Kawasaki Tops the 2025 US Motorcycle Sales: Harley & Honda Dethroned

The motorcycle world of America has just seen a great wave. This marks the first decade that Kawasaki has been the top seller of bikes. Harley-Davidson and Honda have dominated the American roads and highways over the years. However, both of them are overtaken by Kawasaki in the US market in 2025. It is big news to the whole biking world.

The facts are clear. In the first half of 2025, Kawasaki rose to become the market leader in the U.S. bike business and saw an increase in sales by 17.7%. Honda has been forced into the second position by a 10.5% drop. And Harley-Davidson? The legendary American company was ranked third with a terrible 21.1 percent decline.

This is a changing moment in the motorbike market in the US. Honda has been the King as far as the sale of bikes in the U.S. is concerned. Nonetheless, it has a new champion in place. The development of Kawasaki is an indication that the motorbike market is changing at a high pace. The old rules no longer apply. New riders are in need of new bikes whose prices are affordable, and that is what Kawasaki is giving them.

So, how did Kawasaki achieve its best sales victory? The answer is an intelligent move in the low-end bikes market. The best entry-level bikes are the Kawasaki Z650 and the Ninja 500. These bikes are aimed at satisfying the requirements of the new riders who prefer to have real power without spending too much money.

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is the second most sold bike in America. The Z650 stands in the 10th position among the top ten. Both bikes pack a punch. They are sturdier, run well, and they will not break your bank. Both the Z650 and the Ninja 500 have a 649cc liquid-cooled twin engine with approximately 68 horsepower. That is the sweet spot in the case of a new rider. It is just powerful enough to have fun yet not too powerful that it frightens you.

What are the distinguishing features of these bikes? They possess the most up-to-date technology at a very fair price. Their ideal handling, smooth shifts, and LED lights make them feel like bikes that are far more expensive. Spare parts are readily available, and they have a long life. That's what the Kawasaki promises.

Honda created a brand name for being the best bike brand. But 2025 has not been kind. Honda Rebel’s sales are not sluggish, and some of its models are on the rise in terms of sales. However, on the whole, Honda fell behind. A 10.5% drop in sales is no joke.

Why did Honda stumble? A few things hurt:

• First, supply chain concerns had some models out of lots.

• Second, Honda failed to be highly active in the entry-level space. Whereas Kawasaki had created the Ninja 500 and Z650 as the bikes to reckon with, Honda appeared to rely on its old models. Young riders seeking their first bike were better off at Kawasaki dealers.

The message is very simple: in the modern market, you need to continue to move forward. You cannot rely on your big name alone.

It is not new; Harley-Davidson is facing one of the most serious declines in its sales. A 21.1% decline in sales is a major setback for this American motorcycle brand. Harley is one of the icons that has been in existence for more than a century. Icons no longer sell bikes alone anymore.

What went wrong for Harley? A few big issues hit hard:

• To begin with, Harley bikes are costly, and most riders prefer cheaper alternatives.

• Second, the brand has suffered due to quality concerns.

• Third, Harley's style remained the same over the years.

• In the meantime, riders desired new things and new looks.

The Harley Street Glide is the company's best-selling bike. Yet even its sales are being strained. The younger riders are not taking the brand up as they were before. They regard Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha bikes as more promising. They desire a bike that works for them, is cheaper, reliable, and has good features, not one that only has a hefty price tag because it's an iconic brand.

It is a positive development for those looking to buy motorbikes. When there is a fierce battle between brands, buyers get better bikes at better prices. Honda and Harley are working harder under the pressure from Kawasaki. This translates to new tech, new models, and new deals.

If you desire an entry-level bike in the US, then you have more high-quality options than ever. The Kawasaki Ninja 500 and the Kawasaki Z650 are two great options. They show that you do not have to pay $8,000 or more for a trendy, capable bike that is more than just a beginner motorcycle.

The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja starts at $5,399, and the 2026 Z650 naked bike starts at $7,249. You can buy the Z500 for only $5,699.

On the contrary, the Indian Scout Bobber has also increased sales among the US cruiser fan base. Riders perceive it as a firmer option than specific Harley models. To the sport bike enthusiasts, the Ninja series by Kawasaki has continued to lead the pack. Adventure bikes from most brands are selling well to riders who want to go off-road or tour long distances.

The key point: This uprising and rivalry among motorcycle brands in the US market translates into more options and greater value for riders.

It is not only the case of one brand ot two. It shows the transformation of the entire motorbike market in the US. The overall motorcycle market declined 6.5% in the first nine months of 2025. The emergence of Kawasaki is even more dramatic. It increased its market share when the overall bike sales were shrinking.

What is driving these shifts? A few things stand out. To begin with, the U.S. motorcycle world was hit by the economic headwinds that kept many people from making purchases.

Second, new riders do not desire the same bikes as old riders do. They are after value, tech, and reputable names, not only style points or brand myth.

Third, it is a push towards using clean energy sources for traveling. As a result, electric bikes are a perfect alternative. The Kawasaki Ninja e-1 by Kawasaki is receiving some buzz as an environmentally friendly choice for urban riders.

The space is not weak as the market will reach $14.64 billion by 2033. That is a great development for riders and the world of bikes. But it also implies that brands must earn their spot year after year.

Honda has to wake up. The Honda Rebel is a good line. However, Honda should strive harder in all spaces. Harley has to focus on what has made it great besides attracting new blood. On top of it, Kawasaki must maintain the heat. You can lose a lead with ease when you become lazy.

This is the best time for riders to buy new bikes. Brands are starving, dealers are offering, and the tech has never been this improved. If you like to commute, enjoy your weekends, or enjoy going on long trips, there is a bike that suits you.

The fact that smart moves are rewarded in the bike world is quite evident, as Kawasaki will be at the top by 2025. The brand targeted the desires of new riders: solid, fun, and affordable new motorbikes. Honda and Harley have both the reputation and money, but Kawasaki had the desire to fight, and bikes to support the desire.

All these bike makers will continue to compete and change spots on the list. Brands will continue to make changes to their bikes and introduce new ones. New bikes will hit the road. There will be increased rider participation in helping brands realize what they should build. It is suitable for everyone who loves two-wheeled vehicles.

Kawasaki has secured the top position on the US sales charts. This is the beginning of a new chapter in the U.S. motorcycle market. The best part? It is just getting started.