Published October 14, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
The Complete Motorcycle Compendium
– I –
2003 Indian Chief Springfield
Ideal Jawa (India) [Defunct – Licensed Jawa]
Ideal Jawa
Years Active: 1961–1996
Notable Models: Yezdi Roadking, Yezdi Classic
Ideal Jawa was an Indian motorcycle manufacturer that produced Jawa motorcycles under license from Czechoslovakia.
From 1961 to 1968, bikes were sold as Jawa, then rebranded as Yezdi.
They became iconic in India for their ruggedness and distinctive exhaust note.
Production ended in the 1990s, but the Yezdi name was revived in 2022 under Classic Legends.
💡 Did You Know? Yezdi motorcycles were nicknamed “Forever Bike, Forever Value” in India.
IKH (Russia) [Defunct – Soviet Era]
IKH Motorcycles
Years Active: 1930s–1950s
Notable Models: IKH 350cc
IKH was a Soviet motorcycle manufacturer producing utilitarian machines for domestic use.
Their motorcycles were rugged but basic, reflecting the industrial priorities of the USSR.
IKH disappeared as larger Soviet brands like IZH and Ural dominated production.
💡 Did You Know? IKH factories were heavily damaged during WWII and never fully recovered.
ILO (Germany) [Defunct – Engine Builder]
ILO Motorenwerke
Years Active: 1910–1960s
Notable Products: ILO Two‑Stroke Engines
ILO was a German engine manufacturer that supplied two‑stroke engines to dozens of motorcycle brands.
Based in Hamburg and Pinneberg, ILO engines powered lightweight motorcycles across Europe.
The Hamburg plant was destroyed in WWII, and the company faded in the 1960s.
💡 Did You Know? ILO engines were used in German, Dutch, and even Scandinavian motorcycles.
Imperia (Germany) [Defunct – Interwar]
Imperia Motorcycles
Years Active: 1920s–1930s
Notable Models: Imperia 250cc
Imperia was a German motorcycle manufacturer producing lightweight commuter bikes in the interwar years.
Their machines were typical of the era, often powered by proprietary engines.
The brand disappeared before WWII, leaving behind very few surviving examples.
💡 Did You Know? Imperia motorcycles were regionally popular in western Germany.
Imperial (United States) [Defunct – Early 1900s]
Imperial Motorcycles
Years Active: 1901–1905
Notable Models: Imperial Single
Imperial was one of the earliest American motorcycle manufacturers.
Their machines were bicycle‑derived with clip‑on engines, typical of the pioneering era.
The company disappeared quickly, overshadowed by Indian and Harley‑Davidson.
💡 Did You Know? Imperial motorcycles were exhibited at some of the first U.S. motor shows in 1902.
Indian (United States) [Active – Historic Brand]
Indian Motorcycle
Years Active: 1901–1953, revived 1999–present
Notable Models: Indian Scout, Chief, FTR 1200
Indian is America’s oldest motorcycle brand, founded in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1901.
Known for its V‑twin cruisers and racing heritage, Indian was a dominant force in early motorcycling.
After decades of dormancy, Polaris Industries revived the brand in 2011, restoring it as Harley‑Davidson’s main U.S. competitor.
💡 Did You Know? Indian motorcycles won the first three places at the 1911 Isle of Man TT.
Indian Enfield (India) [Defunct – Licensed Royal Enfield]
Indian Enfield
Years Active: 1955–1962
Notable Models: Indian Enfield Bullet
Indian Enfield was a collaboration between Royal Enfield (UK) and Madras Motors in India.
The motorcycles were essentially Royal Enfield Bullets re‑badged as Indian for the U.S. market.
The venture ended in the early 1960s, but Royal Enfield India went on to become a global brand in its own right.
💡 Did You Know? The Bullet design from this era is still in production today in updated form.
Industrial (United States) [Defunct – Utility Bikes]
Industrial Motorcycles
Years Active: 1940s–1950s
Notable Models: Industrial Cushman‑type bikes
Industrial was a U.S. brand producing small utility motorcycles and scooters, often used on factory grounds and farms.
Their machines were simple, rugged, and affordable.
The brand faded as larger scooter makers like Cushman and Vespa dominated the market.
💡 Did You Know? Industrial motorcycles were often used by the U.S. military for base transport.
Invincible (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Early 1900s]
Invincible Motorcycles
Years Active: 1900s–1910s
Notable Models: Invincible Single
Invincible was a British motorcycle manufacturer producing early single‑cylinder machines.
Their motorcycles were bicycle‑based and typical of the pioneering era.
The brand disappeared quickly, leaving behind very few surviving examples.
💡 Did You Know? Invincible motorcycles were displayed at early Olympia Motor Shows in London.
