31 Classic Motorcycles We Wish Would Make A Comeback

The first motorcycle was invented in 1885 by Germans Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. To create the motorized vehicle they attached a small diesel engine to a wooden bicycle. In the 130 years since then, the motorcycle has become one of the most popular forms of transportation in the world. The evolution of the motorcycle has also meant that over the years, some of the coolest, slickest, and most interesting models have been discontinued or upgraded for new generations.

These are the best first-generation motorcycles we wish would make a comeback! Keep reading to see more and let us know if you think we missed one!

The Ducati 916 Was A Trend Setter

ducati 916 motorbike
Anton Want/Allsport
Anton Want/Allsport

The Ducati 916 was released to the world in 1994 and had a magical four-year run where it seemingly revolutionized the motorcycle industry. The bike was praised for its stylish design and single-sided swingarm that allowed tire changed to happen faster in a race.

Aside from being game-changing in the tire game, the Ducati 916 was also lighter than the competition, making it one of the era's most desirable bikes.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ducati 996R Was A Beefed-Up 916

ADVERTISEMENT
ducati limited edition bike
John Mahler/Toronto Star via Getty Images
John Mahler/Toronto Star via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

A souped-up version of the Ducati 916, the 996R was given an upgraded braking system and lighter wheels. It was released as a limited edition bike and only 500 were built, skyrocketing its secondary market value.

ADVERTISEMENT

The bike, which we wish was re-released, won the "World Superbike Championship" three times. It had all the features a true bike enthusiast could want. The 916 might be nice, but the 996R included the sugar and spice.

Read More: Living By The Code: Rules That All Hells Angels Have To Follow

ADVERTISEMENT

The Honda VTR1000 SP-1 Was Designed To Compete With Ducati

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
honda motorcye racing
Mike Hewitt /Allsport
Mike Hewitt /Allsport
ADVERTISEMENT

Looking to step up to the plate against Ducati, Honda introduced the VTR10000. Everything about it, from the top speed to the handling to the acceleration, was expertly crafted. The problems only came when drivers tried to take turns.

ADVERTISEMENT

Designed to go fast, Honda may have overlooked the bike's turn radius, but that hardly mattered to speedsters. Buying one of these used today will cost a pretty penny, proving that Honda might be wise to consider bringing it back!

ADVERTISEMENT

The Suzuki GSX-R1100 Was Fast And Powerful

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
suzuki gsx bike
Nigel Scot McNeil/Fairfax Media via Getty Images.
Nigel Scot McNeil/Fairfax Media via Getty Images.
ADVERTISEMENT

Known for its power, speed, and ease of handling, the Suzuki GSX-R1100 was ahead of its time in the late '80s but would fit right in today. Not always the most attractive bike, what the GSX lacked in looks, it made up for in performance and fuel efficiency.

ADVERTISEMENT

The cost to maintain this beast was relatively low in comparison to other models at the time. While that cost might be higher today, if the bike were brought back, we're sure it would be worth every penny!

ADVERTISEMENT

The Triumph Triple Speed T309 Was A Racer's Dream

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
triumph triple speed bike
Marc Pfitzenreuter/Getty Images
Marc Pfitzenreuter/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Sharing an engine with the almighty Daytona meant the Triumph Triple Speed could hold its own on the racetrack. It was also designed with comfort in mind and made for a great casual ride as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

This particular model of the Triumph was one of the first to introduce the idea of "naked bikes," motorcycles that dismissed aerodynamics in favor of exposed engines. It was revolutionary at the time and is still a popular style of bike today.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Aprilia Moto 6.5 Was Motorcycle Chic

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Aprilia_Motò_6.5
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

When it was originally released, the Aprilia Moto 6.5 was criticized for its chic design by Philippe Starck. Once riders took a chance on it, they discovered how well-crafted this bike really was.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Moto 6.5 had a narrow seat, easy steering, and a pothole proof suspension system. The downside was the bike tended to age faster than other models. Perhaps an upgraded release with higher quality materials would should just how amazing this bike really was.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Honda VFR 750R Deserved A Longer Production Run

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
honda vfr motorcycle
Ross Anthony Willis/Fairfax Media via Getty Images.
Ross Anthony Willis/Fairfax Media via Getty Images.
ADVERTISEMENT

One of the most iconic superbikes of all-time, it's shocking to us this machine only had a three-year production run. With Fred Merkel on the seat, it won the "World Superbike Championship" two times in a row!

