Most Popular Motorcycle Brands

Best Motorcycle Brands Of All Time

Motorcycles are the most elegant and admired form of transportation anywhere in the world. Around 200 million motorcycles are used worldwide and the count is rising every year. The list is endless from tourers to sports, enduro to choppers; these modern day motorcycles offer comfortable riding positions with a certain visual swagger.

Motorcycles are perceived to have a conscience of their own; they make your journey adventurous and exciting. They are fast, manoeuvrable and agile that gives the rider freedom to ride anywhere anytime.

Every rider has its own specific preference when it comes to choosing between brands. Few may consider the design and specifications as the buying factor while others may be influenced with the technology and top speed. You may also come across the types who enjoy classic, retro, and vintage rides or the ones who choose their rides specifically for adventure motorcycle touring.

While there is no harm in sticking to your style, it is important to pick the right brand before investing your hard earned money.

Let us look at some of the best motorcycle brands that are popular among riders for their performance, riding pleasure and dependability.

Best Selling Motorcycles Brand - 2022 Ranking

Best Selling Motorcycles Brands Ranking in the World in first half 2022. Behind the leader Honda, Indian Hero Motor regain the 2nd place thanks to a double digit growth, while Yadea (-15.7%) fell in 3rd. TVS Motor advanced in 5th place, overtaking Bajaj Auto.

For the first time we decided to share the ranking of the Top 10 Brands in the World. Please be aware data includes only 2/3 wheeler in the scooter, underbone, moped and motorcycles category. This mean that Tuk Tuk are not included and ATV/RUV or kick scooter neither. In the the articles reporting on single brand, we include all categories. For instance, Bajaj Auto sales in this article are well below the total Bajaj sales, not having included the rickshaw.

During the first 10 months 2022, the global motorcycles industry (including moped, scooter, motorcycles, underbone) have recovered reporting 51.5 million sales, up 4.2%.

Looking at the performance in place by single manufacturer, it is clear that the trend is sharply different and correlated to many factors, like the exposure to winning or loser markets, the availability of EVs line up and the brand perceived value.

Said this, the Global market leader in 2022 as in the last decades is – by far – Honda.

Not a surprise, of course. It is almost well known that the Japanese manufacturer dominates the industry with around one third of the industry in its hands.

In 10 months 2022, Honda sold 14.5 million two wheeler globally (+4.2%) with 28.1% of market share, near 5 points below the 2016 level. We see the risk for Honda to keep losing market share as consequence of the current strategy to postpone electric models introduction, leaving space to emerging brands to keep space and reputation in this crucial and booming segment.

The second place in the global ranking is really a surprise. After being surpassed in 2021 by the roaring Chinese EVs specialist Yadea, the Indian Hero Motor re-gained the position thanks to 4.6 million sales (+6.4%) obtained for the most in India, while the Chinese competitor is struggling due to the difficulties of the Chinese market (for covid shut downs).

Indeed Yadea, is now third with 4.5 million sales (-15.7%). This fall must be considered a temporary trouble as the manufacturer is leader in the electric vehicles R&D and manufacturing and will be back on growing track already in the second half.

In fourth place there is Yamaha with 4.0 million (+15.9%). Yamaha market share at 7.8% is 5 points below the 2012 achievement.

The 5th place has been taken by the Indian emerging manufacturer TVS Motor, which overtook the Indian rival Baja Auto, thanks to a roaring first half with sale at 2.37 million (+16.6%).

Struggling both at home and overseas, Bajaj Auto lost one place in the ranking with 2.19 million sales (+1.6%).

In seventh place there is a fast recovering Suzuki with 1.5 million sales (+11.6%), which follows the +30% scored in the previous year.

Behind three Chinese giants, Haojue, Loncin and Niu.

Most Popular Motorcycle Brands

‍ Honda

We begin with what may be regarded as the most well-known motorcycle manufacturer of all time. Honda is the nation's biggest automobile manufacturer. Since its inception in 1946, the company went on a steady ascent, making history with each of its productions.

Even though Honda started its operations in 1946, it began producing bikes in 1955. The company produced about three million motorcycles in 1982, making it the leading motorcycle manufacturer at that time.

Honda developed from its modest origins to become the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. The company has sold approximately 300 million motorcycles since 1955. It could be considered one of the greatest motorcycle brands in the world, based on its overall sales and appeal. Honda is also the manufacturer of the classic Honda Cub, which is one of the most sold motorcycles.

