The Most Iconic Classic Motorcycles

Experts consistently cite the following motorcycles as the most iconic classics: Brough Superior SS100, Vincent Black Shadow, Indian Scout and Chief, BMW R32 and R90S, Triumph Bonneville T120, Norton Commando, BSA Gold Star, Harley-Davidson Knucklehead (EL) and Sportster XL, Ducati 750/900 Super Sport, Moto Guzzi Le Mans, MV Agusta 750S, Laverda Jota, Honda CB750, Kawasaki Z1 900, Yamaha RD350/400, Suzuki GSX-R750, BMW R80G/S, and (for sheer cultural impact) the Honda Super Cub. These machines shaped motorcycling’s design, performance, culture, and racing heritage across generations.

How We Define “Iconic Classic”

Iconic classics aren’t just old—they changed the course of motorcycling, set new benchmarks, or became cultural touchstones. Collectors, historians, and riders tend to coalesce around models that were technological firsts, dominant in competition, widely influential in design, or long-running best-sellers.

The list below outlines the core criteria often used by historians and collectors to classify a motorcycle as an iconic classic.

• Historical significance: introduced a major innovation or new category.
• Cultural impact: became a symbol of an era, lifestyle, or movement.
• Racing pedigree: proved dominance on track or in major events.
• Design and engineering: showcased aesthetics or tech that defined a generation.
• Longevity and influence: inspired successive models or sustained long production.
• Enthusiast support: strong communities, clubs, and parts ecosystems.

Taken together, these factors explain why certain bikes transcend their spec sheets to become enduring icons across markets and decades.

Pre‑War Foundations and Post‑War Breakthroughs

The earliest icons set engineering templates and mystique that still resonate, from high-performance roadsters to advanced engines and robust drivetrains. These machines predated modern categories, yet defined them.

• Brough Superior SS100 (1924–1940): dubbed the “Rolls‑Royce of Motorcycles,” famed for hand-built quality and speed; associated with T.E. Lawrence.
• Indian Scout (1920s) and Chief (1940s): quintessential American V‑twins, the Scout for agility and the skirt‑fender Chief for long-haul style.
• BMW R32 (1923): BMW’s first motorcycle; introduced the boxer twin with shaft drive, a layout that still anchors the brand.
• Ariel Square Four (1931–1959): innovative four‑cylinder in a square layout, combining smoothness with distinctive character.
• Vincent Black Shadow (1948–1955): post‑war performance icon, among the fastest production bikes of its day with advanced engineering.

These machines created blueprints—high-performance roadsters, refined multi-cylinders, durable tourers—that later eras would iterate and refine.

The British Twin Era (1950s–1970s)

British bikes defined post‑war cool, with torquey twins, café-racer lines, and a vibrant tuning culture. Their sound and silhouette still signal “classic” to many riders worldwide.

• Triumph Bonneville T120 (1959): the archetypal British twin—quick, handsome, endlessly modifiable; a touchstone for modern retros.
• Norton Commando (1967–1977): famed for its isolastic frame and balanced performance; a landmark in handling and style.
• BSA Gold Star (DBD34, mid‑1950s): a clubman’s hero—racy, charismatic, and capable of the authentic “ton.”
• Velocette Thruxton (1965–1971): hand‑finished single with racing pedigree; revered among purists.
• Royal Enfield Bullet (post‑1948): one of the longest‑produced motorcycles; a timeless single that bridged British and Indian motorcycling cultures.

Even as Japanese engineering surged ahead, British classics remained style leaders—and today anchor one of the strongest vintage scenes for riding and restoration.

American V‑Twin Legends

American icons blend charisma, torque, and cultural visibility—from cross‑country cruising to flat‑track dominance and daredevil lore.

• Harley‑Davidson EL “Knucklehead” (1936–1947): the foundational overhead‑valve big twin that set Harley’s modern V‑twin trajectory.
• Harley‑Davidson Sportster (XL, since 1957): the enduring performance‑leaning Harley, central to hot‑rod customs and street culture.
• Harley‑Davidson XR750 (1970s–): a flat‑track legend and Evel Knievel’s jump bike; synonymous with American racing grit.
• Indian Chief (1940s): sweeping fenders, big‑twin charm—one of the most recognizable silhouettes in motorcycling.

