Published October 14, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief

The Complete Motorcycle Compendium
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Aprilia RSV1000R

 

Aermacchi (Italy) [Defunct]

Aermacchi Motorcycles

Years Active: 1951–1978

Notable Models: Chimera 175, Ala Verde, Ala d’Oro, Harley-Davidson/Aermacchi Sprint

Originally an aircraft manufacturer, Aermacchi entered the motorcycle market in the early 1950s.
Their lightweight singles gained popularity in Europe, especially the stylish Ala Verde and Ala d’Oro racers.
In the 1960s, Harley-Davidson acquired a controlling interest, rebadging Aermacchi machines for the U.S. market.
The brand faded by the late 1970s, but its designs remain admired for their innovation.

💡 Did You Know? The futuristic 1956 Chimera 175 featured fully enclosed bodywork — decades ahead of mainstream motorcycle design.

AJS (United Kingdom) [Active]

AJS Motorcycles

Years Active: 1909–present (brand ownership changed)

Notable Models: 7R “Boy Racer”, Porcupine E90, Silver Streak, Cadwell 125

Founded by the Stevens brothers in Wolverhampton, AJS quickly became a racing powerhouse,
winning the 1914 Isle of Man TT and setting over 100 world records.
The legendary 7R “Boy Racer” became a favorite of privateer racers, while the ultra‑rare Porcupine E90 remains one of the most exotic GP machines ever built.
Today, under Chinese ownership, AJS produces small‑capacity roadsters and learner‑friendly bikes while preserving its historic name.

💡 Did You Know? Only four AJS Porcupine E90 racers were ever built — making it one of the rarest factory GP motorcycles in history.

Ariel (United Kingdom) [Active (revived brand)]

Ariel Motorcycles

Years Active: 1902–1970, revived 1999–present

Notable Models: Square Four, Red Hunter, Leader, Ariel Ace

Ariel began as a bicycle maker in the 19th century before producing motorcycles in 1902.
Known for innovation, Ariel introduced the Square Four in 1931, designed by Edward Turner, which became one of Britain’s most iconic engines.
The brand was absorbed into BSA in the 1950s and disappeared by 1970.
Revived in the late 1990s, Ariel now produces the high‑performance Ariel Ace, a bespoke V4‑powered motorcycle built in limited numbers in the UK.

💡 Did You Know? The modern Ariel Ace uses a Honda VFR1200 engine and can be customized extensively by each buyer.

Aprilia (Italy) [Active]

Aprilia Motorcycles

Years Active: 1945–present

Notable Models: RSV4, Tuono, RS660, Dorsoduro

Founded after World War II, Aprilia began with bicycles before moving into scooters and motorcycles.
By the 1980s and 1990s, Aprilia became a dominant force in Grand Prix racing, especially in the 125cc and 250cc classes.
Today, Aprilia is part of the Piaggio Group and is known for high‑performance sportbikes like the RSV4, which has won multiple World Superbike titles, and the middleweight RS660, praised for its balance of power and agility.

💡 Did You Know? Aprilia has won more than 290 Grand Prix races in the 125cc and 250cc classes — more than any other manufacturer in those categories.

ATK (United States) [Defunct]

ATK Motorcycles

Years Active: 1985–2015

Notable Models: ATK 560, ATK 605, ATK Intimidator 700

ATK was founded by Austrian engineer Horst Leitner after moving to the U.S. in the 1980s.
The company specialized in off‑road and enduro motorcycles, introducing innovations like chain torque eliminators and countershaft brake systems.
ATK later acquired Cannondale’s failed motorcycle division, but despite loyal fans, production ended in the mid‑2010s.

💡 Did You Know? The ATK Intimidator 700 was one of the largest‑displacement two‑stroke dirt bikes ever built, producing over 70 horsepower.

Atlas Honda (Pakistan) [Active]

Atlas Honda

Years Active: 1962–present

Notable Models: Honda CD70, CG125, Pridor

Atlas Honda is a joint venture between the Atlas Group of Pakistan and Honda Motor Company of Japan.
It is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Pakistan, producing millions of commuter bikes annually.
Known for durability and fuel efficiency, Atlas Honda motorcycles are a staple of South Asian roads and remain central to everyday transportation.

