Famous Motorcycle Manufacturers

The motorcycling community has a host of subcultures that
range from the brusque image of the bikers riding cruisers
and choppers to the stylish ones who prefer the smaller
motor scooters.

But aside from the love of a particular type of bike, there
are also those who prefer a specific brand over another.

Here are some of the well-known motorcycle manufacturers
that have gained fame because of their performance, class
and significance in history.

1. Indian

- was the oldest motorcycle brand in the United States
until it ceased production in the 1950s. It was also the
biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world until the
First World War.

At the peak of its production, it was making around 20,000
bikes annually. There is a recent attempt at reviving the
brand in 2006 and the company will now be known as the New
Indian.

2. Harley Davidson

- overtook Indian in being the largest bike manufacturer
some time in the 1920s. Although it has since then lagged
behind Japanese brands, it maintains a high-degree of
popularity mostly due to its rumbling V-twin engines which
are used in the classic models of this brand.

3. Ducati

- is an Italian brand that specializes in high-performance
motorcycles. Their bikes have the patented desmodromic
valve design which allows for a faster operation of the
valves without risking valve-float.

4. Yamaha

- originally a producer of musical instruments, this
company has branched out into motorcycle production. Today,
it is the second-largest producer of motorcycles in the
world.