How many different motorcycle brands are there?

There isn’t a single fixed number, but globally there are roughly 200–300 actively selling motorcycle brands, and well over 400 if you include small regional, boutique, and micro-batch labels. The total fluctuates because brands launch, close, merge, and rebrand frequently, and because counting rules (for example, whether you include scooter-only or electric-only makers, sub-brands, and import-only labels) vary widely.

Why there isn’t a single number

Motorcycling is a highly fragmented industry. Beyond globally recognized manufacturers, hundreds of regional makers sell primarily in domestic markets, especially across Asia. Electric mobility has also introduced dozens of new names over the past decade, some with limited or seasonal production. Corporate structures further muddy the waters: groups like Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki operate straightforwardly under one badge, while others like Pierer Mobility manage multiple brands (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas). In China and India, OEMs often supply models rebadged under importers’ house brands for Europe, Africa, and Latin America, inflating the brand count without adding unique manufacturers.

A practical estimate for 2025

Using trade registries, market reports, and public model ranges as guidance, a practical 2025 estimate is 200–300 active, consumer-facing motorcycle brands worldwide. If you add micro-batch customs, short-lived startups, regional importer labels, and scooter/e-moped specialists counted as “motorcycle” in some markets, the figure comfortably exceeds 400. The precise tally at any moment depends on your inclusion rules.

What the ranges include and exclude

The following clarifies what’s typically counted in the ranges above, helping explain why different sources cite different totals.

• Included: Global full-line manufacturers (e.g., Honda, Yamaha, BMW), established regional makers (e.g., Royal Enfield, Bajaj, CFMOTO), off-road specialists (e.g., Beta, Sherco), and electric motorcycle producers (e.g., Zero, Energica, NIU where classified as motorcycles).
• Conditionally included: Scooter-only and moped/e-moped brands (e.g., Yadea, Kymco, SYM) if the definition of “motorcycle” in a market includes them.
• Often excluded: One-off custom shops, kit-bike assemblers, inactive or historical marques with no current sales, and pure importers rebadging the same OEM bikes under multiple house labels.
• Edge cases: Sub-brands and badges under a single parent (e.g., KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas; QJMotor/Benelli; Piaggio/Aprilia/Moto Guzzi/Vespa) may be counted separately as brands but not as distinct manufacturers.

These boundaries matter: broad definitions push counts higher, while strict manufacturer-only rules yield lower totals focused on unique producers with sustained output.

Regional snapshot of active brands

Approximate ranges by region reflect where most brand proliferation occurs, especially in high-volume Asian markets and the rapidly evolving electric space.

• Asia–Pacific: ~120–170 brands, spanning Japanese majors, India’s high-volume makers, and a large number of Chinese OEM and electric marques.
• Europe: ~50–80 brands, including premium road, performance, and off-road specialists plus revived heritage names.
• North America: ~10–20 brands, combining legacy cruisers, electric startups, and niche off-road builders (some models are imported under distinct labels).
• Latin America: ~20–40 brands, a mix of local assemblers and imported or licensed Asian and European models under regional badging.
• Middle East & Africa: ~10–30 brands, dominated by imported Asian machines with some regional house brands.

These ranges overlap because many brands sell across multiple regions, and because importer rebranding can create multiple “brands” tied to the same underlying manufacturer.

Notable active brands worldwide (non-exhaustive)

The lists below highlight prominent or fast-growing names by region. They are not complete, but they illustrate the diversity behind the global count.

Japan

Japan’s manufacturers anchor global production with broad portfolios from commuter bikes to superbikes and off-road machines.

• Honda
• Yamaha
• Kawasaki
• Suzuki

These four maintain extensive global distribution and model depth, often setting benchmarks for reliability and volume.

Europe

Europe blends premium road brands with performance and off-road specialists, plus revived heritage badges.

• BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Triumph, KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas
• Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Norton, CCM
• Beta, Sherco, Fantic
• Benelli (Italian brand under Chinese ownership), Brixton

European brands emphasize technology, performance, and distinct design, with several operating under larger mobility groups.

India

India hosts some of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers by volume and a growing set of premium and electric entrants.

• Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj, TVS Motor
• Royal Enfield
• Jawa, Yezdi, BSA (revived heritage marques under Indian stewardship)
• Ultraviolette, Revolt (emerging electric players)

Indian brands dominate commuter segments globally and increasingly collaborate with European firms on midsize and premium bikes.

China

China’s sector is expansive, spanning traditional ICE motorcycles, scooters, and a fast-growing e-moto category.

• CFMOTO, QJMotor, Zongshen, Loncin (including Voge), Lifan
• Zontes, Benda, Kove, Haojue
• Benelli (owned by Qianjiang), Keeway
• NIU, Yadea, Sunra (noting classification differences for e-moto vs e-moped)

Many Chinese OEMs supply platforms to overseas house brands, multiplying the number of labels seen in export markets.

Taiwan and South Korea

These markets are influential in scooters and increasingly present in motorcycles and EVs.

• Kymco, SYM, PGO (Taiwan)
• Daelim, Hyosung (South Korea)

While scooter-centric, several models and collaborations extend into motorcycle classes in various markets.

North America

North America combines legacy cruiser brands with electric innovators and niche off-road builders.

• Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle
• LiveWire (electric), Zero Motorcycles, Energica (sold widely in the region)
• Alta Motors’ legacy influences persist despite the brand’s closure; new startups emerge periodically

The region’s brand count is smaller than Asia or Europe but influential in heavyweight and electric segments.