💡 Did You Know? The Honda CD70, produced by Atlas Honda, has been in continuous production for over 40 years with only minor design changes.

Avinton (France) [Active]

Avinton Motorcycles

Years Active: 2011–present

Notable Models: Avinton Collector GT, Avinton Roadster, Avinton Race

Avinton is a French boutique manufacturer producing hand‑built motorcycles inspired by American muscle bikes.
Their machines use large‑displacement V‑twin engines and emphasize raw power, bespoke craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Each Avinton is customizable, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who value individuality.

💡 Did You Know? Avinton motorcycles are built in extremely limited numbers — often fewer than 100 units per year.

Armstrong (United Kingdom) [Defunct]

Armstrong Motorcycles

Years Active: 1970s–1987

Notable Models: Armstrong MT500, MT350

Armstrong was a British manufacturer best known for producing military motorcycles.
The MT500, based on an Italian SWM design, became the standard issue for the British Army in the 1980s.
Armstrong later sold the design rights to Harley‑Davidson, which continued production as the MT350.
Though short‑lived, Armstrong left a mark in military motorcycling history.

💡 Did You Know? The Armstrong MT500 was so rugged that it was parachute‑dropped with troops during military operations.

Aspes (Italy) [Defunct]

Aspes Motorcycles

Years Active: 1950s–1980s

Notable Models: Aspes Navaho, Aspes Hopi

Aspes was an Italian manufacturer that gained recognition in the 1970s for producing small‑displacement
motocross and enduro motorcycles. Their lightweight two‑strokes were popular among young riders and
off‑road enthusiasts. Despite early success, Aspes could not compete with larger Japanese brands and
ceased operations in the 1980s.

💡 Did You Know? Aspes often named its models after Native American tribes, such as the Navaho and Hopi.

Atlas (United Kingdom) [Defunct]

Atlas Motorcycles

Years Active: 1920s–1930s

Notable Models: Atlas 500cc Singles

Atlas was a short‑lived British motorcycle brand that produced single‑cylinder machines in the interwar years.
Though never a large manufacturer, Atlas bikes were known for their sturdy construction and affordability.
The company disappeared before World War II as the British industry consolidated around larger names.

💡 Did You Know? Atlas motorcycles were often used by dispatch riders in the 1930s due to their reliability.

Augusta (Italy) [Defunct]

Augusta Motorcycles

Years Active: 1920s–1950s

Notable Models: Augusta 125cc Singles

Augusta was a small Italian motorcycle manufacturer that produced lightweight commuter bikes in the
early to mid‑20th century. Their machines were simple, affordable, and aimed at post‑war mobility.
The company eventually disappeared as larger Italian brands like Moto Guzzi and Ducati dominated the market.

💡 Did You Know? Augusta motorcycles are sometimes confused with MV Agusta, though they were separate companies.

Avanti (United States) [Defunct]

Avanti Motorcycles

Years Active: 1980s–1990s

Notable Models: Avanti mopeds and scooters

Avanti was a U.S.‑based importer and assembler of small motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters during the 1980s
and 1990s. Their products were often rebranded Asian imports, marketed as affordable alternatives for
urban commuting. The brand eventually disappeared as competition increased from established Japanese and
European manufacturers.

💡 Did You Know? Avanti’s mopeds were popular with college students in the U.S. for their low cost and fuel efficiency.

Auto‑Byke (United States) [Defunct]

Auto‑Byke

Years Active: 1910s–1920s

Notable Models: Auto‑Byke Motorized Bicycle

Auto‑Byke was an early American manufacturer that produced motorized bicycles in the 1910s and 1920s.
These machines were essentially bicycles fitted with small engines, bridging the gap between pedal power
and true motorcycles. Auto‑Byke was one of many small firms that flourished briefly in the early days of
motorcycling before disappearing as the industry consolidated.

💡 Did You Know? Auto‑Byke’s machines were marketed as “the bicycle you don’t have to pedal,” appealing to early adopters of motorized transport.

