When people think of American motorcycles, cruisers are usually the first to come to mind, and for good reason. Brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian built their reputations on low-slung, torquey machines made for eating up miles. But there’s more to the American moto scene than big V-twins and chrome.
We've dug up a range of performance-driven sportbikes, retro-styled machines, luxury tourers, and even electric adventurers to showcase the diversity and creativity of American engineering. Let's check out some of the motorcycles built in the USA that we’d love to swing a leg over.
How We Chose These Bikes
To compile this list of awesome American motorcycles, we focused on bikes currently available to buy, or those produced in the last two decades that stand out for their design, performance, and cultural impact.
We considered cruisers, sportbikes, and adventure models from American manufacturers only, with an emphasis on ride quality, uniqueness, and overall desirability.
Arch KRGT-1
Arch Motorcycle, co-founded by Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger, builds ultra-premium cruiser machines designed for both show and go. The KRGT-1 packs a 2,032cc S&S V-twin, a six-speed transmission, and countless custom-machined billet parts.
With Öhlins suspension, BST carbon wheels, and ISR brakes, this high-end cruiser is far more than a display piece. Yes, it’ll set you back nearly six figures, but the KRGT-1 offers the kind of quality, performance, and exclusivity few bikes on earth can match.
Indian FTR RSD Superhooligan
A true limited-edition beast, the Indian FTR RSD Superhooligan is a collaboration between Indian Motorcycle and Roland Sands Design. Its 120-horsepower 1203cc V-twin makes this flat-track-inspired machine an absolute blast to ride.
While its $18,500 price tag makes it the most expensive FTR trim, you’re paying for rarity, as just 300 were made. If you want an American bike that blends old-school charm with hooligan spirit, this is it.
Buell Hammerhead 1190
Buell’s Hammerhead 1190 brings superbike performance to the American motorcycle scene. Beneath its carbon fiber fairings sits a Rotax-developed 72° V-twin delivering a ferocious 185 horsepower.
Designed for riders who want track-worthy capability with a bit more comfort than typical superbikes, the Hammerhead is proof that American engineering can compete with the best from Europe and Japan.
Janus Halcyon 450
Handcrafted in Indiana, the Janus Halcyon 450 oozes vintage style. It looks like it rolled out of the 1920s, but it’s a modern machine at heart. Powered by a 450cc single-cylinder engine, it’s built for laid-back cruising, not speed.
With a starting price north of $13,000, it’s a boutique choice for riders who value craftsmanship and timeless design.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
In November 2022, Harley-Davidson pulled the plug on the Sportster, a bike that had been in continuous production since 1957. However, it wasn’t the end of the Sportster name. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S looks much sportier than its predecessor, and with the new 121-horsepower Revolution Max 1250T engine, the Sportster S is way more powerful than the Evo models.
The Sportster S also has electronic rider aids and cruise control, as well as a six-speed gearbox. Perhaps the one thing that hints at its heritage is the peanut-shaped gas tank.
Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
Looking at the Harley-Davidson Nightster, we can all agree it’s the Sportster’s true successor. It looks like a slightly updated Sportster and retains everything that made the original great but with a new-and-improved engine.
The Nightster Special looks sinister with its murdered-out look, and its peanut-style gas tank is a nod to the past. We certainly wouldn’t mind throwing a leg over one, and it’s hard to find a more stylish companion for short rides.
Indian Challenger Elite
If you want to ride across continents on two wheels, the Indian Challenger Elite is definitely worth considering. With a 1,768cc V-twin engine producing 128 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, it’s as powerful as a small hatchback... and nearly as spacious.
The Challenger Elite also has a very comfortable saddle, which is a must for a touring bike, cruise control, and a plethora of rider aids. As far as large cruisers go, it even looks menacing.
Buell Firebolt XB12R
Years before the aforementioned Hammerhead 1190, Buell built the excellent XB12, proving that Harley-Davidson V-twin engines could be used in a sporty platform.
According to Motorcycle News, the Buell Firebolt XB12R is not the most comfortable bike, but it still offers plenty of fun on twisty roads. The last models rolled off the assembly line in 2010, and certain parts are hard to come by today, so owning one can be a bit of a chore. However, Buell enthusiasts won’t let that stop them, and they enjoy their excellent bikes as often as possible.
Indian Scout Rogue
Indian introduced the Scout back in 2015, and only recently did it get a successor. However, we still want the Indian Scout Rogue that appeared in the summer of 2022, as it’s one of the baddest-looking bikes to ever grace an Indian showroom with its presence.
It packs a 1,133cc liquid-cooled engine that sends 100 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheel and looks more aggressive than any other Scout version. It’s essentially a murdered-out club-style bike straight from the factory, featuring mini-ape bars, a quarter-fairing, and a 19-inch cast-aluminum front wheel. Our only complaint is the low rear suspension, but that’s easily sorted by ordering the optional one when buying the bike.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
Harley-Davidson’s stripped-down Street Bob 114 is a no-nonsense cruiser built specifically for those who want to modify their bike.
It has proper retro styling but still looks timeless, and H-D enthusiasts love that "Number One" graphic on the tank. While the 94-horsepower, air-cooled 114 cubic-inch engine is old-school, it also packs some nifty modern features, such as rear-cylinder deactivation.
Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special certainly lives up to its name, as it is one of the best American touring bikes money can buy. It’s big and stylish, and although its 117 cubic-inch engine only generates 105 horsepower, you’ll never find yourself wanting more due to how it delivers those ponies and 130 lb-ft of torque.
The Road Glide Special is a heavy beast, weighing over 800 lbs, so it’s definitely not a bike for inexperienced riders.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
A decade ago, no one would’ve thought Harley-Davidson would ever enter the adventure bike market, but they did, and H-D knocked it out of the park with the excellent Pan America.
Harley designed and engineered the new adventure-touring motorcycle from the ground up. Its versatile 1250 Revolution Max engine produces 150 horsepower, it has long-travel suspension, switchable riding modes, and pretty much everything else ADV enthusiasts have come to expect from brands such as BMW and KTM.
Zero Motorcycles DSR/X Black Forest Edition
If you love the idea of an adventure bike but want to glide through the countryside in silence, the electric DSR/X Black Forest Edition from Zero Motorcycles might be what you’re looking for.
Zero has made a name for itself in the electric bike world, and the DSR/X Black Forest Edition is a factory-upgraded off-road-capable adventure bike. It has a Showa suspension setup, spoked wheels, crash bars, auxiliary lights, and an adjustable screen, all the essential adventure items. A Z-Force 17.3-kWh battery, which can be upgraded to a 21-kWh unit, powers the Zero’s 75-kW PMAC motor, which produces a whopping 169 lb-ft of torque!
More Than Just Cruisers
From classic V-twin cruisers to cutting-edge adventure and sportbikes, these American motorcycles show just how diverse and exciting the homegrown motorcycle scene has become. Whether you’re drawn to old-school style, modern tech, or sheer performance, there’s a U.S.-made machine that fits the bill.
These machines represent the passion, innovation, and individuality that define American motorcycling. If we had the chance, we’d gladly throw a leg over any of them.
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