Published October 14, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
The Complete Motorcycle Compendium
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2005 Norton 952 Commando
Narcisse (France) [Defunct – Postwar]
Narcisse
Years Active: 1950–1953
Notable Models: Narcisse 125cc
Narcisse was a short‑lived French motorcycle manufacturer producing small commuter bikes.
Their machines were powered by proprietary two‑stroke engines.
The brand disappeared quickly in the early 1950s as competition increased.
💡 Did You Know? Narcisse motorcycles were often sold regionally in France and rarely exported.
Nelk (United States) [Defunct – Postwar]
Nelk Motorcycles
Years Active: 1946–1948
Notable Models: Nelk Lightweight
Nelk was a small American motorcycle manufacturer active briefly after WWII.
They produced lightweight commuter motorcycles but could not compete with larger brands.
The company folded within two years of operation.
💡 Did You Know? Nelk motorcycles were often assembled from surplus wartime parts.
Ner‑A‑Car (United States/UK) [Defunct – Hub‑Center Steering]
Ner‑A‑Car
Years Active: 1921–1928 (US), 1921–1926 (UK)
Notable Models: Ner‑A‑Car Type A, Type B
Ner‑A‑Car was an innovative motorcycle designed by Carl Neracher.
It featured hub‑center steering and a step‑through frame, resembling a scooter decades ahead of its time.
Produced in both the U.S. and U.K., it sold over 10,000 units before closing.
💡 Did You Know? The Ner‑A‑Car was marketed as a safe, clean alternative to motorcycles — “You can ride it in a skirt.”
New Hudson (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Later BSA]
New Hudson
Years Active: 1903–1958
Notable Models: New Hudson Autocycle, New Hudson 350
New Hudson was a British motorcycle manufacturer producing a wide range of machines.
They built everything from autocycle commuters to racing motorcycles.
The brand was eventually absorbed into BSA in the late 1950s.
💡 Did You Know? New Hudson set several world speed records in the 1920s.
Nimbus (Denmark) [Defunct – Inline‑Four Pioneer]
Nimbus Motorcycles
Years Active: 1919–1960
Notable Models: Nimbus Type C
Nimbus was a Danish motorcycle manufacturer famous for its inline‑four engines.
The Type C, introduced in 1934, featured a telescopic fork and shaft drive, making it advanced for its time.
Nimbus motorcycles were widely used by the Danish military and police.
💡 Did You Know? Nimbus motorcycles were nicknamed “The Stovepipe” due to their distinctive exhaust.
Norton (United Kingdom) [Active – Legendary Brand]
Norton Motorcycles
Years Active: 1898–present (revived multiple times)
Notable Models: Norton Commando, Manx, Dominator, V4SV
Norton is one of the most famous British motorcycle brands, founded by James Lansdowne Norton.
Known for racing success with the Manx and Isle of Man TT dominance, Norton also produced iconic road bikes like the Commando.
After multiple bankruptcies and revivals, Norton is currently owned by TVS Motor Company of India.
💡 Did You Know? Norton’s “Featherbed” frame became legendary for its handling and was copied worldwide.
NSU (Germany) [Defunct – Later Audi]
NSU Motorenwerke
Years Active: 1901–1967
Notable Models: NSU Quickly, NSU Max, NSU Sportmax
NSU was a German manufacturer that became the world’s largest motorcycle producer in the 1950s.
They built everything from mopeds to racing machines, winning multiple world championships.
NSU merged into Auto Union (later Audi) in 1969, ending motorcycle production.
💡 Did You Know? The NSU Sportmax won the 1955 250cc World Championship with rider Hermann Paul Müller.
NUT (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Newcastle Brand]
NUT Motorcycles
Years Active: 1912–1933
Notable Models: NUT JAP V‑twin
NUT (Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne) was a British motorcycle manufacturer producing high‑performance V‑twin machines.
They were popular in racing circles but struggled financially during the Depression.
The brand closed in the early 1930s.
💡 Did You Know? NUT motorcycles were often fitted with JAP and Villiers engines.
NVT (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Norton Villiers Triumph]
NVT Motorcycles
Years Active: 1973–1978
Notable Models: NVT Easy Rider, NVT Rambler
Norton Villiers Triumph (NVT) was a government‑backed merger of struggling British motorcycle companies.
