Top 5 Motorcycle Manufacturers
While BMW is most famous for their cars, enthusiasts know that the German manufacturer’s motorcycle division is a force to be reckoned with on and off the road. Their bike lineup is a combination of street-ready cruisers and white-knuckle sport bikes that beg to be driven hard.
Aprilia’s supersport models often wear striking liveries showcasing their racing heritage and the company is also a strong contender in world motorcross competition. They are also known for their slick and affordable cruisers.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its roots go back to 1907, when William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first factory on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company has continued to grow and expand, becoming one of the most well-known brands in the world.
During the 1920s, Harley-Davidson introduced several technological feats including the “teardrop” gas tank and a 1,213cc engine. The company also created industrial powerplants for vehicles like three-wheeled delivery vehicles.
In 1942, the company produced the WLA for the military. The bikes were designed to be durable and easy to repair by troops. They used the 45 ci side-valve flathead engine, which had unit construction where the crankcases and gearboxes were one set of castings. The WLA was eventually eclipsed by Jeeps and other modern motorcycles for military use. The company also started selling to police departments, which became a major market for Harley-Davidson in later years.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki is a multinational corporation that produces engines, industrial products, and powersports. The company was founded 124 years ago by Shozo Kawasaki. The founder of the company wanted to produce modern innovations in Japan’s shipping industry. By 1906, the company had begun to diversify into producing components for the automotive and railway industries as well.
The famous Lime Green Kawasaki racers were introduced in 1968. These Electric Sightseeing Car racing machines were a huge success and established Kawasaki as a powerful bike manufacturer.
1978Kork Ballington wins both the 250cc and 350cc World Championships riding fore-and-aft parallel twins. Eddie Lawson would win the AMA Superbike championship the following year after a fierce battle with Honda’s Freddie Spencer.
Today, Kawasaki has a wide range of motorcycles and jet skis for all riders. Their Ninja models are designed for speed, while their MULE and Vulcan utility vehicles are built for off-road use. Kawasaki’s ZXR line of bikes is engineered to be both fast and stylish.
KTM
Founded in 1934, KTM began as a repair shop for DKW motorcycles and Opel cars in Mattighofen, Austria. Its founder, Hans Trunkenpolz, earned his master craftsman’s certificates as a machinist and motor mechanic, and by 1950 the company had become profitable. In 1955, he introduced the R100 two-stroke race bike and secured investment from Ernst Kronreif. He later changed the company name to KTM to honor the investor’s last name.
From 1971 to 1980, the company continued to grow and expand. It created its own 125-cc engine and became the first manufacturer to use disc brakes on motocross dirt bikes. It also opened a US subsidiary in Lorain, Ohio. The company continued to evolve its line of bikes and in 1995, it acquired Husqvarna, which had been bought by Cagiva. Later, the company bought White Power Suspension and began focusing on off-road racing. The RC8 superbike was launched in 2008. In 2023, the company secured its 19th win at the grueling Dakar rally.
BMW Motorrad
The German motorcycle manufacturer BMW Motorrad is a well-known name in the world of bikes. Their models are both reliable and sleek, with an emphasis on performance. The company has a history of collaboration with outside development partners, but the main design decisions are still made in Munich. This makes it possible to trim costs without compromising the integrity of the bike’s design.
In 1980, BMW launched a major innovation in boxer engine design with the R 80 G/S, which paved the way for large travel enduro bikes. The model had a 797 cc engine that offered riders enough power for light to medium offroad use as well as sporty riding on tarmacked roads. The engine also incorporated a counterbalance shaft that greatly reduced inertia torque reactions.
Another notable innovation was the Earles fork, which was designed by Englishman Ernest Earles. This system caused the front of the bike to rise under braking, unlike a telescopic fork.
Suzuki
Suzuki is known for its sleek design and off-road capabilities. It is one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world and produces a wide variety of models. These include sport bikes, cruisers, and motocross bikes. The company also manufactures small cars and SUVs. Suzuki is a global leader in four-wheel-drive vehicles and has a strong presence in developing countries, where it offers affordable transportation options.
In 1952, Suzuki introduced a bicycle fitted with a small gas engine. The Power Free was inexpensive and easy to maintain, and featured a 36 cc, one-horsepower two-stroke engine. The system allowed riders to pedal with the engine assisting them or run on its own power.
Suzuki’s success in two-stroke competition is largely due to East German Grand Prix racer Ernst Degner, who defected to the West in 1961 and brought with him expertise in the design of two-stroke engines from the company MZ. Degner’s skills motorcycle manufacturer allowed Suzuki to develop the boost port, expansion chamber, and rotary valve, technologies that revolutionized the sport of racing motorcycles.
Yamaha
Yamaha is a company that has a long history of producing a wide range of products. They are known for their dedication to research and development. They are also known for their focus on aesthetics and performance. In addition, they strive to produce environmentally friendly products.
Genichi Kawakami founded Yamaha with the belief that forward vision and original ideas would lead to success. He also believed that the company should take part in every activity that could possibly help it grow. This led to the creation of many long-selling models such as the SEROW, V-MAX and SR. These models have maintained their original values over the years and only minor improvements have been made.
Yamaha focuses on giving its customers an experience that exceeds their expectations. This approach has been a major factor in the success of their motorcycles. They also focus on the emotional aspect of the rider experience, which they call Jin-Ki.