There are many different Italian motorcycle manufacturers, ranging from well-known brands to lesser-known companies, that are valued for their ability to produce finely made motorcycles. A few well-known brands have made their way into motorcycle riders’ collective consciousness worldwide.
Ducati is undoubtedly the most well-known Italian automaker, but Benelli, which has been making motorcycles since 1911, is the oldest. On the other hand, MV Agusta is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that is well-known worldwide for selling some of the fastest motorcycles available on the market, along with Ducati.
Italian Motorcycles: An Overview
Italian motorbikes originated from family-run firms that supplied the war industry with mechanical parts during World War II. For instance, Piaggio manufactured railroads and wagons, Benelli made handguns, and Laverda manufactured tractors and farm equipment.
Due to the post-war prosperity and the country’s desire for affordable transportation, many businesses turned into manufacturers producing two-wheeled vehicles like bicycles and motorbikes.
However, global interest in the Italian motorcycle industry began in the 1970s and 80s of the previous century. During those years, motorbikes went from being a practical means of transportation to a passionate hobby; light motorcycles were virtually phased out and replaced by scooters.
The displacement, equipment, performance, and technique of motorcycles have increased. However, Italian quality is not limited to the industrial sphere; it is also evident in the crafts industry, as evidenced by motorcycle manufacturers like MV Agusta and Ducati.
The Italian motorcycle manufacturers went through a peak of glory and then a decline. Due to the market’s preference for big producers who have produced high-quality goods at reasonable costs, the industry has grown more competitive in recent decades. The fact that Chinese businesses have acquired some motorcycle manufacturers is not by accident.
In actuality, several Italian motorcycle brands have experienced ownership changes and evolutions. For instance, Moto Guzzi was acquired in 2004 and is currently a member of the Piaggio Group. The Italian motorcycle brands Aprilia, Gilera, Vespa, Derbi, and Scarabeo are all part of the Piaggio Group. Some brands, such as Aermacchi, Laverda, Benelli, and Gilera, vanished almost instantly, while others persisted into the 1990s by concentrating on small-displacement motorcycles.
Many Italian motorcycle companies are well-known throughout the world. Piaggio, for example, is a brand that epitomizes made-in-Italy flair, elegance, and attention to detail. Its Vespa model, which is now available in an electric version, has made the company famous worldwide. In this category, it would be hard to overlook the Moto Guzzi, but generally speaking, Italian motorcycle manufacturers have never ceased developing. The most well-known Italian motorbike brands and their bikes are listed here.
10 Best Italian Motorcycles Brands And Their Bikes
1. Ducati
Without a doubt, Ducati Motorcycles is the most well-known Italian motorbike brand. Its former headquarters are located in the Bologna neighborhood of Borgo Panigale. Ducati started making motorcycles in 1926.
Since 2012, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has been in charge of Ducati. Because of its accomplishments in the competitive arena, it is referred to as the “Ferrari” of the motorcycle industry. Its high-performing models are well-liked worldwide. The style has a very Italian flair.
Currently, Ducati offers more than thirty different motorcycle models, such as the Panigale, Monster, and Diavel series, in addition to the Hypermotard, Multistrada, Supersport, and Scrambler models.
Ducati Hypermotard 950
The Ducati Hypermotard is what happens when you give Italian designers, who usually create street bikes, a dual sport motorcycle. In the end, you get a stunning bike that flawlessly blends performance and enjoyment.
| DISPLACEMENT | 937 cc |
| MAX POWER | 112.4 bhp @9000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 96 Nm @7250 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 316 kmph |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 14.5L |
| PRICE | 17,61,126 |
2. Piaggio
The iconic Vespa, produced by Piaggio, is a motorbike that has been a status symbol for many Italian generations. Rinaldo Piaggio began manufacturing naval furniture in 1884. In 1946, he started manufacturing the world’s most well-known model, the Vespa scooter, which engineer D’Ascanio created. In addition to controlling the Gilera, Derbi, and Aprilia brands today, Piaggio is a market leader in the scooter industry.
3. Moto Guzzi
This iconic Italian motorcycle company has a rich history that began during World War I. It was established in 1921 as a family firm, but it faced numerous corporate difficulties after that and was eventually purchased by the Italian government in 1966.
The Moto Guzzi brand eventually took the place of the original GP Guzzi-Parodi motorcycle. The Guzzino 65, and later the Falcone and others, was a very successful vehicle.
Even in the event of an economic downturn, the V-twin remains a Moto Guzzi classic, and it is now a member of the Piaggio Group. Its new models still represent the top motorcycles.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT
The Moto Guzzi V7 Stone is a prime representation of the historical culture that exists in Italy. The V8 TT adheres to tradition, with the current versions bearing a striking resemblance to the bike’s early iterations. Thus, enjoying the unadulterated riding experience on a Moto Guzzi is like going back to the roots.
The silver fuel tanks are evocative of vintage race bikes. Riding in this posture is more comfortable, natural, and upright—like putting on a well-worn shoe. An air-cooled, longitudinal 90-degree V-twin engine powers the motorbike. Even the most pessimistic riders will be delighted by its deliciously torquey power.
| DISPLACEMENT | 853 cc |
| MAX POWER | 75.09 bhp @7500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 82 Nm @5000 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 165 kmph |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 23L |
| PRICE (IN RS) | 17,21,422/- |
4. MV Agusta
Its creation and production of road and racing motorcycles began in 1945, making its history very recent. The four-cylinder production superbike first appeared in the early 1960s. It was acquired by the Cagiva group in 1992, and in 2010, it was reclaimed following a brief 2008 transfer to the Harley Davidson group. It is regarded as the most prosperous Italian—or rather, European—motorcycle manufacturer of all time, even outperforming Ducati.
