In search of the best motorcycle brands
Nobuhiko Obayashi’s iconic love story His Motorcycle, Her Island from 1986 is more than just a document of young love in turbulent times. It’s also an aggressive plea for motorcycles and, at the same time, a warning that as good as we think we are at riding, we must bow to the whims of our machine.
The best way to ensure that you retain as much control as possible over your two-wheeled machine is to buy a good motorcycle. The only question is: how do you know who to buy from?
We’ll help you answer that question by introducing you to the 10 best motorcycle brands. You’ll find out which companies have made it onto the shortlist, what makes them stand out, what their product range looks like and much more.
10 Best Motorcycle Brands
#1: Yamaha
The first brand we’re highlighting on our list of the best motorcycle brands is one of the world leaders in the motorcycle business.
Yamaha makes almost as many products as they have years in the business (they’ve been around since 1887), but we’re going to focus on Yamaha Motor Corporation.
Yamaha manufactured its first motorcycle in 1955. The Japanese brand’s product range includes almost every type of motorcycle you can imagine: Motorcycles, scooters, sports bikes, adventure bikes, etc. Their motorcycles are considered to be the most reliable of the major motorcycle manufacturers.
The motorcycles are considered the most reliable of the major motorcycle manufacturers and are subject to strict quality control, with all parts and engine components manufactured in their own factories. Yamaha therefore closely monitors every step of the production line.
Highlights
- The second best-selling motorcycle brand in the world
- Huge product catalog
- Extremely high-quality control
#2: Kawasaki
When most people think of Kawasaki, the company’s Ninja range immediately springs to mind. It is a world-famous range of sports motorcycles that ride as fast and quietly as their namesake.
The most affordable version, the Kawasaki Ninja 400, costs $5,400, while the most luxurious model (the Kawasaki Ninja H2R) costs $56,000.
Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to buy a sports bike if that’s not your thing. Kawasaki’s catalog is as extensive and varied as the spice mix in a good curry.
Kawasaki is another traditional Japanese brand that began producing motorcycles in 1949. Back then, Kawasaki developed its first motorcycle engine after being inspired by its airplane technology.
Kawasaki products are popular with speed fanatics and adventure addicts alike. Due to their complex technology, Kawasaki motorcycles usually have high maintenance costs.
However, this mainly applies to their more opulent models such as the aforementioned Kawasaki Ninja H2R. Their more affordable but equally usable models should be easy on your wallet and your mechanic’s hands.
Highlights
- Manufacturer of the world-famous Ninja motorcycle line
- Highly technical motorcycles
- One of the largest and most renowned brands for sports and adventure bikes
#3: Ducati
Ducati breaks the rhythm of the Japanese companies that we have included in this list of the best motorcycle brands by being the first Italian company on this list. Ducati comes from a prestigious family of motorcycle manufacturers and is a subdivision of another royal Italian company, Lamborghini.
The company’s motorcycles are still handmade in Italy. This preserves Ducati’s nearly century-long history of aesthetic brilliance and sporting performance, with its motorcycles regularly winning races around the globe.
What’s more, the motorcycles are so eye-catching that they could undoubtedly win a beauty contest.
Most motorcycle fans know Ducati as the developers of the V-twin engine.
This engine is quieter, gentler on the motorcycle frame and more powerful than a single-cylinder engine.
Not every Ducati motorcycle is equipped with this engine, but it is the engine that has made the brand a household name.
Highlights
- The most famous Italian motorcycle manufacturer
- Trusted by racers
- The V-twin engine is preferred by those who want a durable and powerful engine
#4: Honda
Let’s go back to Japan and report on the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. It’s not just about the quantity of products sold; the Honda Cub is the best-selling motorcycle of all time.
The company built its reputation in the 1960s by teaming up with an American advertising agency to dispel the negative stereotype that all motorcycles were gang fodder.
Honda motorcycles come in all shapes, sizes, colors and trims. You could find a Honda model for everyone in your extended family.
It helps that the company promotes community and accessibility to its products, which means that motorcycle repairs are not a problem for the user.
Coupled with the fact that most dealers are familiar with Honda products, Honda could be one of the best motorcycle brands for people looking for an easy-to-ride and easy-to-maintain product.
