Rating: The Greatest Motorcycles of All Time

Since 1885, millions of motorcycles have been built by different manufacturers. Some have been designed to break world records and achieve top performance, while others are designed exclusively for city driving in style. These are the greatest motorcycles ever made, past and present.

40. Ducati 1098

The 1098 is one of the finest modern Ducatis of all time. This monstrous machine was introduced to the market in 2007. Its production ceased after only two years, with only 2200 units built by the Italian manufacturer. In addition to exceptional performance and handling, the 1098 is considered one of the most magnificent motorcycles of the 2000s.

This sportbike is powered by a powerful 1098 cc twin-cylinder engine. cm capacity from 160 to 180 horsepower. It can accelerate to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and has a top speed of an astounding 173 mph.

39. Honda RC51

Honda has created many impressive sport bikes over the past decades, and the RC51 is arguably the best of them all. This motorcycle was developed by a Japanese manufacturer primarily to compete in the Superbike World Championship in the early 2000s.

The Honda-designed powerplant was the 999c V-twin, similar to the previously mentioned Ducati 1098 twin. No wonder this 138-horsepower monster was a big hit in motorsport. The RC51 can reach speeds of up to 164 miles per hour!

34. Harley-Davidson Sportster

The Harley-Davidson Sportster series is one of the oldest series sold by an American manufacturer. The first Sportster debuted back in the late 50s. Sportster choppers are powered by a two-cylinder V-twin engine, which until 2003 was mounted directly on the frame. While this meant improving the bike's agility and handling, it also transmitted engine vibrations directly to the rider. Sportsters released after 2003 are much more comfortable than older models.

The Sportster is one of the best choices for any Harley-Davidson fan. Famous actor and former Hells Angels president Chuck Zito also once owned one.

38. KTM 1190 Adventure

The Adventure series is well known in the touring motorcycle community. The 1190 Adventure, sold between 2013 and 2016, is one of the most successful versions. It is also extremely powerful. In fact, its 1195cc V-twin produces almost 150 horsepower. In fact, it can hit 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds!

This version of the Adventure is more driver friendly than any of its predecessors. The bike is equipped with electronic suspension control or Anti-Lowside technology developed by Bosch to give the KTM 1190 Adventure maximum versatility.

37. Harley-Davidson Low Rider

Harley-Davidson is one of the most iconic manufacturers of any manufacturer in the world. Their motorcycles are loved by the infamous Hells Angels and other motorcycle clubs around the world. The Low Rider series was born in the late 70s and remained an important part of the company's lineup until 2009.

The FXS Low Rider essentially defined what Harley-Davidson would be in the coming decades. The bike featured stunning styling, lots of chrome trim and a loud 1600cc engine. cm with the unmistakable exhaust sound.

36.Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11

The ZX-11 is one of the most famous models in the Kawasaki Ninja series. This impressive sportbike debuted in 1990 and quickly made world news. At the time of its debut, the Ninja ZX-11 was the fastest production motorcycle of all time.

1052 cc engine cc, which powers the Ninja ZX-11, develops a maximum output of just over 134 horsepower, allowing the sportbike to reach speeds of 176 mph. The ZX-11 retained its title for a total of six years. The ZX-11 was eventually replaced by the ZX-12C after 2001.

The next sportbike stripped the Ninja ZX-11 of the title of the fastest production motorcycle in the world!

35. Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird

Anyone who has ever ridden late 90s sportbikes knows that their spartan nature and lack of rider comfort can be tiring, especially on long journeys. Honda decided to address these issues with the 1100 CBR1996XX, commonly known as the Blackbird. At the time, it was the most versatile and practical sport touring motorcycle. Yes, and the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

The Blackbird can reach a top speed of 180 mph thanks to its 137 horsepower engine. It was a significant improvement in terms of driver comfort over any of its competitors.

33. Aprilia Tuono

The Aprilia Tuono remains one of the best naked bikes of the 2000s. The bike debuted back in 2002 and was sold by the Italian manufacturer until 2010. Tuono is based on the RSV Mille sportbike. The two motorcycles share many components, including the powertrain, transmission and frame.

