Published Sep 22, 2016 by Michael Le Pard • Last updated Oct 15, 2025

The NEW TMW Complete Motorcycle Compendium v26!

A comprehensive list of all the world’s motorcycle manufacturers. From the very first steam powered two wheeled machine of the late 1800’s, throughout the 20th century and up to the new bikes of today.

MANUFACTUER NAME INDEX

Welcome to Version 26 of Total Motorcycle’s famous TMW Complete Motorcycle Compendium!

The TMW Complete Motorcycle Compendium

A Journey Through Two‑Wheeled History, A to Z

Motorcycling is more than machines. It’s a living story of innovation, culture, and passion that spans continents and centuries. The TMW Complete Motorcycle Compendium set out to capture that story in a modular, scan‑friendly way, one brand at a time. From the pioneers of the 19th century to today’s electric disruptors, every letter of the alphabet reveals a new chapter in the evolution of two wheels.

This editorial feature takes readers on a guided tour through the compendium, highlighting key manufacturers, iconic models, and fascinating trivia. Along the way, we’ll pause for “Did You Know?” moments and crown a Top 10 Most Influential Motorcycle Brands.

A: Ariel to Aprilia

The letter A opens with some of the most influential names in motorcycling.

Ariel (UK): Founded in the late 1800s, Ariel produced everything from bicycles to the legendary Ariel Square Four, designed by Edward Turner. Known for smoothness and innovation, Ariel was eventually absorbed into BSA.
AJS (UK): A racing powerhouse in the early 20th century, AJS machines like the 7R “Boy Racer” became icons of the Isle of Man TT.
Aprilia (Italy): A modern Italian success story, Aprilia transitioned from scooters to world‑class sportbikes. The RSV4 and Tuono V4 dominate superbike grids and road tests alike.

💡 Did You Know? Ariel’s Square Four engine was so smooth that it earned the nickname “the gentleman’s express.”

B: BMW to Brough Superior

The B section is a treasure chest of legends.

BMW Motorrad (Germany): Since 1923, BMW has been defined by its boxer twin. From the utilitarian R32 to today’s R1250GS, BMW has blended engineering precision with long‑distance touring comfort.
Brough Superior (UK): Dubbed the “Rolls‑Royce of Motorcycles,” Brough Superior machines like the SS100 were hand‑built masterpieces. T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) famously owned several.
Buell (USA): Founded by ex‑Harley engineer Erik Buell, the brand pushed American sportbike design with models like the Firebolt XB12R.

💡 Did You Know? Every Brough Superior SS100 was guaranteed to reach 100 mph, a bold claim in the 1920s.

C: Cagiva to Cleveland CycleWerks

The C brands showcase both Italian flair and American startups.

Cagiva (Italy): Known for racing success in the 1980s and 1990s, Cagiva produced stylish sportbikes and even owned Ducati for a time.
Can‑Am (Canada): A Canadian brand famous for motocross and enduro bikes in the 1970s, now revived as a powersports company producing ATVs and three‑wheelers.
Cleveland CycleWerks (USA): A modern boutique brand offering affordable, retro‑styled small displacement motorcycles like the Ace and Misfit.

💡 Did You Know? Can‑Am’s motocross bikes were so successful in the 1970s that they won AMA championships against Japanese giants.

D: Ducati to DKW

The D section is dominated by Italian passion and German engineering.

Ducati (Italy): Synonymous with performance, Ducati’s Desmodromic valve system and racing pedigree make it one of the most desirable brands in the world. The 916, designed by Massimo Tamburini, remains a design icon.
DKW (Germany): Once the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer in the 1930s, DKW pioneered two‑stroke technology.
Derbi (Spain): A small but mighty Spanish brand, Derbi won multiple Grand Prix championships in the lightweight classes.

💡 Did You Know? Ducati’s Desmo system eliminates valve springs, allowing higher revs and more precise timing.