Honda has a presence in all motorcycling categories to date. The 1800CC Goldwing and the zippy CBR series are two popular models. The company also produces durable CRF off-road machines and street motorcycles aimed at urban enthusiasts. Honda motorcycles are acclaimed for their dependability and minimal maintenance across all riding styles. They take a certain level of risk with their decisions, but they will always know what to put their money into. That's why they're so highly ranked worldwide.

Suzuki

Michio Suzuki started Suzuki as a textile loom manufacturer in 1909. They didn't start building cars until the 1930s. Like a few other well-known motorcycle manufacturers, Suzuki began manufacturing motorcycles in the mid-1950s.

This Japanese company has a long racing history, which it continues to honor now. Suzuki makes some of the quickest motorcycles available. It strives to be the greatest in all it does. It has completely transformed the game by offering motorcycles for different budget ranges.

Suzuki was the first Japanese company to win the motocross championship title on a 250cc motorcycle in 1970. It also won the 500cc category in road racing and motocross that year.

Suzuki also makes sports motorcycles. While these rides do not make up a large portion of the market internationally, one out of every four Suzuki's purchased is a sports motorcycle. The Suzuki GSX-R, also known as a "jixxer," comes in a wide variety of displacements. Bike riders adore every one of them. Suzuki also offers the GSX1300R Hayabusa, which is one of the quickest off-the-shelve two-wheelers.

Suzuki is popular among dual-sport and off-road motorcyclists, in addition to controlling the sport motorcycle industry. Motorcyclists all around the world still adore Suzuki's DR650 single-cylinder version, which hasn't changed at all since the 1980s.

Suzuki specializes in both road and dirt bikes, which have been utilized to compete internationally in MotoGP for many years. Its motorcycles are commonly available in blue and white, but you can also find them in a variety of other colors. The company is still stretching the limits of speed and style.

Yamaha

Yamaha was one of the original motorcycle manufacturers in Japan. Genichi Kawakami started the business with the idea, "If you're going to make it, create the greatest there is." In 1954, the company made its first motorcycle model.

The very first type, the Yamaha YA-1, was introduced in 1955, and the motorcycles were initially sold in Japan in 1958. In 1960, Yamaha established itself as a global player and began selling motorcycles in the United States.

This Japanese company is the world's second-largest motorcycle manufacturer, but they also make marine vessels like sailboats and motorboats, and they're the market leader in water vehicles. Valentino Rossi, the iconic MotoGP racer, has been the face of the Yamaha squad since 2004 and has gained a large following.

Yamaha appeals to all types of motorcycle enthusiasts. Its motorcycles cover a broad array of riding styles and terrains, and there's something for everybody, whether it's sports tourer riding, off-road excursions, or road cruising.

BMW

BMW Motorrad was founded in Germany as a motorcycle division of BMW. Because BMW was always a market leader, it wasn't difficult for it to build a reputation for itself in this segment. The company has consistently delivered some of the greatest motorcycles we've ever had the privilege of riding in the last few years.

Adventure biking became a sensation practically immediately thanks to the LRW TV variants introduced by BMW. At one time, the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure contributed to over a third of all BMW shipments. The discussion over whether these motorcycles are the finest to ride around the globe or not will continue indefinitely. But one point is certain: they established BMW as one of the greatest motorcycle brands in the market.

BMW is also renowned for its well-built race bikes, sports roadsters, urban motorcycles, and street two-wheelers. If you want distinction, outstanding engineering, and a motorcycle registered trademark that speaks for itself, then a BMW ride might be the ideal option for you.

BMW has set sales records for a few consecutive years, proving that it can do well in everything related to motorcycles. The company has made some of the best motorcycles on the market, which reflects in their quality and great appearance.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson is another top competitor in the motorcycle industry. The company was established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903. During the last century, the brand has had a lot of ups and downs. Nevertheless, it ultimately triumphed, with a cult-like following worldwide, multiple owner groups, global events, and a plethora of products.

Harley-Davidson is remarkable in both quality and elegance, and it has developed a loyal following that loves its rides, including the spanking new Livewire, which garnered the traction of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Motorcycles made by Harley-Davidson laid the groundwork for the chopper look. These were primarily huge capacity cruiser-style motorcycles. With the Street 750 and 500, the company has consistently warmed up to the smaller capacity market. Furthermore, Harley-Davidson has entered the adventure motorcycle business with the Pan American monster, which is extremely popular in North America.