The RSV Tuono is powered by a 997cc V-twin engine. CM and 123 hp. The Italian manufacturer went even further, releasing a forced Tuono 1000 R in 2006. The power of the motorcycle increased by 10 hp. compared to RSV.

32. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S

Ducati first introduced the new Multistrada series in 2003. The all-new Multistrada 1000 was a versatile touring bike powered by a 92 hp L-twin engine. Seven years later, the Italian manufacturer completely redefined the adventure bike class with the launch of the all-new Multistrada 1200 touring bike. The new Multistrada was better than its predecessors in every way.

The 1200 S remains one of the fastest touring bikes ever built, with its V2 engine producing 160 horsepower! In fact, the Multistrada 1200 S can hit 60 mph in less than 2.8 seconds.

31. Yamaha XT500

The XT500 was a milestone for Yamaha, as well as for the motorcycle world in general. This 1975 enduro adventure bike is considered one of the first of its kind!

After the release of the innovative XT500, other manufacturers quickly began to imitate the Yamaha XT500. However, none of the copies were as perfect as the original. The XT500 was powered by a 500cc 4-stroke engine. See in combination with a 5-speed gearbox. This enduro adventure bike was produced until 1989.

30. Kawasaki Ninja H2R

Without a doubt, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R is one of the craziest bikes money can buy. In fact, the H2R is so crazy it's not even legal for street use. Instead, the owners of this sportbike need to go to the race track to enjoy this monstrous machine. The Japanese manufacturer offers a road version, although it is nowhere near as powerful.

The H2R develops a whopping 310 horsepower from its 998cc powerplant. See supercharged. In fact, the bike can reach speeds of up to 249 miles per hour! The street-ready Ninja H2 is also impressive: it can reach speeds of up to 209 mph thanks to its 200-horsepower supercharged engine.

29. MV August 600GT

The 600GT is one of the most sought after motorcycles MV Augusta has ever built. This impressive touring motorcycle debuted in 1966 and only 172 were made.

The stylish 600GT is powered by a 592cc four-cylinder engine. see. The bike is capable of speeds up to 115 miles per hour thanks to a power plant with a capacity of 52 horsepower. In addition to the regular MV Augusta 600 units, the Italian manufacturer has developed several different special versions of the motorcycle. All units were painted black except for one blue and one yellow special units. These are by far the most desired.

The next bike has one of the smallest engines on this list!

28. Yamaha PV 50

The PW50 may not be the most powerful motorcycle of all time. In fact, its 50cc single-cylinder engine cm barely develops a power of 3 horsepower. However, this fun minibike is more important than you might expect, and its tiny powerplant is one of the reasons for that.

This mini bike is the perfect starting point for kids and teens who want to explore the world of off-road motorcycles. The Yamaha PW50 is equipped with a three-speed gearbox, as well as an automatic clutch and automatic lubrication.

27. Suzuki Hayabusa

Whether you're an avid motorcycle fanatic or not, you've definitely heard of the infamous Hayabusa. This aggressive sport bike made headlines immediately upon its debut in 1999 as it dethroned the previously mentioned Honda Blackbird to become the world's fastest production motorcycle of all time.

The Hayabusa was more than just a fast motorcycle. In fact, it was the first road bike to break the 300 km/h (187 mph) mark thanks to its aerodynamic bodywork and a monstrous 173 horsepower powerplant. Until 2021, two generations of Hayabusa have been released. Earlier this year, the Japanese manufacturer introduced a completely new generation!

26. Triple Triumph of Speed

The Speed ​​Triple is one of Triumph's most popular motorcycle series. The first motorcycle of this series debuted in 1994. The Speed ​​Triple name pays homage to the legendary Triumph Speed ​​Twin of the late 30s. As the name suggests, the Speed ​​Triple was powered by a three-cylinder engine.

The bike is loved by riders for its distinctive aggressive style as well as its iconic three-cylinder powertrain. The 2016 model shown in the photo above makes 140 horsepower, almost 50 horsepower more than the original '94 Speed ​​Triple.

