Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World

In this article, we will discuss the  Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World.

Motorcycles, celebrated for their powerful engines and sleek designs, have captivated enthusiasts and riders alike. These exhilarating two-wheeled vehicles encapsulate a thrilling blend of freedom, adventure, and adrenaline-inducing speed. Motorcycles have evolved from being mere modes of transportation to cherished passions and lifestyles adored by many globally. 

Global Motorcycle Market: 

Recent years have seen strong growth in the global motorcycle market size, valued at $75.63 billion in 2022. Motorcycles have gained popularity over the last ten years as an affordable mode of transportation. The automotive industry’s advancements have greatly increased sales. The macroeconomic factors that continue to propel two-wheeler sales throughout regions include urbanization and growing financial freedom. After a strong rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic’s peak, a decrease in reliance on public transportation resulted in increased market demand, and the motorcycle market is anticipated to reach $79.57 billion in 2023 to 124.09 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.6%, as per Fortune Business Insights. In 2022, Asia-Pacific was the dominant region worldwide, with a whopping $46.76 billion market share. Due to the high demand for a wide variety of sports, cruisers, and touring motorcycles, which fuels growth in this region, North America owns a significant portion of the worldwide motorcycle industry. 

In 2024, the US motorcycle market is anticipated to result in $6.98 billion in revenue. By 2028, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.78%. On-road Motorcycles will likely be the largest sector in this industry. Government incentives and growing environmental consciousness are contributing to an upsurge in the market for electric motorcycles in the United States.

The Motorcycle Industry’s Recent Developments: 

The motorcycle industry is currently experiencing a significant and profound transformation. There is a growing recognition and acceptance of the concept of sustainable vehicles, driven by the desire for motorcycles that not only serve as a means of transportation but also make a positive contribution to the well-being of our planet. As per Fortune Business Insights, this remarkable movement is reshaping the motorcycle industry, challenging traditional approaches, and sparking a wave of creativity and innovation. With the adoption of sustainable electric motorcycles and the emergence of consumer trends, sustainable motorcycles are leading the charge toward a more environmentally conscious future. The low fuel efficiency is also a significant driving factor for the growth of e-motorcycles. One of the major players operating in the global electric motorcycle market is Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) .                                                        

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) was established in Milwaukee in 1903 and built an office in Silicon Valley. In 2018, the company had ambitions to expand its lineup of electric vehicles in the future, which included motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters. According to Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG), during the next few years, it intended to invest $25–50 million in the development of electric motorcycles. Although declining profits and the financial blow brought on by COVID-19 raised doubt about HD’s electric intentions, the $29,799 LiveWire was their first e-motorcycle. Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) was the first major bike manufacturer to produce an e-motorcycle, claiming that the highest speed with a 105-hp motor was 110 mph. When the LiveWire was introduced in 2019, its intended audience was not the same as that of their vintage V-twin motorcycles. Subsequently, in 2021, in a $1.77 billion deal, Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle division announced going public through a merger with a blank-check corporation named SPAC.(cnbc).

The headquarters of American automaker Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) are located in Minnesota. Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) currently maintains engineering and manufacturing facilities in Roseau, Minnesota, the site of its founding. Indian Motorcorp was acquired by Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) in 2011. In 2023, the first American motorcycle company, Indian Motorcycle, announced a partnership with ” 100% “, a well-known American motocross brand, in addition to revealing its entire 2024 model year portfolio. The 2024 portfolio includes upgrades for every Indian Motorcycle model, including the limited-edition FTR x 100% R Carbon, a newly reworked PowerBand Audio system, and a new Indian Challenger Elite. 

Moreover, Hero MotoCorp Limited (India) and Zero Motorcycles (California, USA) partnered in March 2023, with Hero Motor investing up to $60 million in Zero. Through this partnership, Zero Motors aims to develop power trains with the scale of manufacturing, sourcing, and marketing of Hero Motocorp Moto electric motorcycles.  

