The Oldest Motorcycle Brands That Have Stood The Test Of Time

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Bikeleague India

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Jul 15,

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Long story short: Discover the legendary motorcycle brands that have withstood the test of time. From Harley-Davidson to Triumph, explore the rich history of these iconic brands.

Plenty of motorcycle brands are available in India and worldwide, right? Yes, customers now have a plethora of motorcycle brands to choose from. But there were times in India before globalization were we only had the option to purchase scooters like Bajaj Chetak etc. After the globalization of Indian markets, customers can access different premium bike brands now and get to know the rich history behind them and the experience they possess. Gen Z and the younger generation know the details about various bike brands. Still, few know about the legacy they had in their behind.

This article will discuss the various motorcycle brands that have stood the test of time. The most surprising thing is that some bike companies in this list were there manufacturing motorcycles in World War 1 and 2 and have more than 100+ years of rich history behind them. So let&#;s visit all those motorcycle companies in detail right here. So let&#;s start.

The list of oldest motorcycle brands in the world

Royal Enfield, the oldest motorcycle company in existence, was initially founded as a bicycle company in in Britain. It transitioned to producing motorcycles in and quickly became renowned for its durable and dependable machines. Throughout its history, Royal Enfield has been a major supplier of motorcycles to the British military and played a significant role in both World Wars. Today, the brand is known for its classic and vintage-style motorcycles that blend retro charm with modern technology.

Peugeot Motocycles ()

Focused initially on producing bicycles, the brand eventually expanded into motorcycles. Today, Peugeot Motocycles is well-established in Europe and offers a wide range of motorcycles and scooters. With a reputation for quality, innovation, and advanced technology, Peugeot Motocycles remains a leading player in the industry. It holds the distinction of being the oldest manufacturer of scooters.

Norton Motorcycle ()

Established in , Norton Motorcycle is a renowned British motorcycle manufacturer. With a long and storied history, the brand is celebrated for its high-performance motorcycles and impressive track record in racing. Norton Motorcycles are highly regarded for their exceptional engineering and unique designs.

Indian Motorcycle ()

Founded in , Indian Motorcycle is one of the oldest and most iconic American motorcycle manufacturers. Known for its powerful and innovative motorcycles, Indian quickly became a significant rival to Harley-Davidson. The brand made a name for itself in the early days of motorcycle racing, setting speed records and achieving great success.

Triumph ()

Throughout its long history, Triumph motorcycles have become synonymous with exceptional performance, stylish designs, and innovative features. The brand has left a lasting impact in motorcycle racing, achieving notable victories in prestigious events like the Isle of Man TT. Triumph motorcycles, such as the beloved Bonneville range, are highly regarded for their timeless and iconic designs. Today, Triumph continues to produce a diverse range of motorcycles, catering to the needs and preferences of riders worldwide.

Harley Davidson ()

Harley Davidson, founded in , is a renowned American motorcycle manufacturer that has become an emblem of American culture and the spirit of freedom. The brand&#;s motorcycles have gained fame for their robust engines, unique designs, and a sense of thrill and exploration. Despite facing various obstacles throughout its history, Harley-Davidson has persevered. It continues to be one of the most prominent and influential motorcycle brands globally.

Husqvarna Motorcycles ()

Husqvarna Motorcycles, originally a Swedish arms manufacturer, began producing motorcycles in . The brand is recognized for its excellence in off-road motorcycles, particularly in motocross and enduro disciplines.
Husqvarna Motorcycles has a strong racing heritage and has achieved numerous championships and accolades.

Moto Guzzi ()

Founded in , Moto Guzzi is an iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer. What sets Moto Guzzi apart is its distinctive transverse V-twin engine configuration and unique designs. Over the years, Moto Guzzi motorcycles have made a name for themselves in the racing world, earning a reputation for reliability and durability.

BMW Motorrad ()

BMW Motorrad, established in , is the motorcycle branch of the renowned German automobile manufacturer BMW. With a rich history, BMW Motorrad is known for producing highly regarded motorcycles for their exceptional quality, performance, and cutting-edge features. The brand has significantly contributed to various motorcycle segments, including touring, adventure, and sports motorcycles.

Ducati ()

Ducati, founded in , is an iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer. Initially starting as a producer of radio components, Ducati later expanded into the world of motorcycles. Known for their powerful engines, impressive racing achievements, and distinctive Italian aesthetics, Ducati motorcycles have become synonymous with high performance and style.