25. Eliminator Kawasaki

The Eliminator is one of the most luxurious motorcycles Kawasaki has ever sold. This cruiser first appeared on the market in the mid-80s and remained in production until 2007. The Japanese manufacturer offered all kinds of engines for the Eliminator, from the 125cc ideal for beginner riders to the powerful 1000cc version. .

One of the best features of the Eliminator is undoubtedly the design of the bike. The first two versions of the bike were practically replicas of road drag bikes! Today, the Eliminator remains a favorite among buyers.

24. Ducati Diavel

The Diavel debuted back in 2010 as the second cruising bike ever built by Ducati, the first being the Indiana of the late 80s. The cruiser is considered one of the most distinctive motorcycles available on the market. Aside from its impressive design, the Diavel is one of the fastest production motorcycles ever made. It can accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds!

Interestingly, the Diavel is a favorite among experienced riders over the age of 50. Many owners have switched from Harley-Davidson V-rod to Ducati Diavel.

23. Harley-Davidson FXRS Sport

As great as the Harley-Davidson FXR is, some riders have complained that there is still a lot of room for improvement. Thus, the American manufacturer introduced the FXRS Sport in 1985.

The Harley-Davidson FXRS Sport was essentially a redesigned FXR. The motorcycle featured a raised suspension and a second disc brake at the front of the motorcycle. In fact, the smoothness of the ride has been vastly improved over the regular FXR. The FXRS Sport was more comfortable for long trips, and the suspension was nowhere near as stiff.

22. KTM RC8

Despite being a truly exceptional machine, the KTM 1190 RC8 seems to have been forgotten shortly after its debut. The superbike first appeared on the market in 2008 and was discontinued just 7 years later. The RC8 has shown impressive results in the AMA Superbike Series, even garnering attention at the Isle of Man TT. Today, many riders seem to have forgotten about this masterpiece.

The RC8 was powered by a V-twin engine that peaked at between 151 and 173 horsepower, depending on year. Sprint 0-60 only takes 3 seconds!

21. Honda Dominator 650

The NX650 literally dominated the dual-sports segment when it first hit the market in 1988. Honda's innovative motorcycle was ideal for both on- and off-road use. The Dominator 650 truly defined the dual-sport market for decades to come.

The Japanese manufacturer offered all sorts of NX Dual-Sport options, ranging from 125cc to the most powerful 650cc Dominator. In its most powerful version, the NX produced 44 horsepower from its single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. The Dominator quickly became famous for its reliability and exceptional performance.

20. Truxton Triumph

Any cafe racer fan knows Thruxton well. This bike debuted back in 2004 as a tribute to the stylish bikes of the past. Even its name pays homage to the iconic Velocette Thruxton, an award-winning race bike from the 60s.

The magnificent Thruxton from Triumph is equipped with an 865 cc power plant. cm, which produces 68 horsepower. Following the success of Thruxton, Triumph introduced the new Thruxton 1200 in 2016. The bike is about 30 horsepower more than its predecessor, though the design may not be as iconic as the original Thruxton.

The next bike wouldn't stand a chance against Thruxton.

19. Honda Super Cube

In the 1950s, Honda noticed a growing demand for mopeds and light motorcycles in Germany. The Japanese manufacturer quickly developed the Super Cub, a reliable two-wheeler ideal for daily commuting, and released it in 1958. Sales skyrocketed and Honda began offering the Super Cub series in 15 countries.

The Super Cub may not be the prettiest or fastest bike of all time. However, its influence can be easily seen in many cities around the world. For example, the rush hour traffic jam in downtown Ho Chi Minh City is filled with Honda Super Cubs.

18. Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Night Train

One of the most coveted contemporary Harley-Davidson motorcycles is the FXSTB Softail Night Train, which was sold between 2007 and 2008. This intimidating machine left the factory as a custom bike based on the regular Softail. Some owners, like the one pictured above, have taken their Night Train a step further and added even more modifications.

The FXSTB Softail Night Train features a unique design that makes it easy to distinguish from any other Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It is powered by a 1584 cc twin cam engine. You will definitely hear it from a mile away.