All in all, whether you prefer cruisers, street motorcycles, electric bikes, or large-capacity expedition bikes, Harley-Davidson is a brand that won't disappoint.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Heavy Industries was established in 1896 by Kawasaki Shozo. The company did not enter the bike market until 1949. In Chicago, Kawasaki Motor Corp. was built in 1966. Kawasaki began with small two-stroke machines; however, the market desired something quicker and more entertaining, so the company introduced the Avenger and Samurai, a set of rapid rotational valve twins.

Kawasaki began as a producer of aircraft. As a result, several of their early motorcycles have a "Kawasaki Aircraft" symbol on the gasoline tank. Kawasaki is almost identical to the Ninja line of motorcycles. Most of these motorcycles are dark green, quick, and maneuverable.

Kawasaki is well-known among adventurous riders in conjunction with its sports bike lineup. The famous Kawasaki KLR650 is still utilized on round-the-world motorcycle travels and overnight adventures equally.

Kawasaki is now concentrating on producing hybrid or EV motorcycles. The company aims to introduce ten hybrid or EV motorcycles by 2025. It has also made plans to create advanced fuel off-road four-wheel automobiles within the same period.

Ducati

Ducati motorcycles have been on the roads for more than 90 years. Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his three sons started the iconic motorcycle company in 1926. You'd never guess that the firm began with shortwave radio experimentation. The first brick of the Borgo Panigale motorcycle plant in Central Italy was not installed until 1935.

In 1949, the Ducati 60, the company's first identifiable motorcycle, was introduced. Ducati's Cucciolo was the company's first sold-out motorcycle. It didn't look anything like the motorcycles that came out of Japan but resembled a conventional bicycle with a motor and was quite simple. Ducati's motorcycles are the epitome of shape and structure. The result is a collection of fast, well-made bikes that resemble modern works of art.

Ducat is owned by Audi, which is part of the Volkswagen Group. This is one of the reasons behind the brand's inherent high quality since it mixes exquisite Italian beauty and brute strength with German engineering.

Ducati is another major motorcycle company that has had a lot of racing glory. This established the brand in the minds and emotions of riders. The unique tone of Ducati's iconic V-twin cylinders contributes to the brand's popularity. Overall, Ducati is the indisputable king of flair, so if you want a motorcycle that will quickly make you popular in the neighborhood, you could consider going for a high-end offering from Ducati.

Triumph

There's no wiser alternative than Triumph if you're searching for a British-made bike. They started small in the 1980s, and despite being yet another British automobile manufacturer, they have spread throughout the world, with over 85 percent of their motorcycles currently being transported internationally.

During World War I, Triumph Engineering supplied over 30,000 bikes for the Allied Military effort. During both World Wars and into the Postwar Era, production never stopped. After Marlon Brando raced a 1950 Thunderbird 6T in the movie 'The Wild Ones,' Triumph gained a lot of attention. After the old firm went bankrupt in the 1980s, John Bloor founded Triumph Motorcycles, which is Britain's biggest motorcycle manufacturer today.

Triumph joined the cruiser industry with the Thunderbird type as a young firm with an established reputation. With the Triumph Speed Triple and its younger sister, the Street Triple, Triumph fits in nicely with the street motorcycle companies. These superb motorcycles were the driving force behind Triumph's newfound era of prosperity. The Triumph Daytona quickly captured the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts who craved speed. Triumph also continued to acquire a piece of the adventure industry with the Tigers line.

The company also broke sales numbers in 2017, selling more than 9,400 units. You won't be disappointed with a Triumph bike, especially if you're a huge lover of scramblers. Triumph qualifies on this list of top motorcycle manufacturers because of its highly durable motorcycles.

KTM

KTM represents what is arguably Austria's most well-known motorcycle brand. It first began releasing bikes in the 1990s, and while the company didn't have the best reputation when it first launched, KTM quickly changed the industry, bringing in even more followers to the two-wheeler frenzy than other motorcycle brands.

KTM's layouts and color schemes have evolved over time. In 1996, the company chose the orange color to grab people's attention. KTM orange has become as famous as Ferrari red because of the company's unrivalled Paris-Dakar race victories season after season.

KTM is currently one of the most well-known motorcycle companies in the world. Only a few other motorcycle manufacturers can compete with KTM's dynamite engines and highly-strung sporting range. Whether you're searching for a furious enduro racer or an adventure machine, KTM's motorcycle models should be able to address your needs.