The motorcycle industry is unforgiving. Over the decades, countless brands have risen with promise only to collapse under financial strain, changing tastes, or fierce competition. Some of these companies built machines that were ahead of their time, others were legends on the racetrack, and a few were household names before fading away too soon. What unites them is the legacy they left behind, making their motorcycles prized among collectors today. Here are fifteen motorcycle brands that burned brightly before vanishing from the road, along with their production years, standout models, and the values they now command.
Bultaco
Founded in Spain in 1958, Bultaco specialized in lightweight two stroke off road and trials motorcycles. Its Sherpa T revolutionized the world of trials riding, while the Pursang motocross bike became a favorite of racers in Europe and North America. The company thrived through the 1960s and 1970s, but by 1983 financial troubles forced production to stop. Surviving Bultacos, especially Sherpa Ts, now trade between 5,000 and 12,000 dollars depending on condition.
Vincent
Vincent Motorcycles operated in Britain from 1928 to 1955, producing some of the most advanced and powerful bikes of their time. The legendary Vincent Black Shadow could top 125 mph, making it the fastest production motorcycle in the world during the late 1940s. Despite their brilliance, poor sales and high costs led Vincent to close its doors. Today, a pristine Black Shadow can fetch over 100,000 dollars at auction, cementing its status as one of the most collectible bikes of all time.
Cagiva
Cagiva began in 1978 in Italy and quickly made a name for itself with road bikes and its Dakar Rally dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s thanks to the Cagiva Elefant. The company also acquired Ducati during this period, further raising its profile. But financial problems and frequent ownership changes crippled the brand. While MV Agusta technically absorbed Cagiva, the name has all but disappeared. Well kept Elefants now command between 8,000 and 15,000 dollars among adventure bike collectors.
Laverda
Laverda motorcycles, built in Italy from 1949 until the company’s decline in the 1980s, once rivaled Ducati and Moto Guzzi. The Laverda Jota of the late 1970s, a big bore triple producing around 90 horsepower, was considered one of the fastest superbikes of its day. Failure to modernize and mounting financial issues ended production by 1985. Today, a Laverda Jota in top condition can reach 20,000 to 30,000 dollars at classic auctions.
Indian (Original Company)
Indian was America’s first major motorcycle brand, founded in 1901. Its iconic models like the Scout and Chief rivaled Harley Davidson for dominance through the early and mid 20th century. But mismanagement and poor financial decisions led to bankruptcy in 1953, ending the original Indian company. Revived decades later under Polaris, the name lives on, but early Scouts and Chiefs remain highly sought after, with pristine examples selling for 25,000 to 60,000 dollars.
Benelli (Golden Era)
Benelli was founded in Italy in 1911 and became famous for its racing machines and later the Benelli Sei, the first six cylinder production motorcycle launched in 1973. While its engineering was impressive, constant ownership turmoil weakened the company, and by the 1980s Benelli had largely faded from the global market. While Benelli survives today under Chinese ownership, its spirit is tied to its earlier glory. Original Sei models now sell for between 12,000 and 25,000 dollars.
Norton (Classic Era)
Norton Motorcycles of Britain was a powerhouse in the early to mid 20th century, producing legendary racing bikes like the Manx and featherbed framed Dominators. Norton dominated the Isle of Man TT for decades, but by the mid 1970s the company collapsed due to outdated designs and financial struggles. Though revived multiple times, none matched its golden era. A genuine Manx Norton can now command upwards of 40,000 dollars. Norton now lives on under TVS ownership and is producing new models linked to their illustrious past.
BSA (Original UK Company)
The Birmingham Small Arms Company was the world’s largest motorcycle producer in the 1950s and 1960s, exporting bikes worldwide. Models like the BSA Gold Star and the BSA Lightning were beloved for their style and performance. By 1973, however, Japanese competition from Honda and Yamaha crushed BSA’s sales, and production ended. Today, a Gold Star in good condition can fetch 15,000 to 25,000 dollars. BSA has recently been reborn un Indian ownership bringing back the Goldstar in modern form.
Mondial
FB Mondial, established in Italy in 1929, built small displacement racing motorcycles that dominated the world championships in the 1950s. Their advanced four stroke machines influenced even Honda’s engineering. By the 1960s, Mondial could not keep up with larger rivals and faded away. Though briefly revived in the 2000s, its golden era remains in the mid century. Vintage Mondial race bikes are rare and can exceed 30,000 dollars at auction.
Excelsior Henderson
Excelsior began in Chicago in 1907 and became one of America’s largest motorcycle brands by the 1920s. Known for large V twin touring machines, Excelsior Henderson rivaled Harley and Indian before shutting down during the Great Depression in 1931. A short lived revival attempt in the 1990s ended in bankruptcy. Today, original Excelsior Henderson bikes are scarce and valued from 20,000 to over 50,000 dollars.
Ariel (Original Company)
Ariel Motorcycles, founded in Britain in 1902, built innovative bikes like the Ariel Square Four, designed by Edward Turner. Known for smoothness and refinement, the Square Four became a classic of the 1950s. Ariel was absorbed by BSA in the 1960s and gradually disappeared. Square Fours remain collectible, with restored examples selling for 15,000 to 25,000 dollars. Ariel has been reborn producing cars and now bespoke motorcycles using Honda components. Not the same but the name lives on.
Matchless
Matchless, one of the oldest British motorcycle brands, was founded in 1899 and became a racing force in the early 20th century. It produced stylish singles and twins, including the G80 and G12. Matchless merged into AMC (Associated Motorcycles) but collapsed by the late 1960s. While not as valuable as Vincents or Nortons, Matchless bikes typically bring between 6,000 and 12,000 dollars depending on model.
AJS (Classic Era)
AJS, another famous British brand, produced bikes from 1909 onward and enjoyed racing success in the Isle of Man TT and Grand Prix circuits. After being absorbed into AMC and later Norton Villiers, the AJS name gradually disappeared. The AJS 7R, known as the “Boy Racer,” is one of the most collectible, with values reaching 20,000 to 30,000 dollars.
Rudge
Rudge motorcycles were built in Britain from 1911 to 1946 and became known for their innovative four valve cylinder heads. Rudge machines were fast, technologically advanced, and successful in racing, particularly at the Isle of Man TT. Postwar economic struggles ended the brand. Today, rare Rudges can sell from 15,000 to 25,000 dollars.
Velocette
Velocette, founded in 1905, was a small but innovative British marque that built respected bikes like the Venom, which set endurance records in the 1960s. Despite its engineering skill, Velocette lacked resources to compete with larger firms and folded in 1971. Velocette Venoms are prized among collectors, often valued around 12,000 to 20,000 dollars.
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