Image Source: 123rf.com
While there have been some absolutely legendary motorcycles over the years, there have been several that missed the mark. If you are going to spend the money, you want to ensure you’re getting a good motorcycle. Names like Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha are all synonymous with two-wheel driving, but they haven’t always made the best motorbikes. Some models just sucked. Whether it was due to poor design, lackluster performance, or just impractical features, these are six of the worst motorcycles ever built.
6. Kawasaki Vulcan 2000: A Heavyweight Misstep
The Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 boasted the largest engine in a production cruiser at its release, but bigger wasn’t necessarily better. Its massive 2,053cc engine made the bike excessively heavy and difficult to handle, especially for smaller riders. While it had plenty of torque, the power delivery felt clunky and lacked refinement. The bike’s size and weight made low-speed maneuvering a nightmare, discouraging casual riders.
Top Speed explained it best, writing, “The Vulcan 2000 weighed in at a not inconsiderable 820 pounds and the weight seemed to transfer itself to the controls as well: the clutch needed the strength of Hercules which might not have been a problem with 121 foot pounds of torque on offer, meaning that a mere twist of the right wrist had you rocketing forward, but the low rev limit meant you had to change up through the gears often when moving.”
Reliability issues with components like the clutch and belt drive added to its problems. Despite its bold ambition, the Vulcan 2000 failed to strike the right balance.
5. Honda DN-01: A Design Disaster
The Honda DN-01 is often described as a bike that didn’t know what it wanted to be. Marketed as a cruiser with automatic transmission, it failed to resonate with both traditional motorcyclists and newcomers. Its futuristic design looked impressive on paper but turned out bulky and awkward in practice. Overall, it seemed like the Honda DN-01 had an identity crisis. It wasn’t quite a sports bike, but it wasn’t a scooter or cruiser either.
On top of that, performance was mediocre, with its 680cc engine providing neither thrilling speed nor efficient cruising. Riders found the high price tag ($14,599 in 2009) unjustifiable for what it offered. The DN-01’s confusing identity and underwhelming functionality made the Dream New Concept One (DN-01) become better known as the Do Not Order One.
4. Harley-Davidson Street 750: A Misstep in Modernization
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 aimed to attract younger riders and urban commuters, but it failed to impress. Critics highlighted its uninspired design, cheap materials, and lackluster performance. The engine, while decent for city use, felt underpowered on highways, disappointing riders seeking versatility. Handling was subpar, with a mushy suspension that struggled over bumps and uneven roads.
One Reddit user named this as the worst bike ever built, writing, “Well the Harley Street 750 is a real sh*tter but I would also mention the Amazonas 1600.”
Build quality issues, including flimsy components and poor paint jobs, further tarnished its reputation. Many felt the Street 750 didn’t live up to the Harley name, leaving it as a missed opportunity.
3. Yamaha YZF-R1 (First Generation): An Overheated Gamble
The Yamaha YZF-R1, while an icon today, stumbled during its first-generation release in 1998. Early models suffered from overheating issues, subpar brakes, and a lack of durability under intense use. The bike was undeniably fast, but its reliability was questionable, especially for riders pushing it to its limits. Handling quirks and a sensitive throttle response made it intimidating for less experienced riders. It also wasn’t comfortable at all. Top Speed described the seat as a “device of torture” and the amount you had to reach to get to the handlebars was too far.
Yamaha quickly addressed these flaws in subsequent models, but the early R1 remains a cautionary tale. Despite its later success, its initial release left room for improvement.
2. Suzuki RE-5: Rotary Regret
Suzuki’s ambitious RE-5, introduced in the mid-1970s, featured a Wankel rotary engine that promised cutting-edge technology. Unfortunately, it fell flat due to excessive weight, complex mechanics, and subpar fuel efficiency.
On Reddit, one person wrote about the RE-5. They said, “Suzuki RE-5. Rotary engine motorcycle. A classic example of ‘just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD.'”
The rotary engine, while innovative, required constant maintenance and confused many mechanics of the era. Its quirky styling, including a tube-shaped instrument cluster, didn’t appeal to the masses. Riders were put off by its sluggish acceleration and underwhelming reliability. Suzuki eventually discontinued the RE-5, making it a bold yet failed experiment.
1. AMF Harleys: A Struggle for Survival
During the 1970s and early 1980s, Harley-Davidson partnered with AMF (American Machine and Foundry), and the results were disastrous. Quality control took a nosedive, leading to unreliable bikes plagued by oil leaks and frequent breakdowns.
Redditers agreed with the AMF Harleys being listed as the worst of the worst. One person wrote, “Everything I hear about that era of HD sounds comically bad, especially with the other rebranded junk they sold like Golf Carts and such.” Another chimed in, “If you like replacing cooked gaskets, those AMF Harleys were great!” A third person agreed, “Or completely replacing the electrical system only to discover the replacement parts were as bad as the originals. 81 Ironhead. Never again.”
Many enthusiasts believe AMF’s involvement nearly destroyed Harley’s reputation. While the company focused on mass production, it sacrificed the craftsmanship Harley fans cherished. Riders experienced everything from poor handling to shoddy engine builds. Though Harley rebounded later, the AMF era left a lasting scar on its legacy.
Lessons from Two-Wheeled Misfires
When you look at the worst motorcycles ever built, there are some overarching themes. For the most part, engineers and designers missed the mark when it came to each of these bikes. For AMF Harleys, it was the quality of the machine. Suzuki tried to use an engine that just didn’t work. Yahama had a fast bike that no one wanted to sit on because it was far too awkward and uncomfortable. The HD Street 750 and the Honda just didn’t live up to the hype, while the Kawasaki didn’t leave riders with any sense of control. Each of these things provides insight into what makes a motorcycle truly great (or truly horrible).
What is the worst motorcycle ever built in your opinion?
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.
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