How to count for your use case

If you need a specific number—say for a market study or sourcing project—apply a consistent method to avoid double-counting or omission.

1. Define scope: Decide whether to include scooter-only and e-moped brands, sub-brands, and importer labels.
2. Set geography: Count global brands selling in your target region, plus region-only labels active there.
3. Verify activity: Confirm current production or sales listings for the present model year.
4. Consolidate groups: Note parent companies to avoid counting the same manufacturer multiple times if your goal is unique producers.
5. Refresh regularly: Recheck quarterly; brand status and availability change frequently.

This approach produces a defensible number tailored to your needs, with clear assumptions documented for stakeholders.

Summary

There is no single definitive count of motorcycle brands. In 2025, a reasonable global estimate is 200–300 active consumer-facing brands, expanding past 400 when you include small regional, boutique, and scooter/e-moped labels. The figure varies with definitions, regional coverage, and the fast-moving dynamics of launches, consolidations, and electric entrants.

Which is the No. 1 bike brand?

List of Top 10 Bike Companies in India

• Hero Motocorp. It is the largest bike manufacturer in India since 2001.
• Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI)
• TVS Motor Company (TVS)
• Bajaj Auto Ltd.
• India Yamaha Motors (IYM)
• Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt.
• Royal Enfield.
• KTM India.

What is the Big 4 of motorcycles?

The term “Big 4” in the motorcycle world refers to the four major Japanese manufacturers—Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki—which have dominated the motorcycle industry for decades with a wide range of reliable and innovative bikes. While the term can also refer to the Norton Big 4 motorcycle model from the early 20th century, the common usage points to the Japanese companies. 
The Japanese Big 4

• Honda: Opens in new tabOften associated with exceptional quality, strong reliability, and good value. 
• Yamaha: Opens in new tabKnown for high-quality products, combining performance and advanced technology, though sometimes at a higher price point. 
• Suzuki: Opens in new tabOffers excellent performance and value, providing “bang for your buck,” but sometimes lacks the rider assists found on other flagship models. 
• Kawasaki: Opens in new tabOften seen as the performance-oriented brand, known for speed and aggressive styling, though perhaps slightly less reliable than Honda. 

Why the term “Big 4”?

• Dominant Market Presence: These four manufacturers have long been the dominant force in the global motorcycle market. 
• Technological Innovation: They continuously advance their technology, design, and engineering, leading to a vast range of high-quality motorcycles. 
• Racing Success: They have consistently dominated motorcycle racing, bringing that technology and expertise to their production bikes. 

A historical alternative (less common usage) 

• Norton Big 4: This was a specific model made by the British Norton Motorcycle Company between 1907 and 1954. It was powered by a 633cc engine and was notable for being the largest and most powerful in Norton’s range at the time.

What is the most popular motorcycle brand?

The most popular motorcycle brand globally is Honda, recognized for its extensive market share and sales volume, particularly in Asian markets. While Harley-Davidson remains a significant and iconic U.S. brand, Honda’s global reach and reliability have established it as the long-standing market leader, with the Honda Super Cub being the best-selling motor vehicle in history. 
Global Popularity: Honda Dominates

• Market Share: Honda holds the largest global market share, a position it has maintained for over half a century. 
• Sales Volume: The brand sells a massive number of units annually, with its sales volume significantly exceeding that of other top brands combined, according to some reports. 
• Historical Success: The Honda Super Cub is the best-selling motorcycle of all time, with over 100 million units sold since its introduction. 

U.S. Market and Other Popular Brands

• Honda vs. Harley-Davidson: Opens in new tabIn the U.S. market, Honda holds the largest share, marginally ahead of Harley-Davidson. 
• Other Top Japanese Brands: Opens in new tabOther leading Asian brands, such as Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki, also have a significant presence in the U.S. market. 
• Iconic American Brand: Opens in new tabHarley-Davidson remains a prominent brand, particularly known for its cruisers and strong brand loyalty in the United States. 

Why Honda is So Popular 

• Reliability: Honda is consistently praised for its engineering, testing, and quality control standards, with many customers reporting their motorcycles lasting over 150,000 miles.
• Diverse Lineup: The brand offers a wide range of models, from lightweight street bikes to high-performance sport bikes, catering to a broad audience.
• Customer Satisfaction: Regular model updates, incorporating customer feedback, and an extensive service network contribute to high customer satisfaction and repeat purchases.

How many different brands of motorcycles are there?

There are hundreds of motorcycle brands worldwide, with estimates for active brands exceeding 100, and lists including over 120 active and defunct American brands alone. The exact number is fluid and difficult to pin down due to the creation of new companies, the disappearance of old ones, and differing definitions of what constitutes a distinct “brand”.
 
Factors influencing the total number:

• Geographic spread: Many brands originate from countries with a strong motorcycle tradition, such as Italy and the United States. 
• Active vs. defunct brands: Comprehensive lists often include both brands currently producing motorcycles and those that are no longer in business but hold historical significance. 
• Categorization: Some sources may include different types of powered two-wheelers, such as scooters or electric bicycles, in their count, while others focus strictly on traditional motorcycles. 
• Mergers and acquisitions: The motorcycle industry sees consolidation, with brands being bought out or merging, which can affect the total number of distinct brands over time. 

Examples of brands from different regions: 

• United States: Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle, Buell, and Boss Hoss.
• Italy: Ducati, Aprilia, and Energica.
• Japan: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki (the “big four”).
• India: Hero Motocorp, Bajaj Auto, and Royal Enfield.