E: Enfield to EBR

Royal Enfield (UK/India): Founded in Britain, now thriving in India, Royal Enfield is the world’s oldest motorcycle brand still in production. The Bullet has been in continuous production since 1932.
EBR (Erik Buell Racing, USA): After Buell’s split from Harley‑Davidson, EBR produced advanced sportbikes like the 1190RX, competing in AMA Superbike.
Excelsior (UK/USA): Both British and American companies used the Excelsior name, producing everything from commuters to racing machines.

💡 Did You Know? Royal Enfield’s Bullet holds the record for the longest‑running motorcycle model in continuous production.

F: FN to Fantic

FN (Belgium): One of the earliest motorcycle makers, FN produced the world’s first four‑cylinder motorcycle in 1905.
Fantic (Italy): Known for lightweight enduro and trials bikes, Fantic has recently returned with stylish retro‑inspired road bikes.
Francis‑Barnett (UK): A British brand producing affordable commuter motorcycles in the mid‑20th century.

💡 Did You Know? FN’s four‑cylinder motorcycle was so advanced that it influenced designs across Europe and America.

G: Gilera to Greeves

Gilera (Italy): Founded in 1909, Gilera was a dominant force in Grand Prix racing during the 1950s, with its 500cc four‑cylinder machines.
Greeves (UK): Famous for lightweight off‑road bikes, Greeves machines were popular in trials and scrambles.
GasGas (Spain): A modern trials and enduro powerhouse, now owned by KTM.

💡 Did You Know? Gilera’s 500cc four‑cylinder GP bike won six world championships between 1950 and 1957.

H: Harley‑Davidson to Husqvarna

The H section is stacked with giants.

Harley‑Davidson (USA): Founded in 1903, Harley is synonymous with American motorcycling. From the Knucklehead to the Sportster and Electra Glide, Harley has defined cruiser culture.
Honda (Japan): The world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Honda revolutionized the industry with the CB750 Four in 1969, the world’s first “superbike.”
Husqvarna (Sweden): Known for off‑road dominance, Husqvarna also produced stylish road bikes. Today, under KTM ownership, Husky continues to thrive.

💡 Did You Know? Honda’s CB750 introduced the front disc brake to mass‑produced motorcycles.

I: Indian to Italjet

Indian Motorcycle (USA): Founded in 1901, Indian is America’s oldest motorcycle brand. Early models like the Indian Scout and Chief became legendary for their reliability and racing success. After decades of ups and downs, Indian was revived by Polaris in 2011 and now rivals Harley‑Davidson with modern cruisers and touring bikes.
Italjet (Italy): A boutique Italian brand known for stylish scooters and minibikes. The Italjet Dragster is a cult classic, blending radical styling with scooter practicality.

💡 Did You Know? In 1911, Indian swept the podium at the Isle of Man TT, the first American manufacturer to do so.

J: Jawa to Junak

Jawa (Czechoslovakia/India): Founded in 1929, Jawa became one of Eastern Europe’s most important motorcycle brands. Known for rugged two‑strokes, Jawa bikes were exported worldwide. In India, Jawa was revived under Classic Legends, producing retro‑styled modern machines.
Junak (Poland): Poland’s pride in the 1950s and 1960s, Junak produced four‑stroke motorcycles like the M10, admired for their durability.

💡 Did You Know? Jawa’s 350cc twin was once the most exported motorcycle in the world, reaching over 120 countries.

K: Kawasaki to Kreidler

Kawasaki (Japan): One of the “Big Four” Japanese manufacturers, Kawasaki is known for performance and innovation. The Ninja ZX‑10R, Z1, and H2R supercharged hyperbike are milestones in sportbike history.
KTM (Austria): Though technically “K,” KTM is a powerhouse in motocross, enduro, and adventure bikes. The Duke and Adventure series have global followings.
Kreidler (Germany): Famous for small‑displacement mopeds and racing machines, Kreidler set multiple speed records in the 1960s and 1970s.

