Motorcycles have a long and interesting history within the wonderful world of transportation, an era that goes all the way back to the beginning of the 19th century. Yes, the concept of a two-wheeled mean machine has been around for a long time, with the idea interestingly conjured up by a few different people at exactly the same time. However, it was French blacksmith Pierre Michaux who got there first and in 1860, he created the first business that focussed entirely on creating motorcycles with pedals.

The idea was a success, with Michaux's son, Ernest, also credited for inventing the first ever steam-powered motorbike. Over the years, the motorcycle grew in popularity, with the idea somehow finding its way across the pond and into the USA. Consumers in the USA immediately fell in love, so much so that engineers began churning out their own versions of the motorbike, complete with bigger tires and even larger bodies.

These days, it is generally agreed that motorcycles are at their best when kept simple. In fact, many of the best motorcycles come from the distant past, when simplicity was perfected rather than ignored. Sadly, engineers are now obsessed with the latest modifications and insist on turning their motorbikes into overpriced monsters of metal and plastic. So, let's take a look at some of the worst. Here are 20 motorcycles from the early 2010s no one should still be riding.

19 The Benelli TRK 502

The Benelli TRK 502 might look like a nice motorcycle but in reality, it really isn't. Sadly, the bike suffers from a severe lack of power, with the 500cc parallel-twin engine just too heavy for the bike to manage. Furthermore, the motorcycle sounds more like an old man than a bright young thing, with the engine coughing and sputtering as if it is on its last legs. That's right, the bike is hardly old and was only released in 2017. However, it already feels ancient, especially when compared to its counterparts. And if that wasn't enough, the handling is also extremely bad, as well as the suspension and steering.

18 Motus MST

The Motus MST is one of the most overrated motorbikes in the world and one that you should definitely not be riding. The bike was first produced by bike manufacturer Motus in 2014 and was expected to do well within the industry. Sadly, the bike only really took off in the United States, with the rest of the world giving the bike a hard pass. So what's wrong with it? The pushrod V4 engine has mostly been criticized due to its lack of speed and power. Furthermore, the bike is just too expensive, with other bikes that are much better also being much cheaper.

17 Ducati Diavel

The Ducati Diavel was the second-ever cruiser motorcycle manufactured from Ducati and was first released in 2010. Interestingly, the name "Diavel" translates into, "evil like the devil" in the language of Italy, a slogan that somewhat seems fitting. The bike featured a round headlight with an LED DRL. Furthermore, the Diavel came in two main non-limited alternatives: dark and carbon. However, despite good reviews early on, the bike somehow managed to fade away into obscurity as other bikes from the time seemingly took the limelight. Oh well, we are sure that Ducati will survive and will most likely produce something even more spectacular in the next few years.

16 Brammo Empulse R

Brammo, Inc. is a USA-based company who deal in electric traction motors and batteries. However, the company recently delved into the electric motorcycle business, with the Brammo Empulse R supposedly one of their standout stars. Sadly, things didn't work out, with the bike failing to wow its audience. Yes, there is no doubt that electric bikes are the next big thing, especially with regards to keeping the environment clean and healthy. Nevertheless, they are still just not quite right, especially when comparing them to their gas-guzzling brothers and sisters. Hopefully, in a few years, electric motorcycles will be all the rage.

15 Alta Motors Redshift SM

These days, it is all about the electric bicycles, with the Alta Motor Redshift SM one of the most famous electrical motorcycles to have ever existed. However, the bike is mostly famous for being cheap and available to almost anyone who wants a motorcycle. That's right, the Californian-based Alta Motors is known for its economical bikes and easy access to new buyers. Sadly, although the bike might be cheap, electrical, and good for the environment, it just doesn't cut the mustard with regards to speed, reliability, and strength. Yes, the bike is hardly spectacular and lacks that special something that most motorcycles usually contain.