Oldest motorcycle brands &#; Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the oldest motorcycle brands that have stood the test of time. One thing to note is that most companies started as bicycle companies and then started to integrate engines, hence converting to a motorcycle. So there might be some difference in starting year stated in this article and what the corresponding official company says. As a conclusion to the article, we will list all the motorcycle brands along their starting year.

1. Royal Enfield ()
2. Peugeot Motocycles ()
3. Norton Motorcycle ()
4. Indian Motorcycle ()
5. Triumph ()
6. Harley Davidson ()
7. Husqvarna Motorcycles ()
8. Moto Guzzi ()
9. BMW Motorrad ()
10. Ducati ()

If you have any other doubts or queries related to the same topic, us at . Also, there are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.

The history of motorcycles is incredibly rich. From its humble beginnings as an aerodynamic vehicle for the cavalry to its evolution into a mainstream transportation mode like we know it today, motorbikes have come a long way in a very short period of time.

Motorcycles are one of the favorite pastimes for all American teens and adults. The oldest motorcycle companies in the United States have been in operation since . With high quality and reliable products, these motorcycle companies are valued by many Americans.

Motorcycle companies have been around for hundreds of years and have developed from dirt bikes to modern bikes. So, if you&#;re someone who is an enthusiast about motorcycles, you may find the list below of the oldest motorcycle companies in the USA useful.

10. Simplex

Year Founded:
Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Founder: Paul Treen
Still in Business: No

photo source: nationalmcmuseum.org

Smaller and lighter motorbikes were first produced by the Simplex Manufacturing Corporation in New Orleans in . Given its basic design, both adults and youngsters could afford personal transportation.

Did You Know?

Up until , when the corporation closed down, Simplex continued to develop motor scooters after ceasing manufacture of motorcycles in .

9. Ace Motor

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Founder: William G. Henderson
Still in Business: No

photo source: classic-motorbikes.net

William G. Henderson, an American engineer and motorcycle designer, established Ace Motor in . From to , Ace Motor Corporation produced motorcycles consistently. Thereafter, the company operated sporadically until .

Henderson started to build his own company once again, and the new Ace motorcycle was dubbed the &#;Two-Wheeled Duesenberg&#; because of its remarkable engineering and performance.

In , Ace Motor Corporation was bought by Indians following Henderson&#;s death.

Did You Know?

Upon testing the Ace Sporting Solo in Philadelphia in , William Henderson lost his life in a car accident.

8. Flying Merkel

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Founder: Joseph Merkel
Still in Business: No

photo source: flyingmerkelinc.com

In , Joseph Merkel opened a factory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he began making single-cylinder motorcycles. Among the first motorcycle manufacturers, Merkel was one of the most inventive.

The Flying Merkels, known for their outstanding engineering, were used to compete in board- and dirt-track races in the 20th century.

The Flying Merkel&#;s production sputtered as a result of the outbreak of the war, a declining market, and growing competition. In , the last Merkel machines were built.

Did You Know?

The tanks of Joseph Merkel&#;s motorcycles had the distinctive &#;Merkel Light&#; logo.

7. Excelsior (Chicago)

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Chicago, United States
Founder: Ignaz Schwinn
Still in Business: No

photo source: yesterdays.nl

For more information, please visit who invented electric bikes.

From until , the Excelsior Motor Manufacturing & Supply Company produced American motorcycles on Randolph Street in Chicago. Ignaz Schwinn, the owner of the bicycle company named Arnold, Schwinn & Co., acquired it in .

The renowned &#;X&#; series was an engine configuration that Excelsior introduced in and continued to produce until . Excelsior participated in several contests and broke numerous world records in an effort to promote the brand.

The Henderson Company achieved yet another record at this time when rider Lee Humiston reached a peak speed of 100 mph. The Excelsior brand was proven to be a success by as one of the successful motor manufacturers.

Did You Know?

In , the Henderson Company made a buyout offer to Excelsior due to financial constraints and a lack of raw materials.

6. Harley-Davidson

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Founder: William S. Harley, Walter Davidson, William A. Davidson, Arthur Davidson
Still in Business: Yes

photo source: business-review.eu

American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is a famous motorcycle brand. It was formally incorporated in , with Walter Davidson acting as the president. The company has a reputation for releasing some of the most popular motorcycles in the world.

