Top American-Made Motorcycles Besides Harley & Indian

Whenever one is thinking of American made motorcycles, two names that immediately come to mind are Harley and Indian. The two giants have influenced the motorcycle history for over a century. However, the point is: They are not the only US motorcycle makers.

The American motorcycle brand world is a lot larger than some people think it is. There are also small-scale bike makers and shops that make bikes by hand. The scene is alive. There are other bike manufacturers who specialize in special choppers. There are also those who make race bikes for high-speed riding. Some of the top brands also work on making electric bikes that can change the game.

This article serves as a guide for those who love American-made bikes and want to know what bikes are produced in the US, beyond the big two brands. We will examine the most successful firms in the US that are sweeping the market with made-in-USA motorbikes. Let’s talk about what makes these non-Harley and non-Indian shine.

Both Harley and Indian have made their place in history. Nevertheless, the motorcycle world continues. The new American motorbike brands introduce new ideas to the table. They experiment with new shapes, new tech features, and cater to riders who desire something different.

The smaller US motorcycle brands usually provide you with more custom options. You can choose your colors, parts, and style that the large brands may not offer. A personal touch is sometimes all that a rider may be looking for.

The US motorbike industry is also the product of American art and talent. As the US bikes show, there is quality that counts. These US-based motorbike brands retain employment in the country. They are taking advantage of the local people to create bikes that matter.

Although Victory shut down in 2017, it is a brand worth mentioning in terms of American motorcycles. Polaris owned Victory and produced USA-made bikes between 1998 and 2017. Victory made sport cruisers, baggers, and touring bikes that put Harley on its toes.

Victory Bikes were known for their modern design and powerful engines. The Victory Vision, Vegas, and Octane models attracted those who desired something new. Victory left its mark on the American motorcycle scene. It is still relevant today, even after the brand no longer exists. Victory bikes are used on the road. These bikes keep a reminder of what the American bike makers are capable of doing when they take a risk.

In 2020, Confederate Motorcycles was re-embraced as Combat Motors. This US motorcycle firm has never surrendered when it comes to bike design. Combat Motors is a New Orleans-based bike maker that produces two-wheel art. These US-made bikes are more of a rolling piece of art than a usual ride.

All Combat bikes are built with the finest of materials, such as carbon fiber frames and aircraft-grade metals. The P51 Combat Fighter and the Wraith are models that exhibit clean lines and bare power. They are not just any bikes you come across. They are uncommon, expensive, and designed to be ridden by riders who desire to stand out.

The difference between Combat Motors and other bike makers is that they are concerned with weight and speed. They produce US motorbikes that are lightweight and powerful, which makes them handle like a dream. Combat Motors shows what American motorcycle brands can achieve at the top level, in case you have deep pockets and want to have a custom craft.

Erik Buell is the founder of Buell, which was founded in 1983. It has been one of the few American motorcycle makers that focused on sports bikes. Buell bikes were known for their intelligent design. In the late 1990s, Harley purchased Buell. However, it placed it out of the business later in 2009.

The good news? Erik Buell came back. He founded EBR Motorcycles, and most recently, Fuell. This is the Buell spirit that is preserved by these new US bike makers. They specialize in sport bikes and electric bikes, which combine speed and new tech.

The bikes that Buell made never fit in the American bike market. It is because they did not conform to the cruiser brand. Rather, Buell designed bikes for riders who wished to turn corners and experience the speed rush. Buell proved that USA motorcycle brands can be successful in areas where imports normally prevail.

Zero Motorcycles is a leading US-based brand as far as electric bikes are concerned. It has been based in California since 2006. They show that the American brands that are made to go green can be the leaders of the future of the US bike industry.

Zero bikes are battery-operated. It means there is no use for oil and gas. Also, the noise is far less compared to petrol bikes. Models, such as the Zero SR, Zero FX, and the Zero DSR, provide riders with serious power and range. The SR/F model has a top speed of more than 120 mph. The torque is robust, and this makes the ride quite thrilling.

The most notable feature of Zero among the motorcycle manufacturers in the USA is its focus on real riding needs. The Zero bikes aren’t slow city bikes. They are quick, fun, and rugged, too. Zero shows that the USA-made motorbikes can run clean, while still being exciting. As more riders are looking for clean-energy two-wheel transport, Zero is already leading the way.

Janus Motorcycles is a small bike maker located in Indiana that produces bikes on a hand-built basis. The brand targets plain and straightforward designs that appear have belonged to the past. Janus bikes are easy to ride, lightweight, and ideal for city streets.

Janus bikes utilize small engines, and in most cases, they are only 229 cc to 445 cc single-cylinder engines. These are good to use by a new rider or when one wants to have a relaxed ride. Speed or power is not the priority of Janus. They, instead, seek the charm and quality of craftwork.

Every single Janus bike is created in their workshop. The crew at Janus employs vintage techniques and details. Janus models, such as the Janus Halycon and Phoenix, are retro-inspired and have modern parts. They are easy, fun, and attractive.

Janus shows that big and loud are not the only aspects of American motorcycles. Sometimes, less is more. Janus bikes show that craft, style, and style are the essence. The Janus bike is worth experiencing if you are interested in something different, something that is not ordinary.

Another US electric motorcycle brand that was on the move is Alta Motors. Their work lives on even though the brand shut down in 2018. Alta produced electric dirt bikes and street bikes that showed what could be done with the battery tech by US bike makers.

The Redshift bikes by Alta were well received by even professional riders. These bikes were light, fast, and fun. The fact that Alta entered the electric bikes into the racing world shows that American bike makers are not afraid of experimenting. Although Alta is out of business, their existence made the way clear to other electric bike makers in the US.

