We Ranked the Iconic Motorcycles of the ‘70s

One of Italy’s most prominent ’70s sports bike designs, the Ducati Supersport had a 748cc V-twin engine and a design philosophy that made it ideal for both ordinary roads and the sports track.

Aerodynamic, lightweight, and driven by a powerful engine, it was beloved for its performance and sleek aesthetic. Even today, it’s still a highly sought-after motorcycle for collectors and enthusiasts. Amazing, though it may be, the Ducati Supersport isn’t the most iconic bike of the ’70s.

For most of the ’70s, the Harley-Davidson XR750 was at the forefront of dirt track racing. The adjustable suspension and durable frame made it ideal for that, and the aesthetic itself, complete with a narrow fuel tank and high-mounted exhaust, screamed “American design.”

It’s the quintessential American ’70s motorcycle. It’s worth noting that stunt legend Evil Knievel frequently ridden this bike, which is a big reason why it’s so iconic. Racing enthusiasts today still love this bike, and many would love to own one.

Honda is mostly known for SUVs and sedans these days, but there were lots of iconic Honda motorcycles in the ’70s, including the CL200. This bike was notable for its ability to handle all sorts of terrain thanks to the dual-sport suspension and knobbed tires.

Even at the time, the CL200’s aesthetic was a bit retro, what with the upswept handlebars, but that also made it recognizable. While the CL200 was great, it wasn’t the most iconic Honda motorcycle of the ’70s. We still love it, though!

Britain had no shortage of iconic motorcycles in the ’70s. One such bike was the Norton 850 Commando. Its 828cc parallel-twin engine, combined with a unique isolating frame, made for a smooth ride with very little vibration.

It was agile and comfortable to ride, and the Roadholder forks looked great. Because it struck a great balance between a modern — at the time — look and a retro one, it became beloved for its unique appearance. Even today, many remember it fondly.

Perhaps one of the most iconic aspects of the Ducati 860 GT was the distinctive sound produced by the 864cc V-twin engine. Of course, it was also a great example of an Italian bike that struck a fantastic balance between sporty performance and ease of use for casual riders.

That ease of use was facilitated by the bike’s perfectly balanced chassis. Of course, it wasn’t hurting in the looks department either: thousands of people fell in love with its chrome accents and unique tank.

The Ducati 750SS was a testament to the racing history of Ducati and what they were capable of when it came to making sports bikes with excellent performance. Lightweight, agile, packing a ton of power and designed with a minimalist aesthetic.

The success of this bike in the ’70s cemented Ducati’s reputation for racing bikes. We’ll admit, the rear of the bike is pretty weird-looking, but plenty of people out there love the thing in its entirety, so that look is still iconic.

Yamaha had no shortage of its own amazing motorcycles in the ’70s. One classic was the XT500, primarily known for its incredibly reliable 499cc single-cylinder engine. The long-travel suspension and durable frame made it a great offroad bike, which also led it to become a very popular desert racer.

The XT500 wasn’t much fancy, but that was part of its charm. It was simple but performed well, especially in events like the Paris-Dakar Rally. Today, it’s still a cherished example of Yamaha’s excellence.

One of the best selling points about the Honda CBX was the huge 105 horsepower it sported thanks to its 1047cc inline six-cylinder engine. It also had a unique design with six different exhausts, but this touring bike was great just because it felt so nice to ride.

We won’t pretend that it’s the most iconic Honda bike of the ’70s, but it’s definitely an amazing vintage vehicle that lots of people fell in love with fifty years ago — and it’s still beloved today!

No one should be surprised that there’s more than one Yamaha XT series bike on this list. On-road or off-road, the 660cc single-cylinder engine and dual-sport capability made the XT660 very popular. It wasn’t the highest-performance bike in the world, but it was durable, comfortable, and reliable.

Those traits made it a “people’s bike” of sorts: not the most amazing of them all, but an easily accessible, reliable companion for the masses that was liked by all. That’s the power of well-done versatility.

Ducati wasn’t the only Italian manufacturer that excelled at making sports bikes. The Bimota KB1 was another incredible work of art from the ’70s, with a super lightweight chassis and powerful Kawasaki 998cc four-cylinder inline engine that made it a beast on the road.

Combined with the advanced suspensions, the KB1 responded like a dream, even at speed. Of course, its minimalist design gave it a fantastic racing aesthetic. Still, there are more iconic ’70s bikes out there to mention.

The Honda CY50 was a charming little thing, mostly known for being compact and practical. It only had a 49cc single-cylinder engine, but it was enough to carry its riders around with ease, especially as a commute vehicle.

Of course, another great selling point was that it was inexpensive, making the CY50 accessible to almost everyone. It’s definitely not the most incredible motorcycle of the decade, but it is an important member of the roster nonetheless, with plenty of fans even today.