ADVERTISEMENT

During its run, it was estimated that 5,000 bikes were produced, making the VFR 750R more common than other bikes on this list. Just because the production numbers are higher doesn't mean this motorcycle shouldn't get a second act, though!

ADVERTISEMENT

The Honda CB1100R Was Considered Exotic

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
honda cb1100 bike
John Keeble/Getty Images
John Keeble/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

During its one-year production run, only about 1,500 models of the Honda CB1100R were sold. The bike was considered to be more exotic than other models, which may have been seen as a turn-off to consumers at the time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Looking back now it's a shame because the motorcycle was built for comfort. It was noted for creating a smooth ride with amazing suspension. If there was a real negative, it was the fuel consumption, but we're sure that would be addressed if the bike was brought back.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Yamaha YZF750 Raised The Bar

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
yamaha 750
Mark Thompson /Allsport
Mark Thompson /Allsport
ADVERTISEMENT

When the Yamaha YZF750 was released, it set a new bar for expectations in motorcycle manufacturing. It was built with the highest standards in mind and was given top-of-the-line mechanics and aesthetics.

ADVERTISEMENT

One of the main features of the YZF750 was the five-valve per cylinder engine that increased fuel efficiency and lowered emissions. With how ground-breaking this bike was, we're surprised it only lasted five years! How about giving us five more, Yamaha?

ADVERTISEMENT

The Honda Fireblade Was Reliable And Durable

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
honda fireblade bike
Schöning/ullstein bild via Getty Images
Schöning/ullstein bild via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Maybe we miss this bike for the name more than anything. The Honda Fireblade was produced by the vehicle manufacturer from 1992 until 1994. The bike was reliable, durable, and was designed to compete with the brands more competitive models.

ADVERTISEMENT

Most notably, the Fireblade was cost-effective, making it a great option for the motorcycle enthusiast without an endless bank account. Were there better bikes at the time? Yes, but not all found the niche market that this model could still live in today.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Yamaha XT 600 Could Handle Any Terrain

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Yamaha_XT600 bike
SG2012/Wikimedia Commons
SG2012/Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

Anyone who bought or rode a Yamaha XT 600 could tell you it was the perfect multi-terrain motorcycle. Produced over a 20 year period, the bike us fondly remembered today as a classic. We'd love to see it come back modernized.

ADVERTISEMENT

Most importantly, the XT 600 proved to be a jumping-off point for countless other Yamaha motorcycle models that are still popular today. Most of these models were larger and more ambitious.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Yamaha YZF-R1 Was A Designer's Dream

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
yamaha 1998 bike
Rainmaker47/Wikimedia Commons
Rainmaker47/Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

At the time the Yamaha YZF-R1 was produced, it was ahead of its time. Of course, the bike is still in production today, but we want to focus on the first year. After 1998, it went through a sizable overhaul.

ADVERTISEMENT

And while the original bike only was produced for one year, its uniqueness had a lasting impact on the future of motorcycle manufacturing. This bike really was the total package, with a great engine, a lightweight body, and amazing handling.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Kawasaki ZXR 750R Was Reasonably Priced

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
kawasaki motorcycle
Mark Thompson /Allsport
Mark Thompson /Allsport
ADVERTISEMENT

Kawasaki launched the ZXR 750R with high expectations. They wanted to make a motorcycle that would define a generation, and in many regards accomplished just that. The bike was big and powerful and didn't like going slow.

ADVERTISEMENT

Unfortunately, the bike didn't really like going fast either and was a struggle to handle. Priced reasonably, the model still managed to sell and stayed on the market for 14 years. We wonder if bringing it back would help fix some of the problems.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Honda CB77 Was One Two Super Hawks

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
honda cb77
Eric Rickman/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images
Eric Rickman/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Honda produced two motorcycles dubbed Super Hawks. There was the VTR1000F and the CB77. The CB77 was known for its reliability and craftsmanship. The body was made from tubular steel instead of the traditional pressed steel.

