When it comes to two-wheeled machines, American manufacturers make some awesome machines. So which of the all-American motorcycles are the best?
Over the years, American bike builders have managed to win the hearts of motorcyclists with iconic creations that stand out in almost every aspect. Some are built for beginner bikers, while some are made specifically for experienced riders. Some serve both sides seamlessly well. While modern American bikes are not as recognized globally as the classic low-slung cruisers, some have managed to attract the world's attention. These are some of the best motorcycles to ever come out of America.
10 Confederate FA-13 Combat Bomber
The FA-13 Combat Bomber is undoubtedly one of the most unique motorcycles ever made. It is a limited-edition motorcycle, which makes it a rare gem. With a 155-horsepower powertrain, this bike is powerful enough to scare sportbike riders on the road.
Like all other products built by the Alabama-based Confederate, FA-13 Combat Bomber looks both aggressive and fast. And it certainly manages to back up its looks.
9 The Motus MSTR
The Motus MSTR is one of the most expensive motorcycles for a reason. To start with, it is the only American sports tourer with a V4 engine. And it's not just a V4-powered bike; Motus produces the fastest production pushrod V4. Its powertrain produces 180 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque.
The hefty price tag of $36.975 comes from the fact that all MSTRs are handcrafted. The bikes are made from carbon fiber and feature high-end parts from Akrapovic, Brembo, and other top bike part manufacturers.
8 Harley-Davidson Street Bob
This list would be incomplete without a Harley, the typical American bike builder. Harley-Davidson builds some of the best motorcycles and is well-recognized not just in America but across the globe. The Street Bob comes with everything expected from a Harley — an aggressive build offering a comfortable riding experience.
The difference between the Street Bob and the typical Harleys is that it is designed with more emphasis on the sports side than being a cruiser. True to Harley-Davidson culture, the Street Bob features a low-sitting position with aesthetics shooting high to the sky.
7 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Harley-Davidson is the backbone of America's motorcycle industry. The company has produced some iconic bikes, including the Street Bob and this model here, the Sportster. Harley launched the first Sportster in 1957, and as it seems, the bike is not going anywhere, anytime soon.
Today, Harley-Davidson offers the Sportster in two engine variants. The classic models came with an 883 cc V-twin, while a larger 1,199 cc V-twin powers the modern Sportsters. Both powertrains deliver a premium ride experience accompanied by a superior melodious sound that many competitors have tried to imitate but have failed.
6 Indian Scout
Since Polaris took over the Indian name in 2011, the company has been moving from one success to the next. Polaris has helped bring Indian back to the center stage of American motorcycle culture by resurfacing some iconic builds like the Scout. The new Scout Bobber takes the classic model and shoots it to a whole new level.
The new Scout is powered by the familiar Scout 1133cc v-twin that produces 100 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque. That's powerful, but the secret behind the success of this bike is in its aggressive styling. The motorcycle features chopped fenders, lowered suspension, and tires that give the bike a fierce-looking road presence wherever it goes.
5 The Lightning LS-218
The idea of electric motorcycles has divided opinions. But that's beside the point. Good or bad, electric motorcycles are happening, and America is at the forefront with some beautiful motorcycles such as the Lightning LS-218. Richard Hatfield formed Lightning to focus on electric mobility, and after developing a few interesting cars, the LS-218 came to be.
The LS-218 is a flagship model that is not just beautiful, but it is also the fastest production bike globally; gas or electric. The bike comes with a 12 kWh battery pack that delivers an impressive range and performs like a true king of the road.
4 Indian Chief
Indian Chief is one of the oldest and most iconic American motorcycles ever built. The first Indian Chief model was launched in 1922, and it caused a sensation. A big 1,000 cc V-twin engine powered the original Chief. The powerplant evolved to 1,210cc and then to a huge 1,300cc unit. When Indian closed down in 1953, this legendary motorcycle seemingly died with the closure.
This brand came back to life after Polaris took over the company, bigger and better. The bike shares quite a few features with its ancestors, the 1920s Chief models. It draws its power from a massive 1,811 cc Thunderstroke 111 engine, but its true spirit harkens back to the glorious Indian Chief of yesteryear.
3 Arch KRGT-1
Actor Keanu Reeves and motorcycle designer Gard Hollinger founded Arch Motorcycle in 2011. The company builds performance cruisers on order. The products that roll out of the Arch factories totally out of this world, and their flagship model, the KRGT-1, sets the bar for them all.
The KRGT-1 was a private project that Keanu Reeves commissioned Hollinger to work on. The movie star wanted a performance cruiser with everything American. The KRGT-1 features a seamless blend of comfort and aggressiveness, a combination that makes it a perfect track weapon and a countryside cruiser motorcycle.
2 Zero SR
Another all-American electric motorcycle is the Zero SR, arguably the most popular electric motorcycle in the world today. The SR is not as exotic as the LS-218, but it is as practical as anyone would want it to be. Zero offers the SR with a powerful electric motor that is good for 67 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque.
The bike has a quick acceleration time of 0-60mph of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 102mph. Its battery pack fully charges in three hours and can run up to 197 miles on a single charge.
1 The Victory 8-Ball
Despite Victory closing down in 2017, its legendary two-wheel machines live on. It was a big shame, though. The company had started growing roots outside of United States thanks to its aggressive participation in racing events like the Pike Peaks and the Isle of Man.
One of the legendary Victory machines that live on is the 8-Ball. This bike features a massive 106 cubic inch v-twin engine with 97 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. This giant engine and the paired down aesthetics make the 8-Ball a fan favorite among many enthusiasts.