Motorcycles That Left Their Mark
Some motorcycles do more than just get you from point A to B—they make a statement. Maybe it’s their unmistakable style, the way they dominated the track, or the memories they created for riders everywhere. No matter what put them in the spotlight, these bikes earned their place in history. Here’s a look at 20 motorcycles that left a lasting impression.
1. Harley-Davidson XR750
Dominating flat-track racing since 1970, the XR750 became an American legend. Evel Knievel trusted this machine for death-defying stunts, cementing its reputation. Its air-cooled V-twin engine roared across dirt tracks, further making it one of Harley-Davidson's most successful race bikes.
2. Honda Super Cub
With 100 million sales, it stands as the world’s best-selling motorcycle. Introduced in 1958, this lightweight commuter redefined affordability and reliability. Its step-through frame and automatic clutch make riding easy, which proves that big impact often comes in small packages.
3. Ducati 916
Beauty and performance rarely merge so perfectly, but the Ducati 916 achieved it. This Italian superbike is stunned with its single-sided swingarm and aggressive lines. On the track, Carl Fogarty rode it to multiple World Superbike Championships, which ensured its place among racing royalty.
4. Royal Enfield Classic 500
Few bikes blend nostalgia and reliability like the Royal Enfield Classic 500. Its vintage styling and thumping single-cylinder engine echo the golden age of motorcycling. Originally derived from British military designs, this machine remained a global favorite for its old-school charm—until its discontinuation in April 2020.
5. Suzuki Hayabusa
The name alone strikes fear—or excitement. This Hayabusa was the first production bike to break the 186 mph barrier. Its aerodynamic design and 1,299cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine set speed records, forcing an industry-wide speed cap. Few machines have ever redefined the meaning of velocity.
6. Triumph Bonneville
An icon of rebellion, the Bonneville first hit the streets in 1959. Steve McQueen rode one, and café racers tuned them to perfection. With a parallel-twin engine and a silhouette straight from the golden age of British motorcycles, this machine remains an eternal classic.
7. Kawasaki Z1
No one was ready for the Z1’s impact in 1972. Its 903cc inline-four engine produced 82 horsepower—outrageous for the era. It was faster than anything else on the road, setting a precedent for all superbikes that followed. The “King of Motorcycles” moniker was well-earned.
8. BMW R80 G/S
Adventure bikes exist because of the R80 G/S. It debuted in 1980 and introduced the world to long-distance dual-sport capability. Its 798cc air-cooled boxer engine and shaft-drive setup made it ideal for tackling unpaved roads, winning the first-ever Paris-Dakar Rally in 1981.
9. Vincent Black Shadow
In the 1940s, the Black Shadow was the fastest motorcycle on Earth, reaching 125 mph. Its blacked-out V-twin engine and advanced engineering made it a favorite among speed demons. Even Hunter S. Thompson called it “the perfect vehicle for escape.”
10. Yamaha YZF-R1
Sportbikes changed forever in 1998 when Yamaha introduced the R1. A lightweight frame, aggressive aerodynamics, and a 998cc engine made it a track weapon. Moreover, riders seeking adrenaline quickly appreciated its razor-sharp handling and blistering acceleration.
11. Indian Scout (1920s)
The 1920s Indian Scout earned its reputation with a reliable V-twin engine, smooth handling, and durable build. Its low center of gravity made it easy to maneuver, whether on city streets or long-distance rides. Riders valued it for its practicality, and it became a favorite in endurance races and even military use for its dependability.
12. Honda CB750
The CB750 introduced the world to the first true superbike in 1969. Its inline-four engine, front disc brake, and affordable price made high performance accessible. Often imitated but never surpassed, this Honda remains one of the most influential motorcycles ever built.
13. Brough Superior SS100
Hand-built and tested at over 100 mph before delivery, the SS100 was the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles. T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, was obsessed with them. With impeccable craftsmanship and a 1,000cc V-twin, it is one of the most sought-after vintage motorcycles.
Matti Blume / Freisteller: Auge=mit on Wikimedia
14. Suzuki GSX-R750
Fast, sharp, and built for speed—this bike changed the game. When Suzuki revealed the GSX-R750 in 1985, it brought race-bike tech to the streets with a lightweight frame and a punchy inline-four engine. It wasn't just quick; it handled like a dream, setting the standard for sportbikes that still hold strong today.
15. Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
In 1936, the Knucklehead introduced Harley’s first overhead-valve V-twin engine. The 61 cubic-inch engine packed more power and torque than anything before it. The foundation of Harley’s heritage, this machine shaped the brand’s future.
16. Ducati Monster M900
Sometimes, simplicity is king. The Ducati Monster M900 is the motorcycle that redefined street performance in the ’90s with its bold, stripped-down design. Beyond aesthetics, the M900 packed serious performance with responsive suspension and powerful Brembo brakes, making it as fun to ride as it was to admire.
Allen Bearce from Midwest City, USA on Wikimedia
17. Kawasaki Ninja H2
Forget ordinary speed—Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 kicks it into another dimension. It features a supercharged inline-four engine, which makes every ride feel like a thrill ride. Sharp handling and aggressive aerodynamics keep it planted, proving that Kawasaki didn’t just chase speed—they engineered it to dominate the road.
18. Aprilia RSV4
Aprilia’s entry into the superbike world stunned everyone in 2009. The RSV4 brought MotoGP technology to the streets, offering razor-sharp handling and a screaming V4 engine. Its precise control and championship-winning pedigree make it unforgettable.
19. Moto Guzzi Le Mans
Named after the legendary race, the Le Mans blended Italian craftsmanship with endurance-racing heritage. Its transverse V-twin and shaft drive created a unique ride. Its unmistakable styling and torque-rich powerplant gave it a cult following.
20. Harley-Davidson Sportster
Few motorcycles are as customizable, versatile, and iconic as the Harley-Davidson Sportster. Since 1957, it has been transformed into café racers, scramblers, bobbers, and drag bikes. A true blank canvas for creativity, it remains one of Harley’s longest-running and most beloved models.
