Motorcycles have captivated riders and onlookers for over a century, from rickety contraptions barely capable of outrunning a horse to engineering marvels that blur the line between machine and art. But not all motorcycles are created equal. Some transcend the ordinary and become legends. Let’s dive into 18 classic motorcycles that have earned their spot in the pantheon of greatness.
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead (1936-1947)
When Harley-Davidson introduced the Knucklehead, it wasn’t just a new motorcycle but a revolution. It marked Harley-Davidson’s leap into modern engineering, featuring a recirculating oil system—a significant upgrade over the previous total-loss systems. This innovation enhanced reliability and reduced maintenance. Plus, the name “Knucklehead” comes from the engine’s rocker boxes, which resemble knuckles. This bike set the stage for Harley’s iconic cruisers and became a cornerstone of American motorcycling culture.
Triumph Bonneville T120 (1959-1975)
Named after the Bonneville Salt Flats, where speed records are made and broken, the Triumph Bonneville combined British engineering with undeniable style. Powered by a 1,200cc parallel-twin engine, it delivers a refined 80 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque, tuned for smooth, effortless performance. The bike also combines retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, featuring a ride-by-wire throttle, selectable riding modes (Rain and Road), ABS, and traction control. Also, Steve McQueen famously loved his Bonnie, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Vincent Black Shadow (1948-1955)
“The world’s fastest standard motorcycle,” they called it, and for good reason. Its lightweight construction, advanced braking system with dual drum brakes, and extensive use of aluminum showcased Vincent’s innovative engineering. Also, the Black Shadow gained pop-culture fame after Rollie Free’s iconic speed run in 1948, lying prone in a swimsuit to achieve 150 mph on Bonneville Salt Flats. Today, with fewer than 1,700 produced, the Black Shadow is a highly coveted collector’s item.
Indian Chief (1922-1953)
The Indian Chief is synonymous with the golden age of American motorcycling. Renowned for its powerful engines, the Chief blended robust performance with a classic cruiser aesthetic. Early models featured a 1000cc V-twin engine, progressing to the 1200cc Powerplus engine by the 1940s, offering smooth, reliable power. Distinctive features included valenced fenders, a teardrop-shaped gas tank, and wide handlebars, embodying timeless design cues. When Polaris resurrected the Indian brand in the 21st century, the Chief was naturally one of the first models to return.
Ducati 916 (1994-1998)
When Ducati released the 916, jaws dropped. Designed by Massimo Tamburini, it introduced a revolutionary blend of aggressive styling and advanced engineering. The bike’s signature elements include a single-sided swingarm, under-seat exhausts for better aerodynamics, and a sleek, minimalist silhouette emphasizing its racing pedigree. Further, its desmodromic L-twin engine and single-sided swingarm redefined sportbike aesthetics.
BMW R32 (1923-1926)
The BMW R32 wasn’t just BMW’s first motorcycle; it was the blueprint for every BMW bike to follow. The R32’s double-loop steel tube frame provided stability, while its simplicity and reliability set a new standard for motorcycles. This design approach was born out of post-World War I restrictions on BMW’s aircraft engine production. PPriced at 2,200 Reichsmarks, the R32 established BMW as a premier motorcycle manufacturer. Also, its design ethos—engineering precision and rider-focused performance—remains central to BMW Motorrad’s identity.
Honda CB750 (1969-1978)
Often called the world’s first superbike, the Honda CB750 changed the game. The “Universal Japanese Motorcycle” set a benchmark for reliability and innovation. The CB750 also gained fame through its performance in endurance racing and its influence on café racer culture. Its power, smoothness, and practicality earned it a place in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and a spot on Discovery Channel’s “Greatest Motorbikes Ever.” Today, it remains an icon beloved by collectors and customizers alike.
Yamaha RD350 (1973-1975)
If you’ve ever heard the angry buzz of a two-stroke engine screaming through a corner, chances are it was a Yamaha RD350. Introduced in 1973, it featured a 347cc, air-cooled, parallel-twin engine with reed valve induction, producing 39 horsepower. This might not sound earth-shattering today, but its power-to-weight ratio and rapid acceleration made it a “giant killer,” outpacing larger four-stroke bikes of its era. It was the kind of bike that made you smile even as it tried to throw you off.
Kawasaki Z1 (1972-1975)
The Kawasaki Z1 was Japan’s answer to the superbike wars, and it didn’t just compete—it dominated. Designed to dethrone rivals like the Honda CB750, it featured a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a teardrop fuel tank, sculpted side panels, and a slim rear fender. Its aesthetics perfectly balanced muscularity with elegance, accentuated by a four-pipe exhaust system—one for each cylinder—creating a visually striking and symmetrical look. It was so good that even today, it’s lovingly referred to as “The King.”
