Published October 14, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
The Complete Motorcycle Compendium
– B –
2004 BMW K1200S
Babetta (Czechoslovakia) [Defunct]
Babetta Mopeds
Years Active: 1970s–1990s
Notable Models: Babetta 207, Babetta 210
Produced by Jawa in Czechoslovakia, Babetta mopeds became popular across Eastern Europe for their simplicity,
low cost, and reliability. Lightweight and easy to maintain, they were a common sight in cities and rural areas alike.
Production ended after the fall of communism as markets opened to larger brands.
💡 Did You Know? The Babetta 207 was one of the first mopeds with electronic ignition, unusual for its class in the 1970s.
Baier (Germany) [Defunct]
Baier Motorenbau
Years Active: 1924–1929
Notable Models: Baier 250cc Singles
Baier was a short‑lived German motorcycle manufacturer based in Berlin.
They produced small‑capacity motorcycles during the interwar years, but like many small marques of the era,
they were unable to survive the economic pressures of the late 1920s and the Great Depression.
💡 Did You Know? Baier motorcycles were often fitted with Fichtel & Sachs engines, a common supplier for small German brands.
Bajaj (India) [Active]
Bajaj Auto
Years Active: 1945–present
Notable Models: Pulsar series, Chetak scooter, Dominar 400
Bajaj Auto is one of India’s largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturers.
Starting as an importer in 1948, Bajaj began producing two‑wheelers in 1959 and quickly became a household name.
Today, Bajaj is a global player, exporting to over 70 countries and partnering with KTM and Triumph for co‑developed models.
💡 Did You Know? Bajaj’s Pulsar series has sold over 10 million units worldwide, making it one of the most successful sport commuter bikes ever.
Bakker (Netherlands) [Active]
Bakker Frames
Years Active: 1970s–present
Notable Builds: Bakker Yamaha specials, BMW race frames
Nico Bakker is a Dutch engineer renowned for building custom motorcycle frames and complete specials.
His company, Bakker Frames, has produced high‑performance chassis for Yamaha, BMW, Harley‑Davidson, and others.
Bakker motorcycles are prized for their handling and engineering precision, often used in racing and custom builds.
💡 Did You Know? Bakker’s frames were so well‑engineered that many privateer racers in the 1970s and 1980s preferred them over factory chassis.
BAM (Germany) [Defunct]
BAM Motorcycles
Years Active: 1920s
Notable Models: BAM 250cc Singles
BAM was a small German motorcycle manufacturer active in the 1920s.
Like many regional brands of the time, they produced lightweight commuter motorcycles using proprietary engines.
The company faded quickly as larger German manufacturers consolidated the market.
💡 Did You Know? Surviving BAM motorcycles are extremely rare, with only a handful known in German vintage collections.
Barigo (France) [Defunct]
Barigo Motorcycles
Years Active: 1970s–1990s
Notable Models: Barigo 500 Enduro, Barigo Supermotard
Barigo was a French manufacturer specializing in off‑road and enduro motorcycles, often powered by Rotax engines.
Known for their ruggedness and competitive performance, Barigo bikes were popular in European motocross and rally events.
The company closed in the 1990s, but its machines remain respected among vintage off‑road enthusiasts.
💡 Did You Know? Barigo was one of the first European brands to embrace the emerging supermoto style in the 1980s.
Barnsley (United Kingdom) [Defunct]
Barnsley Motorcycles
Years Active: 1910s–1920s
Notable Models: Barnsley 350cc Singles
Barnsley was a small British motorcycle manufacturer active in the early 20th century.
Their machines were simple, single‑cylinder commuter bikes aimed at the domestic market.
Like many small marques of the era, Barnsley could not survive the economic downturn of the 1920s and faded into obscurity.
💡 Did You Know? Barnsley motorcycles were often sold through local bicycle shops rather than dedicated dealerships.
Bashan (China) [Active]
Bashan Motorcycles
Years Active: 2000s–present
Notable Models: Bashan BS250, Bashan Storm 250
Bashan is a Chinese motorcycle and ATV manufacturer producing affordable small‑displacement machines.