17. Moto Guzzi Le Mans

The Le Mans series was a milestone for Moto Guzzi. The Italian manufacturer released the original Le Mans in 1976. It was the first sport bike ever built by Moto Guzzi and continued to be successfully produced well into the early 2000s.

The original 850 Le Mans is actually classified as a cafe racer. However, newer motorcycles are classified as sports touring. The 850's two-cylinder engine produced 71 horsepower, allowing the bike to reach 130 mph. The I Le Mans stamp became very popular with collectors as only about 7000 examples were ever built.

16. Suzuki GSX-R

The GSX-R series debuted back in 1984. Commonly known as the Gixxer, the GSX-R is one of the most affordable high performance motorcycles on the market. There are many generations and engine options to choose from, from the 125cc to the monstrous 1000cc.

The most powerful variant, the GSX-R1000, has been in production since 2001. The latest version has been released since 2017. Its power plant develops a total of 185 horsepower, which allows the bike to reach a total speed of 178 miles per hour.

15. Harley-Davidson VRSC

Harley-Davidson's VRSC series is a two-wheeled muscle car. These legendary cruisers develop between 115 and 125 horsepower, depending on the version and year of manufacture. Even though theoretically these bikes are classified as cruisers, these bikes are often referred to as muscle bikes due to their high power output and throaty exhaust sound.

The V-bar may be powerful and loud, but it's not performance-oriented at all. The VRSC, like the rest of the Harley-Davidson lineup, is geared towards driving in style.

14. Yamaha Road Star

Beginning motorcycle enthusiasts can easily confuse the Road Star with a Harley-Davidson. After all, the style of this cruiser is somewhat reminiscent of the iconic design language of American V-rod helicopters. The Road Star, also called the Wild Star in some markets, is one of the best modern cruisers on the market.

The Road Star is powered by a loud 1600cc V-twin engine that produces nearly 63 horsepower in total. Road Star, like any other cruiser, does not have peak power. Yamaha offers an easy setup that allows owners to personalize their bikes to their liking.

13. Suzuki Marauder

The Marauder may not have been the fastest bike of its day, nor the most beautiful on the market. However, many bikers have a soft spot for this tiny 125cc bike. In fact, its small 12-horsepower motor is one of the main reasons for this.

Most bikers can agree that it's best to start riding a small bike, ideally a 125cc or 250cc, before moving on to bigger machines. The Suzuki GZ 125 Marauder is one of the best training bikes on the market, which is why it deserves the title of one of the greatest bikes of all time.

12. Ducati SuperSport

The release of the 900SS was a giant milestone for Ducati. The debut of the first motorcycle of this series dates back to 1972. The original SuperSport was the stepping stone that defined today's Ducati. This motorcycle is powered by a 864cc four-stroke engine that produces 67 horsepower. Top speed is a whopping 135 mph.

The SuperSport series lives on. In 2017, the Italian manufacturer released an all-new SS as a more casual alternative to the radical Panigale.

11. Racer Moto Guzzi V7 III

Moto Guzzi has created some of the most iconic motorcycles since the Italian company was founded in 1921. After all, one would rightfully expect the oldest European motorcycle manufacturer to produce impressive machines. The V7 Racer may simply be the best ever.

This bike debuted in 2012 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the V7 series. The latest V7 engine is the perfect combination of amazing design and agility. This naked motorcycle is powered by a 750cc engine with 52 horsepower.

10. Triumph Bonneville

The legendary Triumph Bonneville tops the list of the ten greatest motorcycles of all time. Although the current generation has only been in production for 10 decades, the original Bonneville dates back to the end of 2 years.

Many motorcycle enthusiasts have a soft spot for Bonneville. The latest generation style has a cool classic touch. Unlike most classic bikes, the Bonneville features exceptional handling and a comfortable ride. This is truly one of the most versatile options in its class.

9. Measured desert racer

The Metisse Desert Racer is without a doubt one of the coolest motorcycles of the 21st century. This stylish bike is a replica of the bike used by Steve McQueen in the mid 60s. Like the original, the replica is built on a Metisse frame. The manufacturer introduced special replicas in 2009. 300 units were available, priced around $20,000 each.