Arch Motorcycle was formed when bike builder Gard Hollinger and actor Keanu Reeves came to an agreement. Arch, which is headquartered in Los Angeles, produces American-made motorcycles that offer a blend of art, tech, and speed. All the bikes are handcrafted to suit the rider.

Arch bikes aren’t cheap. Prices begin in the six figures. However, you get a bike specially made for you. Everything is hand-picked and hand-crafted from the frame to the wheels to the paint. There are models, such as the Arch KRGT-1, which display clean lines and come with a powerful motor. 

The difference between Arch and other bike makers is the detail. Each of the parts is selected based on the look and functionality. The end product is an American-made motorcycle that seems more like an art piece. Arch shows that the USA-made bike brands can compete with the most fine-tuned bespoke, custom bike builders around the world.

Boss Hoss is a bike manufacturer of some of the largest and wildest American motorcycles ever. Boss Hoss has its headquarters in Tennessee. The brand installs car engines in its bikes. Yes, you read that right. These bikes have V8 engines, which are the same as those found in muscle cars.

Boss Hoss bikes are not for light-hearted riders. They are massively bulky, noisy, and contain loads of power. Models with more than 400 hp are available. These are USA-made bikes that make a statement to the folks. There is no chance people not notice you while you ride a Boss Hoss bike.

Boss Hoss bikes may not be the most agile bikes in the market. However, they show that American bike makers can continue to think big. They prove that the spirit of power and excess is not dead in the US motorcycle scene. Boss Hoss is worth considering if you desire raw power and you do not mind the weight.

Rokon makes bikes that appeal to another type of rider. Such a brand of American-made motorcycles makes utility-based and off-road bikes. Rokon bikes are built for rough conditions. Whether mud, snow, sand, or rocks, the Rokon bike can do it all. They are the type of bikes you ride out hunting, camping, or on the trails that most bikes cannot access.

Rokon bikes are two-wheel drive bikes with big, fat tires. This implies that both wheels are powered by the engine. This is why you are able to overcome tough terrains. They are not quick, and they are not the prettiest either. However, Rokon can perform when it comes to riders who require a bike that works hard. These are the American-made bikes that show there is no single way to create a great bike.

Rokon is based in New Hampshire, and it has been in existence since the 1960s. They are a small brand in the US, though they have their fan base. Outdoor riders, farmers, and hunters like them. As Rokon demonstrates, the bike makers in the US have an opportunity to reach a niche market and flourish.

Cleveland CycleWerks takes a different path. These American bikes are designed with a simple style and at lower prices, which is a huge plus. Their bikes also have a retro appearance that is reminiscent of past-style motorbikes. The Ace and Misfit models are simple retro bikes with clean lines.

Bikes by Cleveland CycleWerks are smaller and lighter in weight compared to most American cruisers. They are ideal for urban and new riders. The brand has origins in the USA, although some parts of it are imported from other countries. Such US motorcycle brands show that it is not necessary to have huge power and huge prices to create a good bike.

What is cool about Cleveland CycleWerks is that they are fun to ride. They desire that people should ride more, care less, and have the freedom of two wheels. Their strategy reveals that the American motorcycle makers can access riders who are made to feel left out by other larger brands like Harley or Indian.

Motus Motorcycles produced some of the most developed American-made motorcycles until its closure in 2018. Headquartered in Alabama, Motus made sport-touring bikes with a special V4 engine. This motor was made and developed in the USA, something uncommon in the bike industry.

The Motus MST and MSTR models were quick, sleek, and capable of long rides. They possessed modern tech, excellent handling, and serious power. Motus showed that the US motorcycle brands could produce bikes that compete on the level of the best imports. The brand is no more, but used Motus bikes continue to attract the attention of bikers and do well.

Motus stated that American bike brands focusing on the sports touring segment have a place in the market. The brand may had to cease in 2018 after making a start in 2014, but it shows that the US bike firms are capable of making the top machines.

In addition to large US bike makers, there are thousands of small shops around the US that build custom choppers and cruisers. These chopper bike brands make bikes an art.

Each one is unique. West Coast Chopper, Orange County Chopper, and many others have established their names through building unique rides.

There are custom bikes that may be more expensive than a car or even a house. However, when a rider needs something not offered by motorcycle brands, the custom bike shines. The spirit of American craft is still present in these motorcycle companies in the USA. They weld, paint, and polish every bike by hand. The outcome is a motorbike that reflects the owner's style and dreams.

By buying USA-made bikes, you are not just purchasing a bike; you are saving American jobs. You are preserving talents and art. Also, you are a part of a story that is more than a century old.

If something goes wrong with your US-made bike, you can easily get parts or even contact the manufacturer. It is that personal touch that may make the difference. In addition, there is a sense of pride in riding the USA-made motorbike. You know you are onto something good.

Buying American bikes also implies that you belong to a close-knit community. American bikes enable a common bond among riders. Waving at each other on the road. They reunite during shows and rallies. It’s more than just a bike; it is a way of life.

Harley and Indian will always be a part of the American motorbike world. However, this is not the end of the story. Electric bikes, custom choppers, wild V8 monsters, the list of options that American bike makers have to offer is great.

The brands, such as Zero, Combat Motors, Boss Hoss, and Rockon, among others, show that the USA motorbike brands are not dead. They show that the US-made bikes can be the leaders in style, tech, and pure fun. You may want a bike to ride daily or go off-road; there is a bike made in America for you.

Next time you are considering a new ride, make sure you are aware of the US brands other than the two giants. Find motorbikes made in the USA, visit local shops, talk to builders, or try out different brands.