A true motorcycle purist defines the best bikes as the motorcycles that perfectly balance between speed and riding dynamics. British bikes represent the pinnacle of refined motorcycles in terms of power, performance, and style. These are motorcycles that dominate everywhere they go while capturing the mystique of the onlooker.

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The British motorcycles' influence began in the early 1990s. Their masterpiece effects are still evident in the modern motorcycle industry. Some of these classic motorcycles are highly sought-after today, and their prices go as high as around $1,000,000 in auctions. Here are ten legendary motorcycles that represent the rich British history in motorcycle manufacturing.

10 Brough Superior SS80/100

Brough Superior SS80/100
Via wikimedia.org

The Brough motorcycle brand was founded by George Brough. His last name most likely originated from one of his ancestors that came from one of several places in Britain called Brough, a form of the word "borough." Brough named the bike "Superior" as a claim that his bike was superior to all other motorcycles.

Brough Superior SS80/100
Via mecum.com

The Brough Superior is one of the most awesome British bikes of all time. It has a great pedigree, and it was one of the very fast luxury superbikes in Britain. It hit the market officially in 1924, and it was quite fast owing to several features such as a superior engine and aerodynamics. The bike is such an icon that in 2014 it was re-introduced at the track in the British GP.

9 Velocette Venom

Velocette Venom
Via shannons.com

The Velocette Venom producers closed their factory doors in 1971, hence ending the production of the motorcycle. The bike, however, remains one of the most iconic motorcycles of all time and a stellar example of magnificent British bike engineering. The bike featured an air-cooled 500 cc engine, fiberglass side panels, and a small compact appearance.

Velocette Venom
Via motorcyclenews.com

To get even more out of the engine, the manufacturer incorporated high compression piston technology paired with light alloy material to make the bike faster. The tweaks worked to perfection because the bike was quite fast, hitting 100 mph at some point in a race, which was a speed record then.

8 Norton Manx

Norton Manx
Via wikipedia.org

Norton is a well-known bike manufacturer in the United Kingdom with some of the biggest names in biking folklore. The Norton Manx stakes a claim to this legendary status. Norton started an ambitious project in 1944 to produce a bike worthy of bringing home the gold at the Isle of Man TT circuit. Two years later, the company announced the Norton Manx.

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Norton Manx
Via postwarclassic.com

The bikes were equipped with a more efficient engine and a Featherbed frame that resulted in a 150 mph top speed bike. Not only did the bike win the Isle of Man TT, but it also won the hearts of many motorcyclists.

7 Triumph Bonneville

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE
Via motorbiscuit.com

The Bonneville is the epitome of English motorcycles. It is a uniquely designed motorcycle that is the true image of a British bike, almost the same way a Harley-Davidson is a uniquely American bike. The Bonneville was unveiled in 1959, and it has endured the test of time to emerge as one of the most iconic British-made bikes of all time.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE
Via hebergementwebs.com

The bike had a two-cylinder engine that produced 500cc of power. Not bad for a 50s bike. The design is almost retro, with narrow handlebars and a seat that seems raised higher than the bars.

6 Norton Commando

Norton Commando
Via payszpz.ga

The MCN machine of the year award is a prestigious British award that rewards excellence in the motor industry. That the Norton commando scooped the award five years in a row from 1968 to 1972 is a testament to the genuine pedigree of the bike. Back when manufacturers were still trying to ape the featherbed frame, the commando had moved on to an isolastic frame and grew its engine from 500cc to the 650-750cc range.

Norton Commando
Via mecum.com

The Norton is one of the first genuine superbikes of the modern era and its numerous successes at the Isle of Man TT over the years is clear evidence of its iconic stature.

5 Rickman CR900

Rickman CR900
Via bikesrestored.com

The Rickman CR900 looks modern and sleek. Considering that the bike was manufactured in 1975, one can understand the appeal and the crowd-pulling effect this bike had on motorcycle lovers. One of the most memorable images of the bike depicts a lime green colored bike with hints of black leather that is visually appealing.

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Rickman CR900
Via bike-urious.com

To add to the aesthetics, the company included front and rear disc brakes, a chrome tubular steel chassis, and a powerful engine to match, making the Rickman a must-have for every bike fan.

4 Matchless Silver Streak

Matchless Silver Streak
Via classic-motorcycle.com

V4 bikes in the 30s? Absolutely, yes! The Matchless Silver Streak was one of the first bikes to boast a four-cylinder engine. The silver streak was a top-of-the-range bike from the word go, and it included a sleek design, various luxury finishes and touches, and chrome highlights.

Matchless Silver Streak
Via classic-motorcycle.com

The bike had a close-ratio gearbox, which optimized performance greatly. Excellent suspension and high ground clearance also made the bike great for the track as well as the dirt road. Taking a countryside trip on this two-wheeler would be a delight.

3 Vincent Black Shadow

VINCENT BLACK SHADOW
Via luxuriousmagazine.com

The black shadow and black lightning remain iconic to date not because of their unique names but also because of many reasons. First, there were only 31 of the bikes produced for the US and UK market, and these made them quite rare and on-demand.

VINCENT BLACK SHADOW
Via mecum.com

Secondly, the bike had a V-twin engine and a special magnesium light frame that made it quicker than most bikes in the market. They were in production for only seven years, making these bikes even more iconic and desired now.

2 Royal Enfield Bullet

Royal Enfield Bullet
Via wikipedia.org

The BSA earned its second name, the Goldstar at the brook lands racetrack, where almost all riders with this model clocked over 100 mph at the track and were awarded a gold star. The bike was fitted with a 650cc twin-cylinder engine.

Royal Enfield Bullet
Via firstpost.com

This bike's standard speed was somewhere around 100 mph to 120 mph, making it quite fast. With only 1500 bikes in production, the BSA has become quite a rare collector item for modern bikers worldwide, including the US.

1 Norton F1/F1 Sport

Norton F1/F1 Sport
Via mecum.com

This bike marked the transition into a new era of modern bikes. With the production of the Norton F1 and F1 sport, the old vintage design was gone, and a new aerodynamic sharper and more aesthetic design was introduced. The design was also race-friendly, allowing for lots of airflow when riding.

Norton F1/F1 Sport
Via mecum.com

The Norton featured a black and gold silhouette and was fitted with a very modern Spondon frame. Power maxed out at 95 horsepower, making the bike quite quick on the track. However, the sport version was much more athletic with fewer performance issues, and it goes down in history as a pioneering cycle for ushering in the new modern era design.

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