Greatest Motorcycles of the Last 100 Years (1925-2025)
Finding, and I quote, the “best motorbike ever” is near impossible. Everyone has their own opinions on what motorcycle deserves to be on this list, and for good reasons. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 15 most influential, greatest motorcycles of the last 100 years (well, sort of all-time).
Don’t worry. We made sure to include some honorable mentions. Think we missed one? Let us know on social!
1. 1923 BMW R32
Yes, we know this technically was 102 years ago. Oh well. It was worth mentioning.
The first motorcycle produced by BMW, the R32 introduced the now-iconic 494cc air-cooled boxer-twin engine with shaft drive. Designed by Max Friz, it set the blueprint for BMW’s signature design language and engineering principles. The R32 pioneered a focus on long-term durability and usability, influencing BMW motorcycles for decades.
Why It Matters: Its design principles are still present in BMW’s modern motorcycles, especially in the GS and touring ranges.
2. 1937 Brough Superior SS100
Widely regarded as the world’s first “superbike,” the Brough Superior SS100 boasted a powerful 990cc V-twin engine capable of reaching 100 mph—unheard of at the time. Known for its exceptional quality and precision engineering, it was famously owned by T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”).
Why It Matters: The SS100 set a new standard for high-performance motorcycles and remains a symbol of pre-WWII motorcycling craftsmanship.
3. 1948 Vincent Black Shadow
The Vincent Black Shadow was a technological marvel of its era, with a 1,000cc V-twin engine that allowed a top speed of 125 mph. Its frameless design, monoshock suspension, and dual front brakes were ahead of their time.
Why It Matters: It influenced future motorcycle designs, proving that speed and innovation could go hand in hand.
4. 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster
The Harley-Davidson Sportster debuted with an 883cc V-twin engine targeting a younger, sportier audience. It became a critical model for Harley and was built to compete with British bikes that were dominating the market.
Why It Matters: Still in production today, the Sportster is Harley’s longest-running model, proving its adaptability and enduring appeal.
5. 1958 Honda Super Cub
The Honda Super Cub revolutionized affordable, practical transportation. With its 50cc engine, automatic clutch, and iconic design, it became the best-selling motor vehicle in history, with over 100 million units sold worldwide.
Why It Matters: The Super Cub made motorcycles accessible to millions, reshaping global perceptions of riding. It’s still one of the most popular motorcycles out there today.
6. 1960 Triumph T120 Bonneville
The Triumph Bonneville brought performance and style together with a 650cc parallel-twin engine capable of 110 mph. Named after the Bonneville Salt Flats, it became a cultural icon associated with the café racer scene and celebrities like Steve McQueen.
Why It Matters: It defined British motorcycling in the 1960s and remains an influential design for modern retro motorcycles.
7. 1969 Honda CB750
Often called the world’s first superbike, the Honda CB750 introduced a 736cc inline-four engine, front disc brake, and electric starter at an affordable price. It signaled the start of Japan’s dominance in the motorcycle industry.
Why It Matters: The CB750’s blend of performance, reliability, and affordability changed motorcycling forever, setting the standard for modern superbikes.
8. 1972 Kawasaki Z1
The Kawasaki Z1 was a groundbreaking superbike with a 903cc inline-four engine and double overhead cams, capable of over 130 mph. It overshadowed Honda’s CB750 by offering more power and sophistication.
Why It Matters: It established Kawasaki as a serious contender in the superbike category and paved the way for the Z-series lineage.
9. 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
The Honda Gold Wing debuted as a high-performance touring machine with a liquid-cooled flat-four engine and shaft drive. It redefined long-distance touring by offering unparalleled comfort, reliability, and smoothness.
Why It Matters: It created the luxury touring motorcycle category and remains the gold standard for touring bikes.
10. 1981 BMW R 80 G/S
The BMW R 80 G/S launched the adventure bike category, combining on-road comfort with off-road capability. It was powered by an air-cooled boxer engine and featured a single-sided swingarm.
Why It Matters: It became the foundation of BMW’s GS series, one of the best-selling motorcycle lines in history, and inspired the global rise of adventure riding.
11. 1984 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail
The Harley-Davidson Softail featured a hidden rear suspension that mimicked the look of classic hardtail frames while offering modern comfort. Powered by the 80ci Evolution engine, it marked Harley’s resurgence after its management buyout.
Why It Matters: The Softail helped revitalize Harley-Davidson in the 1980s, contributing to its financial turnaround.
12. 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750
The Suzuki GSX-R750 revolutionized sportbikes by bringing track-ready performance to the streets. With an oil-cooled inline-four engine and aluminum frame, it offered lightweight, high-performance engineering at an accessible price.
Why It Matters: The GSX-R750 launched the modern sportbike era and inspired the “Gixxer” line that remains a cornerstone of Suzuki’s brand.
13. 1993 Ducati Monster M900
Ducati’s Monster M900 defined the naked bike category with its minimalist design, featuring a trellis frame, exposed engine, and round headlight. Its 904cc L-twin engine delivered impressive torque and character.
Why It Matters: The Monster became Ducati’s best-selling model and a blueprint for naked bikes worldwide.
14. 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1
The Yamaha YZF-R1 redefined sportbike engineering with a compact 998cc inline-four engine and innovative stacked gearbox. It offered 150 horsepower in a lightweight chassis, setting new standards for performance.
Why It Matters: The R1 reshaped the superbike segment and remains a benchmark for sportbike excellence.
15. 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4
The Ducati Superleggera V4 is the pinnacle of motorcycle engineering, with a 998cc V4 engine delivering 224 horsepower (234 with the racing exhaust). Its extensive use of carbon fiber keeps its weight remarkably low, creating a jaw-dropping power-to-weight ratio.
Why It Matters: As the closest MotoGP technology available to the public, the Superleggera V4 represents the ultimate in performance and innovation.
Honorable Mentions for Greatest Motorcycles of the Last 100 Years:
- 1950 Vincent Black Lightning – The fastest production motorcycle of its time, legendary for breaking land-speed records.
- 1967 Yamaha DT-1 – The first modern dual-sport motorcycle, sparking the off-road riding boom.
- 1973 Honda CR250 Elsinore – Revolutionized motocross with a lightweight design and a powerful two-stroke engine.
- 1979 Honda CBX – Showcased an inline-six engine, cementing Honda’s engineering dominance.
- 1987 Kawasaki KLR650 – A bulletproof adventure bike beloved for its versatility and affordability.
- 1994 Ducati 916 – A groundbreaking sportbike that redefined motorcycle design and performance.
- 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2R – A supercharged track-only marvel with 310 horsepower, pushing engineering boundaries.
These motorcycles significantly contributed to history, even if they didn’t make the main list.