When it comes to two-wheeled machines, the United States is known for making some of the most incredible ones. And Harley-Davidson has been on the front line making sure that the US does not lose this trophy. Since 1903 when two friends, William Harley and Arthur Davidson, founded the company, Harley-Davidson has provided the American motorcycle lovers with incredibly powerful cruisers.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles have not only become so popular in the world and the United States, but they have also become a culture. Motorcycle clubs and riding groups have made sure that for ages to come, no one with a genuine interest in motorcycles made in America will ever forget about Harley-Davidson. However, even though they are good, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are far from being the only awesome American two-wheelers. If you doubt this, be sure to try out some of the models mentioned here.
10 Victory 8-Ball
Victory closed its doors in 2017, which was quite unfortunate since the company had just started stretching its roots to the outside world. The efforts they were putting in racing events like Pikes Peak and the Isle of Man was putting them in the spotlight. That does not mean that we forget the offspring of the company, and the Victory 8-Ball is our perfect pick for this list.
The motorcycle is powered by a massive 106 cubic-inch, 1737cc engine that produces 97 horsepower and 113 lb.-ft of torque. The impressive engine combined with the smooth transmission and a single seat makes the Victory 8-Ball one of the most remarkable American motorcycles ever. The all-black paint job makes sure it does not lose the American motorcycle culture.
9 Arch KRGT-1
What happens when you want to ride on a distinctively super powerful cruiser, and you can't find one? You build one. That is why the John Wick star, Keanu Reeves' brain birthed this exotic purposeful, all-American cruiser.
The Arch KRGT-1 sets a new benchmark for the high-performance cruiser bikes category. It is powered by a potent ARCH/S&S 124ci V-Twin engine that produces a respectable power and torque to cruise through highways and carving canyon roads. The bike has a massive 240-mm rear wheel, forward foot controls, and 538 pounds of dry weight. Fabricator Gard Hollinger put together the Arch KRGT-1.
8 Motus MSTR
The Motus MSTR is not only recognized in America; it is the world's fastest production sports tourer powered by a V4 engine. That is reason enough to say it is better than any Harley-Davidson. With 180 horsepower and 126 lb.-ft of torque, the Motus MSTR is quite sturdy and comfortable. It is practical too. It has a riding position that will not break your back. And its large 5.5-gallon fuel tank will make sure you enjoy the ride for a long distance without looking for a gas station.
But wait, there is more. All Motus motorcycles were hand-crafted by actual people and blessed with state-of-the-art parts built from carbon fiber and the best hardware from Akrapovic and the likes. The Motus MSTR is a perfect work of art that does not need to craft excuses for its premium price. Sadly, the company closed its doors a couple of years ago.
7 Alta Motors Redshift SM
Alta Motors was founded in 2007 with hopes of cashing in into the vastly growing electric vehicles segment. But their dreams went up in flames ten years later when they closed down their doors or rather ceased operations. The company had given birth to some quite exciting all-electric, all-American dirt bikes, and the Redshift SM is one of the best.
With a lightweight lithium-ion battery powering the high-speed PMAC motor that drives this clean dirt bike with 42 horses of power, the Redshift SM is capable of hitting a top speed of 80 mph. It is a short-range bike that goes only 50 miles after a full charge. It is a versatile bike that will take you through any road, any terrain, any time, and it recharges in six hours.
6 Lightning LS-218
The Lightning LS-218 came to prove to those Americans who believe in nothing else other than the massive, gas-guzzling large capacity v-twin bikes that there is more to the American two-wheeler; all-electric motorcycles. You might not be ready to accept this, but America is the builder of one of the fastest street-legal bikes today. The Lightning LS-218.
The Lightning LS-218 is a super-fast motorcycle that hits the 0 – 60 mph in just 2 seconds. If that is not fast for you. It is powered by a well-able motor that produces a respectable 200 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft of torque. The LS-218 is not just a great American motorcycle; it is one of the most exciting bikes the world has ever seen. And unlike many electric motorcycles with short riding range, the LS-218 has a wide range of over 100 miles per charge.
5 Erik Buell Racing 1190RS
Erik Buell's motorcycle company knew how to create some quite respectable two-wheel machines, but not how to stay in business. Before closing down, the company was well-known for building some of the most powerful motorcycles in America.
The Erick Buell Racing 1190RS is a legendary American cruiser that was built with a touch of a Harley. But with a difference. At the heart of the 1190RS is a potent 1,190cc liquid-cooled v-twin engine capable of 175 horsepower, and 97 lb.-ft of torque. All these features are packaged in one lightweight aluminum frame with a total dry weight of 389 lbs. Now you understand why we love it.
4 Indian Scout Bobber
Ever since Polaris took over Indian, the company has been moving from glory to glory. Some great models like the Scout Bobber have surfaced, and are doing pretty well. Indian took the good old classic Scout and elevated it to a whole new level.
The new Indian Scout Bobber is powered by the same 1133cc v-twin powertrain, similar to the one that powered the classic Scout. The engine produces 100 horsepower and 72 lb.-ft of torque at 6000 rpm. But there is more, the secret to the Scout Bobber's greatness is the aggressive styling and the lowered suspension. If we were to vote for the best Indian motorcycles, the Scout Bobber is so far the most visually stunning model.
3 Zero SR
The Zero SR is another beauty built in America, and arguably one of the most popular electric motorcycles in America. It doesn't have the same sexy looks as the Lightning LS-218 or the aggressive readiness for the road as the Redshift SM. Still, if you are looking for a motorcycle that perfectly combines quality and reliability, it is the Zero SR.
The Zero SR is one of the most reliable electric motorcycle currently in production. It is fitted with a mighty electric motor that produces 67 horsepower, 106 lb.-ft of torque, and it can go over 197 miles in a single charge. Again, it is not the best of all-American motorcycles, but with a 3.3 seconds acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, it probably is among the best, and it recharges in only 3 hours.
2 Confederate FA-13 Combat Bomber
If it is not about honoring other American motorcycle manufacturers, everything that rolls out of Alabama under the Confederate banner is worthy of this list. But we've chosen to pick the FA-13 Combat Bomber. It is also the last motorcycle from the company that will ever bear the name Confederate after the company partnered with Zero Motorcycles to produce all-electric motorcycles.
While the bike may look like all other Confederate motorcycles built on the billet-alloy monocoque frame, the FA-13 Combat Bomber is rather special. It features a specially engineered cantilever front suspension system, and a powerful riding stance wrapped up in a delightful dark military chic. With a mighty engine that produces a total of 150 horsepower, this bike remains the most powerful machine from the Confederate factory.
1 Buell Firebolt XB12R
Even Harley-Davidson agrees that Buell motorcycles are great machines, which is why they bought the company... and then ended up discontinuing the Buell models in 2009. But Buell had produced over 140,000 high-end quality motorcycles before its end, and the Firebolt XB12R is one of the very best.
The motorcycle is powered by a potent 1203cc v-twin engine that produces 103 horsepower at 6800 rpm. Introduced in 2008, the Buell Firebolt XB12R is a fast bike that handles pretty well even at high speeds. It is quite popular among collectors.