The most iconic motorcycles ever made

Daimler Reitwagen

On August 30, 1885, German engineer Gottlieb Daimler and fellow countryman Wilhelm Maybach, an engine designer, unveiled the Daimler Reitwagen, generally considered to be the first true motorcycle. Both men would later become famous for their car brands.

FN 4

Technology advanced so swiftly that by 1905 the world's first production inline-4 motorcycle had been introduced, the FN 4. Built by Fabrique Nationale in Liège, Belgium, the bike's four-cylinder piston engine produced a smooth and almost vibrationless riding experience.

BMW R32

The motorcycle was by now regarded as a simple way to produce motorized transport cheaper than a four-wheeled car, and in 1923 the first motorcycle produced by BMW under the BMW name was launched, the R32.

Royal Enfield Bullet

In 1931, the previously mentioned Royal Enfield introduced the Bullet, a motorcycle that has shot to fame as enjoying the world's longest production run. The 1955 model remains almost unchanged, though the bike is now manufactured in India.

Indian Scout

Indian Motorcycles was founded in the United States in 1901. One of its most important models was the Indian Scout. Designed by Irishman Charles Franklin and built from 1920 through 1949, the Scout is credited with saving the company from bankruptcy.

BSA Gold Star

As its name implies, BSA—Birmingham Small Arms Company—originally manufactured guns by machinery. But BSA is also a cherished British motorcycle marque. In 1937, the BSA Gold Star was born. Production ran through 1963, during which time the bike earned a reputation for being one of the fastest machines of the 1950s.

Indian Chief

If the Indian Scout was quick, light, and agile, the Indian Chief was its "big twin"—larger and more powerful but still affording a comfortable riding position and super responsive to handling. The first Chief emerged in 1922, with the model still in production today. The example pictured is an Indian Chief Roadmaster from 1953.

Harley-Davidson Sportster

Harley-Davidson is one of the legendary motorcycle manufacturers. Founded in 1903, it's an iconic brand with a loyal, global following. In 1957, Harley-Davidson launched the Sportster—a line produced continuously since and one that provokes passion and patriotism in equal measure.

Norton Commando

Norton is another great name synonymous with classic British motorcycles. Founded in 1898, by 1908 the company was fitting its range with its own engines. Of all its bikes, the Norton Commando is perhaps the best loved. Produced from 1967 to 1977, the Commando quickly became popular all over the world, admired for its styling and ease of handling.

Harley-Davidson XR750

You may recognize this Harley-Davidson. It's the model Evel Knievel chose for his legendary stunts of the 1970s. Introduced at the beginning of the decade, the XR750 was not the fastest machine on the road, but it was the bike to beat on the dirt track.

MV Agusta 750S

In 1971, private Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta introduced the MV Agusta 750S, a crowning achievement in what was already a long line of stunning and hugely successful bikes. Produced from 1970 through 1975, this landmark model is now a rare and prized collector's item.

Ducati 750SS

Based out of Bologna in Italy, Ducati was founded in 1926 and produced its first "motorcycle," the Cucciolo, in fact a bicycle equipped with a clip-on engine, in 1950. The company can boast a long history of motorsport success and in 1974 unveiled the 750SS, the so-called "Green Frame" that was designed for the road. The 750SS was so successful that Ducati followed it up with the more powerful 900SS.

Honda Gold Wing

Also in 1975, the Honda Gold Wing made its debut. Introduced the previous year at the Cologne Motorcycle Show, the Gold Wing was Honda's first move into the over-750cc capacity market, and it struck, er, gold. Considered a landmark of Japanese automotive technology, the model has been included on numerous occasions on the Cycle World list of Ten Best bikes. Pictured in 2014 is the Honda Gold Wing F6C.

Yamaha VMAX

Launched in 1985, the Yamaha VMAX cruiser won instant critical acclaim and was voted "Bike of the Year" by Cycle Guide. Known for its enormous V4 engine, this intimidating muscle bike combined the spirit of the drag strip with a discerning elegance and sold around the world before being discontinued in 2020.

Kawasaki Ninja H2R

Launched in 2015, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R went beyond anything the company had previously produced. Distinguished by its angular and aerodynamic bodywork, at the time this supercharged monster was one of the fastest, most powerful production motorcycles ever built, hitting 0-60 in just 2.6 second and reaching a whopping 386 km/h (240 mph).

BMW R18

The BMW R18 owes its design template to the BMW R5 of 1936. It represented BMW's attempt to tap into the market segment of heavy cruisers dominated by the likes of Harley-Davidson, Indian, and the Japanese Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha brands. The BMW R18 was launched virtually in 2020, presented to dealers online due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.