Motorcycle Manufacturers

Motorcycle Manufacturers

There are several manufacturers of motorcycles. Some have been around for decades, while others have only just entered the market.

Honda is the world’s biggest manufacturer of motorcycles. They make a range of different models, from classic cruisers to high-performance sports bikes.

KTM is an Austrian manufacturer of dirt bikes and sporty street bikes. The brand has a loyal following, including actor Ewan MacGregor who has an endorsement deal with them.

Kawasaki

Founded in 1896, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., is a major manufacturer of transportation equipment and machinery. Its products include rolling stock for the famous Shinkansen bullet train and other trains, as well as marine steam turbines and components used in railway, automotive and aviation vehicles. Its portfolio also includes systems that transform municipal and industrial waste into products for daily use, including refuse paper/plastic fuel production facilities and equipment that turns old tires into highway paving materials and tiles. The company is also renowned for its expertise in building giant structures such as the Sapporo Dome’s retractable roof and floors.

Shozo Kawasaki, the founder of the company, was involved in the marine industry from a young age and credits his survival to modern innovations for Japan’s shipping industry. His efforts paid off in 1906, when the new Hyogo Works began fabrication of locomotives, freight cars and bridge girders.

By the late 1960s, Kawasaki had diversified into producing automobiles and motorcycles. By the 1980s, the brand was a force to be reckoned with in the motorcycle racing world. Kawasaki racers won several championships, including Dave Simmonds in the 125cc class and Kork Ballington in the 250cc and 350cc classes.

The company continued to grow, expanding its global footprint and moving into the manufacturing of ATVs and Jet Ski watercrafts. Today, Kawasaki has 21 overseas production sites, affiliates and subsidiaries in locations such as North and South America, India, China, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Suzuki

Suzuki was founded in 1909 as a weaving machine manufacturer. By the 1930s, however, the collapse of global textile markets and the dismal state of Japan’s economy electric car manufacturer led the company to explore ways to diversify its business. The company was able to produce looms for the domestic market, but it realized that the best way to survive in the long term would be to become a producer of motor vehicles.

In 1952, the company released its first motorized bicycle, called the Power Free. The small two-stroke gas engine allowed the user to pedal with engine assist or to run on its own. The bike was so popular that production quickly exceeded 6,000 units per month.

After the success of the Power Free, Suzuki continued to experiment with automobile engineering and in 1955 introduced its first car, the Suzulight. The light-weight car was ahead of its time with features that wouldn’t be standard until three decades later, including four-wheel independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

Today, Suzuki produces a wide range of motorcycles, cars and other small motorized vehicles. The company is also a leader in environmental conservation, with facilities that strive for “zero-landfill” status and all byproducts of the manufacturing process are recycled or reused. Additionally, Suzuki has sponsored the Air Bag and Seat Belt Safety Campaign, encouraging motorists to use their seat belts and children to ride in booster seats.

Yamaha

Yamaha is known for its motorcycles, but it also produces outboard marine engines and other consumer products. Its corporate headquarters are in Cypress, California and the company produces motorcycles for many different markets around the world. Its best-known models include the FZ series, XS series, and RD series. In addition, Yamaha has a successful racing division and has won 39 world championships. Some of its most famous riders include Jarno Saarinen, Giacomo Agostini, Bob Hannah, Heikki Mikkola, Kenny Roberts, and Eddie Lawson.

In 1956, Yamaha entered its first competitive racing event with the Catalina Grand Prix in the United States. This was the result of a belief by Genichi Kawakami that a bike wasn’t truly a success until it held its own against competitors from all over the world. This was the beginning of a long history of competitive racing by Yamaha and a firm commitment to “walking in the customers shoes.”

In 1968, the DT-1 Enduro, which offered on- and off-road abilities, was introduced. This was the first production dual-sport motorcycle. In 1970, the XS-1 was released motorcycle manufacturer and was Yamaha’s first four-stroke model. This was followed by the YZ250 in 1975, which revolutionized the motocross industry. Yamaha also introduced the RD350 in 1973, which featured reed valves for the first time on a two-stroke street bike.

KTM

When you think of KTM, you probably imagine a fast, powerful motorcycle. But the company is also known for its ability to push the boundaries of technology. KTM has a rich history that dates back to 1934, when Hans Trunkenpolz opened a repair workshop in Mattighofen, Austria. His business grew, and by 1948 the firm was one of the biggest vehicle repair workshops in Upper Austria.

When it comes to off-road motorsport, no other manufacturer has won more championships than KTM. The company has won 96 MXGP, MX1, and MX2 world titles since 1974 and 114 Enduro 1, 2, 3, and Super Enduro titles since 1990. And it’s not just motocross – the company has dominated the World Rally Championship with 37 titles since 1995.

After Pierer took over the company, KTM focused on delivering the maximum amount of power to the ground while maintaining rider safety and handling. This led to the introduction of the 950 Adventure and 990 Duke, which were powered by KTM’s LC8 V-twin engines and needed expert riding skills to get the best from them.

Pierer has never been afraid to snap up new opportunities, and the KTM family of brands now includes Husqvarna, GasGas, and WP suspension. The companies share many components to keep R&D costs down, but each brand retains its identity thanks to distinct styling and marketing.