14 Nutcracker

Custom-made motorcycles are either insanely amazing or rather disappointing, with the Nutcracker sadly fitting into the latter category. That's right, the bike, which retails at a whopping $50,000, is nothing more than a showboat. However, although it most certainly practices style over substance, the bike somehow managed to win best in show at the Bulldog Bash 2014, as well as coming in fifth for AMD's 2014 world champion freestyle class. Yes, the design was definitely appreciated, with designer Paul Milbourn credited with championing creativity and expression. Nevertheless, the Nutcracker is not road-worthy and is simply just a work of art.

13 The Lightning LS-218

The Lightning LS-218 has an interesting history, especially for an electric motorbike. The bike was first released to the public in 2014. However, in 2013 the bike took first place in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a race that involves both gas and electric motorcycles. In fact, the bike is currently the fastest motorcycle in the world, again including both gas and electric. However, although it might be fast, it still can't seem to shake that negativity that most electric motorcycles carry. That's right, electric motorcycles can seemingly do no right, despite how fast they may go. Yes, criticism ranges from overly wobbly steering to ridiculous price tags.

12 Honda VFR 1200F

The Honda VFR1200F was first released in early 2010 and has undergone a number of transformations ever since. That's right, the bike, which is now in its seventh generation, is extremely well known among bike enthusiasts. However, the motorcycle isn't the best when it comes to speed, which mostly comes down to its transverse mounted V4 engine which seemingly fails to pack a very large punch. The bike was also designed by a hodgepodge of nationalities, including engineers from Italy, Germany, and Spain. Interestingly, the large amount of inspiration can be seen in the design, which is more of a hindrance than anything else.

11 Yamaha YZF-R1

The Yamaha YZF-R1 has been around since 1998 and has undergone a number of changes over the last couple of decades. In 2010, the bike was redesigned once more. However, not everyone was impressed. Then, in 2012, Yamaha released the YZF-R1 5oth special edition, which was also rather underwhelming. Yes, despite the paint job claiming to be inspired from the ASSEN TT-winning Moto GP bike, the bike failed to excite motorbike lovers across the world. Thankfully, only 2,000 units of the bike were ever made and therefore, not many people have the dubious pleasure of owning one.

10 Triumph Tiger 800 XC

Triumph tends to know what they are doing when it comes to constructing motorcycles and are usually top of the leaderboard with regards to design, speed, and overall engineering. However, the Triumph Tiger 800 XC failed to impress and has consistently been overlooked ever since its release in 2010. The bike was designed to be more of an off-road vehicle, especially when compared to its brother, the Triumph Tiger 800. Thankfully, it's not all bad, with the bike sporting a snazzy high-level mudguard similar to that of the BMW F800GS. Nevertheless, despite its small advantages, the bike is often overlooked in favor of something more durable, especially when used off-road.

9 MV Agusta F3 675

MV Agusta, otherwise known as Meccanica Verghera Agusta, is a motorcycling company based near Milan, Italy. The company has been around since 1945 and has consistently kept up with the newest technology and design. However, although they might be famed for their classy engineering skills and speedy motorcycles, they still often make silly mistakes when it comes to their upgrades. For instance, the MV Agusta F3 675 was noted for its sleek appearance and beautiful design but failed with regards to pretty much everything else. That's right, reviewers constantly complained of the dodgy suspension as well as consistent fueling problems.

8 Triumph Bonneville T100

In the year 2000, Triumph launched their first Bonneville in 15 years, a bike that only displayed a crankshaft parallel-twin engine but also severely packed a punch. However, over the years, the model has undergone a number of changes, some for the good and some for the very bad. For instance, in early 2010, Triumph decided to launch their 50th-anniversary Bonneville special, with only 120 motorcycles produced. The motorcycle was noted for its limited-edition paint scheme, which also displayed hand-painted pinstripes. Nevertheless, despite the special occasion, the bike failed to impress and has often been deemed as the worst bike that Triumph has ever made.