Highlights
- Incredibly easy to find a Honda vehicle
- The largest motorcycle company in the world
- Low maintenance vehicles
#5: Harley Davidson
We can’t talk about the best motorcycle brands without mentioning Harley-Davidson. No company embodies the American spirit as much as this 120-year-old titan of chopper motorcycles.
The Harley-Davidson chopper is known for its heavy frame, imposing figure and tough-guy appeal. The company has an enthusiastic fan base that adores Harley-Davidson’s powerful and chrome-plated motorcycles – fortunately, Harley-Davidson’s product range is not just limited to choppers.
There are sport bikes like the Harley-Davidson Nightster ($16,499), beefy cruisers like the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 ($12,499), touring models like the Harley-Davidson Road King ($23,999), trikes and adventure touring motorcycles,
Harley-Davidson is the perfect brand for people looking for a hefty dose of Americana alongside the smell of a motorcycle engine.
Highlights
- can buy used motorcycles via their website
- The models are usually powerful and heavy
- Strong iconography
- Dedicated community around the globe
#6: Suzuki
Suzuki is the fourth of the major Japanese motorcycle brands, although they have a niche all of their own. Similar to the other three major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Suzuki produces motorcycles of various models with different functions.
However, they are best known for their sports motorcycles, so much so that a quarter of all sports motorcycles sold worldwide are Suzuki motorcycles. Suzuki made its name with sports motorcycles because before the company produced its first motocross motorcycle in the 1970s, it had a rather small collection of motorcycles.
Suzuki motorcycles are often seen carrying athletes to Grand Prix victories. But don’t think you have to be a world-class athlete to enjoy the luxury of a Suzuki model. Suzuki products are consistently durable and are rated by customers as reliable when it counts.
Highlights
- The preferred brand for sports and racing motorcycles
- Buyers appreciate the durability of their products
- The biggest sales event of the year, Suzukifest, is currently underway.
#7: Triumph
We’ve talked enough about race bikes and sport bikes to know that you crave classic motorcycles.
We’ve already talked about Harley-Davidson, but now we’re moving on to another of the best motorcycle brands for old hands who want a bike with a more classic look.
Triumph is the youngest brand we’ve mentioned so far, and the only British company on our list. They started producing their current range of motorcycles in 1982, which is a little ironic considering their classic design appeals to so many people.
Most of their products are significantly cheaper than other brands, which doesn’t detract from Triumph’s quality.
For example, the limited edition Triumph Bonneville Bobber Gold Line with its muscular design and powerful engine costs just 14,295 dollars. This is a surprisingly reasonable price considering that it is only available for one year.
Highlights
- Classically inspired motorcycle design
- The motorcycles are slightly more affordable than other luxury brands
#8: BMW
Almost everyone knows that BMW is at the forefront of German engineering. The company’s automobiles have been perfected since 1901 and its motorcycles have been further developed since production began in 1923.
BMW’s extensive range of motorcycles includes models in all these categories:
- Tour
- Roadster
- Heritage
- Urban
- Adventure
It’s the latest style in which BMW excels. The company is celebrating its success in the adventure motorcycle market with the release of a 40th anniversary limited edition of the BMW G 310 GS ($6,195). It combines the smoothness, durability and ergonomics that have made BMW one of the best motorcycle brands over the last century.
Highlights
- Probably the best European manufacturer of adventure motorcycles
- Extensive customization options for most motorcycles
- Praised as one of the most comfortable motorcycles on the market
#9: KTM
Off-road motorcycles should not be forgotten as they are an important part of the motorcycle industry. For those who think we don’t give off-road motorcycles the attention they deserve, luckily there is KTM, the Austrian brand that has established itself as the standard bearer for off-road motorcycles.
KTM motorcycles are praised for their excellent handling and are therefore a fixture at off-road competitions. Their orange color is as iconic as the red, white and blue of the Star Spangled Banner.
The company offers more than just first-class motocross motorcycles. The company is slowly making inroads into the street bike market as well, and sales are now evenly split between these two types of motorcycles.
All in all, KTM is a performance-oriented brand for people who want to push their bodies – and their bikes – to the absolute limit.