Avenger (United States) [Defunct]

Avenger Motorcycles

Years Active: 1960s–1970s

Notable Models: Avenger 250, Avenger 350

Avenger was a small American brand that produced lightweight two‑stroke motorcycles during the 1960s and 1970s.
Their bikes were often imported from Japan and rebadged for the U.S. market, appealing to younger riders looking for affordable performance.
The brand eventually disappeared as larger Japanese manufacturers established their own direct presence in the U.S.

💡 Did You Know? Many Avenger motorcycles were actually rebranded Kawasaki models, making them collectible oddities today.

Avinton (France) [Active]

Avinton Motorcycles

Years Active: 2011–present

Notable Models: Avinton Collector GT, Avinton Roadster, Avinton Race

Avinton is a French boutique manufacturer producing hand‑built motorcycles inspired by American muscle bikes.
Their machines use large‑displacement V‑twin engines and emphasize raw power, bespoke craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Each Avinton is customizable, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who value individuality.

💡 Did You Know? Avinton motorcycles are built in extremely limited numbers — often fewer than 100 units per year.

AWO (Germany) [Defunct]

AWO Motorcycles

Years Active: 1949–1961

Notable Models: AWO 425, AWO Sport

AWO was an East German motorcycle brand produced by the Simson company in Suhl.
Their 425cc four‑stroke singles were robust and reliable, serving as everyday transport in post‑war East Germany.
AWO later transitioned into the Simson brand, which continued producing mopeds and small motorcycles for decades.

💡 Did You Know? The AWO 425 Sport was one of the few performance‑oriented motorcycles available in East Germany during the 1950s.

AXR (China) [Active]

AXR Motorcycles

Years Active: 2000s–present

Notable Models: AXR 250 Enduro, AXR 400 Supermoto

AXR is a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer producing affordable dual‑sport and off‑road motorcycles.
Their machines are often exported to developing markets and appeal to riders seeking budget‑friendly alternatives to Japanese and European brands.
While not widely known in Western markets, AXR continues to expand its presence in Asia and Africa.

💡 Did You Know? AXR motorcycles are often used by rural police forces in Asia due to their low cost and rugged design.

Axle (United States) [Defunct]

Axle Motorcycles

Years Active: 1910s–1920s

Notable Models: Axle 350cc Singles

Axle was a small American motorcycle company that operated briefly in the early 20th century.
Their machines were simple single‑cylinder motorcycles aimed at the growing commuter market.
Like many small U.S. brands of the era, Axle could not compete with Harley‑Davidson and Indian, and the company faded into obscurity.

💡 Did You Know? Surviving Axle motorcycles are extremely rare today, with only a handful known to exist in private collections.

Azel (Spain) [Defunct]

Azel Motorcycles

Years Active: 1990s–2000s

Notable Models: Azel 125, Azel scooters

Azel was a Spanish manufacturer that produced small‑displacement motorcycles and scooters in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Their machines were aimed at the commuter market, offering affordable and practical transport.
Despite some regional popularity, Azel could not compete with larger European and Japanese brands and eventually disappeared.

💡 Did You Know? Azel scooters were often rebadged and sold under different names in other European markets.

Azel Works (Japan) [Active]

Azel Works

Years Active: 2010s–present

Notable Models: Azel custom café racers and scramblers

Azel Works is a Japanese boutique builder specializing in custom café racers, scramblers, and retro‑inspired motorcycles.
Their builds often use Yamaha and Honda donor bikes, re‑engineered with bespoke frames, suspension, and styling.
Azel Works has gained a reputation in Japan’s custom scene for blending modern performance with vintage aesthetics.

💡 Did You Know? Azel Works bikes are often one‑off commissions, making each motorcycle unique to its owner.

Azrael (Custom Builder, United States) [Active]

Azrael Motorcycles

Years Active: 2000s–present

Notable Builds: Azrael Choppers, Custom Bobbers

Azrael is a U.S.‑based custom motorcycle builder known for radical choppers and bobbers.
Their creations often feature extended forks, stretched frames, and intricate paintwork.
While not a mass‑production manufacturer, Azrael has carved out a niche in the American custom scene,
producing show‑stopping bikes for enthusiasts and collectors.