5. Aprilia
Excellent Italian motorbike manufacturer. It began with manufacturing bicycles in 1945. It first constructed the Colibrì and Daniela mopeds in the 1960s, and two years later, it proposed the Scarabeo model.
But the Eighties saw the introduction of the first sporty and enduro motorcycles, which were used in mule tracks and on dirt roads as a sport before being entered into competitions. The Scarabeo 50 scooter, which has the potential to reach 500cc, was introduced in 1993. Currently, Aprilia Motorcycles is a part of the Piaggio Group.
Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
The 1099cc BS6 engine that powers the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory produces a torque of 125 Nm and 213.89 horsepower. The anti-locking braking system of the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory is equipped with disc brakes on both the front and back wheels. The weight of this RSV4 1100 Factory bike is 202 kg, and its fuel tank holds 17.9 liters.
| DISPLACEMENT | 1099 cc |
| MAX POWER | 213.89 bhp @13000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 125 Nm @10500 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 305 kmph |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 17.9L |
| PRICE (IN RS) | 26,34,204/- |
6. Benelli
It is another well-known brand that was established in 1911, according to the widow Benelli’s testament. The original 75cc prototype would grow to 98cc, marking the beginning of series production from a repair company established in Pesaro in 1920. Benelli had a strong connection to international and national competitions.
Sadly, Benelli closed its factory in 1988, and its two unsuccessful attempts to resurrect the brand in 1989 and 1995 did not yield the expected outcomes. The final shutdown happened in 2005. A Chinese group currently owns it.
Benelli Leoncino 500
The Leoncino 500 is an inexpensive Italian bike that is ideal for the working man. Its affordability doesn’t mean that style or design is compromised. A 500cc DOHC parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine drives it. Its steel-heavy design makes it somewhat weighty, even for a middleweight. All that steel, though, gives the bike an incredible amount of strength. You’ll like how the riding position is both sporty and comfortable. You can ride around curves with complete control and stability thanks to the wide and high handlebars.
| DISPLACEMENT | 500 cc |
| MAX POWER | 46.8 bhp @8500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 46 Nm @6000 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 170 kmph |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 12.7L |
| PRICE (IN RS) | 6,37,463/- |
7. Moto Morini
Alfonso Morini, an Italian aviator and designer, started the company in 1937 to produce motorcycles. Initially, he produced engines and three-wheelers out of Bologna.
A brand that has returned to the road following several incidents, sporting new models that have all the makings of the iconic Morini 350cc that many young riders on Italian roads once considered essential.
Moto Morini X-Cape
Moto Morini offers a middleweight adventure touring motorbike called the XCape 650. This motorbike features a 650cc engine that delivers good performance and is inspired by Dakar-style bikes. Furthermore, the bike has a tonne of excellent features that no other bike in its class has. However, the brand’s service and sales reach are inadequate in India, which contributes to its low brand recall.
| DISPLACEMENT | 500 cc |
| MAX POWER | 46.8 bhp @8500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 46 Nm @6000 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 170 kmph |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 12.7L |
| PRICE (IN RS) | 6,37,463/- |
8. Lambretta
The 1933-founded Italian mechanical business Innocenti of Milan is the maker of the Lambretta, a hallmark of Italian engineering. The original Lambretta model was created in 1947 and was a huge hit with the Italian populace right away.
The Lambretta was designed to compete with Piaggio’s rival Vespa. The Indian government purchased the Lambretta trademark in 1972 to ensure that their nation would always have a cheap, accessible form of transportation. The Austrian KSR group purchased the Lambretta brand in 2017; prior to that, production was carried out by SIL (Scooters of India Limited) till 1997.
Lambretta V200
In July 2024, the Lambretta V200 is anticipated to go on sale in India, with a projected price tag of ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,30,000. The scooters in the V-Special series are the first new designs from the venerable Lambretta brand in almost fifty years. There will be three displacements available: 50, 125, and 200 cc. The 125 is the obvious pick to start with, but the latter two are anticipated to reach the Indian market. The V200 Special will be the top model in the lineup and the brand’s halo vehicle.
9. Vespa
Vespa was introduced in 1946 with a 98cc displacement and features that have remained constant over time. It is, without a doubt, one of the most well-known goods ever produced and a global symbol of Italian design.
It is a famous item on display in the Milan Triennale Design Museum and the MoMA in New York. A new series of Vespas featuring engines with automated transmissions debuted in 1996. The two-stroke PX engine, which was first introduced in 1977, has made a reappearance.
The Vespa is currently a part of the Piaggio company. It started as a Piaggio model but was so successful that in 2004, it became its brand.
Vespa SXL 150
The 149.5cc BS6 engine, which powers the Vespa SXL 150, produces 11.26 Nm of torque and 10.64 horsepower. The anti-locking braking system of the Vespa SXL 150 is equipped with front disc and rear drum brakes. The weight of this SXL 150 scooter is 115 kg, and its fuel tank holds 7.4 liters.
| DISPLACEMENT | 149.5 cc |
| MAX POWER | 10.64 bhp @7400 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 11.26 Nm @5300 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 90 kmph |
| TRANSMISSION | Automatic |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 7.4L |
| PRICE (IN RS) | 1,69,848/- |
10. Italjet
The Bologna-based Italian motorcycle manufacturer Italjet was established in 1960. Production of motorcycles was put on hold at the start of the 2000s and was only allowed to continue producing electric bikes and pedal-assisted bikes. It was back in action in November 2020.
From the initial outdated versions, we have come to the scooters and little mopeds of today. Medium displacement to achieve the ideal balance between performance and design. The next generation of motorcycles, the Dragster, which is a completely new vehicle with 125 and 200cc engines inspired by the well-known 90s scooter, will be produced starting in November 2020.