Most people don’t associate BMW with motorcycles today, but in the ’70s, they produced several impressive bikes, including the R65. With its 649cc boxer twin engine, it wasn’t the most powerful or agile bike.

But it was pretty satisfying in both regards, making it great for urban riding and touring. Even better for the masses was its small size and lightweight. It was easy to ride and made a good first bike for many aspiring riders.

Speaking of BMW, they also made some great racing bikes in the ’70s, such as the R90S. It still had a boxer twin engine, but this one was 898cc. Perhaps one of the most recognizable aspects of the R90S is the two-tone color scheme, which gave it a striking and memorable appearance.

Of course, its performance was impressive, too, thanks to its aerodynamic fairing and excellent suspension. Many people love this bike, and they have good reasons.

The Honda MB50 was an entry-level bike designed to be affordable but still fun to ride. It may have only had a 49cc engine, but because it was lightweight and agile, that was more than enough to make it a great city bike.

It also had a ton of amazing color options, making it a worthwhile buy for many new riders. Undoubtedly, the MB50 was the first motorcycle of many riders in the ’70s, which is a big reason why it’s so iconic.

Now, here’s a hugely iconic motorcycle everyone should recognize: the incredible Triumph X-75 Hurricane! For the time, it had some very unique styling, including a teardrop gas tank and triple exhaust pipes.

The designer, Craig Vetter, clearly wanted it to be bold and memorable, and considering its popularity, he succeeded. Ironically, what a lot of people remember about it is just how great it looked. Not to say that its performance was something to sneeze at, though! It was still a great bike to ride.

What’s iconic about the NR500 is the innovative technology design it brought to the field in 1979. The 499cc four-cylinder engine had oval pistons and eight valves per cylinder, which was unheard of at the time.

It was designed specifically for Grand Prix racing, but unfortunately, its racing success was limited. Still, it had a great futuristic look to accompany its advanced technology, so the NR500 is still remembered for pushing the boundaries of motorcycle design at the time. Pushing the limits makes history!

We haven’t mentioned many British motorcycles yet, but we’d be remiss to not bring up the Velocette Venom. Elegant in both name and design, it’s not just iconic — it’s legendary. The Venom could reach speeds of over 100mph, but what people most remember it for is its amazing craftsmanship.

Simply put, the Venom looked amazing. With its fishtail exhaust and sleek lines, it was like a luxury vehicle, even though it could still set awesome records. The Velocette Venom remains a vintage icon of the ’70s.

India produced some of their own iconic bikes in the ’70s, including the Yezdi Roadking and its 250cc two-stroke engine. Rugged and reliable, the Roadking had excellent handling that made it a great choice for both city and less well-paved roads.

For riders in India, the Roadking was a symbol of the freedom motorcycles can offer. Sure, maybe you didn’t see this bike as much outside of India, but hey, this list is not limited to any one country. Iconic is iconic no matter where it’s from!

The GT750, often called the Water Buffalo, is iconic for a particularly important reason: it was the first Japanese motorcycle to have a liquid-cooled engine. Powerful but with a smooth ride, it was a great bike for long-distance bikers because it could reach high speeds while still being comfortable.

Of course, it also had a distinct look, which helped it stand out. But really, any bike that gets a special, unofficial moniker is going to be iconic by default. You have to be memorable for that!

Here’s a rare entry from Finland: the Tunturi Super Sport. The bike itself is not very fancy: some might even call it minimalist, but there’s beauty in that. The 49cc two-stroke engine wasn’t the most powerful around, but the bike was streamlined and sporty, and it had great handling.

Sometimes, what makes a bike iconic is just the fact that it is reliable and easy to ride. Power and speed are great, but reliability is even more important than those traits, and the Super Sport delivered.

Let’s go back to Britain with the Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor, with its 736cc parallel-twin engine and impressive torque. Though, like many British bikes, we’d argue that the aesthetic is the most memorable thing about the Interceptor — that and its super long name!

Clearly, the British know how to make a bike look classy while still injecting lots of power and reliability into its performance, and the Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor delivers on that front. But there are still other impressive bikes out there.

As you can see by now, Honda really put a lot of work in during the ’70s, and they didn’t disappoint with the CG125 either. The best thing about this motorcycle was the fact that it was efficient, reliable, and really easy to maintain.

It was simple enough for regular commuters but still packed a punch if you wanted it. As with many other bikes on this list, it’s not the one with the best performance, but that doesn’t make it less of a ’70s staple.

We’re not trying to say anything inflammatory here, but is it just us, or does the Yamaha RD350 look almost exactly like the Honda CG125 we just talked about? And what’s with the popularity of orange in the ’70s?