Their motorcycles are popular in developing markets and among budget‑conscious riders worldwide.
Known for dual‑sports and utility bikes, Bashan continues to expand its export presence in Asia, Africa, and South America.
💡 Did You Know? Bashan motorcycles are often rebadged and sold under different names in Western markets.
Batavus (Netherlands) [Defunct]
Batavus Motorcycles
Years Active: 1904–1980s
Notable Models: Batavus GoGo, Batavus mopeds
Batavus was a Dutch manufacturer best known for bicycles and mopeds, though they also produced small motorcycles.
Their mopeds became especially popular in the 1950s and 1960s across Europe.
By the 1980s, Batavus shifted focus entirely to bicycles, leaving behind a legacy of practical, affordable two‑wheelers.
💡 Did You Know? Batavus mopeds were exported widely and became a common sight in the UK and Scandinavia during the 1960s.
Bauer (Germany) [Defunct]
Bauer Motorcycles
Years Active: 1930s–1950s
Notable Models: Bauer 98cc, Bauer 125cc
Bauer was a German motorcycle manufacturer that produced lightweight commuter bikes before and after World War II.
Their small two‑stroke machines were affordable and practical, helping to mobilize post‑war Germany.
Bauer eventually faded as larger German and Japanese brands dominated the market.
💡 Did You Know? Bauer motorcycles were often used by German postal workers for reliable city deliveries.
Beamish (United Kingdom) [Defunct]
Beamish Suzuki
Years Active: 1970s–1980s
Notable Models: Beamish Suzuki RL250
Beamish was a British company that specialized in modifying Suzuki motorcycles for trials competition.
Their most famous model, the Beamish Suzuki RL250, was a competitive trials bike that gained popularity in the UK and Europe.
The company closed in the 1980s, but its bikes remain collectible among trials enthusiasts.
💡 Did You Know? Beamish Suzuki trials bikes were hand‑built in small numbers, making them rare today.
Belstaff (United Kingdom) [Active – Apparel, Historic Motorcycles]
Belstaff Motorcycles
Years Active: 1920s–1950s (motorcycles), apparel continues today
Notable Models: Belstaff 250cc Singles
Belstaff is best known today as a luxury motorcycle apparel brand, but in its early years it also produced small motorcycles.
These machines were overshadowed by the company’s iconic waxed cotton jackets, which became a staple of motorcycling culture.
Belstaff continues as a fashion and riding gear brand, though its motorcycle production ended decades ago.
💡 Did You Know? Steve McQueen famously wore a Belstaff Trialmaster jacket during the 1964 International Six Days Trial.
Benelli (Italy) [Active]
Benelli Motorcycles
Years Active: 1911–present
Notable Models: Benelli TNT, Leoncino, TRK 502, Sei 750
Founded in Pesaro, Italy, Benelli is one of the oldest European motorcycle manufacturers.
Known for stylish designs and innovative engineering, Benelli produced the world’s first six‑cylinder production motorcycle, the Sei 750, in the 1970s.
Today, under Chinese ownership (Qianjiang Group), Benelli produces a wide range of affordable motorcycles, including the popular TRK 502 adventure bike and the retro‑styled Leoncino.
💡 Did You Know? The Benelli Sei 750 was the first six‑cylinder production motorcycle, predating Honda’s CBX by several years.
Benda (China) [Active]
Benda Motorcycles
Years Active: 1994–present
Notable Models: Benda LFC700, Benda BD300, Benda Chinchilla 300
Benda is a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer that has gained international attention for its bold cruiser and sport designs.
The LFC700, a large‑displacement inline‑four cruiser, is one of the most ambitious motorcycles to come out of China.
Benda continues to expand globally, offering affordable yet stylish machines aimed at younger riders.
💡 Did You Know? The Benda LFC700 is often nicknamed the “Chinese Diavel” due to its resemblance to Ducati’s power cruiser.
Beta (Italy) [Active]
Beta Motorcycles
Years Active: 1905–present
Notable Models: Beta RR Enduro, Beta Evo Trials, Beta Alp
Beta is an Italian manufacturer specializing in off‑road motorcycles, particularly enduro and trials bikes.
