Motorcycle enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the best brands that blend performance, style, and reliability. The global motorcycle market is ripe with options, ranging from iconic manufacturers with decades of history to pioneering newcomers offering innovative designs. Each brand often has its loyal following, with models catering to a wide spectrum of riders, from casual commuters to off-road adventurers. For those eager to discover which brands are leading the pack this year, take a ride through our carefully curated list below.
Illustration of motorcycle
Best brands of motorcycle in 2025
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1903, has rebounded strongly in 2024 with global sales growing by 11.4% to 134,597 units as of August, marking a significant recovery after several years of decline. The brand holds a 9% global market share and a 19.9% market share in the U.S. motorcycle market as of December 2024. Harley-Davidson's partnership with Hero Motocorp has driven substantial growth in the Indian market, with nearly 12,000 sales in 2024. Known for its heavyweight, air-cooled cruiser motorcycles, the company has also expanded its offerings to include more contemporary models. Harley-Davidson's loyal customer base and brand-focused events contribute to its enduring popularity. For more detailed insights, visit the Harley-Davidson sales report.
Honda
Honda is a leading global producer of motorcycles, dominating the 2-wheeler industry with a market share near 30%. In 2024, Honda's global motorcycle sales have seen a significant increase, with 13.07 million units sold in the first eight months, representing an 8.0% growth and projecting towards one of the best annual results ever. The company's strong performance is particularly driven by the Indian market, where sales are booming with a 33.5% increase, and Latin America, where sales are up by 13.5%. Honda's dominance is also evident in the ASEAN region, although sales there have slightly declined by 1.7% in 2024. The brand continues to lead the global motorcycle market, with notable growth in various regions. For more detailed insights, visit their performance overview here.
Yamaha
Yamaha is renowned as one of the best motorcycle producers, known for its outstanding performance, reliability, and innovation. With a diverse range of models, Yamaha caters to various riding lifestyles, from racing to commuting and adventure. The brand has consistently ranked high in reliability, with only 10% of its motorcycles needing repairs, as per Consumer Reports surveys. In 2024, Yamaha saw a 5% increase in global sales, projecting close to 5 million units for the year, with significant growth in regions like Latin America and East Europe. Yamaha's commitment to quality and durability has solidified its position as the third-largest motorcycle manufacturer globally, after Honda and Hero MotoCorp. For more detailed insights on Yamaha's growth, visit their motorcycle data report.
Ducati
Ducati, an iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer, has cemented its position as one of the best producers in the industry. In the first half of 2023, Ducati achieved a record 34,976 motorcycle deliveries, marking a 5% growth compared to the same period in 2022. The Multistrada V4 was the most popular model, with 6,382 units delivered globally during this period. Ducati's strong market presence is evident, with Italy, the United States, and Germany being its top markets, and the company continues to innovate, including its recent entry into off-road racing and its dominance in MotoGP and WorldSBK championships. For more information on Ducati's sales growth, visit their news page.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki is a renowned brand in the motorcycle industry, known for its high-performance and durable vehicles. In 2024, Kawasaki is expected to sell around 0.41 million motorcycles worldwide, with the United States generating the highest revenue of approximately USD 0.80 billion. The brand dominates nearly 30% of the U.S. motorcycle market, along with other Asian brands like Honda and Yamaha. Kawasaki's global sales, although slow in recovery since 2020, show a 1.4% increase in the first eight months of 2024, with strong performances in West Europe and South and Central America. The company's motorcycle and engine segment achieved record net sales of approximately USD 3.66 billion in the fiscal year 2023.
BMW Motorrad
BMW Motorrad has established itself as one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers, achieving record sales of 202,895 motorcycles and scooters in 2022, a 4.4% increase over the previous year. The brand saw significant growth in various regions, including a 6.7% increase in Europe and a 17.2% increase in Latin America, with Brazil being a standout market. The R 1250 GS and GS Adventure models were the top sellers, accounting for almost 60,000 units sold. Additionally, BMW Motorrad's small capacity models, such as the G 310 R and G 310 GS, remained strong sellers, and the CE 04 electric scooter also saw notable sales. In 2023, BMW Motorrad continued its success with global registrations reaching 208,528 units, a 3.4% increase. For more detailed insights, you can read the 2022 motorcycle sales figures.
Suzuki
Suzuki has emerged as a standout performer among the Japanese 'big four' motorcycle manufacturers, with a significant rebound in global sales. After a decline from 2 million in 2012 to 1.2 million in 2020, Suzuki's sales increased to 1.7 million in 2021, marking a 39% rise, largely driven by its strong performance in the Chinese market and recovery from the COVID pandemic. In 2023, Suzuki's global sales reached 1.9 million and are projected to exceed 2 million in 2024, with an 8.3% increase in the first eight months. The brand aims to have at least 30% of its global sales come from hybrid and electric vehicles by 2024. Suzuki's market share in Asia remains stable at around 10%, with India being its top-performing market after Japan. For more detailed insights on their performance, visit Suzuki's sales analysis.
Triumph
Triumph Motorcycles is one of the leading producers of premium motorcycles, having achieved a 31% increase in sales since 2020, with a record 83,389 motorcycles sold worldwide in 2022. The company holds a 6.5% market share in the global motorcycle industry and a 10% share in the European premium motorcycle segment. Triumph is projected to sell around 70,000 motorcycles in 2024, marking a 5% increase from the previous year, and is investing $200 million in developing electric motorcycles. The brand has also made significant strides in racing, setting numerous records as the exclusive Moto2 engine supplier since 2019. With a global network of over 740 dealers, Triumph continues to expand its presence and commitment to quality and performance.
KTM
KTM, an Austrian motorcycle brand, has solidified its position as a leading producer in the motorcycle industry, known for its high-performance street and off-road motorcycles. In 2023, the combined market share of KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS brands reached approximately 10.6% in Europe and 12.6% in North America. KTM is projected to achieve a global revenue of around $1.52 billion in 2024, with unit sales forecasted to reach 157,200 motorcycles by 2029. The brand has won over 341 World Championship titles in its 70-year history, reflecting its 'READY TO RACE' mentality. KTM's global presence is expanding, particularly in countries like India, Australia, and the United States, where sales are experiencing significant growth. For more detailed insights, check out KTM statistics and information.
Indian Motorcycle
Indian Motorcycle has established itself as a leading producer in the motorcycle industry, marked by significant growth and innovation. Since Polaris acquired the brand in 2011, Indian Motorcycle has seen a substantial increase in global market share, rising from 2% in 2014 to 13% in 2023, largely driven by the success of models like the Scout, with over 100,000 units sold globally in the past decade. The brand's reliability has been enhanced through advanced engine designs, superior braking systems, and high-quality manufacturing standards, making it a top choice among seasoned riders. Indian Motorcycle has also demonstrated financial health, with a notable increase in gross profit margin and turning a profit for the first time in 2023 under Polaris's ownership. This combination of technological advancements and financial stability positions Indian Motorcycle as a formidable competitor in the global motorcycle market. For more information on their offerings, visit their official website.
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