ADVERTISEMENT

This type of body made the bike lighter and easier to ride. Honda produced the CB77 from 1961 to 1968. With retro stylings coming back into fashion in modern times, we would love to see a new version released.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Triumph Bonneville Is An American Icon

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
triumph bonneville motorcycle
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

During its lifetime, the Triumph Bonneville has seen production stopped twice only to come back to life. Made famous by American icons including Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Steve McQueen, it's the original run of the Bonneville we would love to see make a comeback.

ADVERTISEMENT

Originally produced from 1959 until 1983, the company has more recently revealed a "modern classics" lineup, but that's just not the same and revving up a true original.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Honda CB750 Was Fast

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
honda cb750
Ollie Millington/Getty Images
Ollie Millington/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Introduced by Honda in 1969, the CB750 is considered one of the first "superbikes" to ever come out. It was created as a result of the automaker's desire to break into the American market.

ADVERTISEMENT

The original CB750 could reach speeds of over 120 miles per hour and had front-mounted disc brakes that revolutionized the market. To top off the innovation, Honda included a kill switch as well as an electric starter.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Kawasaki Z1 Was In Direct Competition With The CB750

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
kawasaki z1
Rick Voegelin/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images
Rick Voegelin/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The Kawasaki Z1 was known internally at the company as the "New York Steak." It was designed to be direct competition to the Honda CB750, and was both bigger and faster.

ADVERTISEMENT

After years in development, the Z1 hit showroom floors in 1973 and was an instant hit. It was noted for its ability to reach speeds over 130 miles per hour. In the racing world, driver Paul Smart became synonymous with the bike and won numerous awards on one.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Kawasaki Triple Is A Collector's Item Today

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Kawasaki triple
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

Today, the Kawasaki Triple is one of the most sought-after discontinued bikes around. Originally in production from 1968 until 1980, the bike was known for its incredible power to weight ration and its blazing quarter-mile time of under 13 seconds.

ADVERTISEMENT

For as popular as they were, there was one major flaw -- the handling. As accidents mounted, the bike became known as "The Widowmaker." The inability of the company to address the problem proved to be the bike's downfall.

ADVERTISEMENT

The BSA Gold Star Took The '50s By Storm

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
bsa gold star
Michael Cole/Corbis via Getty Images
Michael Cole/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The BSA Gold Star Clubman was produced from the 1930s through the 1960s, and cemented its reputation as a classic in the '50s. The bike was one of the fastest of its era, reaching a mind-melting 1,000 miles per hour in 1937.

ADVERTISEMENT

For years the BSA was the motorcycle standard in the United States. The end of the bike's production run came when its manufacturer decided to undergo a massive overhaul.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Norton Commando Was Called "Unapproachable"

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
norton commando bike
National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images
National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Even though the Norton Commando was deemed "unapproachable," it was actually the bike's approachability that made it so popular. The bike was easy to ride, and was perfect for beginners and experts alike.

ADVERTISEMENT

Developed by a former Rolls-Royce engineer, the was given a rubber mounting for its mechanical systems, which eliminated vibrations at high speeds. This feature helped revolutionize the industry and made riders go for broke on the road with how fast they could get.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Norton Manx Dominated The Competition

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
notron manx bike
Central Press/Getty Images
Central Press/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

During its time racing, the Norton Manx dominated the competition. In 1950, the automaker updated the bike, including the 25-year-old engine. The frame was also lightened, allowing for the bike to hit greater top speeds.

ADVERTISEMENT

The upgrade re-energized the bike, and it won five of six races. Today, we can't help but wonder about a redesign and a retro revival of the Manx. We bet consumers would go wild for it!

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ducati PS1000LE Is A Modern Classic

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
PaulSmartLE1000
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

Since ending its production run, the Dcato PS1000LE has become one of the most collectible motorcycles of all-time. It was originally designed to pay tribute to Paul Smart and his first-place finish in 1972 on a Ducati 750SS.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ducati designed the tribute using their Sport Classic series. Everything about the bike, from its green trellis frame, wire-spoked wheels, and bubble-shield were created to a classic look with a modern look.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Brough Superior SS100 Was The "Rolls-Royce" Of Motorcycles

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
brough superior
J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The build and design of the Brough Superior SS was so perfect that it was dubbed the "Rolls-Royce" of motorcycles when it came out. The bike could hit 100 miles per hour with no problems, which is pretty amazing considering it was made in the '20s. By one record it could even hit 130 MPH with the right rider.