💡 Did You Know? The Kawasaki H2R produces over 300 horsepower, making it the most powerful production motorcycle ever built.

L: Laverda to LML

Laverda (Italy): A boutique Italian brand producing large‑capacity sportbikes like the Jota 1000 in the 1970s. Known for durability and racing pedigree.
LML (India): Licensed to produce Vespa scooters in India, LML became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s.

💡 Did You Know? The Laverda Jota was once the fastest production motorcycle in the world, topping 140 mph in the late 1970s.

M: Moto Guzzi to MV Agusta

Moto Guzzi (Italy): Founded in 1921, Moto Guzzi is Italy’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer still in production. Known for its transverse V‑twin engines and iconic models like the Le Mans and California.
Matchless (UK): A British brand with deep racing roots, producing everything from singles to V‑twins.
MV Agusta (Italy): Synonymous with racing dominance, MV Agusta won 37 world championships between 1952 and 1974. The F4, designed by Massimo Tamburini, is considered one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made.

💡 Did You Know? Moto Guzzi pioneered the use of wind tunnels in motorcycle development, decades before most competitors.

N: Norton to NSU

Norton (UK): A legendary British brand, Norton is best remembered for the Commando, Manx, and Isle of Man TT victories. The Norton Commando was voted “Machine of the Year” five times in the 1970s.
NSU (Germany): Once the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer in the 1950s, NSU produced everything from mopeds to record‑breaking streamliners.

💡 Did You Know? In 1956, an NSU streamliner set a motorcycle land speed record of 211 mph at Bonneville.

O: Ossa to Orient

Ossa (Spain): A Spanish brand famous for lightweight two‑strokes, especially in trials and motocross. The Ossa Stiletto and Plonker were cult favorites.
Orient (USA): One of America’s earliest motorcycle makers, Orient produced motor‑bicycles in the early 1900s before fading into history.

💡 Did You Know? Ossa’s 250cc two‑strokes were so competitive in trials that they rivaled Bultaco and Montesa in the 1960s.

Top 10 Most Influential Motorcycle Brands (So Far)

Rank	Brand	Country	Key Contribution
1	Honda	Japan	Mass‑market reliability, CB750 “superbike”
2	Harley‑Davidson	USA	Defined cruiser culture
3	Indian	USA	America’s first major motorcycle brand
4	BMW Motorrad	Germany	Boxer twin, touring innovation
5	Ducati	Italy	Desmodromic racing heritage
6	Yamaha	Japan	MotoGP dominance, diverse lineup
7	Kawasaki	Japan	High‑performance sportbikes
8	Triumph	UK	British icon, Bonneville legacy
9	Royal Enfield	UK/India	Longest‑running production model
10	MV Agusta	Italy	Racing dominance, design excellence

P: Peugeot to Piaggio

Peugeot (France): One of the oldest names in motorcycling, Peugeot began producing motorcycles in 1898. Their early machines competed in races like the Paris–Rouen. Today, Peugeot is best known for scooters, including the Speedfight and Metropolis 3‑wheeler.
Piaggio (Italy): Parent company of Vespa, Piaggio revolutionized postwar Europe with affordable scooters. Beyond Vespa, Piaggio also owns Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, and Derbi, making it one of the most influential motorcycle groups in the world.

💡 Did You Know? Peugeot’s 1898 motorcycle used a De Dion‑Bouton engine, one of the most popular powerplants of the era.

Q: Quantya

Quantya (Switzerland): A pioneer in electric off‑road motorcycles, Quantya launched in the early 2000s with lightweight electric dirt bikes. Though limited in reach, they were among the first to prove EVs could be fun off‑road.

💡 Did You Know? Quantya organized “electric motocross parks” in Europe where riders could test their bikes in silence.