Brough Superior SS100 (1924-1940)
Known as the “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” the Brough Superior SS100 was a bike for the wealthy and the daring. This two-wheeled aristocrat wasn’t just about looks—it packed a punch with its V-twin engine, capable of 100 mph (a jaw-dropping feat back then). The craftsmanship was exquisite, blending performance with luxury. Today, these bikes fetch eye-watering prices at auctions, cementing their place as icons of motorcycling history.
Norton Commando (1967-1977)
The Norton Commando wasn’t just fast; it was smooth. Its “Isolastic” frame reduced vibration, making it one of the most comfortable British bikes of its time. The Commando’s charisma lay in its simplicity—minimalist design, roaring exhaust, and the ability to make your neighbors hate you by 6 a.m. Whether you went for the Fastback, Roadster, or Combat variants, it always delivered torque and swagger in equal doses. By the late ’70s, Japanese bikes out-teched it, but the Commando’s legacy symbolized British engineering’s heyday (and stubbornness).
Suzuki GSX-R750 (1985-Present)
The GSX-R750, or “Gixxer” to its fans, redefined sportbikes in the 1980s. Weighing around 419 lbs. (wet), it’s engineered for ninja-like cornering thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame and Showa suspension. The modern iterations come loaded with tech goodies like traction control and multiple riding modes, so you can pretend to be responsible. The GSX-R750 is the OG superbike, blending the spirit of track dominance with street cred. Want proof? Over a million are sold worldwide.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans (1976-1984)
Named after the legendary French racetrack, the Moto Guzzi Le Mans combined Italian flair with brutish performance. The Le Mans had charisma. Its café racer styling, angular bikini fairing, and iconic red and black livery screamed bella figura. Riders loved its shaft drive, which meant less chain maintenance and more time pretending to be an extra in a Fellini film. Critics nicknamed it “the Lamborghini of motorcycles,” which feels apt—quirky, fast, and unapologetically Italian.
Royal Enfield Bullet (1931-Present)
The Royal Enfield Bullet is the longest-running motorcycle production in history. Bullets come in 350cc and 500cc flavors, perfect for everything from lazy Sunday rides to pretending you’re in a Bollywood chase scene. With its vintage charm, timeless design, and weighty presence (literally—it’s heavy), it’s a favorite of road trip warriors and retro enthusiasts alike. Enfield didn’t just stop at nostalgia. Modern Bullets pack fuel injection and ABS, so you can ride with style and survive traffic. Whether conquering the Himalayas or your daily commute, the Bullet turns every ride into a story worth retelling.
Honda Gold Wing (1975-Present)
Since its 1975 debut, this beast has redefined long-haul comfort. Powered by a silky-smooth flat-six engine (yes, six cylinders—because why not?), it purrs like a content tiger and offers cruise control when your wrist needs a nap. And, with its plush seating and abundance of features, it redefined what a touring bike could be. Long-haul riders swear by it, and newer models even have features like air conditioning. Yes, really.
Harley-Davidson Sportster (1957-Present)
The Harley-Davidson Sportster, or “Sporty,” has been tearing up roads and breaking hearts since 1957. This middleweight marvel is the chameleon of the motorcycle world—equally at home cruising highways, zipping through city streets, or stealing the show at biker rallies. Powered by a legendary V-twin engine, the Sportster comes in various flavors, from the nimble Iron 883 to the souped-up Sportster S with 121 horsepower, enough to make your hairdo aerodynamic.
Aprilia RS250 (1995-2004)
For those who crave precision and adrenaline, the Aprilia RS250 is the holy grail. Its aluminum twin-spar frame and adjustable suspension scream “Race me!” while the styling channels ’90s MotoGP vibes with wild color schemes. It’s not a commuter bike; the fuel economy is laughable, and maintenance is your new hobby. Sadly, emissions rules sent this screamer packing in 2004, but enthusiasts still drool over it in the used market.
Husqvarna 400 Cross (1969-1974)
Steve McQueen rides again—this time on a Husqvarna 400 Cross. The Husqvarna 400 Cross is a two-wheeled Swedish Viking that roared to life in the late 1960s. A dirt bike icon, it paired brute power with sleek Scandinavian design. Armed with a 396cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, it was a beast of the motocross battlefield. Also, with a lightweight chrome-moly steel frame and an aluminum gas tank, it hit the scales at a featherweight 235 pounds, ensuring nimble handling. It’s no wonder enthusiasts still drool over it today.
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