Irbit / Ural (Russia) [Active – Sidecar Specialists]
Irbit Motorcycle Works (Ural)
Years Active: 1941–present
Notable Models: Ural Gear Up, Ural Tourist
Ural, produced by the Irbit Motorcycle Works in Russia, is world‑famous for its rugged sidecar motorcycles.
Originally based on BMW R71 designs copied during WWII, Urals became the workhorses of the Soviet Union.
Today, Ural continues to produce modernized sidecar rigs with updated engines and EFI, exported worldwide.
💡 Did You Know? Ural motorcycles are still one of the few factory‑produced sidecar rigs available globally.
Island Hopper (United States) [Active – Mini Bikes]
Island Hopper
Years Active: 1970s–present
Notable Models: Island Hopper Folding Mini Bike
Island Hopper is an American brand producing folding mini bikes and scooters.
Popular in the 1970s, these compact machines were designed for portability, often carried on boats or RVs.
The brand continues today with updated electric versions for recreational use.
💡 Did You Know? Island Hopper bikes were marketed as “take‑anywhere” motorcycles for campers and boaters.
Italemmezeta (Italy) [Defunct – Mopeds]
Italemmezeta
Years Active: 1950s–1970s
Notable Models: Italemmezeta Mopeds
Italemmezeta was an Italian manufacturer producing mopeds and small motorcycles.
Their machines were commuter‑oriented and regionally popular in Italy.
The brand disappeared in the 1970s as competition from Piaggio and Japanese imports intensified.
💡 Did You Know? Italemmezeta mopeds were often sold through local hardware and bicycle shops.
Italjet (Italy) [Active – Innovative Small Bikes]
Italjet Moto
Years Active: 1959–present
Notable Models: Italjet Dragster, Italjet Formula
Italjet is an Italian motorcycle and scooter manufacturer known for innovative design and small‑displacement machines.
Founded by Leopoldo Tartarini, Italjet gained fame with the Dragster scooter, featuring exposed trellis frames and radical styling.
Italjet continues to produce scooters and minibikes with a focus on unique aesthetics.
💡 Did You Know? Italjet’s founder, Tartarini, was a former Ducati racer who circumnavigated the globe on a Ducati in 1957.
Italvel (Italy) [Defunct – Mopeds]
Italvel Motorcycles
Years Active: 1960s–1970s
Notable Models: Italvel Mopeds
Italvel was a small Italian moped manufacturer.
Their lightweight machines were commuter‑focused and regionally distributed.
The brand disappeared in the 1970s, leaving behind very few surviving examples.
💡 Did You Know? Italvel mopeds were often powered by Minarelli engines.
Iver‑Johnson (United States) [Defunct – Firearms & Motorcycles]
Iver‑Johnson Motorcycles
Years Active: 1907–1916
Notable Models: Iver‑Johnson Single
Iver‑Johnson, better known as a firearms manufacturer, also produced motorcycles in the early 20th century.
Their machines were bicycle‑based with clip‑on engines, typical of the pioneering era.
Motorcycle production ended by WWI, but the company continued as a gun maker for decades.
💡 Did You Know? Iver‑Johnson firearms were famously used by lawmen and outlaws alike in the early 1900s.
IWL (East Germany) [Defunct – Scooters]
Industriewerke Ludwigsfelde (IWL)
Years Active: 1952–1964
Notable Models: IWL Pitty, IWL Berlin, IWL Troll
IWL was an East German scooter manufacturer based in Ludwigsfelde.
Their scooters were designed for mass mobility in the GDR, offering practical and affordable transport.
Production ended in 1964 when the factory shifted to truck manufacturing.
💡 Did You Know? The IWL Troll was the last scooter produced in East Germany before the factory switched to trucks.
Ixion (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Early Pioneer]
Ixion Motorcycles
Years Active: 1903–1906
Notable Models: Ixion Single
Ixion was a short‑lived British motorcycle brand active in the pioneering years of motorcycling.
Their machines were bicycle‑derived with small clip‑on engines.
The brand disappeared quickly, leaving behind very few surviving examples.
💡 Did You Know? The name “Ixion” was also the pen name of a famous early motorcycling journalist, Canon Basil H. Davies.
IZH / Planeta (Russia) [Active – Soviet Era Giant]
IZH Motorcycles
Years Active: 1929–2008
Notable Models: IZH Planeta, IZH Jupiter
IZH was one of the Soviet Union’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, based in Izhevsk.
Their Planeta and Jupiter series were rugged two‑strokes, exported widely across the Eastern Bloc.
Production declined after the fall of the USSR, and motorcycle manufacturing ceased in the 2000s.
💡 Did You Know? IZH motorcycles were exported to over 80 countries during the Soviet era.
IZH Iran (Iran) [Defunct – Licensed Production]
IZH Iran
Years Active: 1970s–1980s
Notable Models: IZH Planeta (Iranian‑built)
IZH Iran was a licensed production of Soviet IZH motorcycles in Iran.