7 Kawasaki Z1000

The Kawasaki Z1000 has a long history within the world of motorcycling and was first released in 1977 as the Z1000 A1 model. Over the years, the motorbike has received revamp after revamp and in 2010, the bike was completely redesigned. Sadly, the redesign made the bike even worse, even with the slightly larger engine that it now had installed. Furthermore, the motorcycle was sold under the name "Z1000 ABS" because ABS came fitted as standard. Unfortunately, the bike wasn't well received, with customers overlooking the redesign in favor of faster and more reliable machines.

6 BMW K 1600 GT

BMW is known for making great motorbikes. However, that's not to say that they are perfect. Take the BMW K1600, for example, a bike that has been more a hindrance than help over the years. The bike was first released in 2010, only to receive two upgrades, one in 2011 and one in 2016. Sadly, they were all junk, with the motorcycle seemingly getting worse as time went on. BMW is usually noted for its reliability and durability, yet the K1600 is a far cry from a dependable machine. That's right, the motorcycle is prone to breakages, as well as leaks and random issues.

5 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide

It takes a lot for Harley-Davidson to get things wrong but that doesn't mean that they don't. That's right, the Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide was designed for motorcyclists who longed for the past, those who wanted to experience the real Easy Rider and Chopper experience. In theory, the bike does this particular dream justice but in the end, it just doesn't pack quite the same punch. Yes, the bike tends to focus more on its appearance rather than what is inside, with the outside much more interesting than the inner quarters. Overall, it seems style most certainly triumphs over substance, with the Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide somewhat of a huge disappointment.

4 MV Agusta Rivale 800

The MV Agusta Rivale 800 was designed with one thing in mind: youth. Yes, the brand wanted something modern and fresh, therefore, the MV Agusta Rivale 800 was their answer. Sadly, the bike just didn't quite cut it and failed to impress bike enthusiasts, young people, or just about anybody. On the outside, the bike is rather impressive and is extreme with regards to its stripped-down appearance and design. However, a number of things have been heavily criticized with regards to speed, suspension, and weight. Furthermore, the throttle has had a number of issues in terms of response, leaving experienced riders wanting that little bit more.

3 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King

Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King was most definitely a nice idea, especially with regards to design. That's right, the motorcycle offered riders a trip to the past, with the nostalgic look hearkening back to bikes of yore. Yes, the bike is basically a stripped-down version of the Harley we all know and love from the 1960s and is certainly pleasing to look at. However, the bike, as a whole, fails to impress and is no way near the monster machine that it was all those years ago. Sadly, brakes have been a long time issue for Harley-Davidson, with the Road King no different. Although the bike uses twin 300mm discs at the front as well as a single one at the rear, several riders have claimed that they aren't overly strong or even safe.

2 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod

Harley-Davidson rarely gets it wrong, especially when you look at their back catalog of expensive and exotic machinery. However, everybody makes mistakes, even the very best. That's right, the Harley-Davidson VRSC was most definitely a letdown, mostly in terms of notable features and lack of speed. The bike was available between 2001 and 2017 and, unlike any other Harley production motorcycle, a 60-degree V-twin engine was used. Sadly, although the bike met with decent reviews, it still failed to cut the mustard with regards to high class and luxury. Yes, the bike was good, but just not that good enough.

1 Ducati Desmosedici RR

The Ducati Desmosedici RR is one of the most notorious bikes in the world and certainly caused a stormed upon its release. The bike was first released in 2010 and was sold as a limited edition road-legal version of the also notorious Desmosedici Moto GP. In fact, manufacturers claimed that the motorcycle was the first true road replica of a Moto GP bike, a claim that most definitely ignited the interests of motorbike enthusiasts. However, the motorcycle was somewhat of a letdown, especially with regards to how expensive it was. That's right, the bike first retailed at a whopping $72,500, a price that was heavily criticized upon its release.

Sources: Wikipedia, Cycle World, and Motorcyclist Online.