For many men, owning a motorcycle symbolizes independence and power, offering a direct and visceral experience of driving and galloping. Let's explore some of the world's most famous motorcycle brands and find out which one is your favorite.
1. Aprilia
Aprilia is a world-renowned Italian motorcycle brand and the second-largest manufacturer in Italy. Once a small bike manufacturer, Aprilia has become the industry's technology and design benchmark. Founded in 1962 in Venice, Italy, the company started producing motorcycles in 1975. In 2000, two famous Italian motorcycle factories, Laverda and Moto Guzzi joined Aprilia, and four years later, Aprilia merged into Piaggio, the largest motorcycle group in Europe.
2. Benelli
Benelli, a famous Italian motorcycle brand formerly known as the "Lamborghini of motorcycles," was later acquired by China's brand Motorcycle. Following the acquisition, the brand primarily produces and sells motorcycles in Europe.
3. Piaggio
Piaggio produces scooters, riders, and motorized bikes, with a displacement range from 50cc to 500cc. The company operates four brands: Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, and Derbi, and also produces three- and four-wheeled small cars.
Piaggio was founded in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio, known as the "father of the scooter" worldwide. Another essential product of Piaggio is its engine, which has been an innovation champion.
4. Ducati
Ducati introduced the Cucciolo, the first single-cylinder engine in the company's history, managed by the then-Italian Association for the Promotion of Industry.
The engine was equipped with a general bicycle designed by SIATA of Turin, and 250,000 units were sold worldwide. Although it was only a small engine for a bicycle, Ducati entered the field of motorcycle manufacturing, and the motorcycle division was established as a branch of the company.
5. BMW
BMW is one of the few world-famous automobile companies that also produces motorcycles. Its motorcycles are not only as good as cars but also have a long history. In 1923, the first BMW motorcycle, the R32, designed by BMW's chief designer Max Fritz, was born.
In the following years, BMW's motorcycle technology advanced by leaps and bounds, reaching a milestone in 1937 when racing driver Ernst Heyn set a world record of 279.5 km/h, a record that stood for 14 years.
6. Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi successfully interprets its innate aristocratic style with the unique design of a 90-degree angle transverse V-twin engine, inheriting the classic Italian design elements.
Its excellent paintwork, perfect chrome welding, and every part of the body convey the family genes from Italy in its bloodline. Its amazing explosive power combined with extremely dexterous handling characteristics, exquisite details, and luxurious texture make Moto Guzzi the best choice for gentleman riders.
7. Yamaha
Yamaha was founded in 1887 in Hamamatsu, Japan. Yamaha motorcycles are known for their performance in the car scene, and each model is considered a classic.
Yamaha motorcycles are characterized by a beautiful appearance, comfortable driving, and very meticulous and thoughtful handling of some details, such as indicators, transmissions, electric starters, and overhead camshaft engines, all of which are standard equipment on Japanese motorcycles, even on 125ml displacement cars, to the surprise of buyers.
