BEST MOTORCYCLE BRANDS: Top 21 Brands in the World for Beginners & Pros

Motorcycles lovers will certainly refer to their bike as their best companion. Most riders have a strong bond with their motorcycles, so it’s no surprise that they’re even more selective when selecting a road trip companion.
While there’s nothing wrong with keeping to your own personal style, it’s critical to invest your money in the right brand. Let us look at some of the best motorcycle brands in the world for beginners that are not only famous among riders for their performance but also for their dependability and affordability.

What are the Best Motorcycle Brands

With all the numerous motorcycle brands in the market, how do you decide which is the best? Choosing the right brand of a motorcycle depends on your style and experience as a rider. All of the best motorcycle brands on our list started differently and have strived to be at the top of their game.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki is a Japanese manufacturer since 1939 when they began making motorcycles in addition to aircraft and other vehicles. They are one of the most popular motorcycle brands among rookie riders in the world today.

Kawasaki motorcycles outshine other brands because of their high-performance engine, attractive appearance, dependability, and excellent riding experience. Their aim to design the world’s best motorcycle engines leads them to create powerful yet refined motorcycles that are suitable for both novice and experienced riders. They’re simple to ride and comfy enough to take on a long road trip with your buddies. Furthermore, Kawasaki motorcycles provide a unique and delightful riding experience that no other motorcycle can match.

BMW

BMW is Germany’s most popular motorcycle brand, has been in the industry since 1920 making sports, touring, roadster, heritage, adventure, and urban motorcycles. BMW’s first motorbike, the M2B15, was a flat-twin petrol engine produced shortly after World War I. With the exception of the G310 series, which is being constructed in an Indian plant, all motorcycle production is currently done in Berlin. The S1000RR, BMW’s most famous motorcycle, is a sports bike.

BMW currently produces four types of engines to appeal to different sorts of riders: single-cylinder F and G series engines, twin-cylinder F series engines, R series engines, and K series engines.

Honda

Honda has been the world’s largest motorbike manufacturer since 1959, with headquarters in Tokyo. In 2019, the firm hit a production milestone of 400 million units, the most of any motorbike brand in the world. Honda is notable for its quality and dependability in the motorcycle community all around the world, whether it’s long-distance touring motorcycles like the Rebel 1100 and Africa Twin, or off-road dirt bike segments.

The company is notable for making motorcycles that are incredibly adaptable, with plenty of power and comfort to suit any riding style. They give both performance and utility, and are pleasant even at modest speeds, which sets them apart from other motorcycle brands!

Honda has really built its market in the entire riding category, making it among the best motorcycle brands in the world, whether it’s touring, supersport, cruiser, adventure, or a city ride.

Yamaha

When it comes to style and thrill, Yamaha is another fantastic motorbike manufacturer based in Japan. The firm sold five million motorcycles worldwide, making it the world’s second-largest motorcycle brand and a direct competitor of Honda. Yamaha has successfully entered all imaginable riding sectors such as trail, enduro, motocross, electric, and even concept motorcycles since its inaugural manufacturing in 1955. Not to mention the iconic YD2, YDS3C Big Bear, TR3, YZ250, OW48, and RZ500 motorcycles that helped Yamaha win numerous world titles.

Yamaha motorcycles are less expensive to buy and maintain than Honda motorcycles. They are also significantly more nimble and quick around curves. As a result, if you’re learning to ride a dirt bike for the first time, Yamaha will be the ideal partner.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson is the world’s most popular motorcycle brand and the most popular cruiser brand in the United States. The brand motorcycles are equipped with high-performance engines that no other manufacturer can match. Harley motorcycles are a wonderful blend of beauty and muscle, in addition to performance. This adaptable long-distance cruiser however, features bespoke styling that has set a new standard in the motorcycle world. The modern Harley Davidson is made to last, intended to explore, and constructed to cruise on any trip.

Street Bob 114, Fat Boy 114, VRSCDX Night Rod Special, FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide, and the 2006 VRSCSE2 are just a few of Harley’s notable motorcycles.

Hero

Hero MotoCorp (formerly Hero Honda) is an Indian multinational corporation and the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer (motorcycles and scooters combined). The motorcycles were created with the goal of providing a low-cost two-wheeled mode of transportation for every Indian household. Hero stunned the Asian market with its better acceleration and performance when it launched the CBZ, a powerful 156 cc Honda engine, in 1999.