R: Royal Enfield to Rudge

Royal Enfield (UK/India): Covered earlier under “E,” but worth repeating here, the Bullet is the world’s longest‑running production motorcycle.
Rudge (UK): Famous for their four‑valve cylinder heads and racing success in the 1920s and 1930s. The Rudge Ulster was a TT winner and a technological marvel of its time.
Rickman (UK): Known for producing custom frames and kits in the 1960s and 1970s, Rickman “Metisse” bikes combined British engines with superior handling.

💡 Did You Know? Rudge pioneered the use of four‑valve heads in production motorcycles decades before it became mainstream.

S: Suzuki to Sunbeam

Suzuki (Japan): One of the “Big Four,” Suzuki is known for everything from commuter bikes to MotoGP winners. The GSX‑R750 defined the modern sportbike, while the Hayabusa became a speed icon.
Sunbeam (UK): A luxury British brand producing elegant motorcycles in the early 20th century. Sunbeam bikes were known for their quality and smoothness.
SWM (Italy): Originally famous for off‑road bikes in the 1970s, SWM has been revived with modern retro‑styled machines.

💡 Did You Know? The Suzuki Hayabusa was named after the peregrine falcon, a bird that preys on blackbirds, a cheeky nod to Honda’s CBR1100XX Blackbird.

T: Triumph to TVS

Triumph (UK): One of the most iconic British brands, Triumph has produced classics like the Bonneville, Tiger, and Speed Triple. After financial collapse in the 1980s, Triumph was revived and now thrives with a mix of modern classics and adventure bikes.
Tornax (Germany): A prewar German brand producing large‑capacity motorcycles, including JAP‑powered machines.
Tomos (Slovenia): Famous for mopeds, Tomos exported worldwide, especially to the U.S. in the 1970s.
TVS (India): One of India’s largest manufacturers, TVS produces everything from scooters to sportbikes. Their partnership with BMW produced the G310R and G310GS.

💡 Did You Know? Steve McQueen rode a Triumph TR6 Trophy in the movie The Great Escape.

Spotlight: The Rise of the Japanese “Big Four”

The letters H, K, S, and Y (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha) collectively reshaped the global motorcycle industry. By the 1970s, their combination of reliability, affordability, and performance had overwhelmed many European and American competitors.

Honda CB750 (1969): The world’s first superbike, with four cylinders, an electric starter, and a front disc brake.
Kawasaki Z1 (1972): A 903cc powerhouse that cemented Kawasaki’s reputation for speed.
Suzuki GSX‑R750 (1985): The first true race‑replica sportbike.
Yamaha R1 (1998): A liter‑class sportbike that redefined performance.

💡 Did You Know? The CB750 was so revolutionary that it’s displayed in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Sidebar: Top 10 Most Influential Motorcycles (Individual Models)

Rank	Model	Brand	Year	Contribution
1	Honda CB750	Honda	1969	First superbike
2	Harley‑Davidson Knucklehead	Harley‑Davidson	1936	Defined the modern V‑twin
3	Triumph Bonneville	Triumph	1959	British icon, cultural symbol
4	Suzuki GSX‑R750	Suzuki	1985	Race‑replica sportbike
5	Kawasaki Z1	Kawasaki	1972	High‑performance superbike
6	Ducati 916	Ducati	1994	Design and racing legend
7	Yamaha YZF‑R1	Yamaha	1998	Liter‑class sportbike benchmark
8	BMW R32	BMW	1923	Introduced the boxer twin
9	Indian Scout	Indian	1920	American classic
10	Vespa 98	Piaggio	1946	Defined the scooter era

U: Ural to Urbet

Ural (Russia): Born in WWII, Ural motorcycles were reverse‑engineered from the BMW R71 to serve the Soviet Army. Their rugged sidecar rigs like the Ural Gear Up remain in production today, updated with fuel injection and disc brakes but still instantly recognizable.
Ultra (USA): A 1990s–2000s American custom brand producing Harley‑style cruisers with S&S engines. Models like the Groundpounder epitomized the chopper boom.
Union (Netherlands): Best known for bicycles, Union also produced mopeds and small motorcycles in the mid‑20th century.
Universal (Switzerland): Produced high‑quality OHV and OHC singles and twins between the 1920s and 1950s, earning the nickname “the Swiss Norton.”
Urbet (Spain): A modern electric brand producing urban commuters and café‑styled EVs like the Urbet Lora.