💡 Did You Know? Azrael’s name is inspired by the “angel of death” in various mythologies, reflecting the brand’s dark, aggressive styling.

 

Aaen Racer, designed by Olav Aaen in the 1960’s. It’s unclear how many, if any, were produced
AAR Finland, Ice racers. Jawa engines
Abell USA, 190, Rollin Abell built a steam powered bicycle and patented the coaster brake around 1901
Abako Germany, 1923 – 1925
ABC England, 1913 – 1921, All British Engine Company Had a transversely-mounted flat twin engine in 1918
ABC England, 1919 – 1924 All British Cycle Co.
ABC Germany 1922 – 1924 A.B.C. Werk in Berlin
ABC USA, 1901 – 1902, The American Bicycle Co. built motorcycles as the American Cycle Manufacturing Co.
Abbotsford England and Australia, early 1900’s
Abendsonne Germany, 1930’s
Aberdale England, 1930’s – 1950’s?, Aberdale was run by the Levy bros. and bought Bown Cycles from William Bown in the late 1930’s
Abe-Star Japan
Abingdon England
ABJ England, 1949 – 1954? Started by A B Jackson from Raynal Auto
ACE Motorcycles Bill Henderson Of Henderson Motorcycles started the Ace Motor Corporation in 1920 in Philadelphia.
Achilles Czechoslovakia
Achilles Germany, mopeds 1953 – 1957, Sold to Norman Cycles Ltd in England
Ackland England
Acme England, 1902, became Rex-Acme 
Acme Motorcycles Australia 1940’s Not affiliated with Acme England. Built by Bennett & Wood in Sydney, used Villiars engines. There were also two other companies in Australia that used the Acme name in the early 1900’s
ADB USA, 1993, California, American Dirt Bike Co. Rotax Engines
Ader France
Adler Germany, Adlerwerke Frankfurt until 1958
Adly Taiwan, 1978, built by Her Chee, scooters, motorcycles and ATV’s
Adma Germany, 1924 – 1926
Adriatica Italy, 1979? 1980? 250cc Grand Prix racer
Advance England
AEL England
Aeolus England, 1913, built by William Bown
Aeon Taiwan, Mopeds, scooters
AER England, 1937A.
Aermacchi Started as an airplane manufacturer in 1912. Started making motorcycles in 1950. Aermacchi set many world records and partnered up with Harley-Davidson in 1960 and took over Harley’s light weight bike production when Harley stopped their small bike line, commonly known as the “Hummer”, around 1965 or 1966. Aermacchi was bought by Cagiva in 1978
Aero Australia
AGF France, post war to about 1956
Agrale Brazil, Agrale manufactures some parts and assembles and distributes Cagiva, Husqvarna and MV Agusta under license from Cagiva who owns all three names 
Agrati (Garelli) Italy, Small cc scooters
Airman USA
Airmoto Italy
Airolite England
Ajax England, The Stevens bros. built engines using the Ajax name for AJW for a short time in the 1930’s
AJP Portugal, They make motocross bikes with Casal engines 
AJR England
AJS Was created by the four Stevens Brothers, who started the Stevens Motor Manufacturing Co. in 1899 to build engines and A. J. Stevens & Company in 1909 to produce motorcycles. The AJS came from Albert John (Jack) Stevens’ initials.
AJW  England, 1926 – 1953?, Arthur John Wheaton Used Ajax (built by the Stevens bros), Anzani and JAP engines up to 996cc. The AJW name has been used by at least three owners up into the 1980’s
AKD England, 1926 – 1933, Abingdon King Dick Co. started as a tool maker in 1856, briefly made motorcycle engines and complete bikes and now still makes tools. The King Dick name came from the owners bulldog
Akkens England
Alba Germany, 1919 – 1924
Albertus Germany, 1922 – 1924
Alcyon France, 1904 – 1956
Alecto England
Alert England
Alfer Spain, Supermoto and enduro bikes
Algat Italy, Scooters
Alp England, 1913 – 1916, English branch of Swiss based Moto-Reve. Beta of Italy now makes a model called Alp
Alpino Italy