In 2003, Hero introduced the Karizma, a single-cylinder air-cooled motorbike. This 220cc motorcycle was the first of only a few Indian motorcycles to reach 60 mph with ease!

In 2011, the two motorcycle behemoths Hero and Honda agreed to separate, resulting in the formation of Hero MotoCorp.

Suzuki

In 1970, Suzuki, a Japanese multinational firm, became the first Japanese company to win a motocross world championship. Following that, Suzuki’s motorcycle branch excelled in the realm of motorcycle racing, establishing itself in the top motorcycle sectors.

The GSX-R1000, the King of Sport bikes, is also one of the most iconic motorbikes in the world, powered with a liquid-cooled 988 cc inline four-cylinder engine. The company is sometimes compared to motorcycles produced by Yamaha or Honda for its reliability, minimal maintenance costs, and affordability.

Suzuki Gixxer, Gixxer SF, Burgman Street, Gixxer SF 250, Intruder, and V-Strom are among the best-selling Suzuki bikes in Asia.

Best Motorcycle Brands in the World

To emphasize, when it comes to speed and performance, you’re likely to think of Japanese motorcycle brands such as Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, or Suzuki, or European motorcycle brands such as Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. With the exception of Kawasaki, all of these manufacturers dominate the Moto GP with their cutting-edge racing technology. These brands are ideal for thrill-seekers whose obsessions are with speed and performance.

The most popular motorcycle brands in the world are Honda and Yamaha. For Best Performance and Track Racing, Kawasaki and Yamaha are our best pick. Suzuki is the cheapest and most economical Japanese car.

There are also several other notable motorcycle brands on this list. Like, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Victory, British Triumph, and Ducati which is one of the most significant European motorcycle brands. While Victory is a motorcycle brand from the United States. Although they are presently not functioning right now. Let’s however take you on a road map to the best motorcycle brands in the world.

BMW

BMW Motorrad is BMW’s motorcycle brand, which is part of the company’s Corporate and Brand Development division. Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad has been producing bikes since 1923, and in 2015, it set a new sales record for the fifth year in a row.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a 1955-founded Japanese motorcycle manufacturer. It is currently one of the most well-known and identifiable motorcycle brands in the world. Further, the YZF-R6 is Yamaha’s most popular motorcycle model.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a multinational company with origins in Japan, has developed numerous historically recognized motorcycles, including the H1, Z1, and GPz900R, with most of its skills also obtained from building aviation engines. Their stringent quality controls and cutting-edge technologies have helped to elevate the bar for the worldwide two-wheeler sector. The company focuses on producing high-capacity engines that are also environmentally friendly.

Ducati

Ducati is the motorcycle subsidiary of the Italian firm Ducati, which is based in Bologna. The company is however, owned by the Volkswagen Group through its Italian affiliate Lamborghini, which is controlled by the German automaker Audi. Ducati is also one of the top-notch motorcycle brands in the world.

Honda

Honda is currently one of the largest motorcycle brands in the world. Based in Tokyo, Japan, the Big Red Wing acquired tremendous popularity with the production of the Super Cub in 1958 and carries on the legacy today with the CBR, Gold Wing, and CRF models. Honda, along with Yamaha, has always been considered as one of the technology leaders in the two-wheeled world, much of this a result of their vast racing history.

Triumph

Triumph is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer, created in 1983 by John Bloor after the former business Triumph Engineering went into receivership. Over 85 percent of motorcycles are now sold in other countries. But with more than 9,000 motorcycles sold in the UK in the past year, this brand definitely has something you should check out.

Hero

Hero is an Indian motorcycle and scooter manufacturer based in New Delhi, India. The firm is one of the largest motorcycle brands producers in the world, and also in India, where it has a market share of roughly 46 percent in the two-wheeler category.

Victory

Victory Motorcycles was an American motorcycle manufacturer with its final assembly factory near Spirit Lake, Dickinson County, northwestern Iowa, United States. Further, began manufacturing its automobiles in 1998 and began winding down operations in January 2017.

