Looking for the best American motorcycle brands? Whether you’re into cruisers, touring bikes, sportbikes, or electric motorcycles, the USA has a rich history of producing some of the world’s most iconic motorcycles. From Harley-Davidson to Zero Motorcycles, these brands define power, performance, and innovation.
In this 2025 guide, we explore top US motorcycle brands, their history, best models, and key features. If you’re a rider in the United States or looking for an American-made motorcycle, this article is for you.
1. Harley-Davidson – The Icon of American Motorcycles
✅ Founded: 1903
✅ Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
✅ Specialty: Cruiser, Touring, Electric
Harley-Davidson is America’s most legendary motorcycle brand, famous for powerful V-twin engines and classic cruiser styling. Whether you’re riding across Route 66 or cruising through Los Angeles, a Harley is the ultimate American biker experience.
🏆 Best Model: Harley-Davidson Road Glide
✔ Engine: Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin
✔ Displacement: 1,923cc
✔ Power: ~106 hp
✔ Torque: 175 Nm
✔ Category: Touring Cruiser
👉 Why Buy? Perfect for long road trips across the USA, offering comfort, power, and style.
2. Indian Motorcycle – America’s First Motorcycle Brand
✅ Founded: 1901
✅ Headquarters: Medina, Minnesota
✅ Specialty: Cruiser, Touring, Performance
Indian Motorcycles, America’s first motorcycle manufacturer, is known for its heritage, power, and modern engineering. Competing directly with Harley-Davidson, Indian motorcycles are sleek, powerful, and built for long-distance touring.
🏆 Best Model: Indian Challenger Dark Horse
✔ Engine: PowerPlus 108 V-Twin
✔ Displacement: 1,768cc
✔ Power: 122 hp
✔ Torque: 178 Nm
✔ Category: Touring Cruiser
👉 Why Buy? A modern alternative to Harley, offering smoother performance and high-tech features.
3. Buell Motorcycles – The American Sportbike Leader
✅ Founded: 1983 (Revived in 2021)
✅ Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Michigan
✅ Specialty: Sport, Performance, Adventure
Buell Motorcycles is America’s answer to high-performance sportbikes. Originally founded by Erik Buell, the brand is famous for its racing-inspired engineering and lightweight, aggressive styling.
🏆 Best Model: Buell Hammerhead 1190
✔ Engine: 1,190cc V-Twin
✔ Power: 185 hp
✔ Torque: 138 Nm
✔ Category: Superbike
👉 Why Buy? Ideal for riders who want an American-made sportbike with track-ready performance.
4. Zero Motorcycles – America’s #1 Electric Motorcycle Brand
✅ Founded: 2006
✅ Headquarters: Scotts Valley, California
✅ Specialty: Electric Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is leading the electric revolution in the USA. With instant torque, no emissions, and high-tech connectivity, Zero bikes are perfect for city riders and eco-conscious motorcyclists.
🏆 Best Model: Zero SR/F
✔ Motor: Z-Force 75-10 Electric
✔ Battery: 14.4 kWh Lithium-Ion
✔ Range: 161 miles (259 km)
✔ Top Speed: 124 mph (200 km/h)
✔ Category: Electric Naked Bike
👉 Why Buy? If you want cutting-edge technology and an eco-friendly ride, Zero is the best American electric motorcycle.
5. Arch Motorcycle – Hollywood’s Custom Performance Brand
✅ Founded: 2011
✅ Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
✅ Specialty: High-end Custom Motorcycles
Arch Motorcycle, co-founded by Hollywood star Keanu Reeves, builds premium custom motorcycles that are designed for performance, luxury, and exclusivity.
🏆 Best Model: Arch KRGT-1
✔ Engine: 2,032cc V-Twin
✔ Power: ~122 hp
✔ Torque: 166 Nm
✔ Category: Custom Cruiser
👉 Why Buy? If you want a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted motorcycle, Arch is the Rolls-Royce of American bikes.
6. Lightning Motorcycles – The Fastest Electric Bike in the World
✅ Founded: 2009
✅ Headquarters: California
✅ Specialty: High-Performance Electric
Lightning Motorcycles is pushing the limits of electric motorcycles, with speeds faster than gas-powered superbikes.
🏆 Best Model: Lightning LS-218
✔ Motor: Liquid-cooled Electric
✔ Power: 200 hp
✔ Top Speed: 218 mph (351 km/h)
✔ Category: Electric Superbike
👉 Why Buy? If you want speed, innovation, and electric power, Lightning is your best choice.
🇺🇸 Why Choose an American Motorcycle?
✅ Heritage & Legacy – American brands have over 100 years of history.
✅ Powerful Engines – USA-built motorcycles offer big V-twin engines and raw torque.
✅ Perfect for Road Trips – Designed for long-distance riding across highways like Route 66.
✅ Innovation – Brands like Zero & Lightning lead in electric motorcycles.
🇺🇸 Which American Motorcycle is Right for You?
✔ For Cruiser Lovers → Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle
✔ For Speed Enthusiasts → Buell Motorcycles, Lightning Motorcycles
✔ For Electric Riders → Zero Motorcycles, Lightning Motorcycles
✔ For Custom & Luxury → Arch Motorcycle
Looking to buy an American motorcycle in 2025? Whether you want a classic cruiser, high-performance sportbike, or cutting-edge electric motorcycle, these brands offer the best American-made motorcycles.
List of American Motorcycle Brands
1. Major American Motorcycle Brands (Production & Mass Market)
| Brand Name | Founded | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson | 1903 | Cruiser, Touring, Electric |
| Indian Motorcycle | 1901 | Cruiser, Touring, Performance |
| Buell Motorcycles | 1983 | Sport, Performance, Adventure |
| Zero Motorcycles | 2006 | Electric Motorcycles |
2. Custom & Performance Motorcycle Brands
| Brand Name | Founded | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Arch Motorcycle | 2011 | High-end custom performance |
| Confederate Motorcycles (now Curtiss Motorcycles) | 1991 | Luxury, Custom Electric |
| Boss Hoss Cycles | 1990 | V8-Powered Motorcycles |
| Rokon | 1963 | Off-road, All-Terrain Motorcycles |
3. Small & Specialty Manufacturers
| Brand Name | Founded | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning Motorcycles | 2009 | High-performance electric bikes |
| MotoCzysz | 2007 | Racing & Electric Motorcycles |
| Ryvid | 2022 | Lightweight Urban Electric Bikes |
| Brutus Motorcycles | 2010 | Electric Cruiser & Off-road Bikes |