18 Classic Motorcycles That Are the Definition of Cool

Certain motorcycles are more than just bikes; they’re icons of style and power. From legendary brands to timeless designs, here are 18 classic motorcycles that still set the standard for cool.

1. Harley-Davidson Knucklehead

If cool could be distilled into a single motorcycle, it might look a lot like the Harley-Davidson Knucklehead. With its distinct V-twin engine and chrome detailing, this bike was the poster child of rebellion in the 1940s. It’s the kind of motorcycle you picture when you think of vintage Americana, complete with leather jackets and open roads. The Knucklehead isn’t just a ride; it’s an attitude on wheels. The name itself is a nod to the unique design of the engine’s rocker boxes, which resemble knuckles—another small but important touch of character.

2. Triumph Bonneville

The Triumph Bonneville is the British rock star of motorcycles, exuding a cool that’s as effortless as a good leather jacket. Named after the Bonneville Salt Flats, where speed records are shattered, this bike has been a symbol of freedom and style since the 1950s. It’s the kind of motorcycle that Steve McQueen would ride through the desert, leaving nothing but dust and envy in his wake. The sleek design, paired with the iconic parallel-twin engine, makes it a timeless classic that’s been imitated but never duplicated.

3. Norton Commando

The Norton Commando is the kind of motorcycle that looks like it’s moving even when it’s parked. With its sleek, aerodynamic lines and powerful engine, it’s no wonder this bike was a favorite among racers in the 1970s. The “Featherbed” frame, as it was called, provided unmatched stability, making the Commando both fast and smooth. This bike didn’t just keep up with the competition; it left them eating dust. Riding a Commando is like wearing a perfectly tailored suit—it’s about looking sharp and feeling unstoppable.

4. BMW R90S

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The BMW R90S brought German engineering to the forefront of cool in the 1970s. With its distinctive bikini fairing and two-tone paint job, this bike was as stylish as it was functional. It wasn’t just about looks, though; the R90S was a serious performer, winning races and hearts alike. The bike’s reliability and handling made it a favorite for long-distance riders who wanted both comfort and speed. It’s the motorcycle equivalent of a luxury sports car—sophisticated, powerful, and undeniably cool.

5. Ducati 750 SS

Ducati has a reputation for building motorcycles that are as beautiful as they are fast, and the 750 SS is a prime example. This bike is a piece of Italian artistry, with its sleek lines, vibrant colors, and a racing pedigree that would make any rider proud. It’s the kind of motorcycle that turns heads before you even start the engine, and once you do, the roar of the V-twin will make sure everyone knows you’ve arrived. The 750 SS isn’t just a bike; it’s a statement that speed and style are inseparable.

6. Moto Guzzi Le Mans

The Moto Guzzi Le Mans is the embodiment of Italian cool, with a design that’s as aggressive as it is elegant. Named after the famous 24-hour race, this bike was built for speed and endurance, with a V-twin engine that delivers power and performance in spades. The Le Mans is the motorcycle equivalent of a tailored Italian suit—sharp, stylish, and made for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It’s a bike that demands attention, whether it’s on the road or in the garage.

7. Honda CB750

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The Honda CB750 is often called the original superbike, and for good reason. When it was released in 1969, it set a new standard for performance and reliability, with its four-cylinder engine and disc brakes—both firsts for a production motorcycle. The CB750 was a game-changer, bringing high performance to the masses and forever changing the motorcycle industry. It’s the kind of bike that’s both approachable and aspirational, making it a perennial favorite among riders of all levels.

8. Yamaha RD350

The Yamaha RD350 is the motorcycle that taught the world what a two-stroke engine could do. This lightweight, nimble bike was a rocket on wheels, offering exhilarating performance at a price that didn’t break the bank. Its reputation for speed and agility made it a favorite among racers and thrill-seekers in the 1970s. The RD350 is the kind of bike that doesn’t just get you from point A to point B—it makes sure you have the time of your life getting there.

