Motorcycles have stood the test of time as a conduit of freedom and rebellion. From their humble beginnings to the advanced technological two-wheeled marvels we can access today, their evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the years, we've seen numerous form factors, engine displacements, technological upgrades, and much more; in that time, they've captivated innumerable riders' hearts and fancies.

UPDATE: 2023/12/11 17:13 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

One look at the current crop of motorcycle manufacturers; some have been plugging away for over a century. While some obvious candidates, like Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield, have well-documented pasts, quite a few more manufacturers have fascinating plot lines to discover since their inception. This updated list brings together 13 of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers that are still alive and kicking today.

But what of their manufacturers (the motorcycles', not the riders')? Which motorcycle manufacturers have weathered not just the test of time but also faced adversities and financial insecurities and come out the other side, still raring to go? One good example is Harley-Davidson, but this list takes a tour through the ages and pinpoints just those manufacturers that have come a long way since their start.

How we got our selections: To compile this list, HotCars pulled up a list of the longest-serving motorcycle manufacturers. While there were instances where manufacturers were in business for quite a few years before eventually going bust, this list focuses on those that have survived to this day, regardless of whether their balance sheets made for good reading or not.

13 MV Agusta

Year Incorporated: 1945

Iconic Models: Brutale, Superveloce, 500 Four

MV Agusta has a storied past. Founded by Count Domenica Agusta, their longevity might be the least on this list, but what can't be taken away from the Italian manufacturer is its commitment to producing some of the most gorgeous, tech-infused motorcycles.

Their first motorcycle, the MV 98, came through in late 1945 and featured a 98cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine. Ever since then, their journey hasn't been what you'd call straightforward. The company has faced multiple takeovers (which included Harley-Davidson for a brief while) and financial difficulties, but as a brand, they've soldiered past all these hurdles. And it's a good thing, too, because that means we still get exquisite design masterpieces like the Superveloce 98 Edizione Limitata.

12 Ducati

Year Incorporated: 1926

Iconic Models: Panigale, Mach 1, Sport 1000 Classic

Arguably, the most recognizable Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati, has been in the game for a long time. In fact, they should soon start getting ready for their 100-year celebrations.

Like most companies on this list, though, Ducati had humble beginnings. It was initially established to manufacture radio equipment but gradually shifted its focus to motorcycle engines. Over the years, Ducati has not just produced some of the most desirable and iconic motorcycles but also cemented its status as one of the most successful teams in racing history. Today, Ducati falls under the Volkswagen Group, having been acquired by Audi in 2012.

11 Moto Guzzi

Year Incorporated: 1921

Iconic Models: Normale, V7 Sport, 850 Le Mans

Moto Guzzi have, over the years, not just made a name for themselves thanks to their stylish and iconic motorcycles, but they've also been particularly handy out on the racetrack, winning multiple championships across different disciplines. Admittedly, despite going through a lot of change over the years, one of the biggest constants in their journey has been their unique transverse V-twin, something they've adopted on their motorcycles since the '60s.

Guzzi's first motorcycle was the 8-horsepower Normale, which was followed by their rather successful 1928 G.T. If you haven't worked it out yet, Moto Guzzi is now more than 100 years old, which is the norm more than the exception for those on this list. Through their journey, they've had plenty of ups and downs, but since their takeover by the Piaggio Group, things have stabilized for the Italian manufacturer.

10 Benelli

Year Incorporated: 1911

Iconic Models: Leoncino Corsa, 60 Single

Benelli is one of the oldest Italian motorcycle companies still in business today, and to say that they've had a lot of things to be proud of would be an understatement. And just like a few others on this list, their initial dealings had very little to do with motorcycles. Benelli, for instance, manufactured shotguns way back before joining forces with the Beretta Gun Company to make automobiles.

Over the years, they dabbled in motorsports and endured financial hardships, ownership changes, and the works. However, they have been under Chinese ownership since around 2005, when Qianjiang Motorcycle bought them. Their headquarters remain in Peraso, Italy, but production has shifted to China.