Its parent firm, Polaris Industries, launched Victory following the modern success of Harley-Davidson. Victory’s motorcycles were designed to compete directly with Harley-Davidson and similar American-style motorcycle manufacturers, with V-twin engines and touring, sport-touring, and cruiser versions. The first Victory, the V92C, was launched in 1997 and began selling in 1998. The Victory was successful for a number of years (starting in 2002) but failed to earn a profit three of its last five years.

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson, the American pride, is the most well-known American motorcycle manufacturer, producing bikes that are recognized worldwide as icons of the United States of America. Further, this brand which was founded in 1903 and is known for creating choppers, has become synonymous with the image of a biker. The 1915 11F is still the most popular Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Suzuki

Suzuki was founded in Japan in 1909. However, it was not until 1952 that the business began producing motorcycles. They just became a part of motorcycling competitions ten years later, and they are still one of the most powerful motorcycle brands in the MotoGP today. The GSX-R750 is, unsurprisingly, their most popular motorcycle.

Bajaj

Bajaj is an Indian two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer with a global presence. This Auto is the world’s sixth-largest motorcycle manufacturer and India’s second-largest. It is also the world’s largest maker of three-wheelers.

Aprilia

Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer and one of Piaggio’s brands. It began as a bicycle company and has now expanded to include scooters and small-capacity motorcycles. Meanwhile, Aprilia has recently manufactured huge sport bikes like the 1,000 cc V-twin RSV Mille and the V4 RSV4. Aprilia has had a lot of success in road racing.

The Best Motorcycle Brands

Here are some of the best motorcycle brands you should consider when next you decide to shop for a new bike.

• BMW
• Yamaha
• Honda
• Ducati
• Triumph
• KTM
• Harley Davidson
• Aprilia
• Norton
• Hero
• TVS Best known for its cheap and affordable motorcycles
• Suzuki
• Indian
• Royal Enfield
• Benelli
• Bajaj
• Vespa
• Moto Guzzi
• Mahindra

Best Motorcycle Brands for Beginners

It will not be easy for a newcomer to just walk to the market and choose any motorcycle brand. When buying a motorcycle as a beginner, you may have styles and colors in mind, but there are many additional factors to consider.

As a result, we’ve combed through the entry-level moto market to bring you this list of the best beginners motorcycle brands. In addition to counting down our picks for the most learner-friendly models. So, without further ado, let’s get down to business.

GW250 Suzuki

• 248cc displacement
• 4-stroke, 2-cylinder SOHC engine
• 6-speed transmission

This 4-stroke parallel twin is a sleek entry-level standard motorcycle. The bike’s bulk is highly manageable, especially for beginners navigating weight distribution and leaning, thanks to a super-comfortable seat and extra-low seat height of 30.7.” It’s a forgiving city bike with good geometry and agility. When learning how to shift properly, the 6-speed gearing is also beneficial. It’s a beginners friendly on our motorcycle brands list.

SR400 Yamaha

• 399cc displacement
• 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, air-cooled engine
• 5-speed transmission

Yamaha listened while the people spoke. This 399cc single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke boasts a stunning classic design and even a starter. However, it has electronic fuel injection and is simple to start. This is the solution for anyone who wants a vintage look and feels without the inconvenience of continuous breakdowns and parts scavenging.

KTM (390 Duke) Corner Rocket

• 373cc displacement
• Single-cylinder fuel-injected engine
• 6-speed transmission

The KTM Corner Rocket is a Standard motorcycle with a naked frame and little fairing that may also be used as a Sport motorbike. The suspension is a little firmer than most, as it’s designed to endure the severe cornering of weekend touring and sport riding. The power is moderate for beginners and capable of achieving highway speeds with a modest single-cylinder engine.

Because of the stronger suspension, the Corner Rocket has a mid-range seat height that won’t give too much under the rider’s weight. It comes with a variety of attachments that you can buy to increase storage and personalization.

Honda CBR 500

• 471cc displacement
• 4-stroke DOHC parallel twin engine with liquid cooling
• 6-speed transmission

Honda has come up with the CBR 500, just the right bike for you. It’s a lot of fun for nearly any rider, however, we wouldn’t recommend it for a complete beginner, but rather for a more experienced one. On a light bike, the parallel-twin four-stroke provides more grunt. As Honda puts it, it’s “enough engine for anything.” Keep an eye out for our own test ride.

