The Best American Motorcycle Brands: Explore America's Biker Heritage

Exploring the Best American Motorcycle Brands

Overview of the US Motorcycle Market in 2025

• The top 10 motorcycle brands in the US by 2024 sales volume are Honda, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, KTM, Indian Motorcycle, BMW, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ducati, and Triumph.

• Honda leads with around 400,000 units sold, followed by Harley-Davidson with 95,000 units.

• Suzuki and KTM both sold about 25,000 to 30,000 units, while Indian Motorcycle sold around 25,000 units.

•  Interestingly, Yamaha and Kawasaki, both Japanese brands, rank high with estimated sales of 60,000 and 55,000 units, respectively, showing strong market presence.

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Top 10 Motorcycle Brands in the US by Sales Volume

Here’s a quick look at the top 10 brands based on 2024 US sales:

• Honda: Approximately 400,000 units

• Harley-Davidson: Approximately 95,000 units

• Yamaha: Approximately 60,000 units

• Kawasaki: Approximately 55,000 units

• Suzuki: Approximately 30,000 units

• KTM: 25,000 to 30,000 units

• Indian Motorcycle: Approximately 25,000 units

• BMW: Approximately 25,000 units

• Ducati: Approximately 9,000 units

• Triumph: Approximately 5,500 units

Why These Brands Matter

Each brand offers unique features, from Honda’s reliability to Harley-Davidson’s classic American styling. The inclusion of Yamaha and Kawasaki highlights the strong Japanese influence, while KTM’s Austrian origin and significant US sales are notable for adventure and off-road enthusiasts.

Detailed Analysis and Market Insights for US Motorcycle Brands

The US motorcycle market is vibrant and competitive, with a diverse range of brands catering to various rider preferences. This analysis provides a detailed examination of the top 10 motorcycle brands in the US, based on 2024 sales volume and reputation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for enthusiasts and potential buyers. The analysis includes sales figures, historical context, popular models, and key features, all derived from extensive research and reliable sources.

Top Brands by Sales Volume

The following table lists the top 10 motorcycle brands in the US, ordered by their estimated 2024 sales volume:

Rank	Brand	Estimated US Sales (2024)	Origin
1	Honda	400,000	Japan
2	Harley-Davidson	95,000	USA
3	Yamaha	60,000	Japan
4	Kawasaki	55,000	Japan
5	Suzuki	30,000	Japan
6	KTM	25,000 - 30,000	Austria
7	Indian Motorcycle	25,000	USA
8	BMW	25,000	Germany
9	Ducati	9,000	Italy
10	Triumph	5,500	UK

These figures are approximate, based on available data, and may vary slightly due to reporting differences between registrations and invoiced sales.

Motorcycle Brand Profiles

1. Honda: The Market Leader

• History: Founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, Honda entered the US market in the 1960s. It’s known for its wide range, from small displacement bikes to high-performance sport bikes.

• Popular Models: Includes the Rebel (cruiser), Shadow (touring), Gold Wing (luxury tourer), and CB series (roadsters).

• Key Features: Honda is renowned for reliability, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology, such as ABS, traction control, and engine management systems. Its global sales leadership, with around 18.7 million units in 2024, underscores its dominance (Worldwide motorcycle sales of Honda 2024).

• Sales Figures: Estimated US sales in 2024 are approximately 400,000 units, derived from North American sales of 459,000 units in 2023, adjusted for Canadian market size, based on Honda's fiscal year data and proportional distribution, assuming flat growth in 2024.

2. Harley-Davidson: The American Icon

• History: Founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson is iconic for cruiser motorcycles and has a strong cultural following, often linked to biker subculture.

• Popular Models: Includes Sportster, Dyna, Softail, and the iconic Fat Boy, known for their distinctive styling.

• Key Features: Features powerful V-twin engines, customization options, and a range of touring bikes with advanced features for long-distance riding. In 2024, global shipments were 151,200, with US registrations at 95,000 units (Harley-Davidson - worldwide motorcycle sales by region).

• Sales Figures: Approximately 95,000 units in the US in 2024, sourced directly from Harley-Davidson's investor relations page (Harley-Davidson - Resources - Motorcycle Retail Sales).

3. Yamaha: The Performance Innovator

• History: Founded in 1955, Yamaha entered the US market with a focus on performance and innovation, known for sport bikes and off-road models.

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  Popular Models: Includes YZF-R1, MT series, and WR series for off-road.

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  Key Features: Known for advanced electronics, powerful engines, and a wide range of models from sport to adventure, with a strong emphasis on rider safety and comfort.

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  Sales Figures: Estimated US sales in 2024 are approximately 60,000 units, based on industry reports and market share analysis, reflecting its strong presence in the sport and off-road segments.

4. Kawasaki: The Versatile Choice

• History: Founded in 1966, Kawasaki is known for its diverse lineup, including sport bikes, cruisers, and off-road models, with a significant US presence.

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  Popular Models: Includes Ninja series, Vulcan, and KLR series.

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  Key Features: Offers a balance of performance, affordability, and versatility, with models catering to both beginners and experienced riders.

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  Sales Figures: Estimated US sales in 2024 are approximately 55,000 units, derived from market forecasts and historical sales trends, highlighting its popularity in multiple segments.

5. Suzuki: Affordable and Reliable

• History: Founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki, it entered the motorcycle market in the 1950s and has a strong US presence with a diverse lineup.