9. Kawasaki Z1

When Kawasaki introduced the Z1 in 1972, it was clear they meant business. This bike was a powerhouse, with a 903cc engine that made it the fastest production motorcycle of its time. But it wasn’t just about speed—the Z1 had a sleek, muscular design that made it look as good as it performed. This was the motorcycle that put Kawasaki on the map, and it’s still a favorite among collectors and riders who appreciate its blend of power and style.

10. Indian Chief

The Indian Chief is the definition of American motorcycle heritage. With its sweeping fenders, leather saddlebags, and V-twin engine, the Chief is a bike that looks like it just rode out of a classic film. It’s the kind of motorcycle that makes you want to hit the open road with no particular destination in mind. The Chief is more than just a bike; it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the enduring appeal of the open road. Riding one feels like being part of a living legend.

11. Vincent Black Shadow

The Vincent Black Shadow is the stuff of motorcycle legend, known as the fastest production bike of its time. With a top speed of over 125 mph, this bike was the ultimate thrill machine in the 1950s. Its blacked-out engine and minimalist design gave it an intimidating look that matched its performance. The Black Shadow isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a piece of history, revered by enthusiasts as one of the greatest bikes ever made. Riding it is like stepping back in time, with a burst of adrenaline.

12. BSA Gold Star

The BSA Gold Star is a motorcycle that oozes old-school charm. Named after the gold star awarded to bikes that lapped the Brooklands circuit at over 100 mph, this bike was built for speed and style. Its polished aluminum tank and classic British design make it a standout even today. The Gold Star is a bike for those who appreciate the finer details, from its thumping single-cylinder engine to its impeccable craftsmanship. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience in elegance and power.

13. Suzuki Katana

The Suzuki Katana is the motorcycle equivalent of an 80s action hero—bold, aggressive, and unapologetically cool. With its sharp, angular design and futuristic look, the Katana was ahead of its time when it was released in the early 1980s. It wasn’t just about looks, though; the Katana was a performer, with a powerful engine and handling that made it a favorite among riders who wanted both speed and style. The Katana is a bike that still looks fast standing still, a true icon of its era.

14. Ariel Square Four

The Ariel Square Four is one of those bikes that makes you do a double-take. With its unique square-four engine configuration, this bike was a marvel of engineering in the 1950s. It was smooth, powerful, and unlike anything else on the road at the time. The Square Four is a motorcycle that stands out not just because of its performance, but because of its distinctive look and feel. It’s a bike for those who appreciate the unconventional and the extraordinary.

15. MV Agusta 750S

The MV Agusta 750S is the epitome of Italian craftsmanship on two wheels. With its elegant lines, striking red-and-silver paint job, and racing pedigree, this bike is as much a work of art as it is a machine. The 750S was built for speed, with a four-cylinder engine that could leave most competitors in the dust. But it’s the bike’s style and flair that really set it apart, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the finer things in life.

16. Royal Enfield Bullet

The Royal Enfield Bullet is a motorcycle that’s been around for so long, it’s practically part of the scenery. First produced in the 1930s, the Bullet is the longest-running motorcycle model in continuous production. Its classic design and thumping single-cylinder engine give it a charm that’s hard to resist. The Bullet is a bike that’s not just about getting from one place to another—it’s about enjoying the journey in style. Riding one feels like taking a trip back in time, with all the benefits of modern engineering.

17. Laverda Jota

The Laverda Jota is the motorcycle that put this Italian brand on the map. With its powerful three-cylinder engine and aggressive styling, the Jota was a force to be reckoned with in the 1970s. It was a bike built for those who wanted to go fast and look good doing it. The Jota’s distinctive orange paint and loud exhaust note make it a head-turner, even today. It’s a bike that doesn’t just make a statement—it roars it at the top of its lungs.

18. Honda Super Cub

The Honda Super Cub might not be the fastest or the most powerful motorcycle on this list, but it’s arguably the most influential. With over 100 million units sold, the Super Cub is the best-selling motor vehicle in history. Its simple, reliable design has made it a favorite for everyone from commuters to world travelers. The Super Cub is proof that sometimes, cool comes in small, unassuming packages. It’s a bike that’s been getting people where they need to go for decades, with a smile on their faces and a song in their hearts.

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