Harley-Davidson is renowned for its brand of personalization, which helped to create the chopper motorcycle design.

Did You Know?

Due to the fact that Harley, out of the four men, was the one to come up with the initial idea for a motorbike, the company name was pronounced as Harley-Davidson and not Davidson-Harley.

5. Indian Motorcycle

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Medina, Minnesota, United States
Founder: George M. Hendee, Oscar Hedstrom
Still in Business: Yes

photo source: indianmotorcycle.com

George M. Hendee, a forerunner in the business, established the Hendee Manufacturing Company (i.e., now known as the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing  Company) as a manufacturer of bicycles. Hendee established the business&#;s first plant in Springfield&#;s downtown in alongside co-founder and chief engineer Oscar Herdstrom.

The bikes were first made in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the United States, from until . The company&#;s name was changed to Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company in .

In , all models of Indian Motorcycles were taken off the production line, beginning a five-decade hiatus in the company&#;s illustrious past. When Polaris Industries purchased the Indian Motorcycle Company in , it marked the end of the ambiguity and effectively inaugurated a brand-new era of prosperity reminiscent of the business&#;s early continuous expansion.

Did You Know?

Indian Motorcycles were first used by the U.S. Army in .

4. Thor

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Aurora, Illinois, United States
Founder: Aurora Automatic Machinery Company
Still in Business: No

photo source: silodrome.com

Aurora Automatic Machinery Company manufactured motorcycle engines for Indian bikes in the early s before branching out to create its own line of motorized bicycles, which they named Thor.

The company produced engines for Indian Motorcycles of Springfield, Massachusetts, from around to , and Thor was also authorized to sell those engines on the international market. By , a more refined engine with a bigger displacement had been created. It was installed with both cylinders angled, as is customary for a V-shape engine.

Production of Thor motorcycle engines began to decline in the late s and was discontinued in .

Did You Know?

Despite the end of the Thor motorbike line, the parent Aurora Automatic Machinery Company kept the Thor name alive as a line of home appliances.

3. The Pope Manufacturing Company

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Founder: Albert Augustus Pope
Still in Business: No

photo source: digitalcollections.detroitpubliclibrary.org

The Pope Manufacturing Company was established in Boston, Massachusetts, way back in , and it became a legal entity in Hartford, Connecticut, in .

In , Pope filed for bankruptcy and he died in . The firm was reconstituted in , and The Westfield Manufacturing Company was formed a year later.

The Torrington Company acquired Westfield as a subsidiary in . A stand-alone corporation was established, and in it changed its name to Columbia Manufacturing Company. In , the company declared bankruptcy and once more underwent restructuring.

Did You Know?

Up until , Albert Pope was the top American producer of bicycles.

2. Iver Johnson

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Jacksonville, Arkansas, United States
Founder: Iver Johnson
Still in Business: No

photo source: digitalcollections.detroitpubliclibrary.org

Iver Johnson was an American manufacturer of bicycles, motorcycles, and weapons. The business bore the same name as its founder, Iver Johnson, who was of Norwegian ancestry.

The renowned Massachusetts gun maker, Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works, produced Iver Johnson motorbikes from until . The company was taken over by Iver Johnson&#;s sons after his death from illness in .

Their more than three decades of motorcycle operations came to an end as the brothers focused on manufacturing firearms during World War I.

Did You Know?

Iver Johnson&#;s Arms & Cycle Works became the company&#;s new name when it relocated to Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

1. Pierce-Arrow

Year Founded:
Headquarters: Buffalo, New York, United States
Founder: George N. Pierce
Still in Business: No

photo source: yesterdays.nl

Pierce-Arrow, formerly known as Heinz, Pierce, and Munschauer, is considered the oldest motorcycle company in the United States. Pierce-Arrow produced commercial vehicles, fire trucks, camp trailers, motorbikes, and bicycles in addition to its pricey luxury cars, which are the company&#;s best-known product line.

By , the company had produced its first single-cylinder, two-speed, no-reverse motorette. The Arrow, a two-cylinder vehicle, was created in .

Due to a lack of sales and funding for growth, Pierce, the only luxury brand without a lower-priced vehicle like the Packard 120, filed for bankruptcy in and ceased operations.

Did You Know?

George N. Pierce passed away in . Herbert M. Dawley joined Pierce-Arrow in and worked there until , designing nearly every model.

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