Highlights
- Incredibly well-designed off-road motorcycles
- One of the largest European motorcycle manufacturers
- Motorcycles are the epitome of speed, power and control
#10: Husqvarna
Husqvarna is the last company we’re featuring in this list of the best motorcycle brands. It is currently a member of the KTM family, which is why there are many similarities between the two, although Husqvarna has been around since 1903.
The company has been very active since 2013. Not only have they re-entered the world of street bikes with the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto ($12,499), they have also revised their philosophy by developing electric motocross bikes and expanding their activities to India, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
In this way, they combine a century of motorcycle expertise with modern technology and a desire to assert themselves as one of the most innovative motorcycle brands of our time.
Highlights
- Nostalgic street motorcycle design
- Their competition motorcycles have won world championship titles
- Husqvarna motorcycles were rated very highly by customers in terms of durability.
How to Shop for the Best Motorcycle
Now that you know which companies we think are among the best motorcycle brands, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and figure out which bike is best for you.
To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of some considerations to keep in mind.
Brand
The best motorcycle brands have earned their reputation through decades of technical excellence and consistent product quality.
Many of them produce multiple motorcycle models, but it’s the smartest decision to go with the brand that appeals to you the most based on its values, practices and traditions.
Appearance
We’re not going to lie to you and say that motorcycles don’t look cool. They are probably the most attractive vehicles on the road or track. But they don’t all look the same either, so it’s important to find a motorcycle that suits your style.
Safety check
Motorcycles are as dangerous as they are fascinating. It’s important that the motorcycle of your choice passes all safety tests and gets the necessary permits so you can ride it.
The last thing you want is to get hurt because the manufacturer was a little careless during the inspection.
Size
The bigger they are, the harder they fall. This applies to motorcycles just as much as to free-standing skyscrapers.
A larger motorcycle offers more protection, but may be more difficult to steer. A smaller motorcycle can be steered more precisely, but due to its low weight it can more easily get out of control.
Wind Protection
There’s nothing worse than getting off your motorcycle with a mouthful of gnats. A motorcycle with good wind protection can reduce the number of flies in your grill, reduce wind resistance and potentially keep you warm at higher speeds.
Fuel Economy
Motorcycles are not known for being as fuel efficient as regular cars. That doesn’t mean you can’t buy a motorcycle with good fuel economy, but you’ll have to do some research to find one that will get you where you want to go.
Horsepower
The horsepower of a motorcycle indicates how much power the engine can generate. This is particularly important depending on which model you buy.
Racing and sport bikes tend to have higher horsepower numbers than street bikes, but that’s because they need to generate more speed.
Ask yourself how much power you need from your motorcycle, because it might be less than you think. How many days a week do you really need to do a wheelie?
Subscriptions
For some motorcycles, there are also subscriptions that allow you to have equipment, accessories and other motorcycle-related items delivered to your home every month. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether it’s worth it, but we can all do with a little gift now and again.
How often do motorcycles need to be serviced?
Based on the tests we have carried out, we recommend that you have your bike serviced every 500 to 600 miles. Alternatively, you can have it serviced every six months if you don’t ride it that often. Both intervals are good for keeping your bike in top shape.
Below are some general maintenance tasks that you should carry out at each service appointment:
- Change the motorcycle oil
- Adjust and lubricate the chain
- Check the tire pressure and pump it up if necessary
Is Learning To Ride A Motorcycle Hard?
Learning to ride a motorcycle can be more difficult than learning to drive a car because it requires a little more balance and coordination.
If you already know how to ride a bike, you should have a good motor memory to learn how to steer and control the motorcycle.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A Motorcycle?
You probably shouldn’t ride your motorcycle in temperatures below freezing (0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit). The water will freeze and riding can be painful if the weather is too cold and the wind too rough.
How Do You Stay Safe On A Motorcycle?
Wear a helmet! This is the most important precaution we can’t emphasize enough. Here are some other ways you can protect yourself when riding a motorcycle:
- Keep to the speed limit
- Obey the traffic rules
- Recognize that the same rules apply to motorcycles as to cars, but that they are fundamentally different vehicles
- Drive carefully, but not fearfully
Final Thoughts
Many of the best motorcycle brands are heritage companies with years of experience in developing some of the best vehicles in the world.
You can’t go wrong buying one of the brands mentioned today, but which brand is right for you is ultimately your decision.