8 Best Motorcycles of All Time

Over the last century, motorcycles have developed and transformed into what we know today. However, over their lifetime, there have been many notable motorcycles and motorcycle companies that were fundamental in shaping the bikes that we all know and love. Here are some of our favorite and best picks for the top motorcycles of all time. 

Brough Superior SS100

The Brough Superior SS100 motorcycle, which was in production from 1924 to 1940, was designed by George Brough. This motorcycle was seen and advertised as a luxury bike during this time, and was even briefly advertised as the Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles. The development of this bike was shaped through motorcycle competitions in the early 1920s. This bike was able to reach at least 100 mph and was customizable to the customer. 

Vincent Black Shadow

The Vincent Black Shadow, which was in production from 1948 to 1955, and was produced in England by Vincent H R D. This bike was said to be the world’s fastest production motorcycle and was said to have a top speed of 125 mph. This became a fan favorite as people gushed over the beauty of the bike. This bike today has still stolen many hearts, including Jay Leno’s. 

Harley Davidson Sportster 

The Harley Davidson Sportster, which was launched in 1957 and is still being made today, is one of Harley Davidson’s biggest motorcycle lines. This motorcycle was one of the building blocks of Harley Davidson, and of the motorcycle culture in not only America, but the world as well. 

Honda CB750

The Honda CB750, which was in production from 1969 to 2003, then briefly again in 2007, has been the winner of many prestigious motorcycle titles. This bike is an air-cooled, transverse, four cylinder that is able to reach speeds of 125 mph. Part of this bike's overall popularity is the ability of customization, which made many people fall in love.  

Ducati 750 Super Sport Green Frame

The Ducati 750 Super Sport Green Frame edition is quite a special bike and would make a great addition to any bike collector’s collection. The trademark blueish green tone of this bike is one of the many things that makes it so memorable. This bike’s production run only 400 examples, as the bike was created after the 1972 Imola 200 that was ridden by Paul Smart. This was one of the most exotic production motorcycles that was available at the time. 

Ducati 916

The Ducati 916, which was in production from 1994 to 1988, is debatably one of Ducati’s most legendary motorcycles. Not only has this bike won many victories, but it has also been said to have one of the best fuel- injected V-Twin engines. The 916 model was then replaced by their 996 and 998 models, which still have a similar design, however, have better engines and much more power. 

Yamaha YZF-R1

The Yamaha YZF-R1, which started production in 1988, and is still currently being produced today, is one of Yamaha’s best creations. They created the YZF-R1 after they redesigned the Genesis engine. They then created a much more compact engine and created the “stacked gearbox”, which has become popular with other brands as well. This bike was pivotal to the motorcycle community and was a benchmark for modern day motorcycles and motorcycle companies. 

2000 Harley Davidson XR750

The Harley Davidson XR750, the winner of most races in the history of the AMA’s (American Motorcyclist Association), has been around since the 1970s, but was finally retired after the XG750R was created in 2016. However, you may know this bike if you are an Evel Knievel fan. Knievel used this motorcycle from 1970 until 1977, where it rests at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.