With that said, here are the Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World. 

Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World

Photo by Alina Rubo on Unsplash

Methodology:

We have picked the Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World based on their annual revenue for 2022. For private companies on our list, we estimated their revenues by comparing them with public companies of the same size and in the same industry. It is pertinent to note that we have taken into account conglomerates although they are not pure-play companies and don’t make the bulk of their revenue from motorcycles, still have a significant impact on this industry.  

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20. KTM

2022 Revenue: $2.61 million

The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM was established in 1934. Before turning to motorcycle manufacturing in the 1950s, the company began producing bicycles and mopeds. Today, KTM is well-known for both its championship-winning racing teams and its high-performance street and off-road motorcycles. A variety of off-road motorcycles, such as motocross, enduro, and cross-country variants, are offered by KTM. The business also sells sports bikes, adventure bikes, and naked bikes. KTM motorcycles are renowned for having powerful brakes, advanced suspension systems, and high-performance engines. KTM is one of the Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World.

19. Niu Technologies

2022 Revenue: $440 million 

China’s Beijing is home to the headquarters of the electric scooter business, Niu Technologies. Since December 2017, Yan Li has served as both its CEO and COO. Electric scooters, electric motorbikes, e-scooters, and electric bicycles are among Niu’s products. Digital displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone apps that allow users to log rides, map itineraries, and check battery life are all features of Niu cars.

18. Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.  

2022 Revenue: ~ 753.94 million

Triumph Motorcycles Ltd., one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world and owned by the United Kingdom, was founded by John Bloor in 1983 following the receivership of the original Triumph Engineering company. Triumph’s inventiveness and dedication have influenced the development of motorcycles for nearly a century. One of this company’s top models is the Triumph Tiger 1200. 

17. Benelli (Qianjang)

2022 Revenue: $785.28 million

Benelli is an Italian motorcycle company that was founded in 1911 in Pesaro. This company joined the Qianjiang Group in 2005, which is the largest and most capable organization in China for motorcycle manufacture. Benelli has a long history of creating distinctive and avant-garde motorcycles and has competed in several motorcycle races. An extensive range of motorcycles, such as adventure bikes, naked bikes, sport bikes, and touring bikes, are available from Benelli. The TNT 600 is one of Benelli’s best-selling models; it has a 600-cc four-cylinder engine with a sleek, contemporary appearance. Hence, it is one of the best motorcycles in the world

16. Ducati 

2022 Revenue: ~ $1.07 billion 

Founded in 1926, Ducati is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer. Owned by Lamborghini, this company is well-known for creating high-performance motorbikes that fuse cutting-edge technology with classic Italian design, and it has its headquarters in Bologna, Italy. A broad range of motorcycles, such as sportbikes, naked bikes, and adventure bikes, are offered by Ducati. Among the company’s best-selling models are the Multistrada, Panigale, and Monster. Additionally, Ducati is one of the most luxurious motorcycle brands in the world and is known for creating extremely sought-after limited edition and special edition bikes for collectors. 

15.  Royal Enfield (Eicher Motors Limited) 

2022 Revenue: ~ $1.22 billion

Royal Enfield, an Indian motorcycle manufacturing brand, was once a subsidiary of the British motorcycle business Royal Enfield and is currently its successor. Since 1901, this company has been marketed as “the oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production” and produced at factories located in Chennai, India. Royal Enfield is famous for creating motorcycles that have a vintage look and a classic appearance. The Classic, Bullet, and Himalayan are the company’s best-selling models. These motorcycles have earned a reputation for their potent motors, distinctive styling, and comfortable rides. The parent company of Royal Enfield, the world’s leading manufacturer of middleweight bikes, is listed as Eicher Motors Limited. 

