10 Most Popular Motorcycle Brands (With Pictures)

Today, there are practically countless motorcycle brands you can choose from. Although all brands have their pros and cons, some are outright better than others. The truth of the matter is that everyone has their own personal preference, making it difficult to know which motorcycle brands are the best.

Even so, a few brands have insane cult followings that aren’t going away anytime soon. Below, learn about the 10 most popular motorcycle brands and tips to decide which of these brands is right for you.

The 10 Most Popular Motorcycle Brands

1. Yamaha

The first motorcycle brand on our list is Yamaha. Yamaha is the second biggest motorcycle company worldwide, but it has the biggest fan base. In fact, many fans will only use Yamaha bikes as a result.

Yamaha has such a large fan base because they cater to many different bike lovers. Regardless of your discipline, budget, and personal preferences, Yamaha likely has the perfect bike for you.

2. Honda

A close second to the Yamaha is the Honda. Honda motorcycles are praised for being reliable and low maintenance. These bikes are known to last for years without much maintenance in comparison to other brands, which is why they are top in sales.

Even though Honda motorcycles are known for their durability, they come in quite a big range as well. They sell off-road bikes as well as street motorcycles. You should be able to find a Honda motorcycle that fits your needs to a T.

3. Suzuki

Suzuki motorcycles have been popular since World War II. By the 1970s, Suzuki was the first Japanese manufacturer to win the motocross world championship. Today, Suzuki motorcycles are as popular as ever.

Suzuki is most praised for their sport bikes. About 25% of every Suzuki bike sold falls into the sport category.

4. Kawasaki

As the fourth Japanese manufacturer on this list, it’s no shock that Japanese manufacturers produce some of the best motorcycles. Kawasaki is just another brand produced in Japan.

Much like the other Japanese motorcycle companies, Kawasaki began outside of the motorcycle industry. However, Kawasaki is now known for its fantastic motorcycles, but they still nod to their aircraft manufacturing routes. If you find earlier models, you will find Kawasaki aircraft emblems on the fuel tank.

5. Ducati

Ducati motorcycles take the artistry of motorcycle making seriously. All their motorcycles are handmade in Italy. As a result, Ducati motorcycles are loved for their modern and artistic form and function.

Ducati motorcycles are very popular in the racing industry. At the same time, the engines of the Ducati make a very distinctive sound that helps with branding. This is another brand that some people will stake their claim on.

6. Triumph

Most of the motorcycles on our list have been around for decades. This is not the case for Triumph. Triumph only started making motorcycles in 1984, but their history dates all the way back to the early 1900s.

Most people today love Triumph motorcycles because they go very fast. At the same time, they have both modern and classic looks so that the speed-hungry can find a bike that matches their style too.

7. BMW

BMW is a big player in all things vehicles. The company has been producing motorcycles since 1923. Today, they are best used for adventure-like scenarios, including sporting and street bikes.

However, BMW has a little bit of something for everyone. They sell sports bikes, urban motorcycles, and even sport tours. All their bikes have great engineering and a touch of luxury.

8. Harley-Davidson

Practically everyone in America knows Harley-Davidson. In fact, it is one of the most well-known bike brands. Even those not within the biking culture are familiar with the brand. They have a unique chopper style that’s pretty easy to spot.

Harley-Davidson produces a wide range of products. They sell electric motorcycles as well as adventure motorcycles, but their cruiser and chopper styles are still the most common.

9. Indian

Indian is easily one of the most notorious American motorcycle companies, second only to Harley-Davidson. Their history is long, jaded, and filled with bankruptcies, but the Indian bike remains due to its avid followers.

Indian parts are very popular among antique scenes as well. If you can find old Indian parts, you could have thousands of dollars on your hands.

10. KTM

If you love off-road bikes, KTM is one of the best brands you can get. KTM’s designs and colors change frequently, but their liability and durability have not. Hence, KTM produces fantastic adventure bikes for those who want to go off-road.

Which Motorcycle Brand Should I Select?

Choosing a motorcycle brand is an intimate decision. It can be next to impossible to get helpful recommendations since everyone has their own opinion on this matter. Here are some things to think about when selecting a motorcycle brand:

Riding Style

Where you intend to ride your bike makes a huge difference about which brand you should get. Are you an adventure biker, sport biker, or road biker? The answer to this question should help you narrow down the decision.

For example, KTM motorcycles may be the choice for you if you are an adventure biker, but Harley-Davidson or Kawasaki may be for you if you want a road bike.

Reputation

Always consider the reputation of the brand you select. Any one of the ten companies above has a fantastic reputation, which means you can’t go wrong with them. Read about the frequency of repairs and durability if you decide to go with a brand that is not on this list, though.

Preferences

Once you have your writing style and bike reputation out of the way, you can start picking brands and bikes based on your own personal preferences. Speed, capabilities, and appearance can all help you pick out a bike that matches your style.

Conclusion

Although there are tons of motorcycle brands available today, the 10 mentioned above are the most reliable, beloved, and all-around great. You really can’t go wrong with any one of the brands above.

Still, make sure to consider your own riding style and preferences when selecting a motorcycle brand. You don’t have to worry about reputation if you are picking from one of the bikes on our list, but don’t ignore reputation if you go with a brand elsewhere.

Featured Image Credit: TSKvado, Pixabay