Motorbikes have always embodied the quintessential concepts of freedom, power, and style. While many models go in and out, some bikes refuse to fade into history books and stay iconic through the years. These motorbikes, known for their unmatched sturdiness, ageless appeal, and unyielding performance, have lasted the passing of time. Here are 24 such motorbikes that entertain and thrill riders and enthusiasts, generation after generation.
1946 Vespa 98
The Vespa 98 introduced the world to the charm of scooters. Designed by Corradino D’Ascanio, it featured a 98cc two-stroke engine, which produced enough power to take the Vespa 30 mph and a leisurely 0 to 60 mph time (which it technically never achieved!). The design emphasized ease of use, while the saddle-style seat and ample footboard made it a favorite for urban commuting.
1948 Norton Manx
The Norton Manx was a racing legend. Its 500cc single-cylinder engine took the bike to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. Designed by Joe Craig, the minimalist frame and comfortable solo saddle made it both a lightweight competitor and a smooth ride. Its sleek, silver finish and racing pedigree inspire motorbike enthusiasts even to this day.
1952 Triumph Thunderbird 650
A true British icon, this was Edward Turner’s design, with a parallel twin engine of 650cc that ensured an adrenalin-pumping go from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 7.5 seconds. Its distinctive teardrop fuel tank, dual-tone paint, and plush leather saddle all combined to create a perfect bike for long-distance touring.
1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL merged American muscle with rugged durability. Designed with an 883cc V twin engine, it hit 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Its peanut-shaped fuel tank, cushioned seat, and upright handlebars made it iconic and comfortable for long rides. The minimalist design and unmistakable rumble of its engine cemented its place as a symbol of freedom on the open road. Decades later, it remains a favorite among custom bike builders and vintage enthusiasts.
1962 Royal Enfield Bullet 350
The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 testifies to timeless engineering. Designed by the Royal Enfield team in Redditch, England, the 346cc single-cylinder engine produces smooth, dependable power. Its 0 to 60 mph time of around 14 seconds does nothing to set the pulse racing, but the bike’s durability and charm have won hearts worldwide. Its classic teardrop fuel tank, chrome accents, and comfortable single-spring seat give it an old-world charm, making it a beloved choice for both city cruising and countryside exploration.
1969 Honda CB750
The Honda CB750 is often invoked as the first superbike, setting a new standard for performance and reliability. With its 736cc inline-four engine, it could reach 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Designed by Soichiro Irimajiri, the CB750 was the first mass-produced motorcycle to employ a revolutionary front disc brake. It also boasted a sleek tank and a flat, elongated seat. A well-thought-out layout and practical ergonomics turned it into both a high-performance machine and the dream commuter.
1970 Kawasaki H1 Mach III
The Kawasaki H1 Mach III helped bring adrenaline to the compact motorcycle market. Its 500cc two-stroke triple engine delivered it to 60 mph in a blistering 4.2 seconds. Built for raw speed, the H1 had a very minimalist frame, a flat seat, and bright paint schemes. Despite its lightweight design requiring careful handling, its thrilling performance made it a legend.
1975 BMW R90S
The BMW R90S, designed by Hans Muth, was a tourer bike with a sporty edge. Its 898cc flat-twin boxer engine delivered 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. With its aerodynamic fairing, vivacious smoke paint, and plush dual seat, the R90S was innovative. Combining comfort with performance cemented BMW’s place as a premium motorcycle maker.
1978 Yamaha SR500
The Yamaha SR500 was a cult bike. It was basically a single-cylinder engine of 499cc that went from naught to 60 mph in around 8.5 seconds. It was designed with an old-time look, with a teardrop tank and a retro bench seat with a minimalist frame. Its rugged and hard-to-break engine did not let it fade away and kept alive the fans among several riders.
1983 Suzuki Katana 1100
The Suzuki Katana 1100, with its bold design by Hans Muth, became an icon of the 1980s. Its 1,075cc inline-four engine achieved a 0 to 60 mph of 4.3 seconds. The bike’s sharp, aerodynamic bodywork and comfortable bucket seat made it a trailblazer, combining performance with futuristic aesthetics.
1986 Honda Africa Twin XRV650
The 1986 Honda Africa Twin XRV650 redefined adventure touring bikes with its reliable 647cc V-twin engine. Built for endurance, it achieved 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, making it robust and versatile. Its durable frame, long suspension travel, and well-padded seat offered unmatched comfort and capability on rugged terrains and long-distance trips. Designed to conquer everything from desert trails to alpine passes, the Africa Twin quickly became a go-to for adventurers.
1990 Ducati 851
The Ducati 851 started modern superbikes. Massimo Tamburini is credited with styling the bike, which featured an 851cc V-twin engine and a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. Its trellis frame, aerodynamic fairings, and sporty seating place it squarely as one of the pioneers of speed and style. The 851 continues to be celebrated for its performance and engineering.