The original Desert Racer was built by Bud Adkins, a professional stuntman and close friend of Steve McQueen. The stunning replica is powered by a 650 cc Triumph engine.

8. Velocet Venom

Don't let the beautiful name of this manufacturer fool you. Despite the Italian name, Velocette is actually a company based in Birmingham, England. Venom is one of their most iconic creations and one of the greatest machines of the second half of the 20th century.

The 34-horsepower motorcycle debuted back in 1955. Its 499cc single-cylinder engine allowed the Venom to reach a top speed of 100 mph. Back in 1961, the Venom made a record 24-hour run at an average speed of just over 100 mph.

7. Harley Davidson XR750

The XR750 sure looks familiar, doesn't it? This motorcycle was developed by Harley Davidson exclusively for racing. The American manufacturer began selling it in 1970. What's more, the XR750 is also one of the favorite bikes of world famous daredevil Evel Knievel.

The XR750 in the photo above is Iron specialist. Harley Davidson only built 120 and they were all sold to flat track racers. More than 5 decades after its first debut, the XR750 is still considered one of the most successful machines in AMA Racing history.

6. Yamaha P1

The R1 has single-handedly dominated the sportbike market since its debut in 1998. The motorcycle remains one of the fastest growing production motorcycles of all time. In fact, cars made after 2006 can hit 60 mph in a staggering 2.64 seconds, while 100-5.1 takes just XNUMX seconds.

Apart from being a huge success in terms of impressive sales figures, the R1 is also a well-known model in the motorsport world. In fact, the bike took 5 wins at the Macau Grand Prix between 1999 and 2013.

The next bike is more than 8 year older than the R1!

5. Triumph Model H

Model H may not seem too attractive to fans of modern motorcycles. However, there is no doubt that the Model H is one of the most important models created by Triumph. The bike dates back to 1915, when Triumph was commissioned by the British government to develop a motorcycle to replace horse-riding couriers. In the end, the manufacturer produced 57,000 units over the 8-year production period of the motorcycle.

The H model was powered by a 550 cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine. cm and a power of only 4 horsepower. It was one of the first Triumph bikes to not have pedals either!

4. Vincent Black Shadow

The Black Shadow has gone down in history as one of the most iconic motorcycles of all time. The motorcycle debuted in 1948 and became an icon despite a short production run ending just 7 years later.

The Black Shadow was considered one of the best motorcycles of its time. Its 998cc engine peaked at 55 horsepower, which meant a top speed of a whopping 190 mph. The Series C is the best version money can buy. It was essentially the B series with additional improvements such as redesigned suspension.

3. BSA Gold Star

The Birmingham Small Arms Company, or BSA for short, produced the record-breaking Gold Star in the late 30s. BSA sold the motorcycle with a 350cc or 500cc powerplant. Interestingly, the manufacturer gave each owner a dyno test result along with the bike showing how powerful their machine was.

The Gold Star remained one of the fastest bikes on the market well into the 60s. The motorcycle was improved for almost three decades, until it was replaced by the BSA B50 in the early 70s.

2. Bro Improved SS100

Every custom bike enthusiast has heard of George Brough and the Brough Superior SS100. This magnificent machine, designed by Bro himself, was the first custom motorcycle. Brou took components from various suppliers and by 100 had assembled a Superior SS1924. He then continued to improve the machine over the following years.

All motorcycles built by Bro were guaranteed to be able to reach a maximum speed of at least 100 miles per hour. A year after the motorcycle's initial debut, the SS100 was already capable of reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h. Two years after that, George Brough broke the world record when he reached 100 mph in his Superior SS130.6.

1. Norton Manx

Choosing the best motorcycle of all time is no easy task. However, the legendary Norton Manx is perhaps the most iconic of them all. The Manx was designed with the goal of winning the Isle of Man TT. Motorcycle production was suspended during World War II. The first motorcycle debuted in 1946.

The 500cc version of the Manx produced 47 horsepower and a top speed of 140 mph! In the following years, the motorcycle was a great success in motorsport. The Manx power plant has even been used in Formula 3 racing cars!