Despite producing mopeds and small bikes, the company collapsed within five years.
Its failure marked the end of Britain’s dominance in motorcycle manufacturing.
💡 Did You Know? The NVT Easy Rider was a moped, not a chopper, despite its name.
Nzeta (New Zealand) [Defunct – Scooters]
Nzeta Scooters
Years Active: 1963–1966
Notable Models: Nzeta 501, Nzeta 502
Nzeta was a New Zealand scooter brand based on imported ČZ scooters from Czechoslovakia.
They were assembled locally and sold under the Nzeta name.
Production ended after only a few years due to limited demand.
💡 Did You Know? Nzeta scooters were essentially rebadged ČZ models with minor modifications.
NCR (Italy) [Active – Ducati Specialists]
NCR Motorcycles
Years Active: 1967–present
Notable Models: NCR Millona, NCR M16
NCR is an Italian racing and tuning company specializing in Ducati motorcycles.
They build ultra‑lightweight, high‑performance machines for racing and collectors.
NCR bikes are often produced in very limited numbers with exotic materials.
💡 Did You Know? The NCR M16 is a carbon‑fiber superbike based on the Ducati Desmosedici RR.
Neander (Germany) [Defunct – Early Innovator]
Neander Motorcycles
Years Active: 1924–1939
Notable Models: Neander 1000cc
Neander was a German motorcycle manufacturer founded by Ernst Neumann‑Neander.
They were known for pressed‑steel frames and advanced engineering.
The company closed before WWII, but Neander’s designs influenced later motorcycles.
💡 Did You Know? Neander also experimented with diesel motorcycle prototypes in the 1930s.
Nerva (France) [Defunct – Interwar]
Nerva Motorcycles
Years Active: 1920s–1930s
Notable Models: Nerva 250cc
Nerva was a French motorcycle manufacturer producing lightweight commuter bikes.
Their machines were powered by proprietary engines and sold regionally.
The brand disappeared before WWII, leaving behind little documentation.
💡 Did You Know? Surviving Nerva motorcycles are extremely rare and mostly found in French collections.
NeuWai (China) [Active – Electric Motorcycles]
NeuWai
Years Active: 2019–present
Notable Models: NeuWai Urban Electric
NeuWai is a Chinese electric motorcycle and scooter brand.
They focus on urban mobility solutions with futuristic styling.
NeuWai is part of the Jonway Group, which also produces EVs and scooters for export.
💡 Did You Know? NeuWai unveiled its first lineup at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
New Map (France) [Defunct – Pre/Postwar]
New Map
Years Active: 1920–1959
Notable Models: New Map 125cc, New Map 350cc
New Map was a French motorcycle manufacturer producing a wide range of machines.
They built commuter bikes, scooters, and light motorcycles.
The company closed in 1959 as the French motorcycle industry contracted.
💡 Did You Know? New Map also produced microcars in the 1950s.
Newron (France) [Active – Electric Luxury]
Newron Motors
Years Active: 2016–present
Notable Models: Newron EV‑1
Newron is a French startup producing futuristic electric motorcycles.
Their EV‑1 features a cylindrical battery pack as a design centerpiece.
The company targets the luxury EV motorcycle market with limited production.
💡 Did You Know? The Newron EV‑1 integrates wood trim into its futuristic design.
NIU (China) [Active – Global Electric Leader]
NIU Technologies
Years Active: 2014–present
Notable Models: NIU N‑Series, NIU MQi, NIU RQi
NIU is a Chinese electric scooter and motorcycle manufacturer.
They are one of the world’s largest producers of smart connected scooters, with global distribution.
NIU focuses on urban commuting and app‑integrated mobility solutions.
💡 Did You Know? NIU scooters feature cloud connectivity, GPS tracking, and anti‑theft systems.
Nougier (France) [Defunct – Racing Specialists]
Nougier Motorcycles
Years Active: 1936–1972
Notable Models: Nougier 250 GP, Nougier 500 Twin
Nougier was a French racing motorcycle manufacturer founded by Jean Nougier.
Known for advanced engineering, Nougier bikes competed in Grand Prix racing with innovative designs.
