Zanella

Years Active: 1948–present

Notable Models: Zanella RX 150, Zanella ZB 110

Zanella is Argentina’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, producing scooters, mopeds, and small motorcycles.
Founded in 1948, Zanella became a household name across South America.
Today, they continue to dominate the commuter market with affordable, practical machines.

💡 Did You Know? Zanella once produced go‑karts and snowmobiles in addition to motorcycles.

Zero Motorcycles

Years Active: 2006–present

Notable Models: Zero SR/F, Zero DSR/X, Zero FX

Zero is an American manufacturer specializing in electric motorcycles.
Founded in California, Zero has become a leader in EV two‑wheelers, offering sport, dual‑sport, and commuter models.
Their bikes are known for instant torque, low maintenance, and growing global adoption.

💡 Did You Know? Zero began as “Electricross,” building electric dirt bikes before expanding to road models.

Zündapp

Years Active: 1917–1984

Notable Models: Zündapp KS 601, Zündapp Bella Scooter

Zündapp was one of Germany’s most important motorcycle manufacturers.
They produced everything from military sidecar rigs in WWII to scooters and mopeds in the postwar years.
Zündapp closed in 1984, but their machines remain highly collectible.

💡 Did You Know? The Zündapp KS 601 was nicknamed the “Green Elephant” for its size and color.

Zontes Motorcycles

Years Active: 2003–present

Notable Models: Zontes 310T, Zontes GK350

Zontes is a Chinese motorcycle brand under the Guangdong Tayo Motorcycle Technology group.
They focus on stylish, mid‑displacement motorcycles aimed at export markets.
Zontes has gained traction in Europe and Asia with competitive pricing and advanced features.

💡 Did You Know? Zontes bikes often feature keyless ignition and TFT displays, rare in their price class.

Zenith Motorcycles

Years Active: 1904–1950

Notable Models: Zenith JAP 1000cc

Zenith was a British motorcycle manufacturer famous for its racing specials, often powered by JAP engines.
They set multiple speed records in the 1920s and 1930s.
Zenith closed in 1950, but their racing heritage remains celebrated.

💡 Did You Know? Zenith riders were nicknamed the “Zenith Works Team,” though most bikes were customer‑built racers.

Other Z‑Brands

In addition to the major names, several smaller or short‑lived “Z” brands existed:

• Zanzani (Italy): Built Motobi racing replicas.
• Zap (USA): Electric bicycles and scooters, 1990s–2000s.
• Zehnder (Switzerland): 1920s–1930s motorcycles.
• ZID (Russia): Soviet‑era commuter motorcycles.
• ZipCycle (USA): Motorized bicycles, niche 2000s brand.
• Zuch (Poland): 1938–1939 lightweight motorcycles.
• ZSS (Poland): Postwar mopeds and small motorcycles.
• ZZR (Poland): 1950s–1960s mopeds.

💡 Did You Know? ZID motorcycles were widely used by Soviet postal services.