Founded in Florence, Beta originally built bicycles before moving into motorcycles.
Today, Beta is a dominant force in trials competition and has earned multiple world championships in enduro racing.
Their RR series is especially popular among serious off‑road riders.
💡 Did You Know? Beta supplied engines to KTM in the 1980s before developing its own highly successful off‑road platforms.
Bianchi (Italy) [Defunct]
Bianchi Motorcycles
Years Active: 1897–1967
Notable Models: Bianchi Tonale 175, Bianchi Freccia Celeste
Bianchi, better known today as a bicycle manufacturer, was also one of Italy’s earliest motorcycle producers.
They built a wide range of machines from small commuters to racing motorcycles.
Bianchi enjoyed racing success in the 1920s and 1930s, but by the 1960s, competition from larger Italian brands forced them to exit the motorcycle market.
💡 Did You Know? Bianchi motorcycles often carried the same signature “celeste” blue paint as their famous bicycles.
Big Bear Choppers (United States) [Active]
Big Bear Choppers
Years Active: 1998–present
Notable Models: Venom Chopper, Sled ProStreet, Athena
Big Bear Choppers is a California‑based custom motorcycle manufacturer specializing in radical choppers and pro‑street designs.
Known for their long forks, stretched frames, and bold styling, Big Bear bikes are hand‑built and highly customizable.
The company has weathered economic ups and downs but continues to produce bespoke motorcycles for enthusiasts worldwide.
💡 Did You Know? Big Bear Choppers offers complete build kits, allowing customers to assemble their own custom bikes at home.
Bimota (Italy) [Active]
Bimota Motorcycles
Years Active: 1973–present
Notable Models: Bimota Tesi H2, Bimota DB series, Bimota YB series
Bimota is a boutique Italian motorcycle manufacturer famous for its exotic, high‑performance machines.
Founded by Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and Massimo Tamburini, Bimota became known for innovative chassis designs paired with Japanese engines.
Today, Kawasaki owns a stake in Bimota, leading to the creation of the radical Tesi H2, a hub‑center‑steered superbike powered by Kawasaki’s supercharged engine.
💡 Did You Know? The name “Bimota” comes from the first two letters of its founders’ surnames: Bianchi, Morri, and Tamburini.
Bison (Germany) [Defunct]
Bison Motorcycles
Years Active: 1920s–1930s
Notable Models: Bison 250cc Singles
Bison was a small German motorcycle manufacturer active during the interwar years.
Their lightweight machines were designed for affordable commuting and were powered by Sachs and other proprietary engines.
Like many small marques of the era, Bison disappeared as the German motorcycle industry consolidated in the 1930s.
💡 Did You Know? Surviving Bison motorcycles are extremely rare, with only a handful known in private collections.
Black Douglas (Italy) [Active]
Black Douglas Motorcycles
Years Active: 2011–present
Notable Models: Black Douglas Sterling
Black Douglas is a boutique Italian manufacturer producing hand‑built motorcycles inspired by early 20th‑century designs.
Their flagship model, the Sterling, combines vintage styling with modern engineering, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and reliability.
Each bike is customizable, appealing to riders who want a bespoke, retro‑themed machine.
💡 Did You Know? The Sterling is built in Milan and can be ordered with custom paint, leather, and accessories to match each rider’s taste.
Black Tea (Germany) [Active]
Black Tea Motorbikes
Years Active: 2020–present
Notable Models: Bonfire S, Bonfire X
Black Tea is a German electric motorcycle startup focused on lightweight, retro‑styled commuter bikes.
Their Bonfire series combines café racer aesthetics with modern electric drivetrains, offering urban riders a stylish and eco‑friendly alternative.
The company has gained attention for its crowdfunding campaigns and direct‑to‑consumer sales model.
💡 Did You Know? Black Tea’s Bonfire models are limited to 100 km/h top speed, making them ideal for city and suburban commuting.
Blata (Czech Republic) [Active]
Blata Motorcycles
Years Active: 1990–present
Notable Models: Blata Elite 13, Blata Origami B1
Blata is a Czech manufacturer best known for producing minibikes, pocket bikes, and small displacement motorcycles.
