Italy is one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the world. Not only are the country’s choppers stylish, but they’re also incredibly durable.
Because of that, people from all across the globe invest in the vehicles. Although, there are countless Italian brands that produce motorcycles.
For that reason, choosing the best one can be a little challenging. So, if you’re on the hunt for Italian motorcycle brands, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most notable manufacturers in the area. We’ll also talk about what makes each brand special.
History of Motorcycles in Italy
The origins of motorcycles in Italy date back to the First World War. During that time, Benelli worked diligently on fixing war machinery.
While the troops were out battling, engineers would stay behind and maintain equipment. After a short period, people realized that they needed better transportation.
Cars were too loud and bulky to hide efficiently. So, Benelli began designing a solution. The company wanted to develop a vehicle that could travel at great speeds on ruined pathways.
That’s how it came up with motorcycles. The first iteration was a bicycle frame retrofitted with a single-cylinder two-stroke engine.
Not only were these effective, but they were also quite affordable to manufacture. So, people from all over the country were clamoring to get their hands on one.
Because of the boom in popularity, many companies started producing two-wheeled motorbikes.
This quickly developed into the industry we know and love. Today, Italy manufactures some of the world’s most impressive motorcycles.
From world-renowned brands to small niche makers, there are countless options. These vehicles usually come with exceptional engines and amazing designs.
For that reason, Italian motorcycles have made their way around the globe. People from every region spend years saving up for one of these impeccable vehicles.
Motorcycle Brands in Italy
Now that you know the history of motorcycles in the region, we can move on to the brands. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most notable manufacturers in Italy.
1. Moto Guzzi
- Established: 1921
- Area served: Worldwide
The first company on our list is Moto Guzzi. It’s arguably one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in Italy.
The story starts with two aircraft pilots and a service mechanic. These three wanted to start a motorcycle company as soon as World War I ended.
Sadly, one of the partners died in an airplane crash just days after the war. So, the two others took it upon themselves to commemorate him.
That’s why the brand’s logo is a flying eagle. It’s a way to remember the founders’ fallen comrade.
Although, this tragic incident wouldn’t halt the progress of the company. By the end of 1921, the business produced the GP-500.
This would be the first of many motorcycle models to come.
Besides that, Moto Guzzi is responsible for countless innovations in the industry. That includes the first motorcycle center stand.
Plus, the company created the wind tunnel and the eight-cylinder engine.
2. Ducati
- Established: 1926
- Area served: Worldwide
Ducati is possibly the most famous motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Some people even refer to it as the Ferrari of the motorcycle world.
Although, the company didn’t start off that way.
In fact, in its early days, the business focused on radio components. Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his sons began producing vacuum tubes and condensers.
Because of the quality of their work, the company skyrocketed in popularity. So, it was able to operate during the Second World War.
Even though the brand was the target of many Allied bombings, it pulled through.
Then, by 1950, Ducati decided to shift production gears. That’s when the company made the Cucciolo, an engine made for mounting on bikes.
This would start a long line of two-wheeled vehicles.
Today, Ducati offers over 30 different motorcycle models. From smaller vehicles made for speed, to durable bulkier designs.
So, you should be able to find a chopper that works for you.
3. MV Agusta
- Established: 1945
- Area served: Worldwide
MV Agusta began making motorcycles in 1945. Yet, the story of the company starts a little earlier.
Giovanni Agusta founded an aircraft factory in the town of Samarate in 1923. After he saw how useful aviation was during the First World War, he decided to create new airplanes.
However, by 1927, Giovanni died and left his company to his wife and children. While the successors ran the company successfully for a while, this wouldn’t last.
When the Second World War came about, Italy was no longer allowed to produce aircrafts. This left the business in a precarious position.
If it wanted to keep the lights on, it would have to venture into a different industry. That’s when Dominico Agusta, Giovanni’s son, chose to go into the motorcycle business.
Now, MV Agusta makes some of the fastest choppers in the world.
4. Piaggio
- Established: 1884
- Area served: Worldwide
Enrico Piaggio bought a large piece of land in 1882 to establish a lumber yard. This venture was successful enough that within two years, it was able to expand.
By 1884, Enrico’s son branched out into locomotive and railway carriages. That earned the company a lot of recognition in the area.
Then, as World War I came about, Piaggio decided to expand further into the military sector. At this point, the company produced anti-submarine motorboats and airplanes.
Next, it started manufacturing aircraft engines, trucks, trams, and nautical fittings. These were all in high demand during the war.
Yet, as soon as the fighting ended, the need for such equipment dropped quickly. So, Piaggio had to diversify his production line.
That’s when he decided to venture into motorcycle manufacturing. It was the most affordable mode of transportation at the time.
This led to the design and production of Paperino, the first Piaggio motorcycle. In time, that gave us the lightweight Piaggio scooters we love today.
5. Aprilia
- Established: 1945
- Area served: Worldwide
When Aprilia first launched in 1945, the company manufactured bicycles. For over two decades, this was the business’ main export.
Although, that would change by 1968. Ivano Beggio took over the firm and made a few changes.
He constructed a 50 cc motorcycle named Colibri. This was a moped, which means it was smaller than the average motorcycle.
Yet, the vehicle was still stable and could reach great speeds. After the success of these choppers, the company expanded its range.
By 1970, it created the Scarabeo, a motocross bike. This came in two versions, 50 cc and 125 cc.
Still, Aprilia would gain more recognition when it joined the world of racing. In 1980, the brand introduced the Endura, trails, and road bikes.
These vehicles came with motors as powerful as 600 cc engines. Because of that, they were able to take the racing world by storm.
Years later, the Piaggio group would acquire Aprilia.
6. Benelli
- Established: 1911
- Area served: Worldwide
We can’t talk about Italian motorcycles without mentioning Benelli. Unfortunately, the story of the business has a tragic beginning.
Teresa Boni Benelli was a wife and mother of six. After the death of her husband, the widow had to fend for her kids on her own.
So, she decided to invest all of her family capital in a small business. When it launched, the Benelli Garage only had 11 employees, five of whom were her sons.
It was a small, yet profitable business. The company would operate as a repair shop for bikes and motorcycles for years.
Not only would they service vehicles, but they could produce spare parts from scratch. This made the company incredibly useful to everyone in the area.
That would carry on into the First World War. The engineers working in the garage took on odd jobs to support the military.
They’d fix machinery and weaponry. Thankfully, this would come to a close in 1918, when the war ended.
That freed up the Benelli Garage for other projects. By 1919, the company introduced its first motorcycle.
7. Vespa
- Established: 1946
- Area served: Worldwide
In 1946, Piaggio came up with a design for a special type of moped. This vehicle would have a 98 cc engine and impressive bodywork.
Vespas came with a metal enclosure that covered the drivetrain. That would also act as a tall splash guard in the front of the vehicle.
Besides that, it had handlebar-mounted controls, forced air cooling, and smaller wheels. For these reasons, the mopeds were in high demand.
In fact, they were so popular that Piaggio was able to create an entirely new brand to sell them. That’s how Vespa came about.
Today, these vehicles have automatic transmissions and aerodynamic designs.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for Italian motorcycle brands, there are many to choose from. Some of the most famous companies include Benelli, Ducati, and Moto Guzzi.
Other than that, there’s MV Agusta, Piaggio, and Aprilia. All of these brands create exceptional motorcycles with incredible features.
Although, if you’re looking for a smaller vehicle with excellent stability, Vespa may be the way to go.
