What Are the “Big Four” Motorcycles?

The “Big Four” in motorcycling refers to Japan’s four dominant manufacturers—Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki—whose global scale, racing pedigree, and engineering define much of the modern motorcycle market. The term is widely used in industry and enthusiast circles to describe the quartet that has shaped everything from commuter mobility to superbike technology.

Who Are the Big Four?

Originating from Japan’s postwar industrial boom, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki built vast product ranges and global distribution networks, becoming the benchmark for reliability, performance, and value. Today, they lead in multiple segments—sport, touring, off-road, adventure, and scooters—while pushing into electrification and advanced rider-assistance amid evolving safety standards and emissions rules.

Honda

Honda is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer by volume, renowned for engineering consistency, approachable design, and manufacturing depth across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. From the Super Cub—history’s best-selling motor vehicle—to flagship tourers and cutting-edge superbikes, Honda blends mass-market practicality with MotoGP-derived innovation.

Signature Honda Models

The following list highlights Honda models that exemplify the brand’s breadth across commuting, adventure, touring, and performance.

• Super Cub/CT series: Iconic step-throughs known for durability and global utility.
• CBR1000RR-R Fireblade: Track-focused superbike influenced by HRC racing.
• CB/CBR 650 series: Middleweight all-rounders, now offered with Honda’s e-Clutch tech on select models.
• CRF1100L Africa Twin: Adventure bike built for long-range and off-road capability.
• Gold Wing: Long-distance tourer featuring DCT, advanced infotainment, and, uniquely, an optional airbag.
• Grom/Monkey: Small-displacement hits that fuel urban and custom scenes.

Together these models showcase Honda’s ability to serve first-time riders and experts alike, from city streets to world-crossing expeditions.

Notable Honda Technologies and Moves

Honda’s technology portfolio emphasizes smooth power delivery, rider aids, and manufacturing scale that keeps costs competitive.

• DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) on select models for clutchless shifting without sacrificing performance.
• e-Clutch on certain middleweights for automatic clutch engagement while keeping a manual lever.
• Advanced safety features such as an airbag on the Gold Wing and comprehensive IMU-based electronics.
• Electrification roadmap targeting multi-million-unit annual EV capacity by 2030, with models like the EM1 e: rolling out in key markets.

These innovations reinforce Honda’s mix of accessibility and high-end tech, keeping the brand central to both commuting and performance segments.

Yamaha

Yamaha Motor is known for charismatic engines, balanced chassis, and strong design identity across its supersport, naked, adventure, and off-road lineups. Its racing heritage spans MotoGP and beyond, translating track lessons into street technology and electronics.

Signature Yamaha Models

Below are Yamaha models that define the company’s character—from CP-series engines to rally-bred adventure bikes and innovative sport-tourers.

• YZF-R1: Flagship superbike with crossplane crank influence and track electronics.
• MT-07 and MT-09: Naked bikes powered by CP2/CP3 engines, celebrated for torque and agility.
• Ténéré 700: Middleweight ADV noted for simplicity, durability, and off-road focus.
• Tracer 9 GT+: Sport-tourer featuring radar-linked rider aids and advanced connectivity.
• TMAX (regional): Performance maxi-scooter popular in Europe for urban touring.

This range highlights Yamaha’s focus on engaging performance, daily usability, and increasingly sophisticated rider-assistance systems.

Notable Yamaha Technologies and Moves

Yamaha blends distinctive engine character with maturing electronics and safety systems, while experimenting in lightweight electrification.

• Crossplane crankshaft philosophy for smoother, torquey delivery (CP2/CP3/CP4 families).
• IMU-based electronics suites and radar-linked features on select touring models.
• Growing connectivity offerings via app-linked dashboards and ride modes.
• Urban-focused e-mobility pilots and scooters in select markets.

By refining feel and feedback while adding tech, Yamaha maintains its reputation for machines that are both intuitive and advanced.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Heavy Industries leverages aerospace and industrial expertise to pursue high-performance engineering, often leading with bold technology like factory supercharging and, more recently, production hybrids. The brand’s presence is strongest in performance and sport-touring, with a robust off-road portfolio.

Signature Kawasaki Models

The following machines represent Kawasaki’s emphasis on speed, engineering, and versatile sport platforms.

• Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-6R: Track-proven supersports with WorldSBK pedigree.
• Ninja H2/H2R: Supercharged halo bikes showcasing extreme performance engineering.
• Ninja H2 SX SE: Sport-tourer featuring radar-based adaptive cruise and advanced safety aids.
• Versys 650/1000: Comfortable, upright sport-adventure tourers.
• Z family (Z900, Z650): Naked line balancing everyday usability and punch.
• KX off-road range: Competitive motocross and off-road platforms.

Across categories, Kawasaki emphasizes performance and tech-forward features without abandoning real-world comfort.

Notable Kawasaki Technologies and Moves

Kawasaki often pioneers in forced induction and rider-assistance among Japanese brands, while pushing early into hybridization.

• Factory supercharging on H2-family models.
• Advanced electronics suites including KTRC (traction), KECS (semi-active suspension), and radar-based ACC on select models.
• Electric entries (Ninja e-1, Z e-1) and the production Ninja 7 Hybrid, blending ICE and electric drive.