Founded by engineer Pavel Blata, the company gained international recognition in the 1990s for its high‑quality racing minibikes.
Blata continues to produce innovative small motorcycles and scooters for both racing and urban use.
💡 Did You Know? The Blata Origami B1 was the world’s first production pocket bike with a perimeter frame, inspired by GP racing technology.
BMW Motorrad (Germany) [Active]
BMW Motorcycles
Years Active: 1923–present
Notable Models: BMW R32, R80GS, S1000RR, R1250GS, K1600
BMW Motorrad is one of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle manufacturers, producing machines since 1923.
Known for their boxer‑twin engines, BMW pioneered the adventure touring category with the R80GS in 1980.
Today, BMW offers a full lineup from superbikes like the S1000RR to luxury tourers and the iconic GS adventure series.
Their reputation for engineering excellence and innovation has made BMW a global leader in motorcycling.
💡 Did You Know? The very first BMW motorcycle, the R32 of 1923, introduced the horizontally opposed boxer engine layout still used today.
Bison (United States) [Defunct]
Bison Motorcycles
Years Active: 1960s–1970s
Notable Models: Bison 250, Bison 350
Bison was a short‑lived American motorcycle brand that imported and rebadged small‑displacement Japanese motorcycles.
Their bikes were marketed as affordable alternatives for young riders during the 1960s and 1970s.
The brand disappeared as Japanese manufacturers established their own direct distribution networks in the U.S.
💡 Did You Know? Many Bison motorcycles were actually rebranded Kawasakis, making them collectible curiosities today.
Bluroc (Belgium) [Active]
Bluroc Motorcycles
Years Active: 2015–present
Notable Models: Bluroc Legend 125, Bluroc Spirit 125
Bluroc is a Belgian motorcycle brand producing retro‑styled small‑displacement motorcycles.
Their bikes combine classic café racer and scrambler aesthetics with modern reliability, appealing to younger riders and urban commuters.
Bluroc has expanded across Europe with a growing lineup of stylish entry‑level machines.
💡 Did You Know? Bluroc motorcycles are often based on proven Asian platforms but re‑engineered and styled in Europe for a vintage look.
Borile (Italy) [Active]
Borile Motorcycles
Years Active: 1988–present
Notable Models: Borile B500CR, Borile Multiuso
Borile is a boutique Italian manufacturer producing hand‑crafted motorcycles with retro styling and modern engineering.
Their B500CR café racer and Multiuso scrambler are built in limited numbers, emphasizing craftsmanship and individuality.
Borile remains a niche brand, appealing to enthusiasts who value exclusivity and Italian design flair.
💡 Did You Know? Borile motorcycles are often built to order, with each bike customized to the buyer’s preferences.
Boss Hoss (United States) [Active]
Boss Hoss Cycles
Years Active: 1990–present
Notable Models: Boss Hoss BHC‑3, Boss Hoss Trike
Boss Hoss is an American manufacturer famous for building motorcycles powered by Chevrolet V8 car engines.
Their massive cruisers and trikes are known for outrageous power and size, making them some of the most unique motorcycles in the world.
Despite their weight, Boss Hoss bikes have a loyal following among riders who crave extreme performance and presence.
💡 Did You Know? A Boss Hoss V8 motorcycle can produce over 400 horsepower — more than many sports cars.
Bourget (United States) [Active]
Bourget Bike Works
Years Active: 1993–present
Notable Models: Bourget Python, Fat Daddy, Low Blow
Bourget Bike Works is an American custom motorcycle manufacturer specializing in radical choppers and cruisers.
Founded by Roger Bourget in Arizona, the company became known for its innovative designs, billet aluminum frames,
and wide‑tire customs. Bourget bikes are hand‑built and highly collectible among custom motorcycle enthusiasts.
💡 Did You Know? Bourget was one of the first custom builders to popularize the use of 300mm rear tires on production choppers.
Bown (United Kingdom) [Defunct]
Bown Motorcycles
Years Active: 1919–1950s
Notable Models: Bown 98cc, Bown 125cc
Bown was a British motorcycle manufacturer that produced lightweight commuter bikes in the early to mid‑20th century.