💡 Did You Know? Ural is one of the last manufacturers in the world still producing factory‑built sidecar motorcycles.

V: Velocette to Voxan

Velocette (UK): A prestigious British brand, Velocette produced innovative machines like the Venom and Thruxton, and pioneered the positive‑stop foot gear change.
Vespa (Italy): Launched by Piaggio in 1946, Vespa scooters became a cultural icon of postwar Europe. Models like the Primavera and PX remain symbols of Italian style.
Vincent‑HRD (UK): Produced some of the fastest motorcycles of their era, including the Black Shadow and Black Lightning. A Vincent Black Lightning set a land speed record of 150 mph in 1948.
Victory (USA): Polaris’ cruiser brand (1998–2017), producing models like the Vegas and Cross Country before Polaris shifted focus to Indian.
Voxan (France): Originally a V‑twin roadster brand, Voxan was revived under Venturi as an electric performance manufacturer. The Voxan Wattman set multiple EV speed records.
Vyrus (Italy): A boutique builder of exotic hub‑center‑steered superbikes, often using Ducati engines.

💡 Did You Know? The Velocette Venom Clubman was the first production bike to average over 100 mph for 24 hours.

W: Wanderer to Wild West

Wanderer (Germany): Produced motorcycles from 1902 to 1929, ranging from small singles to large V‑twins. Their motorcycle division was sold to NSU.
WFM (Poland): Produced rugged commuter motorcycles in the 1950s–60s, later merging into WSK.
West Coast Choppers (USA): Founded by Jesse James, WCC became synonymous with radical custom choppers like the CFL and El Diablo.
Whizzer (USA): Produced motorized bicycle kits from 1939–1964, later revived in the 1990s with retro‑styled motorbikes.
Wilkinson (UK): Better known for razors, Wilkinson briefly produced advanced motorcycles like the Touring Four, a water‑cooled inline‑four with shaft drive.
Wooler (UK): Known for experimental designs, including a flat‑four prototype nicknamed “the flying banana.”
WSK (Poland): Produced simple two‑strokes from 1955–1985, exported widely across Eastern Europe.
Walton (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s first domestic motorcycle manufacturer, producing small displacement commuters.
Waratah (Australia): Marketed as “Australia’s own motorcycle,” though many were rebadged British imports.
Werner (France): Founded by the Werner brothers, credited with popularizing the term “motocyclette” and pioneering the modern engine‑in‑frame layout.
Welbike (UK): A miniature folding motorcycle designed for British paratroopers in WWII. Inspired the postwar Corgi scooter.
Wild West (USA): Builds billet‑framed custom V‑twins like the Vigilante and Dragoon.

💡 Did You Know? The Wilkinson Touring Four (1912) was one of the first motorcycles with a water‑cooled engine and shaft drive, decades ahead of its time.

Sidebar: Military Motorcycles

From Welbike paratrooper scooters to Ural sidecar rigs, motorcycles have played a surprising role in military history.

Harley‑Davidson WLA (USA): Supplied to Allied forces in WWII.
BMW R75 (Germany): A sidecar motorcycle with two‑wheel drive, used by the Wehrmacht.
Welbike (UK): Dropped in containers for paratroopers.
Ural M‑72 (USSR): Soviet copy of the BMW R71, mass‑produced for the Red Army.

💡 Did You Know? The U.S. military ordered over 90,000 Harley‑Davidson WLAs during WWII, earning them the nickname “The Liberator.”