Despite its aesthetic similarities, the RD350 had a much stronger 347cc two-stroke engine. It was lightweight and powerful, which made it an agile beast beloved by sport riders. It’s definitely iconic, but it’s hard to set yourself apart when you look so similar to another bike.

This iconic ’70s motorcycle was designed for Grand Prix racing with a lightweight build and superior handling. It’s the Kawasaki KR250, and unlike some other competitors, it did actually win a number of championships during its heyday.

Admittedly, it’s a bit weird looking, but for a lot of people, that’s part of the charm! Due to its racing success and innovative aesthetic design, the KR250 remains a classic vintage motorcycle in the eyes of many enthusiasts and a testament to Kawasaki’s legacy.

Now, here’s a niche entry: the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, an Italian model that featured a 748cc V-twin engine that gave it a lot of power. Really though, one of its strongest points was its unmistakable aesthetic, helped along by its very unique layout with a transverse engine.

It really does just scream “Italy,” doesn’t it? There are many motorcycles out there with a distinctive look, but this one rocks the flamboyant aesthetic like few bikes can.

One of the things Harley-Davidson eventually became known for was big, powerful bikes, and the FL series encapsulated that perfectly. These bikes were made for long cruises, though their iconic look, with abundant chrome and batwing fairing, also contributed to their appeal.

Truly, the FL series should be considered iconic just because of what a huge role it played in defining society’s image of Harley-Davidson. You can really see how their design philosophy evolved from this point, like a progenitor of sorts.

Yamaha understood that simplicity can be very desirable, and the SR500 embodied that ideal. It may have only had a 499cc single-cylinder engine, but that also meant it had an easy riding experience that anyone could acclimate to quickly.

Plus, having no unnecessary aesthetic frills meant you had lots of personal customization options! It was easy to maintain as well, which is always a big plus for any rider. Overall, the SR500 was a fantastic addition to the Yamaha lineup in the ’70s.

Speaking of Yamaha, they had some incredible dirt bikes in the ’70s, too, such as the YZ250. Both off-road enthusiasts and motocross fans enjoyed the YZ250 for its powerful engine, lightweight build, and reliable suspension, all of which allowed it to handle like a dream, even on rough terrain.

Though this bike is vintage, it has stood the test of time, as there are still plenty of off-road racers who prefer to use it in their escapades. Quality never goes out of style, it seems!

Harley-Davidson wasn’t the only one that built big, rugged bikes. You can see a similar design philosophy in the BMW R69S, another motorcycle intended for long-distance cruising. It did have some unique aesthetic choices to set it apart, though, like the Earles front fork.

It was reliable and comfortable and had a pretty hefty amount of power, too. So, really, it’s no surprise that this bike stood out in the ’70s for being such an amazing piece of vehicular technology.

Hodaka doesn’t have the same name presence as many other manufacturers on this list, but their 1970 Super Rat was a real wonder. This dirt bike was rugged and consistently reliable, with a durable suspension and lightweight frame. This all made it ideal for off-roading.

In fact, the Super Rat was a major contributor to the popularization of motocross and dirt racing in the ’70s, so for that alone, it can only be considered iconic. The distinctive red and chrome color scheme still stands out today.

Lo and behold, another Yamaha icon, this time coming in the form of the YZR500, one of the most impressive Grand Prix racers of the decade. Racers such as Giacomo Agostini and Kenny Roberts made waves with this beauty, claiming several racing wins and cementing the YRZ500 as a racing icon.

You can see how the YZR500 impacted the future aesthetic of racing bikes. For its legendary racing accomplishment and its impact on racing motorcycles, the YZR500 remains a favorite for many.

We don’t have many bikes from Moto on here, but we’d never forget to mention the Morini 3 1/2. Unlike a lot of Italian bikes, it was a pretty minimalist design, but it definitely still carried its trademark flair with the many color options and sleek tank.

As a performer, the 3 1/2 was mostly known for providing a smooth ride and great handling, which made it suitable for long commutes or cruises. It might not have been the most memorable motorcycle of the ’70s, but it had lots of fans.

Surely, no one is surprised to see another Yamaha motorcycle. The XS650 is a bit different from the other Yamaha bikes we’ve mentioned when it comes to aesthetics, but like all of its compatriots, it was well-known for being a reliable motorcycle with nice performance everywhere it mattered.

Even better, it was easy to maintain, which is always a plus for absolutely anyone. Well, anyone who has to maintain their things themselves, we suppose! Either way, the XS650 remains a beloved icon of ’70s bikes even today.

The Kawasaki Z1 had an incredible 903cc inline-four engine, which gave it blistering speed in 1972. Combined with an aggressive aesthetic design, this bike became a favorite of many racers in the ’70s for its speed and cutting-edge performance.