Their machines were simple, affordable, and aimed at everyday riders.
The company eventually disappeared in the 1950s as competition from larger British and European brands increased.
💡 Did You Know? Bown motorcycles were often sold under the “Aberdale” name in some markets.
Brammo (United States) [Defunct]
Brammo Motorcycles
Years Active: 2002–2017
Notable Models: Brammo Enertia, Brammo Empulse
Brammo was an American electric motorcycle manufacturer based in Oregon.
They were pioneers in the electric motorcycle market, producing the Enertia commuter bike and the Empulse sportbike.
In 2015, Polaris Industries acquired Brammo’s motorcycle business, integrating its technology into the Victory and later Indian brands.
Brammo ceased production under its own name in 2017.
💡 Did You Know? The Brammo Empulse was the first production electric motorcycle with a six‑speed gearbox.
Branson (South Korea) [Active]
Branson Motorcycles
Years Active: 2000s–present
Notable Models: Branson 250, Branson scooters
Branson is a South Korean motorcycle and scooter manufacturer producing small‑displacement commuter bikes.
Their machines are primarily aimed at Asian and African markets, where affordable and reliable transportation is in high demand.
While not widely known in Western countries, Branson continues to grow in emerging markets.
💡 Did You Know? Branson motorcycles are often used in fleet and delivery services due to their low running costs.
Brough Superior (United Kingdom) [Active – Revived]
Brough Superior
Years Active: 1919–1940, revived 2013–present
Notable Models: SS100, Pendine, Anniversary, AMB 001 (with Aston Martin)
Brough Superior, founded by George Brough, was known as the “Rolls‑Royce of Motorcycles.”
Their SS100 was one of the most prestigious motorcycles of the interwar years, owned by celebrities like T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”).
The brand was revived in 2013 in France, producing modern luxury motorcycles that blend heritage with cutting‑edge engineering.
Their collaboration with Aston Martin produced the limited‑edition AMB 001 superbike.
💡 Did You Know? Every original Brough Superior SS100 was guaranteed to reach 100 mph — an extraordinary claim in the 1920s.
BSA (United Kingdom) [Active – Revived]
BSA Motorcycles
Years Active: 1919–1973, revived 2021–present
Notable Models: BSA Gold Star, Bantam, Rocket 3
The Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) was once the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, producing millions of bikes.
Famous for the Gold Star and Bantam, BSA dominated British motorcycling in the mid‑20th century.
After closing in the 1970s, the brand was revived by India’s Mahindra Group in 2021, launching a modern Gold Star 650 that blends heritage with contemporary engineering.
💡 Did You Know? At its peak in the 1950s, BSA produced one in every four motorcycles sold worldwide.
BSA Regal (United Kingdom) [Defunct]
BSA Regal
Years Active: 1990s
Notable Models: BSA Regal Gold SR
In the 1990s, the BSA name was briefly revived under BSA Regal, which produced limited‑run motorcycles inspired by the original Gold Star.
These bikes were niche collector’s items and did not achieve mass production.
The brand went dormant again until Mahindra’s revival in the 2020s.
💡 Did You Know? BSA Regal’s Gold SR was hand‑built in small numbers, making it a rare collector’s piece today.
Buccimoto (Italy) [Active]
Buccimoto
Years Active: 1970s–present
Notable Models: Buccimoto GP Mini, Buccimoto Pit Bikes
Buccimoto is an Italian manufacturer specializing in minibikes, pit bikes, and small racing motorcycles.
Their machines are popular in youth racing categories and training schools, helping to develop the next generation of riders.
Buccimoto continues to innovate in the niche of small‑displacement racing machines.
💡 Did You Know? Many professional MotoGP riders began their careers racing on Buccimoto minibikes.
Buell (United States) [Active – Revived]
Buell Motorcycles
Years Active: 1983–2009, revived 2021–present
Notable Models: Buell Lightning, Firebolt XB12R, Buell Hammerhead 1190
Founded by former Harley‑Davidson engineer Erik Buell, Buell Motorcycles became known for innovative sportbikes with unique engineering solutions,
such as fuel in the frame and rim‑mounted brakes. After Harley‑Davidson shut down the brand in 2009, Buell was revived in 2021 under new ownership,
producing high‑performance machines like the Hammerhead 1190. The company aims to re‑establish itself as an American sportbike leader.