Alldays England, Early 1900’s – 1927?, Alldays & Onions made motorcycles, 3-wheelers and autos. Some were used by the postal service. Alldays-Matchless?
Alligator USA, The Alligator is a project that Dan Gurney has been working on since 1979. The current stage is the A4A, which has carbon-fiber bodywork, a single-sided swing arm (with in-arm shock), fuel injection and built around a Honda XR600cc single engine. The object is to have a very stable cornering machine that will go 150mph
Allon England, 1915 – 1926, Made by Alldays
Allright Germany, 1901 – 1928, they were also sold as Tiger, Roland, Vindee and VS in various markets. They used JAP, MAG, Kelcom and other engines
Allstate Sold by Sears they were made by Cushman, Puch, Gilera? and Vespa
AMAG Swiss, 1950’s
Amag Germany, 1924 – 1925 Allg. Motorfahrzeug Berlin
Amazonas Brazil, 1978 – 1990, made by Amazonas Motocicletas Especiais Ltda. Used a 1600cc VW car engine. Not a very well engineered motorcycle
Ambassador England, Bought by DMW in 1965
Ambra Germany, 1921 – 1926, The Carl Brandt Motor Company in Berlin
AMC England, Associated Motor Cycles Ltd. Is the name eventually used, until it ceased to operate in 1966, by the Group that ended up with the rights to AJS, Matchless, Norton, James, Francis Barnett, Enfield, Indian, Douglas?, Vincent? and ? They were taken over by “Manganese Bronze Bearings” who then formed NVT
AMC USA, The Allied Motors Corp. Had a 1000cc V-Twin around 1915
1918 America USA, They were replicas of a 1918 Harley-Davidson. They had a one piece frame that incorporated a non-detachable side car. They used a Harley Evo type engine with electronic ignition and disc brakes. The gas tank on the bike was used to hide the electronics. The real gas tank was under the seat of the sidecar. The builders sent Malcolm Forbes a brochure hoping he would be interested in one, his secretary sent back the brochure with a note saying “Mr. Forbes only buys new motorcycles…”  They must have been made in the 1980’s as Forbes died in 1990. They were forced to stop making them because of a threatened lawsuit by Harley.  About a dozen were built. The jigs and molds were later sold to Arlen Ness and he has made several since.
America USA, 1904 – 1905
American USA, 1901 – 1902, The American Cycle Manufacturing Co. was taken over by Pope. The American name was used by at least five other early builders plus at least a half a dozen later Harley clone fabricators 
American USA, 1913
American Dirt Bike USA, California (ADB)
American Eagle USA, 1966 – 1970’s?, The name that Sprites, made in England, were sold under in the U.S. One model was the American Eagle 405 Talon  see Sprite
American Eagle USA, Harley style clones, was founded in 1995
American Iron Horse USA, Harley style clones, S&S engines up to 113″
American King V USA, Sells kits and complete motorcycles using Chevy small block engines, up to 525 hp
American Quantum USA, Harley clones
American Rocket USA, 1950’s, Indian engine
American X USA, 1910-1930, British Excelsior’s were rebadged by the U.S. importer in Chicago because American Excelsior had the rights to the name
AMI Germany, 1921 – 1925, AMI-Auto-Motoren-Ind. Berlin
Ammon Germany, 1923 – 1925 Ammon & Co. Berlin
AMO Germany, 1920’s and again in the 1950’s
AMS Spain, 1954 – 1965
Ancilotti Spain, 1967 – 1984
Andrees Germany, 1920’s
Anker Germany, 1949 – 1953 Sold in 1952 and moved from Bielefeld to Paderborn, produced until 1958
Anthony USA
Anzani British Anzani Engine Co. a subsidiary of Anzani France, was established in 1912 in London. They made engines for airplanes, cars, motorcycles (up to 998cc), boats, and equipment. They when out of business in 1980
Anzani France, Engine builder
A.P. USA, 1901, Possibly the first “motorwheel” for bicycles