1994 Triumph Speed Triple
The 1994 Triumph Speed Triple completely redefined naked sport bikes with raw, unfiltered design and performance. Its 885cc inline-three engine sent it from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. Rod Scivyer designed the bike to look minimalist, with a tubular steel frame and a single round headlight, emphasizing rider comfort through a streamlined seat. Its aggressive stance and unmatched agility earned it a reputation as the perfect mix of café racer charm and cutting-edge performance.
1999 Suzuki Hayabusa
The Hayabusa, introduced by Suzuki in 1999, has become a legend overnight due to its blistering speed. It is the brainchild of Koji Yoshiura and comes with a 1,299cc inline-four engine that takes it from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The top speed stands at over 190 mph. With aerodynamics that cut right through a sculpted fairing and a comfortable, wide seat, it’s both a record-breaker and a favorite to tour around on. Its mix of speed, style, and comfort ensures its perdurance.
2000 Honda RC51
The Honda RC51 was a champion-winning masterpiece that saw both track and street use cases. It had a 999cc V-twin engine and took just 3.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. Crafted under Tadao Baba’s guidance, the RC51 boasted an aluminum twin-spar frame bettered sleek fairings and a sculpted seat for ergonomic comfort. Its great ride and flawless handling put it in top demand among enthusiasts.
2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
The 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R shocked the superbike market with unprecedented aggression. Its 998cc inline-four produced a full-throated 0 to 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. The bike was designed for speed and precision, with sharp lines, a lightweight aluminum frame, and a racing-style saddle. The ZX-10R’s raw power and agility merge to embody modern performance.
2005 Ducati Monster S2R
The Ducati Monster S2R was a stylish Italian elegance blended with the grit of a streetfighter. Having an 803cc L-twin engine, this bike picked up 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Miguel Galluzzi designed the car with a minimalist frame, an exposed trellis structure, and a low, comfortable seat. Monster’s unmistakable style and versatile performance kept it relevant for nearly two decades.
2006 Yamaha YZF-R6
The Yamaha YZF-R6 redefined what a 600 cc sportbike could achieve. Powered by a 599cc inline-four engine, it surged from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.3 seconds. Designed by Kunihiko Miwa, the R6 was as aesthetically stunning as it was fast, with sharp, aerodynamic fairings, a sleek tail section, and an aggressive riding position. Inside, its race-inspired digital instrument cluster and carefully padded seat catered to performance and comfort.
2008 KTM 690 Duke
The KTM 690 Duke was a testament to how single-cylinder bikes can pack a punch. Its 690cc single-cylinder engine delivers a quick 0 to 60 mph of 3.8 seconds. Designed by Gerald Kiska, the Duke has an edgy, minimalist look with sharp lines, a compact frame, and a comfortable flat seat. It is light in design but fantastic at handling.
2009 BMW S1000RR
BMW officially entered the superbike class with the launch of the S1000RR. Equipped with a 999cc inline-four engine, it could accelerate to 60 mph in only 2.7 seconds, which redefined speed. With advanced aerodynamics, sleek style, and an aggressive approach, the bike boasted cutting-edge technology such as dynamic traction control. Ergonomic seats and intuitive controls ensured that it wasn’t too harsh for comfort while, at the same time, a game changer in its class.
Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight 2010
The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight is the epitome of old-school American muscle in a modern package. It is powered by a 1,202cc V-twin engine and achieves 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The peanut-shaped fuel tank, solo seat, and low-slung bobber-inspired frame are carryovers from the design brief emphasizing retro styling. The 48’s minimalist yet bold design and ride can be attributed to its ongoing popularity among cruiser enthusiasts.
T100 Triumph Bonneville 2013
Triumph’s Bonneville T100 sports an inimitable amount of heritage without ever being all that eccentric, even with the latest modern reliability. The 865cc parallel-twin-powered motorcycle from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, and as designed to echo its 1960s predecessor, boasts a classic tank shape, ubiquitous wire-spoked wheels, and a plush bench seat. The T100 is perennially popular, thanks to its vintage style and performance.
Ducati Scrambler Icon, 2015
The Ducati Scrambler Icon revitalized the scrambler genre with a mix of retro charm and modern engineering. Its 803cc L-twin engine achieves a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. It is designed simply and boasts a rounded fuel tank, high handlebars, and a flat, comfortable seat. The Scrambler Icon’s playful design and accessible performance have cemented its place in the hearts of riders worldwide.
2018 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
With classic British styling and contemporary engineering, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 blends perfectly with a parallel-twin 648cc engine that allows for a smooth 0 to 60-mph sprint in 6.5 seconds. The bike features a retro teardrop tank, dual-tone paint options, and a comfortable bench seat by Royal Enfield and Harris Performance collaboration. Its affordability, reliability, and nostalgic appeal make it a modern classic.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
