The love affair between vintage motorcycles and collectors in America continues growing yearly, mainly because only a few bikes can match the look of classic cruisers from the past century. While they may not be as popular among riders today, every collector dreams about having any of these 15 motorcycles. 

1954 Vincent Black Shadow

This bike had a 998cc air-cooled V-twin engine, which produced around 52 HP to reach a thrilling top speed exceeding 125 mph. With such an engine, the Black Shadow became one of the fastest motorcycles in the market. The Black Shadow lived up to its name, with a predominantly black paint scheme and gold accents that gave it an air of mystery and power. These motorcycles were handbuilt by skilled craftspeople, and the automaker produced only a few units, so they are true works of art and engineering.

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport

Unlike most motorcycles, which rely on valve springs to close the valves, the 750SS had Ducati’s innovative desmodromic valve actuation system, opening and closing the valves with mechanically operated arms. This slight upgrade resulted in more precise valve timing and higher revving capabilities. However, the designers built the 750SS based on the looks and performance of the winning bike in the Imola 200 endurance race, including the engine and frame.

1974 Kawasaki Z1

Even critics often refer to the Kawasaki Z1 as the first superbike due to its unique combination of power and style. Before the Z1, large-capacity motorcycles were usually heavy until it changed the status quo with its air-cooled, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) 903cc engine, delivering a remarkable 82 HP. The 1974 Z1 wasn’t just about power; it had visual appeal, too. It earned a spot on this list because of its distinctive styling, characterized by a teardrop tank and an upswept exhaust.

1969 Honda CB750

Honda’s CB750 deserves a place in any discussion of sought-after vintage motorcycles because it’s part of the reason we don’t have to deal with heavy, less powerful British and American machines. It had a 4-cylinder, 750cc engine, combining power, smooth rides, and reliability at an affordable price. Several innovative features, such as an electric starter,  a wet sump lubrication system, and hydraulic disc brakes, also came to the market through it.

1969 Triumph Bonneville T120

In 1969, Triumph triumphantly secured first place in the Isle of Man TT’s 750cc class, with Malcolm Uphill averaging over 100 mph on the grueling Mountain Course Bonneville. This bike had a 649cc parallel-twin engine with twin Amal carburetors that produced around 46 HP, enough for a top speed exceeding 110 mph. Many riders loved this model so much that they modified their Bonnevilles into cafe racers, stripping down unnecessary weight, adding clip-on handlebars, and tweaking the engine for enhanced performance.

1967 BSA A65 Spitfire

Spitfire’s lineage was BSA’s response to the popular Triumph Bonneville, as it needed to release a sportier alternative for performance-oriented riders to become a worthy competitor. The 1967 model had several improvements, including raised handlebars, a sculpted fuel tank, rear sets, and a switch to twin Amal Concentric carburetors for smoother operation and more performance. Riders loved A65 Spitfires because they could customize them to create unique cafe racers, solidifying their association with a popular subculture of motorcycling and their vintage status.

1973 BMW R90S

Before 1973, people associated BMW with all-purpose motorcycles having a mediocre appearance, so they built the R90S to challenge that perception. It had a sleek, sporty design with a distinctive dual-tone paint scheme. BMW complemented its looks by adding a horizontally opposed twin-cylinder 898cc air-cooled boxer engine, capable of delivering up to 67 HP. Its limited 3-year production run and historical significance as BMW’s game-changer make it a highly sought-after motorcycle among collectors today.

1959 Harley-Davidson Sportster

Although Harley-Davidson was known for its extensive, strong motorcycles, it built the Sportser to attract a broader range of riders. As expected, its 55ci (cubic inch) engine, though not the most powerful, provided enough pep so its riders wouldn’t get intimidated on the road. It had the “eyebrow” headlight, which became a signature design element, and the smaller and lighter peanut fuel tank, unlike larger ones used on other Harley models.

1975 Moto Guzzi 850T

The 850T’s design stemmed from a military project as the Italian army contracted Moto Guzzi to develop a durable and reliable motorcycle. Thankfully, this civilian version inherited these strengths, making it a robust and dependable machine for civilian riders. There is no way the Moto Guzzi 850T isn’t making this list of coveted vintage motorcycles, especially with its unique transversely mounted 90-degree V-twin engine, shaft drive, electric starter, and elegant design to complement performance.

1955 Ariel Square Four

Unlike most motorcycles with a single-cylinder or V-twin layout, this bike has a unique four-cylinder engine block arranged in a square configuration. This design made rides smoother with a more balanced weight distribution, earning it the nickname “Gentleman’s Motorcycle.” You couldn’t expect any less from a motorcycle designed by the mastermind, Edward Turner, who presented the concept in the early 1930s before Ariel adopted it in 1931.

1967 Norton Commando

In 1967, Commando marked the final evolution of Norton’s long line of parallel-twin engine motorcycles, which started in the 1940s. They released this model with a 750cc engine (later increased to 850cc), a lightweight frame, and innovative isolastic rubber engine mounts that reduced vibration. This combination, plus its forward-sloping engine, upswept exhausts, and cafe racer-inspired design, made it perfect for riders who wanted a stylish and potent machine.

1979 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica

Although American road racer Wes Cooley was a dominant force in the late 1970s, he didn’t achieve the success he craved while competing for Kawasaki. Then Cooley switched to riding a Suzuki GS1000 in 1979, and things improved. He finally had a race bike with a powerful 997cc engine and lightweight chassis that matched his aggressive riding style, allowing him to wheelie frequently. Cooley won the 1979 AMA Superbike Championships and repeated the feat in 1980. 

1957 Gilera 500 4C

The 500 4C is a true legend on motorcycle racetracks and a coveted vintage piece. Unlike most models with single-cylinder engines, it had a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine with a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valve configuration, an innovation that increased its power output. It secured the 500cc World Championship title an impressive six times, from 1950 to 1954 and again in 1957.

1971 Yamaha XS650

In motorcycling history, the Yamaha XS650 hit a sweet spot when riders wanted lighter, faster bikes. Its compact engine was a four-stroke twin-cylinder design with a good power and fuel efficiency balance. With cleaner operation and reduced maintenance, the shaft drive system was better than the standard chain drives. Riders also loved the XS650 because its simple design and robust engine made it a favorite among cafe racer enthusiasts who would modify the bike’s looks and performance to create unique machines.

1925 Brough Superior SS100

This brainchild of motorcycle designer and racer George Brough is an iconic vintage piece often called the “Rolls-Royce of motorcycles” due to its superior craftsmanship, performance, and exclusivity. The automaker ensured that designers meticulously built each SS100 to order according to what the customer wanted. Also, it was one of the first motorcycles to achieve a verified 100 mph, earning it the nickname “The Hundred Mile an Hour Motorcycle.” With only 69 units produced, the 1925 Brough Superior SS100 is a true rarity.