14. Piaggio Group (Aprilia and Moto Guzzi)

2022 Revenue: $2.24 billion

The Piaggio Group, which was founded in 1884, is one of the biggest scooter and motorbike manufacturers in Europe and one of the global leaders in the motorcycle sector. One of the leading motorcycle brands in the world, Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi were acquired by Piaggio in December 2004, marking the companies’ entry into the world of motorcycles. With 516,200 vehicles supplied in 2022, the Piaggio Group currently has three distinct business divisions: two-wheelers, scooters, and motorcycles with engines ranging from 50 to 1,100-cc. 

13. Haojue 

 2022 Revenue: $2.45 billion 

Chinese manufacturer Haojue specializes in motorcycle manufacturing. With 1.92 million bikes sold in 2022, this company appears to be growing. Haojue mostly manufactures scooters and motorbikes for commuting riders and offers accessories, spare parts, and other services. In addition to providing smooth power delivery, Haojue’s highly efficient TSR engine significantly lessens engine vibration within its typical operating range. The most popular brands offered by this company are Haojue Lucky, Haojue KA150, Haojue DL250, and Haojue VE125. Haojue is one of the best motorcycle brands in the world

12. TVS Motor Co. Ltd. (Norton) 

2022 Revenue: $2.57 billion

With its headquarters located in Chennai, TVS Motor Company is a multinational Indian motorbike manufacturer. In terms of revenue, it is one of the biggest motorbike companies in not only India but also worldwide. In 2022, this company generated $2.57 billion in revenue and produced over four million automobiles annually, as reported by the company. In April 2020, TVS paid around $20.16 million to acquire Norton. Founded in 1898, Norton Motorcycles is a manufacturer of motorcycles. The business has a rich and illustrious past and is known for building powerful motorcycles with traditional British design.

11. Hero MotoCorp Limited 

2022 Revenue: $3.49 billion

India is home to one of the best bike companies in the world, known as Hero. Since its founding in 1984, the business has grown to rank among the world’s biggest producers of two-wheeled vehicles. Hero offers a large selection of motorbikes, ranging from sporty bikes to commuter bikes. The Splendor, one of Hero’s best-selling models, has been upgraded multiple times over its more than 20 years of manufacturing. Popular in India and other areas of the world, it is a dependable and reasonably priced commuter bike.

 10. Bajaj Auto Limited 

2022 Revenue: $3.87 billion

Founded in 1945, Bajaj Auto is a global Indian firm that specializes in the production of two- and three-wheelers. The firm is one of the biggest three-wheeler manufacturers in the world, with its headquarters located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. High-quality motorcycles, scooters, and three-wheelers with an emphasis on cost and fuel efficiency are what Bajaj Auto is renowned for making. Popular models in its motorcycle portfolio include the Bajaj Pulsar, Discover, and Platina. The Pulsar, with its sporty design and strong engine, is especially well-liked by Indian consumers. 

9. Yadea 

2022 Revenue: ~$4.32 billion

The main business activities of YADEA, a Chinese investment holding company, are the creation, production, and marketing of electric two-wheeled vehicles and associated accessories. Electric scooters, bicycles, batteries and chargers, and electric two-wheeled vehicle parts are among the company’s primary offerings. Yadea is a pioneer in the development and production of electric vehicles. The Yadea Trooper 01, Yadea G5, and Yadea Kemper are Yadea’s best models. 

8. Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG)

2022 Revenue: $5.76 billion

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) , an American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) was established in 1903. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company is well-known for producing an assortment of motorcycles, such as sports bikes, cruisers, and touring bikes. Some of the most recognizable motorcycles in the business, including the Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) Softail, Touring, and Sportster, are part of the Harley-Davidson product line. The business has a sizable fan base among motorcyclists and is well-known for its customized motorcycles. Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) is one of the most expensive motorcycle brands in the world.   

