650X and the legendary Hayabusa. Starting in 1909, the company transitioned from looms to motorcycles, and by the 1970s, it had produced superbikes like the GSXR750.

Today, Suzuki offers a range of bikes, scooters, and two wheelers. Though it may not dominate MotoGP like Honda or Yamaha, Suzuki has earned 7 Constructors Championships, proving its value and quality in the industry.

10. KTM Motorcycles

From Austria, KTM began in 1934 as a repair shop but quickly shifted into production of bikes. By the 1990s, KTM focused on adventure bikes, dirt bikes, and off-road models, earning a reputation for rugged performance.

Its range includes Enduro, Motocross, and Supermoto bikes, widely sold in Europe and worldwide. KTM remains a brand that appeals to riders looking for excitement, future innovation, and value.

11. Triumph

Triumph Motorcycles, one of Great Britain’s iconic brands, has a long history of production dating back to 1902. Known for timeless style and durable models, Triumph has supplied bikes to wars, films, and riders worldwide. Triumph Motorcycles is the largest UK-owned motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

From Marlon Brando’s bullet-proof image in The Wild One to today’s modern classics, Triumph maintains a reputation for quality and performance. Whether you want cruisers or sporty bikes, Triumph continues to deliver.

12. Victory Motorcycles

Founded in 1997 in the USA, Victory was a company that aimed to challenge Harley’s domination of touring bikes and cruisers. Though production ended in 2017, the brand’s legacy still inspires riders.

Victory produced innovative models with a focus on performance and safety, introducing features that were ahead of their time. Its history may be short, but its impact was significant in the industry.

13. Yinxiang Motorcycle

From China, Yinxiang was founded in 1997 and quickly expanded production of two wheelers, scooters, dirt bikes, and ATVs. The company acquired Xianfeng Motorcycle and introduced models that earned a Guinness World Record for mountain climbing. KTM began as an informal company in Mattighofen, Austria in 1934 and officially became KTM AG in 1992.

With research and development partnerships in Korea, Yinxiang continues to deliver bikes worldwide, particularly for new riders in India, China, and other countries.

14. Hero MotoCorp

From India, Hero MotoCorp (formerly Hero Honda) is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world by volume. With nearly half of India’s two wheelers market share, Hero’s models are valued for affordability and quality.

Since its founding in 1984, Hero has produced millions of bikes and scooters, helping new riders in India and worldwide. Its future in the industry looks strong, as it continues development with a focus on fuel economy and value.

15. Marinda Motorcycles

Mahindra, also from India, is a relatively new company in the motorcycle industry, founded in 2008. Its models like the Mojo and Centuro gained reputation for affordability, style, and reliability.

Mahindra has invested in research, development, and even motorsports, participating in Moto3. With production units across India and sale networks expanding worldwide, Mahindra is steadily introducing new bikes and scooters for riders.

What to Watch Out For in Motorcycle Brands

When comparing brands, always look at engine power, performance, and style. Consider whether you want touring bikes, adventure bikes, or street models, and don’t forget factors like ergonomics, value, destination charge, and accessories.

Each company has its own reputation, legacy, and history. Whether it’s Harley-Davidson, Indian, Ducati, BMW Motorrad, Triumph Motorcycles, or Royal Enfield, the best brand for you depends on your ride, needs, and budget.

Ergonomics

To make sure a motorcycle is ergonomically desirable with a rider’s body is more complicated than it might generally sound. Yes, you can sit on a motorcycle at a dealer shop or even decide to take it for a test ride within the dealer’s vicinity. But sometimes, what feels comfortable and pleasing at first might turn out to be boring or painful, when taken on a long ride; the subject is so complex that there are even websites based on the art of comparing body types to motorcycle geometries.

Consider a motorcycle brand’s ergonomics before you consider buying any of its products. Also, try to visualize yourself aboard the saddle for a long period of time: is your weight resting extremely on your wrists (which let them feel sore through the journey)? Is your knee bending far than necessary? Are the handlebars far for your arms? Be honest in answering these questions and accurately evaluating the long-term effects of the brand.

It can involve guesswork (stopping an extended test ride on a bike you’re considering), but finding your optimum physical match ensures long-term satisfaction with your new bike.

Seat Height

Motorcycle seat height is another crucial factor to consider when buying a bike, but don’t expect the seat should let you flat-foot at traffic lights to be in control of a motorcycle.

The topic of seat height is closely related to the ergonomics issue (especially if you are a shorter person). As a matter of fact, women are a big issue in this aspect that some bike manufacturers are specifically producing motorcycles with low saddle heights for the benefit of women. Regardless of your gender, you should consider the finer points of saddle altitude.

The Bike’s Wind Protection

Windshields aren’t restricted to only touring bikes. Also, another subject closely related to ergonomics is the subject of wind protection.

While naked motorcycles are charming in their design aesthetic and exposure, the fact that they lack a fairing or wind deflector implies you may find them miserable on long rides, and the elements may beat down on you, which can eventually be unexpectedly fatiguing.

If your plan is to ride for a long period of time or through harsh weather, you should seriously consider looking for a motorcycle brand that produces products with a fairing.

Luggage

Saddlebags are in all shapes and sizes, and some even collapse or expand that they don’t provide enough space than they need to.

Yes, motorcycles’ beauty lies in their simplicity of lightweight as well as their stripped-down design. But their beauty is also extended to escape and freedom and one of the best means to go about it is to journey with a small personal commodity in a saddlebag or a top case. If you are into long-distance riding, think of having a bike that comes with saddlebags, or one that is at least capable to get fitted with a set.

Electronic Aids

Anti-lock brakes and traction control are now commonplace on motorcycles, and a safety net on a bike is to choose a bike that comes with electronic aids, especially if you are planning on riding in wet weather. And if you are a purist who derives pride in not depending on technology, consider the fact that most traction and ABS systems can get disabled just at the touch of a button.

Style of the Motorcycle

What is the point of going for motorcycles that aren’t head-turning sexy?

Style is a big reason many get into riding in the first place, and a notable factor when in your choice of bikes. Since each rider has a unique style, my recommendation is that you should choose a motorcycle that’s good-looking.

Control of Sound Pollution

One brand that does well in this area is Harley-Davidson. Harley-Davidson derives pride in their Potato-Potato exhaust note for which they once sued a Japanese manufacturer for copying the signature sound.

Motorcycles often attract the wrong attention when they produce unnecessary noise pollution, but there’s a big disparity between loud pipes and a mellow with a pleasing exhaust tone. Go with your ears and your eyes when looking for a bike; after all, you can derive much enjoyment in the whine of an inline-4 or burble of v-twin as there is in the thrill that comes with riding.

Price Considerations

Why do monetary issues almost come last on the list of what to consider when looking for a motorcycle? Because motorcycles are usually passion purchases, you’re likely to not make a cash-conscious purchase, but instead, spend a few additional cash to purchase a bike that pleases you. Truly, most of us have our limits when budgeting for a motorcycle, but if there is a means to buy something outstanding, you have no reason not to go broke and indulge.

Fuel Economy

The truth be told, most riders couldn’t neglect the fuel economy. But you would be absolutely wrong to conclude that all bikes are gas sippers, especially when talking of big-bore engines. Knowing that there’s a big potential for fuel savings when you make the right bike purchase suggests that it’s worth seriously considering MPG figures before you commit to a ride.

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading this piece. I believe it has been productive in showing you the best brands in the industry and that you now know what to expect from each brand.

Always remember my recommendation: The safety of other road users is your safety. So, always consider them first each time you have to take any action, whether major or minor. I wish you a safe trip each time you get on your saddle.

15 Best Motorcycle Brands