These models didn’t just sell bikes—they built mythology, from Route 66 imagery to stadium showmanship and trackside triumphs.

Continental Classics: Italy and Germany

Italian and German marques emphasized engineering bravado and style—mixing race-bred technology with distinctive design and, often, hand-built craftsmanship.

• Ducati 750 Super Sport/900SS (mid‑1970s): the bevel‑drive desmo sportbikes that cemented Ducati’s race‑rep reputation.
• Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk I (1976): muscular V‑twin sport‑tourer with endurance‑race attitude and timeless lines.
• MV Agusta 750S (1970–1975): exotic four‑cylinder roadster, closely linked to MV’s grand prix supremacy.
• Laverda Jota (late 1970s): a thundering 1000cc triple born from endurance racing; raw, fast, and charismatic.
• BMW R90S (1973–1976): sport‑touring pioneer with a factory bikini fairing and distinctive “smoke” paintwork.
• BMW R80G/S (1980): the progenitor of the adventure bike category, with Dakar rally credibility and broad real‑world versatility.

From desmodromic valves to endurance toughness, these bikes projected a European blend of performance, innovation, and artistry that still defines their brands.

The Japanese Revolution (1960s–1980s)

Japanese manufacturers reshaped motorcycling with reliability, performance, and value—moving from groundbreaking commuters to definitive superbikes.

• Honda CB750 (1969): the four‑cylinder “universal Japanese motorcycle” that popularized the modern superbike template.
• Kawasaki Z1 900 (1972): DOHC power and bulletproof engineering; the muscle bike that rivaled and surpassed early fours.
• Yamaha RD350/RD400 (1970s): light, quick two‑strokes that defined accessible performance and the café‑racer ethos of their era.
• Honda CBX 1000 (1978): a glorious six‑cylinder statement of engineering ambition and smooth high‑rev drama.
• Suzuki GSX‑R750 (1985): race‑replica watershed—lightweight, focused, and transformational for sportbike design.
• Honda RC30 (VFR750R, 1987–1990): homologation special with World Superbike pedigree; precision engineering writ large.
• Honda Super Cub (from 1958): not a sportbike, but the world’s best‑selling motorcycle—an everyday icon of mobility.

This wave democratized speed and dependability, ushering in the age of high‑revving fours, track‑bred road bikes, and durable commuters that reshaped global riding.

Two‑Stroke Legends

Before emissions rules tamed them, two‑strokes delivered intoxicating performance-to-weight ratios and razor‑sharp character—now prized among collectors and riders.

• Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750 (1972): ferocious two‑stroke triple with infamous acceleration and a fearsome reputation.
• Suzuki RG500 Gamma (mid‑1980s): road‑legal square‑four derived from grand prix tech—light, fast, and focused.
• Aprilia RS250 (1995–2002): one of the last great two‑stroke sportbikes; a handling benchmark with race‑rep aesthetics.

These machines capture a vanished era of lightness and immediacy, rewarding skilled riders and remaining centerpieces of many vintage sportbike collections.

What Collectors Look For Today

The market for iconic classics remains active, with demand driven by originality, provenance, and rideability. Even as values fluctuate, the best examples of the bikes above remain highly sought after.

• Originality and correct parts often outweigh over‑restoration.
• Documentation (history, ownership, racing provenance) boosts value.
• Parts availability and club support ease long‑term ownership.
• Desirable years/specs vary within each model—research matters.
• Rideability counts: iconic bikes that are pleasant to use get ridden and enjoyed, not just displayed.

Whether buying to ride or to collect, focus on condition, completeness, and community—key ingredients for long‑term satisfaction and stable values.

Summary

From the Brough Superior SS100 and Vincent Black Shadow to the Triumph Bonneville, Norton Commando, Harley‑Davidson Knucklehead, Ducati 900SS, BMW R90S, Honda CB750, Kawasaki Z1, and Suzuki GSX‑R750, a core group of motorcycles stands out as truly iconic. They earned that status by rewriting performance norms, defining styles and categories, and embedding themselves in racing lore and popular culture. While tastes vary, these models consistently anchor expert lists, auctions, and rider dreams—proof that true icons transcend time and trends.

