Hey there, fellow riders! If you thought classic vehicles were limited to cars, think again! Motorcycles have their own league of legendary rides that make automotive enthusiasts around the world go wild. Whether you’re a woman with a need for speed or just appreciate the beauty of these vintage two-wheeled wonders, we’ve got you covered. Buckle up, because we’re about to take a thrilling ride through the 12 best classic motorcycles!

The Royal Enfield Bullet is the stuff of legends. Just the mention of its name is enough to make your heart race. Fun fact: it holds the record for the longest continuous production run of any motorcycle in history. They’ve been making these bad boys since 1948! But the real gem is the original 1931 Bullet. With its 350cc four-stroke engine and shiny chrome finish, it’s the epitome of cool. Plus, it has starred in movies like Friday the 13th and Big Fish, adding some extra charm to its already impressive reputation.

British engineering at its finest, the Norton Commando is a true masterpiece. Named “Machine of the Year” for five consecutive years from 1968 to 1972, it revolutionized motorcycles with its innovative “Isolastic System” that tamed engine vibrations. Designed by a group of engineers who left Mercedes-Benz, this bike packs a punch. Police forces around the world couldn’t resist its allure, making it their ride of choice. With an 850cc engine and a reputation for speed, the Norton Commando is a force to be reckoned with on the streets and the race tracks.

Step into the spotlight, the Vincent Black Shadow! Built in 1948, this motorcycle was ahead of its time, boasting unique features like a stressed engine and extensive use of aluminum. Oh, and did we mention it held the title for the fastest production bike for nearly two decades? Each one was meticulously hand-built, making them rare gems. Notorious writer Hunter S. Thompson was a big fan, even featuring it in his iconic book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Beware, though: Thompson once said, “If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for any length of time, you would almost certainly die.” Talk about an adrenaline rush!

Behold the BMW R32, a true antique on two wheels. Built in 1923, it was BMW’s first step into the motorcycle world after their airplane-building days. Though it may look like a cross between a bicycle and a moped now, the R32 set the stage for the iconic BMW bike design we know and love today. Fun fact: many design elements from this motorcycle were later incorporated into BMW cars. Who knew motorcycles came before the four-wheeled beauties?

Revving up the list is the Velocette Viper, a motorcycle that ruled the roads in the ’50s and ’60s. Collectors go gaga over this bike, claiming it can hold its own against any legendary motorcycle out there. With its revolutionary glass fiber enclosed panels and a powerful 349cc engine, it was built for speed. In fact, it holds the unbeaten record for cruising at a mind-boggling 100 miles per hour for a jaw-dropping 24 hours straight. This red hot collector’s item will make your heart race faster than a cheetah on espresso!

For the gearheads who swear by British bikes, the Triumph Bonneville is the crème de la crème. First hitting the scene in 1959, it takes its name from the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where it broke land speed records like nobody’s business. The Bonneville easily reached speeds of up to 115 miles per hour, unheard of during its early days. Nicknamed the “Bonnie,” this classic bike’s sleek design and low slung seat made it a favorite among celebrities and racers alike. It’s the definition of a true classic.

Let’s take a detour to the modern era with the Honda Rebel, introduced in 1985. This rebellious ride may not scream “classic” at first glance, but it was a game-changer in its time. Redefining reliability and fuel efficiency in the mid-1980s, the Honda Rebel had a 234cc V-twin engine that could hit speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Light and nimble, it was the perfect touring bike with a style that turned heads wherever it went. Riding on the Rebel was like cruising through life in a mix of comfort and coolness.

Prepare for a ride that will make you do a double-take—the Moto Guzzi V8. With its unusual appearance, this bike was a racing champion in the 1950s. Sporting a V8 engine, it’s a true masterpiece of automotive engineering. Despite its small 500cc displacement, it reached mind-blowing speeds of 175 miles per hour. Imagine flying on two wheels at that speed! Production costs limited its production to just two years, but its legacy lives on. Collectors worldwide consider it a must-have gem for their treasure troves.

Introducing the Henderson Excelsior Streamline, affectionately known as “KJ.” This motorcycle, born in 1929, was a true trailblazer of its time. It boasted jaw-dropping innovations, like a 40bhp engine and an illuminated speedometer placed on top of the fuel tank. That must have blown minds back in the day! With improved cooling, down draft carburetion, and a five main bearing crankshaft, it was the biggest and fastest bike of its era. Even police forces relied on this beauty for their traffic patrols. Sadly, the Great Depression caused Henderson to close its doors in 1931, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of collectors.

Enter the “Slash 5” series of motorcycles by BMW—R50/5, R60/5, and R75/5—considered by many as the epitome of reliability. Produced from 1970 to 1973, these bikes were ahead of their time with electric starters and telescopic forks. Among the Slash 5s, the R75/5 takes the crown as the fastest, hitting a top speed of 110 miles per hour. They had a cool retro look and were perfect for tearing up the streets. Today, they’re a sought-after vintage ride, oozing 1970s charm that will make heads turn wherever you ride.

The Indian Chief, born in 1947, is a true icon of motorcycle design. With its 1,200cc engine, this beauty could hit 85 miles per hour in third gear, breaking all the rules and looking effortlessly cool while doing it. Unlike its Harley-Davidson counterparts, the Indian Chief came equipped with rear suspension for an extra smooth ride. It became the motorcycle of choice for purists who knew that riding an Indian Chief meant riding in style. The 1950 Indian Chief Black Hawk edition is particularly sought-after among collectors. Through its ups and downs, the Indian Chief has left an indelible mark on motorcycle history.

Last but certainly not least, we have the mighty Harley-Davidson WLA—a true gem for motorcycle aficionados and World War II history buffs. Built for the U.S. Army during the Second World War, it differed from its civilian sibling, the WL model. The WLA was battle-ready with modified fenders to handle the muddy European battlefields, leg guards, and windshields to brave the spray from puddles and mud. It even sported one-of-a-kind blackout lights for traveling with military convoys at night. Harley-Davidson manufactured a staggering 90,000 WLAs from 1940 to 1945. Today, the Army green-colored WLA stands as one of the most iconic heavy motorcycles ever built by Harley-Davidson, a true gem that every collector dreams of owning.
Harley-Davidson WLA

These 12 classic motorcycles have left an indelible mark on the world of two wheels. They are legends that continue to ignite the passion of enthusiasts around the globe. Whether you’re a vintage bike lover or just appreciate the beauty of these timeless machines, these classics are bound to put a smile on your face and a desire in your heart to hit the open road. So rev up those engines and let the adventure begin!