Kawasaki Z125 Pro SE (Second Edition)

• 125cc displacement
• One cylinder is fuel injected into the engine.
• 4-speed transmission

The Kawasaki Z125 Pro SE I is a new model in Kawasaki’s New Rider Endorsed portfolio. The Z125 is a fantastic weekend rider or daily commuter motorbike. It’s not too heavy to handle, and the 125cc engine isn’t too powerful for a beginner to handle. It lacks a front fairing, so you’ll feel a little more wind while riding on your daily commute or for weekend pleasure.

The Z125 is a new rider-friendly vehicle. It has a medium seat height of 31.7 inches, but it features adjustable components that allow it to be taller or shorter to fit practically any rider comfortably. Unfortunately, there is no anti-lock braking system available for the Z125.

Harley-Davidson Street 500

• 494cc displacement
• Fuel-injected v-twin engine (two-cylinder)
• 6-speed transmission

The Harley-Davidson Street 500 is a great place to start if you’re new to American motorcycles. With a seat height of 25 inches, Street 500 is a low-slung motorcycle. It can be readily handled by most beginners after they have completed their first safety training, weighing in at a sleek 500 pounds.

The daily commute and weekend sightseeing are both possible with the Street 500. It may be a great long-distance touring motorbike with accessories like a wide front fairing and saddlebags for extra storage. It also comes with an anti-lock brake option, which we recommend purchasing in conjunction with the security system. Theft of motorcycles, particularly Harleys, is a continual worry, so having a little more security won’t hurt. This brand is a beginners friendly on our motorcycle brands listing.

Triumph Bonneville

• 865cc displacement
• 4-stroke, air-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine
• 5-speed transmission

The Bonneville has made the list yet again because it is a classic. Avoid the hassles of owning an antique bike and simply enjoy this one as if it were purchased in the 1970s. It’s cozy, entertaining, and well-behaved. It covers all of the fundamentals, which is crucial for beginners. It’s not the finest bike for extended highway rides, but it’ll get you there.

DR-Z400SM (Suzuki DR-Z400SM)

• 398cc displacement
• Single-cylinder carbureted engine
• 5-speed automatic transmission

At first appearance, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM appears to be a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. Consider it’s a hybrid motorcycle with 80 percent motocross DNA and 20% street riding DNA. Super Motos are built to handle a variety of riding styles, with soft suspension that can absorb the bumps and jumps of city riding and highway-capable tires. It has all of the illumination and protection of a regular motorcycle, but with the added benefit of greater suspension, allowing it to travel anywhere and do anything.

To accommodate the suspension travel, the Super Moto sports a higher seat height of 35 inches. It may be excessively tall for certain riders, but keep in mind that with the rider’s weight, it tends to sink lower to the ground. Further, It is a fantastic alternative for urban areas with a lot of street miles without the need for a fairing to stop the wind at highway speeds, which makes it a good starter motorbike. It’s naked and has minimal bodywork, as you’d expect from a street-based moto crosser. It’s light, has a powerful engine for everyday use, and will make you smile every time you ride it.

Conclusion

Simply choosing one type or one brand can provide you with more than you probably imagined was available. Once you know what you’re searching for, each model has something unique to offer in terms of attachments, upgradeable features, and a little extra. Give each a brief once-over, then head to your local dealer and sit on a few bikes. In a first motorcycle, you’ll find just what you’re seeking. It only takes a little research and a few seat checks to be sure you’re getting exactly what you want. Let us know what your favorite beginner bike is and why in the comments section below!

Meanwhile, if you need more updates about brand options or business advice kindly subscribe to Business Yield for more updates.

DISCLAIMER!

This article should NOT be used as a guide for purchase, it’s solely for informational purposes. We thereby emphasize that we do NOT endorse any of the brands in this post. They are subject to your choice of decision and verification. We are not sponsored by any of the brands and the information provided here is to the best of our knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

1. GERMAN CAR BRANDS: The Most Reliable Brands in 2022 (Updated)
2. EUROPEAN CAR BRANDS: Top 19+ Luxury European Car Brands in the USA
3. ELECTRIC GUITAR BRANDS: 17+ Top Best List of Electric Guitar Brands
4. Best Jigsaw Puzzle Brands: 29+ Popular Brands In The World