7. Indian Motorcycle ( Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) 

2022 Revenue: $8.59 billion

Based in 1901, Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) claims to be the first motorcycle company in America. Hendee Manufacturing Company was reborn under the brand name “Indian Motorcycle” upon its acquisition by Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII) Industries in 2011. Indian Motorcycle is renowned for creating iconic and vintage vehicles that have a strong cultural connection to American motorcycling. The Scout, Chief, and Springfield are among the company’s best-selling models. These motorcycles have earned a reputation for their powerful engines, comfortable rides, and eye-catching styles. Indian Motorcycle is among the Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World

6. Italika (Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.)  

2022 Revenue: $9.66 billion

Founded in 2005, Italika Motorcycle is currently a part of Grupo Elektra. The former is exported to Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Brazil, and Costa Rica, with its primary market being the Mexican market. While Italika scooters and ATVs are available in an array of colors, Italika motorcycles are available solely in red, yellow, orange, black, and silver-grey color schemes.

5. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. 

2022 Revenue: $9.99 billion

Established in 1896, Kawasaki is one of the best Japanese motorcycle brands in the world. With its headquarters located in Kobe, Japan, this company is well-known for making several kinds of motorcycles, including off-road bikes, sportbikes, cruisers, and touring bikes. Popular models from Kawasaki’s product line include the Ninja sportbike series, the Versys adventure touring series, and the Vulcan cruiser series. Kawasaki is also appreciated for creating extremely powerful off-road motorcycles, including enduro and motocross models. 

4. Suzuki Motor Corporation  

2022 Revenue: $14.97 billion

Suzuki is a motorcycle manufacturer based in Japan that produces an extensive portfolio of motorcycles, from street bikes to dirt bikes. As seen on the GSXR sports bike series in Europe, Suzuki’s corporate colors are blue and white. A wide range of motorcycle models, such as sportbikes, cruisers, touring bikes, and dirt bikes, are available from Suzuki. The GSX-R sportbike series, the Boulevard cruiser series, and the V-Strom adventure bike series are a few of the company’s top-selling models.

3. Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. 

2022 Revenue: $14.97 billion

The headquarters of Yamaha Motorsports are in Iwata, Japan, where the company was founded in 1955. The firm manufactures a range of motorcycles, including scooters, sportbikes, touring bikes, cruisers, and off-road bikes. Some of the most well-known motorbikes on the market are part of the Yamaha product range; they include the Yamaha V Star cruiser, the Yamaha FJR1300 touring bike, and the Yamaha YZF-R1 sportbike. Yamaha is popular for creating high-performance bikes, many of which have innovative features and creative designs.

2. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

2022 Revenue: $96.84 billion

Honda Motor Corporation is a multinational Japanese company well-known for producing a broad variety of automobiles and engines. Honda Motorcycles is the motorcycle division of the company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, which was established in 1959. The company produces an extensive list of motorcycles, such as scooters, sportbikes, touring bikes, and cruisers.

Some of the most well-known motorbikes on the market are offered by Honda Motorcycles, including the sportbikes in the CBR series, the touring bike Honda Gold Wing, and the cruiser Honda Rebel. Honda has a reputation for creating dependable and effective bikes, many of which have exceptional fuel efficiency.

1. BMW- Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft 

2022 Revenue: $152.99 billion

The German multinational company BMW Group, which produces engines, motorcycles, and luxury cars, includes BMW Motorrad as its motorcycle business. Munich, Germany serves as the home base of BMW Motorrad, which was founded in 1923. BMW is the number one motorcycle brand in the world according to our list. This company boasts a range of motorcycles, such as scooters, sportbikes, touring bikes, and adventure bikes.

Some of the most celebrated motorcycles in this sector are found in the BMW Motorrad product list, which includes the BMW K 1600 GTL luxury touring bike, the BMW R 1250 GS adventure touring bike, and the BMW S 1000 RR sportbike. BMW is significantly known for developing outstanding performance motorbikes, such as the BMW HP4 Race.

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Disclosure: None. Top 20 Motorcycle Brands in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.