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Long story short: Discover the legendary motorcycle brands that have withstood the test of time. From Harley-Davidson to Triumph, explore the rich history of these iconic brands.
Plenty of motorcycle brands are available in India and worldwide, right? Yes, customers now have a plethora of motorcycle brands to choose from. But there were times in India before globalization when we only had the option to purchase scooters like Bajaj Chetak, etc. After the globalization of Indian markets, customers can now access different premium bike brands like Norton motorcycles and learn about the rich history behind them and the experience they possess. Gen Z and the younger generation understand the details about various bike brands. Still, only some know about the legacy they have behind them.
This article will discuss the various motorcycle brands that have stood the test of time. The most surprising thing is that some bike companies in this list manufactured motorcycles in World Wars 1 and 2 and have more than 100+ years of rich history behind them. So, let’s visit all those motorcycle companies in detail right here. So, let’s start.
The list of oldest & legendary motorcycle brands in the world
1. Peugeot Motorcycles (1898)
Focused initially on producing bicycles, the brand eventually expanded into motorcycles. Today, Peugeot Motorcycles is well-established in Europe and offers a wide range of motorcycles and scooters. With a reputation for quality, innovation, and advanced technology, Peugeot Motorcycles remains a leading player in the industry. It holds the distinction of being the oldest manufacturer of scooters.
2. Norton Motorcycles (1898)
Established in 1898, Norton Motorcycles is a renowned British motorcycle manufacturer. With a long and storied history, the brand is celebrated for its high-performance motorcycles and impressive track record in racing. Norton Motorcycles are highly regarded for their exceptional engineering and unique designs.
3. Royal Enfield (1901)
Royal Enfield, one of the oldest motorcycle brands, was founded in 1893 as a bicycle company in Britain. It transitioned to producing motorcycles in 1901 and quickly became renowned for its durable and dependable machines. Throughout its history, Royal Enfield has been a major supplier of motorcycles to the British military and played a significant role in both World Wars. Today, the brand is known for its classic and vintage-style motorcycles that blend retro charm with modern technology.
4. Indian Motorcycle (1901)
Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle is one of the oldest and most iconic American motorcycle manufacturers. Known for its powerful and innovative motorcycles, Indian quickly became a significant rival to Harley-Davidson. The brand made a name for itself in the early days of motorcycle racing, setting speed records and achieving great success.
5. Triumph Motorcycles (1902)
Throughout its long history, Triumph motorcycles have become synonymous with exceptional performance, stylish designs, and innovative features. The brand has left a lasting impact in motorcycle racing, achieving notable victories in prestigious events like the Isle of Man TT. Triumph motorcycles like the Bonneville range are known for their timeless and iconic designs. Today, Triumph continues to produce a diverse range of motorcycles, catering to the needs and preferences of riders worldwide.
6. Harley Davidson (1903)
Harley Davidson, founded in 1903, is a renowned American motorcycle manufacturer that has become an emblem of American culture and the spirit of freedom. The brand’s motorcycles have gained fame for their robust engines, unique designs, and a sense of thrill and exploration. Despite facing various obstacles throughout its history, Harley-Davidson has persevered. It continues to be one of the most prominent and influential motorcycle brands globally.
7. Husqvarna Motorcycles (1903)
Husqvarna Motorcycles, originally a Swedish arms manufacturer, began producing motorcycles in 1903. The brand is recognized for its excellence in off-road motorcycles, particularly in motocross and enduro disciplines.
Husqvarna Motorcycles has a strong racing heritage and has achieved numerous championships and accolades.
8. SACHS (1905)
Originally named Fichtel & Sachs, Sachs was founded in 1886 in Schweinfurt, Germany, and is one of the legendary company in old motorcycle companies. The company introduced its first motorcycle in 1905, marking the beginning of its legacy in the motorcycle industry. Sachs became the largest manufacturer of two-stroke motorcycle engines in Germany during the 1930s. The company is famous for its quality and performance, particularly in off-road and motocross competitions.
9. BSA (1910)
BSA is one of the famous old motorcycle brands founded in 1861 in Birmingham, England, initially focusing on producing guns and military equipment. The company ventured into motorcycle manufacturing in 1910, debuting its first BSA 3½ hp motorcycle at the Olympia Show in London. BSA quickly gained recognition in motorsports, winning numerous races and championships. By the mid-20th century, BSA had become the largest motorcycle producer in the world.
10. Benelli (1911)
Benelli is one of the best legendary brands in old motorcycle companies. Established in 1911 in Pesaro, Italy, it is one of the oldest European motorcycle manufacturers still in operation today. The company produced its first engine in 1920, a 75cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine modified to fit a bicycle frame. In 1923, Benelli expanded into motorsports, with Tonino Benelli winning multiple Italian championships in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The company continued to innovate, producing its first 4-stroke engine in 1932.
11. Moto Guzzi (1921)
Founded in 1921, Moto Guzzi is an iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer among old famous motorcycle companies. What sets Moto Guzzi apart is its distinctive transverse V-twin engine configuration and unique designs. Over the years, Moto Guzzi motorcycles have made a name for themselves in the racing world, earning a reputation for reliability and durability.
12. BMW Motorrad (1923)
BMW Motorrad, established in 1923, is the motorcycle branch of the renowned German automobile manufacturer BMW. With a rich history, BMW Motorrad is known for producing highly regarded motorcycles with exceptional quality, performance, and cutting-edge features. The brand has significantly contributed to various motorcycle segments, including touring, adventure, and sports motorcycles.
13. Ducati (1926)
Ducati, founded in 1926, is an iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer. Initially starting as a producer of radio components, Ducati later expanded into the world of motorcycles. Known for their powerful engines, impressive racing achievements, and distinctive Italian aesthetics, Ducati motorcycles have become synonymous with high performance and style.
14. MV Agusta (1945)
MV Agusta, an Italian brand, was founded in 1945. It is famous for its stylish and high-performance motorcycles.
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- Moto Guzzi
- Vespa
Oldest motorcycle brands – Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the oldest & legendary motorcycle brands/companies that have stood the test of time. One thing to note is that most companies started as bicycle companies and then started to integrate engines, hence converting to motorcycles. So, there might be differences between the starting year stated in this article and what the corresponding official company says. As a conclusion to the article, we will list all the motorcycle brands by year of start.
- Peugeot Motorcycles (1898)
- Norton Motorcycles (1898)
- Royal Enfield (1901)
- Indian Motorcycle (1901)
- Triumph (1902)
- Harley Davidson (1903)
- Husqvarna Motorcycles (1903)
- SACHS (1905)
- BSA (1910)
- Benelli (1911)
- Moto Guzzi (1921)
- BMW Motorrad (1923)
- Ducati (1926)
- MV Agusta (1945)
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