Production was always limited, making surviving examples rare and collectible.
💡 Did You Know? Nougier pioneered the use of double overhead camshafts in French racing motorcycles.
Nova Motors (Germany) [Active – Scooters & Mopeds]
Nova Motors
Years Active: 2000s–present
Notable Models: Nova Motors Classic, Nova Motors E‑Retro
Nova Motors is a German brand producing scooters, mopeds, and e‑bikes.
Their lineup includes both gasoline and electric models aimed at urban commuters.
Nova Motors distributes widely across Europe with a focus on affordability.
💡 Did You Know? Nova Motors offers many of its scooters with optional electric conversions.
Novus (Germany) [Active – Electric Futurism]
Novus Motorcycles
Years Active: 2019–present
Notable Models: Novus One
Novus is a German electric motorcycle startup.
Their Novus One features a carbon‑fiber monocoque frame and minimalist futuristic design.
The company positions itself in the premium lightweight EV motorcycle segment.
💡 Did You Know? The Novus One weighs just 85 kg thanks to its carbon construction.
NS (Japan) [Defunct – Nihon Motorcycle Company]
NS (Nihon)
Years Active: 1947–1950s
Notable Models: NS 250
NS, short for Nihon Motorcycle Company, was a Japanese manufacturer active in the postwar years.
They produced small commuter motorcycles but were quickly overshadowed by Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki.
The company disappeared by the late 1950s.
💡 Did You Know? NS motorcycles were among the first Japanese bikes exported after WWII.
NWOW (Philippines/China) [Active – Electric Scooters]
NWOW
Years Active: 2010s–present
Notable Models: NWOW AR1, NWOW Falcon
NWOW is a Chinese‑Philippine electric scooter and e‑bike manufacturer.
Their products are popular in Southeast Asia for affordable urban commuting.
NWOW continues to expand its lineup of electric two‑wheelers.
💡 Did You Know? NWOW is one of the largest e‑bike suppliers in the Philippines.
NXT Motors (Netherlands) [Active – Electric Sportbikes]
NXT Motors
Years Active: 2016–present
Notable Models: NXT Rage, NXT One
NXT Motors is a Dutch electric motorcycle startup.
Their bikes feature modular battery packs and sporty styling.
NXT aims to combine sustainability with performance in the European EV market.
💡 Did You Know? NXT’s Rage prototype debuted at the 2019 Motorbeurs Utrecht show.
Narcisse France, 1950 – 1953
Nelk USA, 1946-1948
Neracar USA, 1922 – 1928, Made by the Ner-a-car corporation in Syracuse NY. Was designed by Carl Neracher who had worked as designer for Cleveland motorcycles. It was also produced in England until 1926
New Courier England, Built a powered three wheeler in 1899.
New Era England
New Hudson England, early 1900’s, New Hudson Ltd. The New Hudson badge was used on motorcycles and autocycles off and on until 1958
New Imperial Early British Co. bought by Triumph
Niemen Poland, 1934 – 1939
Nimbus Denmark, 1934 – 1960, Made by Fisker & Nielson. They were the first motorcycle to use a telescoping front fork
Nioga USA, 1903 The Nioga Cycle Works possibly produced a motor bicycle
NMI Iran, started in 1985. They make scooters and small cc motorcycles. Their top of the line is the Nami – CG125 P with a 124cc 4 stroke single
Norman England, 1938 – 1964, Norman Cycles Ltd.
Norsman USA,
Norton James Norton Started in 1901, combined with Villiers and Triumph to become NVT. Norton reemerged in 1998 as Norton Motors International. First new Norton Motorcycle the 2005 Norton 952 Commando goes into production in 2004 and faithfully lives up to the Norton image.
NSU Germany, 1901 sold in 1957
NSU USA
NUT English, 1910 to about 1930. Newcastle-Upon-Tyne used JAP engines
Nut USA
NVT (Norton, Villiers, Triumph) The group that was formed when “Manganese Bronze Bearings” took over both Villiers in the early 1960’s and AMC in 1966 they also had the rights to Eysink, BSA, Ariel and others. It was an attempt to keep the British motorcycle industry alive. It came apart in the 1970’s and the government temporarily bailed them out
Nzeta New Zealand, They make scooters