At the time, the Z1 really cemented Kawasaki’s place in the motorcycle market. It proved that they had the right stuff and ensured that biking enthusiasts eagerly anticipated every new Kawasaki model that came out afterward. For reasons like that, the Z1 is incredibly memorable!

Let’s bring it back to another British legend: the 1970 Triumph Bonneville. With a 650cc parallel-twin engine, it was powerful but still had great handling, making it agile, too. It had a unique and easily recognizable tank design, along with lots of chrome accents, which made it aesthetically pleasing.

It was fun to ride, it looked good, and it oozed class and style. So, it’s no surprise that the Bonneville was so iconic in the ’70s or that bikers still remember it fondly.

This motorcycle’s claim to fame is the fact that it was the first production bike that featured a six-cylinder engine, which was 906cc. Of course, it also had a distinctive design, and the 900 Sei exhibited performance that was both powerful and smooth.

It even had a unique sound while riding. Benelli faced a lot of competition in the ’70s and didn’t come out of the decade quite as well as manufacturers like Yamaha, but the Sei 900 was a high point for them during that time.

Are you surprised with how few Suzuki bikes we’ve mentioned so far? Don’t worry, we’re just saving them for these high ranks because motorcycles like the GS750 deserve it! It had a 750cc four-cylinder engine that provided speed and power, but the bike still had awesome handling.

Of course, its sleek appearance did wonders for its popularity, too, but ultimately, the GS750 became an icon because it was amazing for both casual riders and those who wanted sporty performance, which helped establish Suzuki’s reputation.

Introduced right as the ’70s began, the MV Agusta Sport looked a bit odd compared to many of its contemporaries, but it was an Italian motorcycle with a racing background, with a great mix of nimbleness and power.

Its simple elegance and striking, bold color scheme drew the eye. As an icon of Italian motorcycle manufacturing, we absolutely had to include it here. There are still some other bikes for us to mention, but the 350B sport is amazing nonetheless.

The Suzuki RE-5 is notable because it had a truly innovative piece of design back in the ’70s: it had a rotary engine. This unique design provided a lot less vibration while riding than traditional piston engines did, making it one of the smoothest riding bikes of the ’70s.

Unfortunately, the RE-5’s revolutionary and complex engine meant that maintenance was a big hassle, even if you took the bike to a dedicated shop. So, the RE-5 faced challenges in the market, but we still love it anyway!

Here comes the Kawasaki H2 750, also called the “Widowmaker.” With its 750cc two-stroke engine, it could easily get up to 120 mph, and it exuded power. That said, it was infamous for not having the best handling, so you had to be a really good rider to make the most of it.

So, while it may not have been the best bike for a beginner, the H2 750 was perfect for experienced riders who wanted a thrilling motorcycle that looked awesome and performed exceptionally.

That’s right, this is our only Husqvarna motorcycle on the list, but it had to be here. With a 396cc 2-stroke single-cylinder engine, the 400 Cross won two championships in the skilled hands of Swedish racer Bengt Aberg, though it was ridden by lots of other famous racers as well.

Heck, this bike was so iconic that it even appeared in popular Hollywood movies in the ’70s! Needless to say, it’s a legend of motocross and absolutely deserves to be this high up.

This bike is arguably the one that really put Honda on the map when it came to touring motorcycles. The Gold Wing was originally supposed to be a power cruiser but became a long-distance touring motorcycle in domestic American markets.

Power, comfort, and reliability helped position the Gold Wing for success, along with an iconic name, allowing it to compete effectively with brands like Harley-Davidson. It’s definitely one of the top five most iconic ’70s bikes.

Our only other Triumph model on the list is the Trident. It was not the 1969 model that most people thought looked awful. The 1970 version not only looked great but for a time, it was considered one of the fastest street bikes available.

Even after losing that title to the Norton Commando, it was still an amazing machine. Ultimately, Triumph’s design process for the 1970 Trident was a bit convoluted, but it worked out in the end, making for an iconic and memorable motorcycle.

Pretty much the most popular bike that Moto Guzzi ever made the Le Mans 850, had some awesome features to its name: it could reach absurd speeds, handled well, and was even used by Roy Armstrong in the prestigious 1977 Avon Production Series — and he won!

It was somewhat similar to the BMW R90S mentioned elsewhere on this list, but the Le Mans 850 stood out for having a beefier frame and more impressive acceleration characteristics. Eventually, several successful Le Mans models were made.

Alright everyone, just remember — this is a matter of opinion! But for us, the Honda CB400F is the most iconic motorcycle of the ’70s. Come on, it had everything you could possibly want.

It was one of the most amazing-looking sports bikes of the era, and it had a 10,000 RPM red line and even a six-speed transmission, which was quite rare upon its debut. It was built for speed and performance, and many think it was the best Honda bike of the decade. We agree!