The bikes were assembled locally from CKD kits and sold domestically.
Production ended in the 1980s, but surviving examples remain part of Iran’s motorcycling history.
💡 Did You Know? IZH Iran motorcycles were nearly identical to their Soviet counterparts, with only minor local adaptations.
Iver‑Johnson (United States) [Defunct – Firearms & Motorcycles]
Iver‑Johnson Motorcycles
Years Active: 1907–1916
Notable Models: Iver‑Johnson Single
Iver‑Johnson, better known as a firearms manufacturer, also produced motorcycles in the early 20th century.
Their machines were bicycle‑based with clip‑on engines, typical of the pioneering era.
Motorcycle production ended by WWI, but the company continued as a gun maker for decades.
💡 Did You Know? Iver‑Johnson firearms were famously used by lawmen and outlaws alike in the early 1900s.
IWL (East Germany) [Defunct – Scooters]
Industriewerke Ludwigsfelde (IWL)
Years Active: 1952–1964
Notable Models: IWL Pitty, IWL Berlin, IWL Troll
IWL was an East German scooter manufacturer based in Ludwigsfelde.
Their scooters were designed for mass mobility in the GDR, offering practical and affordable transport.
Production ended in 1964 when the factory shifted to truck manufacturing.
💡 Did You Know? The IWL Troll was the last scooter produced in East Germany before the factory switched to trucks.
Ixion (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Early Pioneer]
Ixion Motorcycles
Years Active: 1903–1906
Notable Models: Ixion Single
Ixion was a short‑lived British motorcycle brand active in the pioneering years of motorcycling.
Their machines were bicycle‑derived with small clip‑on engines.
The brand disappeared quickly, leaving behind very few surviving examples.
💡 Did You Know? The name “Ixion” was also the pen name of Canon Basil H. Davies, a famous early motorcycling journalist.
IZH / Planeta (Russia) [Active – Soviet Era Giant]
IZH Motorcycles
Years Active: 1929–2008
Notable Models: IZH Planeta, IZH Jupiter
IZH was one of the Soviet Union’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, based in Izhevsk.
Their Planeta and Jupiter series were rugged two‑strokes, exported widely across the Eastern Bloc.
Production declined after the fall of the USSR, and motorcycle manufacturing ceased in the 2000s.
💡 Did You Know? IZH motorcycles were exported to over 80 countries during the Soviet era.
IZH Iran (Iran) [Defunct – Licensed Production]
IZH Iran
Years Active: 1970s–1980s
Notable Models: IZH Planeta (Iranian‑built)
IZH Iran was a licensed production of Soviet IZH motorcycles in Iran.
The bikes were assembled locally from CKD kits and sold domestically.
Production ended in the 1980s, but surviving examples remain part of Iran’s motorcycling history.
💡 Did You Know? IZH Iran motorcycles were nearly identical to their Soviet counterparts, with only minor local adaptations.
Ideal Jawa India, Started in 1961 in collaboration with Czechoslovakian Jawa Limited until 1968. Badges their motorcycles as Yezdi
IKH Russian
ILO Germany, Engine builder with plants in Hamburg and Pinneberg, the Hamburg plant was destroyed by allied bombing
Imperia Germany, 1920’s – 1930’s
Imperial USA, 1902, Some had a 90 degree v-twin. They were made by American Cycle Manufacturing Co.
Indian USA, Started in 1901 by George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom in Massachusetts. They battled with HD on the race track and in the marketplace. The company was taken over by a British company called Brockhouse in 1950 and then combined into the English AMC group who stopped its production in 1953. Trademark name Indian was purchased in 1998 and again new Indian models were produced and Indian became a well known name. Unfortunately in 2003 due to unstable financial backing Indian again went bankrupt. This was unfortunate because the new Indian Motorcycles were outstanding. Again the Indian trademark name was purchased by a UK investment firm Stellican. Apparently they specialize in the revival of ‘heritage’ brands and plan to rebuild the firm from the ground up
Indian Enfield England, With the end of production of the “real” Indians in 1953, Brockhouse/AMC started selling Enfields as Indians until 1959 or 1960
Industrial USA, 1903, Syracuse, NY
Invincible Australian, 1920’s, JAP engines
Irbit Russian built, also sold as Ural
Island Hopper USA, Manufacture fold up bicycles with electric or Tecumseh Viper 2 hp gas engines
Italemmezeta Italy
ItalJet Italy, Mini bikes, scooters, motorcycles
Italvel Italy, Electric scooters
Iver-Johnson 1907-1915, Fitzburg, MA., up to 1090cc V-Twin
IWL Germany, 1955- Industrie Werk Ludwigsfelde built scooters
Ixion
Izh/Planata Russian, Started in the 1930’s
Izh Iran, The Izhroosta Co.