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The major motorcycle brands come from a handful of countries. The US has Harley-Davidson and Indian; Japan has the “big four” of Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki; Europe has BMW, Ducati, KTM, Triumph, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi; India has Royal Enfield, Bajaj, Hero and TVS; and Chinese brands like CFMOTO are growing fast. Each brand has a different specialty, from cruisers and baggers to sport bikes, adventure bikes and electric motorcycles. Here’s a guide to the brands you’re most likely to see.
Motorcycle brands at a glance
| Brand | Country | Best known for |
|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson | USA | Cruisers and touring baggers |
| Indian | USA | Cruisers, baggers and the Scout |
| Zero | USA | Electric motorcycles |
| Honda | Japan | Everything from scooters to Gold Wing tourers |
| Yamaha | Japan | Sport bikes, naked bikes and off-road |
| Kawasaki | Japan | Ninja sport bikes and dirt bikes |
| Suzuki | Japan | Sport, adventure and dual-sport bikes |
| BMW Motorrad | Germany | Adventure (GS) and touring bikes |
| Ducati | Italy | Superbikes and the Monster naked bike |
| KTM | Austria | Off-road and “Ready to Race” street bikes |
| Triumph | UK | Modern classics and triples |
| Aprilia | Italy | Sport bikes |
| Moto Guzzi | Italy | Transverse V-twin standards and tourers |
| Royal Enfield | India | Affordable classic and adventure bikes |
| CFMOTO | China | Value-priced street and adventure bikes |
Japanese motorcycle brands
Honda is the world’s largest motorcycle maker, with everything from small commuters to the Gold Wing tourer and Africa Twin adventure bike. Yamaha is known for the MT naked bikes, R-series sport bikes and the Ténéré 700. Kawasaki builds the Ninja and Z ranges plus the KLR650, and is the only Japanese maker with a supercharged road bike, the H2. Suzuki is best known for the V-Strom adventure-tourers, the SV650 and the GSX-R sport bikes. Japanese brands have the strongest reputation for reliability; see most reliable motorcycle brands.
American motorcycle brands
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, dominates big cruisers and touring bikes, and now also builds the Pan America adventure bike. Indian Motorcycle, owned by Polaris, competes directly with Harley in cruisers, baggers and the FTR flat-track-style roadster. Zero Motorcycles and LiveWire (spun out of Harley-Davidson) focus on electric bikes.
European motorcycle brands
BMW Motorrad (Germany) is famous for its boxer-twin GS adventure bikes and RT tourers. Ducati (Italy) builds high-performance sport bikes, the Monster and the Multistrada. Triumph (UK) covers modern classics like the Bonneville plus the Street Triple and Tiger ranges. KTM (Austria) is a leader in off-road racing and also makes the Duke naked bikes and Adventure models; its group includes Husqvarna and GasGas. Other European names include Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta from Italy.
Indian and Chinese motorcycle brands
India is the world’s biggest motorcycle market. Royal Enfield builds affordable singles and twins such as the Classic 350, Himalayan and Interceptor 650. Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj are among the largest makers by volume; Bajaj also owns a large stake in KTM. TVS owns Norton. Chinese brands such as CFMOTO, which builds engines with KTM, are growing fast in export markets with good-value mid-size bikes.
How to choose a brand
- Riding style first: pick the type of bike, then compare brands; see types of motorcycles.
- Dealer network: a nearby dealer makes servicing and warranty work easier.
- Running costs: premium European brands usually cost more to service and insure.
- Resale value: popular Japanese models and Harleys tend to hold value well.
For scooter brands like Kymco, Genuine and Royal Alloy, see our guide to scooters like Vespa.
FAQ
What are the big four motorcycle brands?
Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki, all from Japan.
What is the most famous motorcycle brand?
Harley-Davidson is one of the most recognized motorcycle brands in the world, alongside Honda.
Which motorcycle brands are American?
Harley-Davidson and Indian are the main American brands, with Zero making electric motorcycles.
Which brand is best for beginners?
The Japanese brands are popular with beginners for their range of approachable, reliable small bikes, and Royal Enfield is a popular affordable option.
Summary
The main motorcycle brands come from the US, Japan, Europe, India and China, each with its own strengths. Choose a brand by your riding style, dealer support and fit, then pick the model that suits you.
Browse all our how-to and safety guides.