💡 Did You Know? Erik Buell’s engineering background in racing led to radical designs that challenged traditional motorcycle layouts.
Bullit (Belgium) [Active]
Bullit Motorcycles
Years Active: 2013–present
Notable Models: Bullit Hero 125, Bullit Spirit 125, Bullit Hunt S
Bullit is a Belgian motorcycle brand producing retro‑styled small‑displacement motorcycles.
Their lineup includes café racers, scramblers, and trackers designed for younger riders and urban commuters.
Bullit bikes combine classic looks with modern reliability, making them popular in Europe’s entry‑level market.
💡 Did You Know? Bullit motorcycles are often powered by proven engines from Asian manufacturers, then styled and branded in Europe.
Bullock (United Kingdom) [Defunct]
Bullock Motorcycles
Years Active: 1920s–1930s
Notable Models: Bullock 250cc Singles
Bullock was a small British motorcycle manufacturer active in the interwar years.
Their machines were simple commuter bikes, often powered by Villiers two‑stroke engines.
Like many small marques of the era, Bullock could not compete with larger British brands and disappeared by the late 1930s.
💡 Did You Know? Bullock motorcycles were often sold through local hardware and cycle shops rather than dedicated dealerships.
Bultaco (Spain) [Defunct, Legacy Active via Sherco]
Bultaco Motorcycles
Years Active: 1958–1983, brief revival 2014–2019
Notable Models: Bultaco Sherpa T, Pursang, Metralla
Bultaco was a legendary Spanish motorcycle manufacturer founded by Francisco Xavier “Paco” Bultó.
The company became world‑famous for its trials and motocross bikes, particularly the Sherpa T, which revolutionized trials competition.
Bultaco also produced sporty road bikes like the Metralla and off‑road racers like the Pursang.
The brand closed in 1983, briefly revived in the 2010s with electric bikes, and its spirit lives on through Sherco, founded by former Bultaco engineers.
💡 Did You Know? Sammy Miller, one of the greatest trials riders of all time, helped develop the Bultaco Sherpa T, which dominated the sport for decades.
Babetta Mopeds made by Jawa
BAC see Meier BAC
Badger USA
Baier Germany, 1924 – 1929, Baier-Motorenbau Berlin
Bajaj India, Started importing vehicles in 1948, started building two and three wheelers in 1959, has a partnership with Kawasaki
Bakker Holland, Makes frames and uses engines built by Yamaha, BMW, Harley, and others
BAM Germany
Barb Austraila
Barigo France, Rotax engines
Barnsley England, late 1890’s
Barr Steam powered
Bartali Italy
Bastert Germany, 1945 – 1955, Scooters, made by Einspur Auto
Bat England, 1902?
Batavus Dutch, Started making bicycles in 1904 and small motorbicycles and mopeds from the 1930’s to about 1984
Battey USA, Sumpter Battey patented a rotary engine for a bicycle in 1895. It’s not clear if any were built
Bayern Germany, 1923 – 1926
Bayley Flyer USA, 1914 – 1917
B&D Czechoslovakia
Beard & Able USA
Beare Australia, Malcolm Beare designed a “six stroke” engine based on the Ducati V-Twin.
