Top 10 Legendary Vintage Motorcycle Brands

Certain narratives are bound to stir emotions, and this is undoubtedly one of them. Enthusiasts, riders, and collectors of classic motorcycle brands are so fervent that favoring one brand or model over another is sure to spark passionate debates.

Harley-Davidson, more than any other brand, is a name that motorcycle lovers proudly ink on their skin. Whether it’s a Harley, Honda, or Indian, the allure of these vintage bikes drives collectors to spend over $1 million for rare models, though some can still be found for as little as $100 [source: Cerilli].

It’s crucial to note that not every old motorcycle is considered collectible — sometimes, it’s simply aged. While there’s no universal standard for what defines a vintage motorcycle, some experts suggest models older than 1974, while others include Japanese motorcycles from the early 1980s [source: Wagnon].

John Cerilli, co-founder of Vintage Motorcycles Online, explains that for a motorcycle to be both vintage and collectible, several factors come into play. These include the bike’s condition, originality, production era, quantity manufactured, the company’s history, and any association with notable figures.

Discover the top 10 most sought-after vintage motorcycle brands that continue to captivate enthusiasts today.

10: Honda

When program advisors visit the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, Jim Wagnon, the school’s education manager, notes that they often begin by asking attendees about their first motorcycle. Wagnon reveals that the 1966 Honda Trail 90 is a frequent answer — a bike that, while not technologically groundbreaking, was widely accepted by parents and became a common choice for young riders.

A key reason parents in the 1960s felt comfortable allowing their children to own motorcycles was Honda’s memorable advertising slogan, "You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda." This campaign countered the rebellious, risky image often associated with motorcycling [sources: Wagnon, Honda]. According to Wagnon, the Honda Trail 90 played a pivotal role in popularizing motorcycles today. "It likely expanded the motorcycle audience more than any other model," he states. "It introduced riders to larger, full-sized motorcycles, and some believe it’s why baby boomers are so deeply passionate about motorcycling."

Since countless riders began their journey on a Honda, the brand’s vintage models, such as the Honda CB350 and CB750, hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Additionally, the fact that Elvis Presley was known to ride a Honda, among other brands, adds to its enduring appeal [source: Cerilli].

Continue reading to learn about a brand that once stood as a formidable competitor to Harley-Davidson.

9: Indian

At the dawn of the 20th century, the race to create motorized bicycles was intense, with over 300 manufacturers entering the fray [source: Carleton]. However, many of these early motorcycles were prone to mechanical failures. "Most bikes still had bicycle pedals attached, so riders could pedal home if the engine failed," explains Dave Carleton, a California-based motorcycle historian and judge at numerous vintage motorcycle events.

Brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian rose above the competition by producing dependable motorcycles. Founded by two former bicycle racers, Indian became famous for its powerful and speedy models [source: Cerilli]. Enthusiasts particularly cherish models like the Indian Chief (especially the 1940 version), the 4-cylinder Indian Four, and the Scout.

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8: Triumph

If a vintage motorcycle gains collectible status partly due to its association with famous personalities, then Triumph’s inclusion among the most popular brands is no surprise. As a British manufacturer, Triumph was the preferred choice of cultural icons like James Dean, Steve McQueen, and Bob Dylan [source: Cerilli]. The connection of these legendary figures to Triumph motorcycles in the 1950s and '60s continues to captivate enthusiasts today, particularly those who, as children, could only dream of owning one.

"Nostalgia buyers, primarily baby boomers, often seek motorcycles they either owned in their youth or could never afford back then. Triumph models from 1959 to 1970 are especially popular," explains Lorin Guy, a California-based organizer of major motorcycle shows across the U.S.

The Triumph Bonneville stands out as one of the brand’s most beloved models, celebrated for its lightweight design and superior handling. However, by the mid-1970s, Triumph’s appeal had faded. "I worked at a motorcycle magazine when a new Bonneville arrived, and it felt outdated, especially compared to Japanese bikes," recalls John L. Stein, an automotive journalist and author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles." "It was like comparing two different worlds."

Continue reading to learn about the undisputed king of the road.

7: Harley-Davidson

Motorcycle journalist Stein notes that describing Harley-Davidson as just a company or a Harley as merely a motorcycle doesn’t do it justice. "Harleys have two wheels and an engine, but they operate on a completely different wavelength," he explains. "For Harley enthusiasts, it’s more than a vehicle—it’s a lifestyle and a passion, distinct from the appeal of Japanese motorcycles."

Like many iconic brands, Harley-Davidson’s allure is bolstered by its rich history. Founded in 1903 by two brothers and a friend, the company has seen both triumphs and challenges, including a remarkable resurgence in the 1980s [sources: Harley-Davidson, Cerilli].

Some of the most sought-after vintage Harley models include the Fat Boy, Flathead, Knucklehead, and Panhead. The list of famous Harley riders is extensive, featuring names like Malcolm Forbes, Clint Eastwood, and former Texas Governor Ann Richards [source: Cerilli]. According to Jim Wagnon of the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, the 1965 Harley Electra Glide, with its electric starter, windshield, and saddlebags, revolutionized motorcycle touring. "This bike defined the king-of-the-road image for Harley, blending Americana, Elvis, and apple pie into its legacy," he remarks.

Proceed to the next page to explore a unique twist on the British Invasion.

