Which are the best brand motorcycles of the world ?

Question

Heard genrally of the japanese giants and ducati. Are there any other worthy contenders for the good image, quality bike makers.

Answer 1

Basically your asking "what kind of bike do you own". People who own Harley's think Harley is the best etc.

Answer 2

Ok, first off Ill answer your question then Ill take care of the idiotic answers already given. Other good bike brands are Triumph, Aprillia, MotoGuzzi, KTM actually makes a wonderful 2 stroke engine thats raced in the 125 and 250 GP classes, Ural (Russian manufacturer of old style bikes with sidecars) Confederate Cycles and Im sure Im leaving some out.

Ducati is not an Italian Harley, nothing against Harley but the performance is no where near the same, not even in the same ballparrk. A $20, 0000 Ducati is worth it a $20, 000 Harley is overpriced, even most Harley riders will tell you that. Keep in mind when I say Harley rider I mean someone who actually rides, not trailers there bike to Sturgis to ride it around. Most of the hardcore Harley riders I know dont' even buy new anymore, no sense in it when you can wait a year and get it much cheaper off of someone that bought it new and never rides, ever.

The reason Harley's retain there value so well is because most of the people that buy them these days dont ride them very often and wind up upside down in there bike loan and thats why you see so many expensive used ones, just check out a cycletrader, half the magazine are newer used Harleys that some yuppie bought to try to look cool. The reason you dont' see many older Jap bikes is because they mainly sell sportbikes and sportbikes have a tendency to get wrecked especially by the younger riders that try to start out on a GSXR 1000. Also the Jap bike aren't really very distinctive, mainly because they spend so much of there money trying to make them go stupid fast.

Triumph has made some nice bikes and there prices are on par with the Jap bikes, problem is it can be hard to find a dealer or someone to service it.

The reason Ducati cost so much more than the big four Japs is because they use expensive parts like ohlins suspension, brembo brakes, etc. There more expensive bikes just have more options like adjustable rearseats, adjustable steering geometry, seats, blah blah. By the way, a Ducati won world superbike last year.

Dont let me forget Indian. Indian was an American motorcycle company that doesnt exist anymore but back in the day they made some of the best and most stylish bikes in the world. A 1940s Indian Chief makes a Harley look like a pile of spare parts. Thats why Kawaskai ripped off the Indian Chief design and used it for their Vulcan.

Another old bike company that made some nice stuff was Norton, Id love to have one of the old Norton Commando's.

Answer 3

You could try BRITTEN motorcycles ,V twin 1000cc blows the others into the dirt, had a classic win at Daytona,on the back strait wheel stood beside the Ducatis while passing, and when asked about the performance back at the pit ,informed John Britten the builder that he had only used 3/4 throttle, these bikes will do 200mph plus if you cant afford one of these a BMW will do

Answer 4

I see all of these people bragging on harleys but what they are forgetting to tell you is that they are extremely slower than the jap bikes, they are extremely overpriced and most important, they leak oil like pouring piss out of a boot. Both of my uncles bought brand new harleys the same year and they both leave puddles of fresh oil on the garage floors just sitting there. Also, the whole belt drive idea, that is probably the most retarded thing ever. How hard is it to snap that belt? Not very hard at all. If you go with the jap bikes, stay away from suzuki and kawasaki. They are fast and nice looking bikes but they are poor in quality. The suzuki has computer problems. Your best bet with the jap bikes would be Honda or yamaha. Both make really good quality bikes and both are high in the performance field as well. If you want a sport bike that isnt japanese, the Aprilia is a very nice bike too. It basically just depends on what you like and how much you want to spend.

Answer 5

For top quality and durability, I like BMW. For style, definitely Italian (Ducati!). For "sidewalk" factor, the Harley-Davidsons, though the folks saying "Wow!" may lack a full complement of dentition. For speed and performance and technology ... definitely Japanese (and they are all pretty decent these days - take your pick) ... call it a Yamahondakawazuki and you can't go wrong.
"Japanese giants" ... dang, there's a wierd phrase. Kinda like "jumbo shrimp." But you're right, the Japanese manufacturers own the racetracks of the world.

Answer 6

Harley Davidson. Been building bikes for over 100 years.

Compare some of the other bikes mentioned here after they age a little. Consider these comparisons under similar maintenance and riding conditions.

Compare a 10 year old Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, or any other bike to a Harley. After 10 years the Harley is going to hold it's value more than the other bikes.

Now go out another 10 years. Not many roadworthy Honda's, Yamaha's, Kawasaki's or Suzuki's out there. 20 year old Harley's are common with many still out on the road. The Harley will also still be worth something.

If Harley's weren't built well, these bikes wouldn't still be out on the road.

Answer 7

i ride a 25 year old yamaha ,its a good bike , but honda is the worlds largest motorcycle manufacture for a reason .

Answer 8

The four jap brands are better than everything else mentioned. Only BMW can come close to being as reliable.

HD? Same basic design from 1920.
I had to repair every one I ever owned.
They are famous for being the only brand new bikes that would leak oil on the dealership floor.

Answer 9

As a shop owner I would have to say The Jap four are the best.
Each of these four have different attributes but they are all good and require nearly no maintenance. We usually work on these to make them faster, add aftermarket parts, or insurance claims. It is very rare for one to come in because it is running bad. When they do the owner did something to it usually.

Ducati is an Italian Harley – High maintenance very costly and your buying the name.
Go to a local race track and see what people are riding. You will see a Duc or two in a sea of jap bikes. There are several reason for this beyond the obvious price tags.

If you are an older guy who wants a sport bike and money is not an issue the Duc is cool. Ducs are great for standing next to because they do look real nice. For practical riding and racing it is not the best choice. For 1/3 the price a GSXR will blow your doors (pegs) off and when you crash it wont cost 13K to repair. That is the actual repair cost of my friends 999 Duc. He doesn’t ride it much now that its fixed. I think he just admires it in his living room.

Harley – it’s a harley, old technology with equal horse power to my weed eater and just as loud. If you are female, an old hairy guy, or like to drink and wear leather the Harley is a great choice.

If you want to ride sport the Jap 4 + triumph is getting good
If you want tour I would say the Jap 4 plus BMW

There are different looks and styles for all riders. What I consider good you might not like.

Answer 10

In my opinion Harley Davidsons are the best and last longer than the others. You see old Harleys still being ridden all over but not the other brands. Quality and longevity go hand in hand.