Beau Ideal England, 1904, Beau Ideal Cycle company. Used 3.5hp Fafnir engines
Be-Be Germany, 1924 – 1927, The Berlin-Burger EisenWerke in Berlin
Beeston England, 1898 – ? Beeston Cycle Co
Bellini Italy, Paolo Bellini, manufacturer of the Bellini engine for speedway racers
Benelli Italy, Started in 1911 by six brothers. They had many racing championships building both racers and street bikes. In 1948 Guisseppe Benelli broke away and started his own company called “Moto B” (Motorcycle Benelli) that later became Motobi. After Guisseppe died, the family bought Motobi. Benilli/Motobi was sold to Alesandro De Tomaso in 1971 (De Tomaso also bought Moto Guzzi about this time) and it built a six cylinder street bike called the 750 sei in 1972. In 1989 Benelli was sold to the Selci Corp. and they built only small cc scooters until 1996 when it was sold to Andrea Merloni. Merloni builts Benelli/Motobi scooters from 50 to 250cc and in 2001 introduced the Tornado 900 TRE and a racing version the WSB Tornado
Bercley Belgium, 1905 – 1909, Designed by Gustave Kindermann,they had a 616cc V-Twin engine in 1905
Bergfex Germany, 1904 – 1909, Berlin
Berini Dutch, small motorbicycles
Bernadet France, Scooters
Beta Italy, Established in 1904
BFG France, 1980’s, 1300cc Citroen car engine
Bianchi Italy, Started in 1897 by Eduardo Bianchi. Had a 650cc V-Twin around 1916, stopped motorcycle production in 1967
Bi-Auto-Go USA, 1913, an autocycle with a 323 cu in eight cylinder engine, resembled a two wheeled car with training wheels (outriggers) that retracted at speed, had a body w/doors and a motorcycle fender on the front wheel
Bi-Car USA, 1912 – 1914, Four cylinders, The Ner-A-Car used many of the aspects the Bi-Car
Big Brute Canada, API Racing builds motorcycles with Chevy V8 or V6 engines.
Brute with various engines sizes up to a 20hp, 570cc Briggs and Stratton V-twin
Big Buffalo Germany, Manufactured by Güstrow Motocycle GmbH uses a small block Chevy V-8 engine. It is badged as an Indian
Big Dog USA, Wichita, Kansas Big Dog® Motorcycles L.L.C. manufactures a line of 5 HD Clone cruisers with retail prices ranging from $18,900 to $26,900. (1999)
Binks English, Early 1900’s
Bismarck Germany, 1904 – 1956
Bleha Germany
BMW Germany, Bavarian Motorcycle Works (Bayerische Motoren Werke) started in 1923
Boar USA, Harley clones
Boge Germany
Bohme Germany, 1925 – 1930, Built by Dr. Martin Bohme in Berlin
Bohmerland Czechoslovakia, 1920 – 1939, First motorcycle with electric starter
Boisselot USA, 1901 – 1903, The Boisselot Automobile and Special Gasoline Motor Company built engine kits for bicycles
Bond England, 1950’s, Built Scooters
Boom Trikes Germany, VW powered trikes
Borile Italy, They make a 500cc single in 2000
Boss Hoss USA, makes 1100 lb Chevrolet 350 cu. in. V8 powered bikes
Bourget USA, Harley clones, S&S engines up to 126 cu. in.
Bovy Belgium, 1906 – 1930’s
Bowman USA, The Bowman Automobile in New York, may have produced motorcycles
Bown England, 1913 – Taken over by Aberdale in the 1930’s. Started by William Bown. Built the Aeolus and the Bown autocycle
Boxer France, Voxan
Blackburne English Engine manufacturer, quit making motorcycle engines in 1937.
Blake Australia, 1919
Blata Italy, Motorized scooters and minibikes
Bleha Germany
Blucher Germany, 1938
Blue Bird Australian, 1920
BM Czechoslovakia, Speedway bikes
Bohme Germany, 1925 – 1930
Bombardier Can-Am motorcycles made in Canada. Rotax engines
Borile Italy, Started by Umberto Borile in 1988, their first motorcycle was the Piuma 520, a single cylinder, four stroke, 500 cc, off road bike
Bradbury England, Bradbury and Co. were making sewing machines in 1852, they made their first motorcycle in 1904 the company closed in 1923
Brand Germany, 1925 – 1930, made by Brand and Sohn in Berlin, also called B&S
Brandenburg USA, 1901 – 1915 Thor engines
Breeze USA, 1905? Breeze Motor Company
Brennabor Germany, 1902 – 1912, The Brennaborwerke in Brandenburg started making bicycles in 1893, motorcycles in 1902 and cars in 1908. Stopped motorcycle production in 1912 to concentrate on cars. Apparently Brennabors were made again around 1933 – 1940 but it is unclear to me if they were made in the same plant
Bridgestone Japan, 1949 – 1971, Displacements: 350cc, 200cc, 175cc, 100cc, 60cc, 50cc, They began exporting to the U.S. in 1963, Rockford Motors of Rockford, Illinois was the original importer.