6: Norton

As evident from this list, British motorcycle manufacturers were locked in intense competition during the 1950s, '60s, and into the '70s. Norton distinguished itself by crafting motorcycles that were exceptionally fast, durable, and stylish. The Norton Commando, in particular, is celebrated by experts as a standout model. "It’s one of the most visually stunning bikes ever made," remarks author and journalist Stein. "Its design is truly captivating."

While not as widely recognized, the 1953 Norton Manx is highly prized by vintage motorcycle collectors for its technical innovation, featuring double overhead cams powered by a tower shaft, and its focus on speed. However, speed is a relative concept across different eras of motorcycles. Wagnon recalls racing his Norton Commando against a modern Kawasaki. "It felt like I was moving backward," he says, describing how his competitor effortlessly sped ahead.

Continue to the next page to discover the brand favored by the intellectual crowd.

5: BMW

BMW motorcycles are often referred to as the "thinking man's motorcycle" due to their sophisticated engineering and ease of maintenance. Vintage experts, including Nolan Woodbury of Vintage Motorcycles Online, credit Honda for motivating BMW to create iconic models like the 1973 R90S and R100RS. "The R90S was BMW’s response to the Japanese threat, showcasing their ability to innovate and compete," he explains.

Before the 1969 Honda CB750, BMW’s approach was indifferent, offering customers limited options with their black-and-white pinstriped bikes. However, the arrival of Honda’s CB750 forced BMW to step up. "The R90S, with its striking gray and orange smoke finishes, was designed to appeal to a younger, more dynamic audience and outperformed the CB750. The R100RS followed, offering unmatched luxury and features that Japan couldn’t match—at least for a time," Woodbury notes.

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4: Moto Guzzi

Marking its 90th anniversary in 2011, Moto Guzzi stands as the second oldest continuously operating motorcycle manufacturer. Founded on the shores of Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy, by Carlo Guzzi, who sought to create his ideal bike, the brand has earned the nickname "the Italian Eagle." Renowned for its racing heritage, Moto Guzzi claims around 3,300 victories in its history [source: Moto Guzzi]. Iconic vintage models like the Le Mans, Falcone, and El Dorado are celebrated for their design and dependability.

The story of the original V7 Sport is particularly fascinating, as it has been reimagined into the modern V7 Café Classic [source: Panettieri]. In the 1960s and '70s, the V7 Sport became synonymous with the Rockers, a counterculture movement. Originating in England and spreading globally, Rockers used V7 Sports in races where participants would dash from a café to a set point and back before a jukebox song ended [source: Panettieri].

Proceed to the next page to explore another iconic British brand.

3: Vincent-HRD

Long before The Beatles arrived in the U.S. and sparked a British music revolution, several U.K. motorcycle manufacturers were producing bikes that became highly coveted in America. Vincent, founded by Philip Conrad Vincent, was one such brand. Cerilli of Vintage Motorcycles Online notes that Vincent developed a groundbreaking rear suspension during his mechanical engineering studies at Cambridge, which he later integrated into his motorcycles.

Today, the Vincent Black Shadow is a prized collector’s item, with prices ranging from $75,000 to over $250,000, due to its limited production of only 1,700 units and its advanced features for the time [source: Cerilli]. Wagnon of the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute highlights that the 1948 Vincent Black Shadow was likely the fastest mass-produced motorcycle of its era. "It was a 100-plus mile-per-hour bike in an age of 60-mile-per-hour motorcycles. It was fast, powerful, and ahead of its time," Wagnon explains. "Every vintage collector, myself included, dreams of owning a Vincent."

Proceed to the next page to learn how a versatile company made waves in the motorcycle industry.

2: Kawasaki

It’s often argued that companies specializing in a single field — whether it’s widgets, mobile phones, or motorcycles — have the focus needed to create superior products. However, Kawasaki, the Japanese motorcycle brand that began producing bikes in the 1960s, challenges this notion. With a history of manufacturing ships, jets, and industrial equipment, Kawasaki brought its expertise to the world of motorcycles [source: Cerilli].

Kawasaki’s most iconic vintage models reflect the company’s ability to translate its experience with powerful machinery into motorcycle design. The 1969 500 cc Mach III and the 1973 900 cc 4-cylinder Z1 are prime examples. The Z1, in particular, is often regarded as the first modern "super bike," capable of reaching speeds between 120 mph and 130 mph, rivaling sports cars like the Corvette or Ferrari but at a fraction of the cost [source: Wagnon].

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1: Brough Superior

The soaring prices of vintage motorcycles often astonish people, with some models becoming so valuable that they are used to diversify investment portfolios alongside bonds and stocks. However, certain bikes, like those from Brough Superior, were exorbitantly priced from the beginning. Founded by George Brough, the company’s motorcycles cost as much as a house upon release, earning them the title "The Rolls Royce of Motorcycles." This moniker reflected not only their price but also the unparalleled quality of materials used in their construction [source: Woodbury].

Today, Brough Superior is often linked to TE Lawrence, famously known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence was an ardent admirer of the brand, owning eight Brough motorcycles, each with a unique name. His first was Boa, followed by George I, George II, and so on, up to George VII, the bike he was riding at the time of his death. George VIII was on order but never delivered [source: Woodbury].

As noted earlier, this list leaves out some notable brands like Ducati and Velocette. We’d love to hear which brands you think deserve a spot on this list.