Sidebar: The Scooter Revolution

Scooters deserve their own spotlight. Brands like Vespa, Lambretta, Peugeot, and Piaggio transformed urban mobility after WWII.

Vespa 98 (1946): The original Vespa, designed for affordability and style.
Lambretta Li Series (1950s): Rival to Vespa, beloved by Mods in 1960s Britain.
Peugeot Speedfight (1990s): A sporty scooter popular with European youth.
Honda Super Cub (1958): Technically a step‑through, but the world’s best‑selling motor vehicle with over 100 million units.

💡 Did You Know? The Honda Super Cub’s slogan was “You meet the nicest people on a Honda,” helping change motorcycling’s image in the West.

X: Xingfu to Xispa

The letter X may be short on entries, but it’s long on intrigue.

Xingfu (China): One of China’s earliest motorcycle manufacturers, Xingfu produced small displacement machines in the 1950s–1990s. Their XF125 was among the first mass‑produced motorcycles in China, helping to mobilize a nation.
Xispa (Spain): A short‑lived Spanish trials brand (2005–2010) that offered affordable alternatives to GasGas and Montesa. Their 250cc and 280cc trials bikes were popular with amateur riders.
Xmotos (China): Still active in the off‑road niche, Xmotos produces pit bikes and dirt bikes exported to Europe and Asia.

💡 Did You Know? The name “Xingfu” translates to “happiness” in Chinese, a fitting name for a motorcycle brand.

Y: Yamaha to Yezdi

Yamaha (Japan): Founded in 1955, Yamaha quickly became one of the “Big Four.” From the YA‑1 Red Dragonfly to the YZF‑R1, Yamaha has excelled in every category: MotoGP, motocross, cruisers, and adventure bikes. The VMAX remains a cult classic for its outrageous power.
Yezdi (India): Originally licensed Jawa designs, Yezdi became beloved in India for rugged two‑strokes like the Roadking. Revived in 2022, Yezdi now produces modern retro‑styled motorcycles like the Adventure and Scrambler.
Yamaguchi (Japan): Exported lightweight two‑strokes to the U.S. in the 1960s before folding in 1963.
Yankee (USA): Built the Yankee 500Z, a powerful two‑stroke twin using Ossa engines, in the 1970s.

💡 Did You Know? Yamaha’s tuning fork logo reflects its origins as a piano manufacturer.

Z: Zanella to Zündapp

Zanella (Argentina): Founded in 1948, Zanella is Argentina’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, producing scooters, mopeds, and small motorcycles. Their RX150 and ZB110 are commuter staples across South America.
Zero Motorcycles (USA): Founded in 2006, Zero is a pioneer in electric motorcycles. Models like the SR/F and DSR/X offer instant torque and long‑range commuting.
Zündapp (Germany): Once one of Germany’s largest manufacturers, Zündapp produced everything from military sidecars to scooters like the Bella. Their KS601 “Green Elephant” was a heavyweight touring machine.
Zontes (China): A modern Chinese brand producing stylish mid‑displacement motorcycles like the 310T and GK350, aimed at export markets.
Zenith (UK): Famous for JAP‑powered racing specials in the 1920s and 1930s. Zenith bikes set multiple speed records.

💡 Did You Know? The Zündapp KS601 was nicknamed the “Green Elephant” for its size, color, and long‑distance touring ability.

The Road Less Traveled: Minor “X, Y, Z” Brands

XOR Motors (France): Short‑lived electric scooter startup.
Xinling, Xintian, Xufeng (China): Regional scooter and small bike manufacturers.
Young Rider (Italy): Produced minibikes in the 1970s–80s.
Zap (USA): Built electric bicycles and scooters in the 1990s.
Zehnder (Switzerland): Produced motorcycles in the 1920s–30s.
ZID (Russia): Soviet‑era commuter motorcycles.
Zuch (Poland): Lightweight motorcycles from 1938–39.
ZSS and ZZR (Poland): Postwar mopeds and small motorcycles.