Briggs-Stratton USA, Bicycle engine kits
Britten Motorcycles are made in New Zealand by John Britten. State of the art, extremely high tech. The 1998 Britten V1000 had a 999cc 60 degree V-Twin engine that put out 166 HP @ 11,800 RPM! and the bike only weighed 304 lbs.
Brondoit Belgium, 1924-1929
Brough-Superior England, George Brough started making motorcycles in 1921. Maybe the most coveted motorcycle ever made, it was called the Rolls Royce of motorcycles. Only about 1000 of them still exist. They used JAP, Motosacoche, Matchless, Barr and Stroud and other engines until 1935, from then on they used only Matchless motors. A perfect one will sell for upwards of $100,000. Almost every piece on them was hand made, nuts, bolts, fittings. What do George Forman and T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) have in common? Forman named all of his kids George and Lawrence named all of his Brough-Superiors George. Lawrence had eight of them and was killed in 1935 on George VII. They stopped production in 1940
Brown England
B&S see Brand
BSA England, Birmingham Small Arms company built weapons until around 1910 when they started making motorcycles. They made many well known models. “Gold Star”, “Bantam”, “Victor”, “Royal Star”, “Thunderbolt”, “Lightning”, “Firebird”, “Rocket”. They purchase Sunbeam around 1938, Ariel in 1944, then Triumph and eventually merge with Norton – Villiers to become Norton – Villiers -Triumph (NVT)
BSA Regal England, After the formation of NVT, William Colquhoun formed a company and got the rights to the BSA name around 1975 and made light weight bikes using Rotax, Yamaha and Morini engines. In 1991 this BSA Company was merged with Andover Norton International Ltd and in 1994 was bought by newly formed BSA Regal Group. They make the Gold SR 500 on a one off basis for individual customer orders only
Bucker Germany, 1922 – 1958, They made their own frames but bought most of the other components. Used engines made by Bekamo, Villiers, Blackburne, ILO, JAP, MAG, Columbus and others
Buell USA, Eric Buell started putting Harley motors in roadrace type frames and selling them in the early 1980’s.
Buffalo USA, 1981 – 1990, The Buffalo Motorcycle Works Corp produced several prototypes for testing with 500, 750 and 1000cc singles in them. And some prototypes with 90cu in. V-twins. The Corp was dissolved before production started
Bull Dog England
Bullock Australia
Bultaco Founded in Spain by Francisco Bulto in 1958. Won many a world title
Butler Petrol-Cycle England, 1884 – 1896, Edward Butler patented a gasoline fueled two stroke twin tricycle and showed it at the Stanley Bicycle Show in 1884. For the next ten or twelve years he made improvements to his design, changing to a geared drive four-stroke water-cooled engine that ran at about 600 rpm. He is credited with inventing or developing the spark plug and coil ignition, magneto and the spray jet carburetor, as well as the word “petrol” His “Petrol-cycle” was broken up for scrap in 1896, the few remaining pictures of this first British motorcycle are in the Science Museum in London, England
Butterfield (Willis 4) USA, Late 1960’s early 1970’s, Butterfield owned Jacks M/C in Fresno California, a Ducati, MotoGuzzi , BMW Dealership, Willis worked with him in the mid 60’s into the 70’s. They built a complete motorcycle made to accept a 1500cc Volkswagen engine and used a BMW /2 transmission. The bike looked very much like a R60/2 BMW and was available as a kit or complete motorcycle. They are the best looking motorcycle I have seen that incorporated a VW engine. Apparently Butterfield and Willis had a falling out and a lengthy court battle ensued over the rights to the motorcycle and Willis won. Willis used a badge for them that said “Willis 4’s” it resembled the BMW badge so closely that BMW threatened legal action.. Willis died shortly after. Approximately 100 were built.