Which Is the Oldest Motorcycle Brand?

Royal Enfield is widely recognized as the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, with roots dating to 1901. The answer, however, depends on how “oldest” is defined: first to mass-produce a motorcycle, oldest surviving two-wheeler maker, or oldest brand with uninterrupted motorcycle production.

Why There’s Debate Over “Oldest”

Motorcycling’s early history is fragmented, with companies evolving from bicycle makers, changing ownership, pausing production during wars or bankruptcies, and sometimes returning as revived brands. Depending on whether you prioritize the date of first production, uninterrupted operation, or strict motorcycle output (as opposed to mopeds/scooters), different names can claim the mantle.

The Leading Claimants

The following list outlines the principal brands often cited in discussions about the “oldest” motorcycle manufacturer, and the basis for their claims.

• Royal Enfield (UK/India, 1901): Commonly cited as the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production. Originated in Britain; production continued in India and has not ceased since 1901.
• Peugeot Motocycles (France, 1898): One of the earliest makers of motorized two-wheelers and still operating. Its output has spanned motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters; the brand remains active today under new ownership, but its modern focus is primarily scooters.
• Hildebrand & Wolfmüller (Germany, 1894): The first series-produced internal combustion motorcycle. The company ceased operations in the 1890s, so no continuity.
• Indian Motorcycle (USA, 1901): Among the earliest American brands. The marque experienced multiple interruptions and revivals, breaking continuity.
• Triumph (UK, motorcycles from 1902): Historic brand with early motorcycle production; corporate continuity was broken in the 1980s before a modern revival.
• Harley-Davidson (USA, 1903): A continuously operating American motorcycle manufacturer since 1903, making it one of the oldest with unbroken production.
• Matchless (UK, 1899): Early motorcycles pre-1900; brand long defunct in original form with later revivals not preserving continuous production.

In practice, the industry and historians typically separate “first” (Hildebrand & Wolfmüller), “oldest still-operating two-wheeler maker” (often associated with Peugeot Motocycles), and “oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production” (Royal Enfield), with the latter being the most commonly accepted benchmark.

What Counts as “Oldest”?

Three criteria usually determine the answer: the date of first motorcycle production, whether the company has operated continuously, and whether it has continuously produced motorcycles (as opposed to pausing or shifting mainly to scooters/mopeds).

Continuous Production vs. First Production

Being first to mass-produce a motorcycle (Hildebrand & Wolfmüller, 1894) is not the same as being the oldest continuously producing brand. The former highlights technological primacy; the latter highlights uninterrupted presence in the market.

Corporate Continuity and Product Scope

Some brands, like Triumph and Indian, endured closures and revivals, while Peugeot Motocycles remained active but often focused on scooters rather than full-size motorcycles. Royal Enfield’s claim rests on uninterrupted motorcycle production since 1901, even through ownership and geographic transitions.

Current Industry Consensus

Most contemporary histories, industry reporting, and brand documentation cite Royal Enfield as the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production (1901–present). Harley-Davidson follows closely as one of the oldest continuously operating manufacturers since 1903, while Peugeot Motocycles is often noted for being among the earliest still-active two-wheeler makers, with activity dating to 1898.

Bottom Line

If the criterion is uninterrupted motorcycle production, the answer is Royal Enfield (since 1901). If the criterion is simply the earliest company to build motorcycles that is still in business in any two-wheeler form, Peugeot Motocycles also has a strong historical claim (since 1898). For “first production motorcycle,” the credit goes to Hildebrand & Wolfmüller (1894), despite the brand’s short lifespan.

Summary

Royal Enfield is generally regarded as the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, dating back to 1901. Depending on definition, Peugeot Motocycles (1898) and Hildebrand & Wolfmüller (1894) are also key names in the discussion. The distinction turns on continuity and whether the focus remains on motorcycles versus broader two-wheelers.

Which motorcycle company is older, Indian or Harley Davidson?

Yes, Indian is older than Harley. The Indian Motorcycle Company was founded in 1901, while Harley-Davidson was established in 1903. Indian holds the distinction of being America’s first motorcycle company, although there was a period of interrupted production before its recent revival by Polaris Industries. 
Key Dates 

• 1901: George M. Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom produced the first Indian Motorcycle®.
• 1903: William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson produced their first motorcycle, marking the founding of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

Historical Context

• Both companies emerged in the early 20th century and quickly became fierce rivals, but Indian was the first to market its motorcycles. 
• Indian experienced significant struggles and ceased production in 1953, with the brand rights changing hands several times. 
• Harley-Davidson, in contrast, has been in continuous operation since its founding and is the oldest continuously operating motorcycle manufacturer in the world. 
• The modern Indian Motorcycle brand was revived and re-established under the ownership of Polaris Industries in 2011. 

What is the oldest motorcycle brand?

Peugeot Motocycles
In 1898, Peugeot Motocycles presents at the Paris Motorshow the first motorcycle equipped with a Dion-Bouton motor. Peugeot Motocycles remains the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

Which company is older, Triumph or Royal Enfield?

The new company, initially Bonneville Coventry Ltd, ensured that Triumph has produced motorcycles since 1902, winning it the title of the world’s second longest continuous production motorcycle manufacturer, one year behind Royal Enfield.

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.