For motorcycle enthusiasts in the USA, owning a motorcycle is more than just a mode of transportation. It's a lifestyle, a way of expressing oneself, and a way of life. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or trade your bike, understanding the history and background of the wide range of motorcycle brands in the USA can be helpful in getting the best value. In today’s post, we explore the history of some of the most popular motorcycle companies in the USA (and the world!).

 

Harley Davidson

Year Founded: 1903

Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

Harley-Davidson is arguably the most well-known motorcycle brand in the world. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903, Harley Davidson has been producing motorcycles for over 100 years. The brand has a long and storied history, with notable events including the iconic "Harley vs. Indian" battles in the 1920s and the rise of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle club culture in the 1950s. Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their classic design and powerful engines. They’re associated with American culture, dominated the American market until 2006, and the brand has maintained a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world. They offer a range of models, including the Sportster, Street Guide, Softail, Touring, Road King and Street.

Indian Motorcycle

Year Founded: 1901

Headquarters: Medina, Minnesota

 

Indian Motorcycle was founded in 1901, making it one of the oldest motorcycle brands in the world. The company has gone through several owners and changes over the years, but it has always maintained its reputation for producing high-quality motorcycles, with a massive resurgence in popularity in recent years. Indian motorcycles are often seen as a rival to Harley-Davidson, and the brand has a loyal following of its own. Some of Indian's most popular models include the Indian Scout, Chieftain, and Roadmaster.

Kawasaki

Year Founded: 1962 (Motorbike Division)

Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan

 

Kawasaki is a Japanese motorcycle brand that has been making waves in the USA for over five decades. The company started producing motorcycles in the USA in the 1960s, and it quickly became known for its powerful engines and sleek designs. Kawasaki offers a range of models, including the Ninja, Versys, and Vulcan.

 

Honda

Year Founded: 1948

Headquarters: Hamamatsu, Japan

 

Honda is another Japanese motorcycle brand that has made a name for itself in the USA. The company was founded in 1948, and it has been producing motorcycles for over seven decades. Honda offers a range of models, including the Gold Wing, CBR, and Rebel.

 

Yamaha

Year founded: 1955

Headquarters: Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan

Yamaha is a Japanese brand that has been producing motorcycles since 1955. The company initially focused on producing small-displacement bikes, but has since expanded to include a range of models. Yamaha is known for producing high-quality motorcycles that are reliable and fun to ride. Some of Yamaha's most popular models include the YZF-R1 sport bike, the MT-09 naked bike, and the FJR1300 touring bike. 

Triumph

Year founded: 1902

Headquarters: Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK

 

Triumph is a British motorcycle brand that has been producing motorcycles since 1902. The company has a long and storied history, with notable events including the production of the iconic Bonneville model in the 1960s. Triumph motorcycles are often associated with British culture and heritage, and the brand has a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world. Some of Triumph's most popular models include the Bonneville, Speed Triple, and Tiger adventure bike.

Ducati

Year founded: 1926

Headquarters: Bologna, Italy

 

Ducati is an Italian brand that has been producing motorcycles since 1926. The company has a long history of producing high-performance bikes, and has won numerous racing championships over the years. Ducati motorcycles are known for their sleek design and high-performance capabilities. The brand has a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world.

Some of Ducati's most popular models include the Panigale sport bike, the Monster naked bike, and the Multistrada adventure bike.

BMW Motorrad

Year founded: 1921 (motorbike division)

Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

 

BMW is a German motorcycle brand that has been producing motorcycles since the 1920s. BMW motorcycles are known for their high-quality engineering and innovative designs. BMW offers a range of models, including the S 1000 RR, R 1250 GS, and K 1600 GT.

KTM

Year founded: 1934 (motorbike division)

Headquarters: Mattighofen, Austria

 

KTM is an Austrian motorcycle brand that has been producing motorcycles since the 1930s. The company is known for its off-road and racing motorcycles and has won numerous championships over the years. KTM offers a range of models, including the 1290 Super Duke, 690 Enduro R, and 390 Duke.

Aprilia

Year Founded: 1945

Headquarters: Noale, Italy

 

Aprilia is an Italian brand that has been producing motorcycles since 1945. The company initially started out producing bicycles, but later shifted its focus to motorcycles. Aprilia has a rich history in motorcycle racing, with numerous championship wins in various categories over the years.

 

Aprilia motorcycles are known for their high performance and sleek design. They offer a range of models, including the RSV4 sport bike, the Tuono naked bike, and the Shiver roadster. The brand has a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world, who appreciate the brand's attention to detail and focus on performance.

 

In recent years, Aprilia has also been focusing on developing electric motorcycles and scooters. The brand's eSR1 electric scooter was launched in 2020, and has been well-received by customers looking for a stylish and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Suzuki

Year Founded: 1909

Headquarters: Hamamatsu, Japan

 

Suzuki is a Japanese brand that has been producing motorcycles since 1952. Founded in Hamamatsu, Japan in 1909, Suzuki has grown into one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world. The brand is known for its innovation and has been responsible for many industry firsts, including the first production motocross bike and the first fuel-injected motocross bike.

 

Suzuki motorcycles are known for their high performance and reliability. They offer a range of models, including the GSX-R sport bike, the V-Strom adventure bike, and the Boulevard cruiser. The brand has a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world, and its bikes are popular among both casual riders and serious motorcycle enthusiasts. With a focus on innovation and quality, Suzuki motorcycles are a great choice for anyone looking for a high-performance ride.

Moto Guzzi

Year Founded: 1921

Headquarters: Mandello del Lario, Italy

 

Moto Guzzi is an Italian brand that has been producing motorcycles since 1921. Founded in Mandello del Lario, Italy, Moto Guzzi is known for its iconic V-twin engines and innovative designs. The brand has a long history in motorcycle racing, with numerous championship wins over the years.

 

As seems standard for Italian motorcycle brands, Moto Guzzi motorcycles are known for their distinctive style and performance. They offer a range of models, including the V7 classic cruiser, the V9 bobber, and the California touring bike. The brand has a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world, who appreciate the brand's focus on quality and craftsmanship.

Royal Enfield

Year Founded: 1901

Headquarters: Chennai, India

 

Royal Enfield is a British-Indian brand that has been producing motorcycles since 1901. The company has a long and storied history, with notable events including the production of the iconic Bullet model in the 1930s. Royal Enfield has been owned by the Indian company Eicher Motors since 1994 and has since undergone a resurgence in popularity.

 

Royal Enfield motorcycles are known for their classic design and rugged durability. They offer a range of models, including the Interceptor cruiser, the Continental GT sport bike, and the Classic standard bike. The brand has a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world, who appreciate the brand's focus on heritage and craftsmanship.

 

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Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, the motorcycle industry has a perfect brand out there for everyone. From classic American brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian, to high-performance Japanese brands like Yamaha, and sleek Italian brands like Ducati, the choices are endless. If you're looking for a motorcycle that is steeped in history and has a loyal following, nearly all of these choices will work for you. 

 

When choosing a motorcycle, it's important to consider your needs and preferences. Do you want a bike that is designed for long-distance touring, or are you looking for a high-performance sport bike? Do you prefer classic styling, or are you drawn to more modern designs?

 

Once you have a sense of what you're looking for, it's a good idea to test ride a few different models from different brands. This will give you a sense of how each bike feels and handles, and can help you make an informed decision.

 

Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a motorcycle that you love and that fits your needs. With so many great brands and models available, there's sure to be a motorcycle out there that is perfect for you. For more information about the motorcycle brands we carry, visit the rest of our website, or give us a call today at 603-279-5995