These initiatives position Kawasaki at the sharp end of performance and next-generation powertrains in mainstream motorcycling.

Suzuki

Suzuki’s reputation rests on balanced performance, durable engineering, and value. While it exited MotoGP at the end of 2022, it continues strong in street, ADV, and off-road markets, modernizing with new platforms and electronics.

Signature Suzuki Models

Here are Suzuki models that best capture the brand’s evolution from superbikes to versatile middleweights and adventure tourers.

• Hayabusa: High-speed icon updated with modern electronics and refined aerodynamics.
• GSX-R series: Long-running sportbike lineage; select models remain region-dependent due to emissions rules.
• GSX-8S and GSX-8R: New-generation 776 cc parallel twins balancing everyday and sport use.
• V-Strom 800DE/1050: Adventure tourers with off-road competence and touring comfort.
• DR-Z400S (regional): Lightweight dual-sport classic in markets where it remains available.
• Burgman scooters: Urban mobility mainstays in various displacements.

Suzuki’s newer platforms target approachable performance and modern ergonomics, reinforcing its value-driven identity.

Notable Suzuki Technologies and Moves

Suzuki focuses on practical innovation—lightweight frames, robust engines, and rider-friendly electronics—while exploring measured electrification.

• Twin-spar aluminum frame heritage and balanced chassis tuning across sport platforms.
• Mechanical variable valve timing on select GSX-R models for broad power delivery.
• New 776 cc parallel-twin with 270-degree crank and twin balancers for smooth torque.
• Pilot electric and battery-swapping trials in select markets, with incremental rollouts.

The approach underscores Suzuki’s emphasis on refinement and reliability over headline-chasing complexity.

Why the Big Four Still Matter

Collectively, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki anchor much of the global motorcycle ecosystem—dealer networks, parts supply, training, and resale values. They define “standard-setting” across safety and emissions: IMU-based electronics are common, adaptive cruise is spreading to tourers, and hybrid/EV options are emerging for urban mobility. In racing, Honda and Yamaha remain in MotoGP, Kawasaki dominates in WorldSBK, and Suzuki reoriented after leaving MotoGP, focusing on other championships. As regulations tighten and consumer tech expectations rise, the Big Four continue to translate competition lessons and mass-manufacturing efficiency into bikes riders can live with every day.

Common Misconceptions

Because “Big Four” is also used in other industries and contexts, it can be misunderstood in motorcycling. The following points clarify what the term does and doesn’t mean here.

• It does not refer to American brands like Harley-Davidson or Indian; those are key players but not part of the “Big Four.”
• It is not a racing-only label; it describes overall manufacturing and market influence.
• It doesn’t exclude other strong brands (e.g., BMW, KTM, Ducati); it’s simply a widely used shorthand for the four Japanese leaders.

Understanding this helps frame discussions about market share, technology trends, and racing without conflating different brand groupings.

At a Glance: Each Brand’s Emphasis

The bullets below summarize how each manufacturer typically positions itself in the market today.

• Honda: Scale, usability, broadest lineup, strong tech like DCT and e-Clutch.
• Yamaha: Engaging engine character, balanced handling, expanding rider aids and connectivity.
• Kawasaki: Performance-forward, supercharging, early hybrid adoption and advanced ARAS on tourers.
• Suzuki: Value and refinement, modern middleweights, pragmatic electronics and chassis tuning.

Taken together, these emphases explain why the Big Four cover virtually every riding niche while continuing to drive mainstream innovation.

Summary

The “Big Four” motorcycles are the four major Japanese manufacturers—Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki. They dominate global motorcycling through breadth of lineup, competitive pricing, and continuous innovation, from safety electronics and touring comforts to supercharging and early hybrid/electric models. Despite different brand personalities, each plays a pivotal role in shaping how and what the world rides.

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 are the top 3 motorcycle manufacturers?

Motorcycle Industry Trends
According to a 2023 report, the global motorcycle market was valued at approximately $119 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $156 billion by 2028. Brands like Harley-Davidson, Honda, and Yamaha dominate the market with diverse offerings, from cruisers to sportbikes.

Are Suzuki and Kawasaki the same company?

No, Suzuki and Kawasaki are not the same company; they are distinct, competing Japanese manufacturers of motorcycles and other vehicles, though they had a strategic alliance from 2001 to 2006 to share some products and resources to boost competitiveness. Each company maintains its own brand, models, and independent operations today.
 
Separate Companies 

• Suzuki Motor Corporation: and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. are two separate, Japanese companies with different histories, management, and ownership structures. 
• They are considered major rivals within the “Japanese Big Four” of motorcycle manufacturers. 

Past Cooperation

• In 2001, the two companies entered a strategic partnership to cooperate in areas like motorcycle and ATV design, manufacturing, and procurement. 
• This collaboration involved sharing resources and selling some rebadged models to each other’s product lines. 

End of the Alliance 

• By 2005-2007, the companies decided to discontinue the sharing of motorcycle models.
• They opted to revert to more focused, independent development to enhance their respective brand identities and competitiveness.

Today’s Status

• Suzuki and Kawasaki continue to operate as independent entities. 
• While they had a past collaboration, they are now distinct competitors in the global market, each developing and marketing their unique ranges of products. 

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.