Apache USA, 1907-1911, Thor engines
Apfelbeck Speedway racers, JAP engines. Ludwig Apfelbeck 
Apollo Sweden, 1950’s?, M Berlin & Co, Mopeds
Aprilia is the second largest manufacturer in Europe. The made over 290,000 scooters in 1997.
AR USA, 1997, They make street legal flattrack type bikes using Yamaha 650 engines. They were AR Streetracker but are now called Robinson Streetracker
Arbinet France, 1907 – 1934
Arco Germany, 1922 – 1931
Ardie Germany, 1919 – 1958, Early models used 305 to 350cc two strokes and changed to around 350 to 1000cc JAP engines in the twenties. After WWII they used their own two strokes and later, engines and parts from Durkopp who bought them out in 1955, but still used the Ardie name
Argeo Germany, 1924 – 1927, Argeo Fahrzeugwerk Berlin
Argyle USA, 1957 – 1961, by C&E Manufacturing, small folding scooters 
Ariel was founded in England in 1898. Who hasn’t heard of an Ariel Square Four The 997cc engine is a legend. Later taken over by BSA in 1940’s and discontinued in 1965
Aristos Germany, 1923 – 1924, Aristos Motorfahrzeugwerke Berlin 
Armac USA, 1905, St. Paul, MN – 1906-1913, Chicago. Singles & V-twins. Sold to AMC
Armstrong England, Armstrong manufacturing bought Cotton in 1980. In 1984 Armstrong bought the rights from the bankrupt Italian SMW company to build the SMW Tornado. The Armstrong MT 500 is used by the English, Canadian and Jordanian armies. 506cc Rotax engines
Arno England
Arrow USA, 1909 – 1914, Chicago
Arrow Canada, Arrow Custom Cycle, Harley Clones
Ascot England, 1905
Ascot Pullin England, 1928 – 1930
ASL England, early 1900’s
Aspes Italy
Astoria Italy, 1947 – 1958, Made by Virginio Fieschi with engines designed by Alfredo Bianchi 
Astra Italy, 1931? 1933? – 1951, Used imported Arial engines
Atala Italy, Small cc scooters. see Rizzato
Atco USA, 1912, made by the Auto Trading Co.
ATK became the second major American motorcycle company in 1983. They build a variety of off road bikes. Rotax engines. Joined in a partnership with VOR in 2001
Atlantic Germany, autocycle early 1920’s
Atomette England, 1921 – 1922, a three wheeler with two wheels in front, Villiers engine
Auranthetic USA, Was a small electric motorcycle produced in the 1970’s
Aurora USA, Iowa, made small engines used for motor bicycles
Aurora USA, Illinois, Aurora Automatic Machine Co built their own Thor motorcycle and sold parts to other companies that assembled them and sold them as American, Emblem, Light, Rambler, Racycle, Warwick, Thor-bred, Thoroughbred, Reading-Standard, 
Aussi Australia, Aussi-Also
Austin USA, 1868,  Steam
Austria Austria, 1903 – 1939
Austro-Motorette Austria
Auto-Bi USA, 1901 – 1909, made by E.R. Thomas in Buffalo, NY.
Auto-Bike USA
Auto Car 1919-1924, Philadelphia, PA – 1925, Blossburg, PA – 1926, Detroit
Auto Cycle USA, Not to be confused with the generic term “autocycle” which is used to describe a lightweight motor cycle with pedals
Autocylette USA, 1921 – 1924, Autocylette Manufacturing and Sales Corp. Also sold as Pam
Autoette USA
Autoflug Germany, 1921 – 1923, Berlin
Autoglide USA
Autoglider England
Autoped USA, 1914 – 1926, Scooters, made by the Autoped Company of America then became part of the American Ever-Ready Company. Some were sold as EverReady Autoped. They were designed by Hugo Gibson and for a short time, by Joseph Merkel who had built the Flying Merkel 
Auto-Fauteuil Holland, Early 1900’s
AutoMoto France, 1930’s
Avanti India, Monto Motors makes Mopeds and small motorcycles that are exported world wide. Recently started a joint venture with Renault 
Avenger USA, built by American Dirt Bike
AVG USA, Makers of kit three wheelers using VW engines
AWO Germany, 1949 – 1961, AWO Simpson