💡 Did You Know? Poland’s Zuch motorcycles were only produced for one year before WWII halted production.

Sidebar: The Electric Future

The compendium closes with a look forward. Brands like Zero (USA), Urbet (Spain), Voxan (France), and Super Soco (China) are redefining what motorcycles can be.

Zero SR/F: A naked sportbike with over 100 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque.
Voxan Wattman: Set an EV speed record of 254 mph in 2020.
Urbet Lora: A café‑styled electric commuter from Spain.
Super Soco TC: A retro‑styled electric moped popular in Europe.

💡 Did You Know? Electric motorcycles deliver maximum torque instantly, making even small models feel surprisingly quick.

The Top 10 Most Influential Motorcycle Brands (Final Rankings)

Rank	Brand	Country	Legacy
1	Honda	Japan	Revolutionized mass production, CB750 “superbike”
2	Harley‑Davidson	USA	Defined cruiser culture, global icon
3	Yamaha	Japan	MotoGP dominance, diverse lineup
4	BMW Motorrad	Germany	Touring innovation, boxer twin
5	Ducati	Italy	Racing pedigree, Desmodromic valves
6	Kawasaki	Japan	High‑performance sportbikes
7	Triumph	UK	Bonneville legacy, modern classics
8	Indian	USA	America’s first major motorcycle brand
9	Royal Enfield	UK/India	Longest‑running production model
10	Vespa (Piaggio)	Italy	Defined the scooter era

Wrapping Up: The Spirit of the Compendium

From Ariel to Zündapp, the TMW Complete Motorcycle Compendium has charted the full spectrum of motorcycling history. We’ve seen:

Innovation: From FN’s first four‑cylinder to Ducati’s Desmo valves.
Culture: From Mods on Vespas to Easy Riders on Harleys.
Racing Glory: From Gilera’s GP dominance to Yamaha’s MotoGP titles.
Survival: From Royal Enfield’s rebirth in India to Ural’s WWII heritage.
The Future: From Zero’s electric sportbikes to Voxan’s record‑breaking Wattman.

💡 Did You Know? Motorcycles have been produced on every continent except Antarctica.

The Ride Continues

The compendium may be complete, but the story of motorcycling never ends. New brands will rise, old names will be revived, and technology will continue to push boundaries. Whether it’s a century‑old Vincent Black Shadow or a cutting‑edge Zero SR/F, every motorcycle carries the same spirit: freedom, adventure, and the thrill of the ride.

So here’s to the TMW Complete Motorcycle Compendium, not just a dictionary of machines, but a celebration of the people, the passion, and the history that make motorcycling one of the greatest adventures on Earth.

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*Even though there are 1,000’s of motorcycle manufacturers and their history listed please do not consider this to be a 100% complete list as it will always grow. Enjoy discovering the rich history behind the motorcycle brands. Enjoy our The Complete Motorcycle Compendium!

Main Credit to: Coy Robbins – Flattracker for all his work, time and dedication to motorcycle manufacturer history.

Additional Credits : Ace Motor Corporation, Antique Literature Homepage Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group National Page, Cotton Motorcycle Homepage, Ian Chadwicks Britsh Motorcycle History, The Panther Page, The Polish M/C Group, Vee Twin Interactive – Historical Background Directory, Vintage Dirtrack and Speedway Motorcycles, Wolverhampton History and Heritage, Allen Girdler, Marques of Distinction – John Carroll & Jim Glastonbury, Motorcycle City, The History of the Motorcycle – Hugo Wilson, RD Press., The Encyclopedia of Motorcycles – Roland Brown, The Ultimate Motorcycle Book – Hugo Wilson, The Motorcycle Industry In New York State – Geoffrey N. Stein – New York State Museum, The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle – Hugo Wilson, Wheels and Wheeling – The Smithsonian Collection of Automobiles and Motorcycles. – S.M. Oliver & D.H. Berkebile.