ADVERTISEMENT

T.E. Lawrence owned three Brough Superiors, and his passing after crashing one resulted in the normalization of helmets being worn.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Royal Enfield Bullet Deserves Recognition

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
royal enfield bullet
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Normally we wouldn't include a motorcycle still in production on a list like these, but we think the Royal Enfield Bullet shows what other bike makers could achieve if they brought back their classics. The Bullet first began production in 1931 and has never stopped.

ADVERTISEMENT

Over the years, the bike, of course, has had several upgrades and updates, but the classic design and retro good looks have always stayed the same.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Triumph Twin Speed Changed The Industry

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-947895314
The Montifraulo Collection/Getty Images
The Montifraulo Collection/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Te Triumph Twin Speed is recognized today as one of the most influential motorcycles ever created. It was given a light package and powerful engine that instantly placed it at the top of the field.

ADVERTISEMENT

The first models came with gold pin-striping and red pants that stood out and made you want to buy one of your own. And even though the bike was introduced in 1937, the design of its fuel tank is still the standard today.

ADVERTISEMENT

The BMW R32 Brought The Brand Notoriety

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
BMW_R32_vl_TCE
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

In 1923, BMW was reeling from the aftermath of World War I and looking for purpose in the ever-changing world. From this era, the R32 was born.

ADVERTISEMENT

The R32 was a brilliantly designed bike with a boxer-twin engine and horizontally opposed heads that helped increase cooling. The drive train arrangement created by BMW for the R32 remained exclusively with the company until 1993 and was still used on their bikes in 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ariel Square Four Was A Four-Cylinder Masterpiece

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-534270726
National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images
National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The four-cylinder Ariel Square Four was a new concept when it was first designed by Edward Turner. The beautiful engine was something never seen on a bike before, leading most other makers to ignore the revolutionary ride.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sadly, the gorgeous bike had several initial issues. Despite promising a top speed over 100 miles per hour, it rarely topped out over 90. The bike also tended to stall under 13 miles per hour, an issue that took the maker 20 years to fix.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Vincent Black Shadow Was A Rebel

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
vincent black shadow bike
National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images
National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking about the Vincent Black Shadow, Hunter S. Thompson once said, "if you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for any length of time, you would almost certainly die."

ADVERTISEMENT

The bike could hit close to 130 miles per hour, but looked faster going past thanks to its slick design and black enamel paint job. It was a bike built for rebels and has earned a reputation as a retro classic.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Harley-Davidson VRSCA Was Underappreciated

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-626759314
Ted Soqui/Corbis via Getty Images
Ted Soqui/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

In 2002, Harley-Davidson unleashed the VRSCA on the world. It was their first bike in 99 years to use liquid-cooled technology and was met with mixed reviews. Even though the bike was top of the line, breaking with tradition proved divisive with the maker's consumer base.

ADVERTISEMENT

The upgraded engine was developed with Porsche and generated 115 horsepower. That power wasn't enough to sway the public, who missed out on a bike that deserves a second chance at glory.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Harley-Davidson WL Is Legendary

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Harley-Davidson-WL
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

During World War II, Harley-Davidson created a cultural revolution when the bike maker introduced the WL. The bike was used during the war, and when peace was finally achieved, it was met with commercial success from consumers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Without the success of the WL, some bike historians question how large motorcycle culture would have become in the United States. We imagine bringing this bike back in a limited edition design would start a second revolution.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Honda Rune Looks Like One Of Batman's Toys

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
honda rune
David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images
David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Unfortunately for Honda, the Rune looked more like one of Batman's toys then a bike people wanted to ride in 1996. It was big, bulky, and even though it was fast, it just wasn't consumer-friendly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Honda put a 1.8-liter boxer-six engine in the bike, assuring that despite its size, it was still fast. Maybe the bike was ahead of its time. While it may not have looked attractive in 1996, there is something beautiful about it today.

Read More: These Are Some Of The Worst Muscle Cars Ever Released