• Popular Models: Includes GSX-R series (sport bikes), V-Strom (adventure), and Boulevard (cruisers), known for affordability.

• Key Features: Reliability, innovative technology, and value for money, with global sales of 1.91 million in 2023, including ATVs (Suzuki Motor Corporation: worldwide motorcycle sales 2023). US revenue projections for 2024 suggest around 30,000 units at an average price of $9,330 (Suzuki Motorcycles (Motorcycles) - US | Market Forecast).

• Sales Figures: Approximately 30,000 in the US in 2024, estimated based on 2024 projections and global sales distribution.

6. KTM: The Off-Road Specialist

• History: Founded in 1934 by Hans Trunkenpolz in Austria, KTM was acquired by Pierer Mobility Group in 2013. It’s known for off-road and adventure motorcycles, with a strong motorsport heritage.

• Popular Models: Includes Duke (street bikes), Adventure (touring), Enduro, and Motocross models, catering to performance enthusiasts.

• Key Features: Known for high-performance engines, lightweight frames, and advanced suspension systems, with a focus on racing, evidenced by numerous victories. Global sales reached 280,000 in 2023, with North American sales estimated at around 73,300 units, suggesting US sales of 25,000 to 30,000 (KTM motorcycle sales worldwide 2022-2023).

• Sales Figures: Estimated US sales of 25,000 to 30,000 in 2024, based on Pierer Mobility Group's North American sales data and KTM's global sales proportion, adjusted for market share analysis.

7. Indian Motorcycle: Classic American Style

• History: Founded in 1901 by George M. Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom, it was dormant from the 1950s until revived by Polaris Industries in 2011, focusing on cruiser and touring segments.

• Popular Models: Includes Scout, Chief, and Challenger, emphasizing classic styling and modern amenities.

• Key Features: Known for American heritage, powerful engines, and a focus on cruiser and touring, with global sales peaking at 43,219 in 2022, declining to around 37,000 in 2024, with US sales estimated at 25,000 (Indian Motorcycles - Data & Facts 2024).

• Sales Figures: Approximately 25,000 in the US in 2024, derived from Polaris Industries' On Road segment data and proportional analysis, considering North American market share and global sales trends.

8. BMW: Premium Engineering

• History: BMW Motorrad, established in 1923, is the motorcycle division of BMW, known for premium engineering.

• Popular Models: Includes R-Series (touring), S-Series (sport), and GS adventure bikes, popular among luxury riders.

• Key Features: High-quality engineering, advanced technology like dynamic suspension, and premium pricing, with global sales reaching 209,257 in 2023, and US sales estimated at 20,000 to 30,000 (BMW Motorrad Set New All-Time Sales Record In 2023).

• Sales Figures: Approximately 25,000 in the US in 2024, estimated based on global sales proportion and historical US sales data, considering North America's contribution to global figures.

9. Ducati: The Performance Powerhouse

• History: Founded in 1926 by Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, known for high-performance sport bikes and a rich racing history.

• Popular Models: Includes Panigale (sport), Monster (naked), and Multistrada (adventure), with global sales of 58,224 in 2023, and US as the second largest market with first-half 2023 sales at 4,505, estimating total US sales at 9,000 (Ducati Keeps Growing and Registers its Best First Half-Year Sales Figures Ever).

• Key Features: Distinctive design, advanced electronics, and powerful engines, focusing on exclusivity.

• Sales Figures: Approximately 9,000 in the US in 2024, based on first-half sales data and assuming similar second-half performance.
  
  

10. Triumph: Classic Meets Modern

• History: Founded in 1902, revived in the 1990s by John Bloor, known for classic styling with modern tech.

• Popular Models: Includes Bonneville (classic), Speedmaster (cruiser), and Tiger (adventure), with global sales reaching 83,389 in 2022, and US revenue projections suggesting around 5,500 units at an average price of $13,770 (Triumph Statistics By Product Launch, Revenue, Sales, And Country).

• Key Features: Classic styling combined with modern technology, appealing to heritage and performance riders.

• Sales Figures: Approximately 5,500 in the US in 2024, estimated based on 2024 revenue projections and historical sales trends.

Analysis and Insights

The dominance of Honda, with sales far exceeding others, highlights its mass-market appeal, driven by reliability and affordability. Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle, both American, cater to the cruiser and touring segments, maintaining strong domestic loyalty. The inclusion of Yamaha and Kawasaki underscores the strong Japanese influence, with their diverse offerings appealing to sport and off-road riders. KTM’s significant US sales, around 25,000 to 30,000 units, are notable given its Austrian origin, reflecting its success in off-road and adventure niches. European brands like BMW, Ducati, and Triumph, while smaller in volume, offer premium options, appealing to riders seeking luxury and performance.

Key Trends and Future Predictions for US Motorcycle Sales

Choosing the right motorcycle brand can be a daunting decision, but it’s an exciting journey. Whether you're drawn to the iconic legacy of Harley-Davidson, the precision engineering of BMW, or the cutting-edge performance of Ducati, there’s a brand out there for every type of rider. As you explore different models and brands, be sure to consider factors like riding style, reliability, and resale value to find the motorcycle that fits you best.

And when it's time to transport your motorcycle, whether for a big move, rally, or vacation, trust AmeriFreight to deliver it safely and affordably. With years of experience in the auto transport industry, AmeriFreight is the go-to choice for motorcycle shipping across the U.S., ensuring that your prized ride is in good hands.