9 BSA

Year Incorporated: 1910

Iconic Models: Bantam, Gold Star, Super Rocket

Like most motorcycle companies, they started out by shoving a small engine into a bicycle frame. Thus, the motorcycle! Over the next 60 years, they would experience several ups and downs, but eventually, after a less-than-successful merger with Norton and Villiers, they went under in 1972. Only to be revived later almost out of nowhere in an attempt to capitalize on the ever-growing retro market with the modern BSA Gold Star.

8 SACHS

Year Incorporated: 1905

Iconic models: 150KN, Roadster 650

Today, they are better known for their suspension components, but not long ago, they were a leading engine supplier for a long list of different brands. As an actual motorcycle manufacturer, their production has been on and off throughout history. They have experienced a minor resurgence in recent years, largely thanks to their MadAss, but are now investing more in electric mobility.

7 Husqvarna

Year Incorporated: 1903

Iconic Models: Vitpilen, Supermoto

After being in the wilderness for several years, Husqvarna came out from under the BMW Group rather worse for wear. KTM sought to breathe new life into the ailing company, but not in the way you might hope in a story with a happy ending. In reality, nothing but the name lives on, with their new bikes all re-skinned KTMs.

6 Harley-Davidson

Year Incorporated: 1903

Iconic Models: Fat Boy, V-Rod, Sportster

One of only two American motorcycle companies to survive the great depression, Harley-Davidson really has stood the test of time. They are also the only company to survive this long without actually going bankrupt, although they certainly came close and have had their fair share of ups and downs.

To have been making bikes for very nearly 120 years is an astonishing achievement. Today, Harley-Davidson is in an enviable position thanks to its strong lineup of motorcycles targeting a vast demographic.

5 Triumph Motorcycles

Year Incorporated: 1902

Iconic Models: Bonneville, Thruxton, Daytona

Most motorcycles that were produced in the early years were still, essentially, bicycles with engines. Triumph came along with what was to be known as the first real motorcycle in 1915.

It was revolutionary and forced others to move forward with them. For decades, the Triumph name was highly regarded, right up until the wheels fell off in the '80s, and the company went under. It didn't take long for them to bounce back though, already producing competitive motorcycles in the '90s and have since evolved into one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in Europe.

4 Norton Motorcycles

Year Incorporated: 1902

Iconic Models: Model 1, Manx, Dominator

It is hard to believe Norton was once one of the leading motorcycle brands, winning several races and championships in the first half of the 20th century. Things gradually went downhill in the second half until they were shuttered, and the naming rights were sold off in the late '70s.

Selling those naming rights proved to be a significant mile marker for them as it added a lot of complexity and confusion to their history, but by the late '80s, they were back with a Wankel engine. That went fairly quickly south, and then by 2008, they had another go. That also stalled, and now Norton is under TVS ownership.

3 Royal Enfield

Year Incorporated: 1901

Iconic Models: Bullet, Standard, Classic

Royal Enfield may not scream it from the rooftops, but it's one of the oldest, most distinguished motorcycle manufacturers worldwide. Royal Enfield is now more than 120 years old and shows no signs of slowing down.

They did change from a British company to an Indian company in the late '60s, and production, if anything, went up rather than down as the British era wound down and the Indian era had just begun. Today, their lineup consists of some very desirable, solidly engineered motorcycles that, more often than not, offer solid bang for your buck.

2 Indian Motorcycle

Year Incorporated: 1901

Iconic Models: Chief, Scout, Roadmaster

After surviving the great depression, they proceeded to set an early pace, often outselling their bitter rival, Harley-Davidson. The post-war period was not kind to them, though, with Harley-Davidson now the clear favorite, and by 1953, Indian were done for.

They tried and failed again in the early '00s; then it was essentially the third time lucky, with the third effort showing enough promise for Polaris to buy them out and launch several new models that are now selling well worldwide. And Indian has no intention of slowing down with regard to the Harley-Davidson rivalry.

1 Peugeot Motorcycles

Year Incorporated: 1898

Iconic Models: 500M, P515 HS

It might come as something of a shock to some, but yes, they still make scooters to this day, largely thanks to the Indian giant Mahindra & Mahindra. After shifting their attention to cars in the '50s, their motorcycle division was largely forgotten. That is until Indian automaker Mahindra bought it in 2014. They have since acquired 100% ownership and produce Peugeot-branded scooters in both France and China.

Source: Respective manufacturer websites