What is the most iconic motorcycle of all time?

Top Iconic Motorcycles throughout History

• 1920 Indian Scout.
• 1921 Moto Guzzi Normale.
• 1923 BMW R32.
• 1937 Brough Superior SS100.
• 1938 Triumph Speed Twin.
• 1950 Vincent Black Shadow.
• 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster.
• 1958 Honda Super Cub.

What bike was called the widowmaker?

The nickname “Widowmaker” is primarily associated with the 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach 4, a powerful and fast two-stroke motorcycle known for its high speeds, excessive power delivery that caused wheelies, and poor handling for the era. The name also refers to the earlier Kawasaki H1 Mach III and, in a different context, the 1997–2001 Suzuki TL1000S due to its handling issues. 
The Kawasaki H2 750 Mach 4 (The Original Widowmaker) 

• Why it got the name: The H2 750 was incredibly fast and had a potent, torquey engine with a powerband that could easily lift the front wheel, even unintentionally.
• Contributing factors: It suffered from ill handling and poor braking, with a chassis and suspension that couldn’t keep up with the engine’s power.
• Reputation: Its combination of raw speed, unpredictable power, and inherent danger earned it the “Widowmaker” moniker in the US.

Other bikes associated with the nickname

• Kawasaki H1 Mach III: Opens in new tabSome sources also credit the earlier H1 as the original “Widowmaker” before the H2. 
• Suzuki TL1000S: Opens in new tabThe 1997–2001 model was also known as the “Widowmaker” due to its problematic handling issues. 

What’s the best retro motorcycle?

Top 10 Retro Motorcycles for 2025

• 2025 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Pros & Cons.
• BMW R 12 G/S.
• Triumph Speed 400. Triumph Speed 400.
• Yamaha XSR900 GP. Yamaha XSR900 GP.
• Royal Enfield Bear 650. Royal Enfield Bear 650.
• Triumph Bonneville T120. Triumph Bonneville T120.
• Ducati DesertX. Ducati DesertX.
• Honda GB350S. Honda GB350S.

What is the 4 second rule on a motorcycle?

The 4-second rule for motorcycle following distance emphasizes providing more space and reaction time to avoid collisions, as motorcycles are more vulnerable and can stop or change direction more abruptly than cars. To apply the rule, pick a fixed object, start counting when the motorcycle passes it, and stop counting when your vehicle reaches the same object; if you count less than four seconds, you are following too closely. This extra time allows for a driver’s necessary reaction to the motorcyclist’s unpredictable movements and the motorcycle’s smaller profile.
 
Why the 4-second rule is crucial for motorcycles

• Increased Vulnerability: Motorcycles have a smaller profile and weight compared to cars, making them less visible and more susceptible to hazards like potholes or gravel. 
• Abrupt Stops: A motorcycle can stop much more quickly than a car, and its small size makes it difficult for drivers behind to accurately judge its braking speed, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. 
• Motorcycle Braking Style: Motorcyclists may shift down gears or slow down more gradually to avoid sudden braking, which can be a safety risk for them, further complicating space management for vehicles behind. 
• Mirrors: The design of a motorcycle’s safety mirrors can make following vehicles appear further back than they actually are, hindering the motorcyclist’s ability to judge following distances and plan lane changes or deceleration. 

How to apply the 4-second rule

1. Choose a fixed point: Select an object on the side of the road, such as a sign, a tree, or a patch of road. 
2. Start counting: Begin counting “One Thousand One, One Thousand Two” slowly and steadily as the back of the motorcycle passes the chosen point. 
3. Check your distance: If your vehicle passes the same point before you finish counting to four, you are following too closely. 
4. Increase your distance: If you are too close, slow down to increase the space between your vehicle and the motorcycle to achieve the recommended four-second following distance. 

When to give even more space

• Poor road conditions: Opens in new tabWet, icy, or uneven roads increase the risk of a motorcycle needing to stop or change direction abruptly. 
• Nighttime or low visibility: Opens in new tabReduced visibility makes it harder to see the motorcycle and react to its movements, requiring more space for a safer response.