Top 10 Motorcycle Brands (September 2026)

Updated on August 19, 2026

Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903, Harley-Davidson has become an iconic American brand with a loyal following. Its heavy-duty cruisers have defined the brand’s image. In 2020, Harley-Davidson’s worldwide motorcycle revenue was around 4.05 billion U.S. dollars. Its most popular models include the Harley-Davidson Street Glide, known for its powerful performance, and the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, appreciated for its classic cruiser look. Harley-Davidson’s racing pedigree traces back to the 1920s, and they have a history of victories in the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) flat track competition.

2. Ducati

Ducati was established in 1926 in Bologna, Italy, and has since become renowned for its high-performance sports bikes. In 2019, Ducati sold approximately 53,183 motorcycles worldwide. One of their most successful models is the Ducati Panigale series, which embodies the brand’s sporty DNA. Ducati has an impressive history in MotoGP, winning the manufacturers’ title 17 times as of 2021.

3. Honda

Honda Motor Co., established in 1948, is a giant in the motorcycle industry. In 2020, Honda sold around 14.7 million motorcycles worldwide. The Honda CBR series and CRF series are some of the most popular in their line-up. The CBR1000RR, for example, is known for its speed and handling. Honda’s racing pedigree is impressive, with numerous victories in MotoGP, and they are known for their investment in racing technology which is often incorporated into their consumer models.

4. BMW Motorrad

Established in 1923, BMW’s motorcycle division has always been associated with high-quality machines. In 2020, BMW Motorrad sold approximately 169,272 motorcycles globally. Models like the BMW R 1250 GS and the S 1000 RR remain bestsellers, popular for their performance and luxury features. BMW has a rich racing heritage, including success in the famous Dakar Rally and the Superbike World Championship.

5. Yamaha

Founded in 1955, Yamaha has a wide range of motorcycles. In 2020, Yamaha sold around 4.9 million motorcycles worldwide. The YZF series and the MT series are among Yamaha’s most popular. Yamaha’s YZF-R1 model, a direct descendent of their MotoGP machine, is well-respected among sportbike enthusiasts. Yamaha has a long-standing history in racing, with success in championships like MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship.

6. Kawasaki

Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Motorcycle & Engine division was established in 1949, becoming a part of Japan’s Big Four motorcycle manufacturers. In 2020, Kawasaki shipped nearly 500,000 motorcycles worldwide. The company’s most popular models include the Kawasaki Ninja series, particularly the Ninja ZX-10R, a superbike that closely resembles their championship-winning World Superbike machine. Kawasaki’s prowess in the racing world is well-established, with multiple titles in the Superbike World Championship and strong showings in MotoGP.

7. Suzuki

Suzuki Motor Corporation, founded in 1909, is another member of Japan’s Big Four. As of 2020, Suzuki had annual motorcycle sales of around 1.5 million units. Among their offerings, the Suzuki GSX-R series remains iconic, representing a perfect blend of street legality and track performance. Suzuki’s Hayabusa is another well-known model, once holding the title of the world’s fastest production motorcycle. Suzuki has a rich history in MotoGP, with numerous championships to its name.

8. Triumph

Established in 1983, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer. The brand’s annual sales, as of 2021, exceeded 60,000 units. The Triumph Bonneville series embodies the brand’s heritage and timeless design, while their Tiger series has made a significant impact in the growing adventure motorcycle market. Triumph has a significant racing history, with numerous victories in the Supersport World Championship.

9. KTM

Founded in 1934, KTM is an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer known for its off-road motorcycles. KTM sold approximately 234,449 motorcycles worldwide in 2020. The brand’s off-road models, like the KTM 450 SX-F, dominate global motocross competitions. Meanwhile, their Duke and RC series have gained popularity in the road bike segment. KTM’s rich racing history is most notable in the Dakar Rally, which they have won consecutively many times.

10. Indian Motorcycle

Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle is one of the oldest motorcycle companies in the world. Despite several changes in ownership and production pauses, the brand experienced a revival in 2011 under Polaris Industries. As of 2020, Indian Motorcycle sold around 32,000 units. Popular models include the Indian Scout and the Indian Chief, both reflecting the brand’s classic styling. Indian’s racing pedigree is noteworthy, particularly in the American Flat Track series where they have secured multiple championships.

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Jacob Stoner

As the CEO of The Hard Tail, Jacob Stoner leverages years of immersion in the world of motorcycling. He not only embodies the spirit of the open road as a devoted rider, but also has experience in custom motorcycle design. Though he has dipped his toes into the realm of customization, his main focus remains on riding and the motorcycle community at large. The Hard Tail, for him, is more than just a professional endeavor – it's a reflection of his enduring passion for motorcycling.