The 40 Worst Motorcycles Ever Manufactured

From the moment we twist the throttle, motorcycles have the power to stir our souls, ignite our passions, and set us free on the open road. However, not all motorcycles are created equal. In the rearview mirror of motorcycle history, there are those rare machines that stand out not for their innovation, performance, or style, but for their unmitigated failure on all fronts. These are the bikes that left riders scratching their heads, nursing their wounds, or simply walking away in disgust.

We’ll take a closer look at 40 of the worst motorcycles ever made, examining the flaws, the failures, and the frustrations that made them the stuff of infamy. From the underpowered to the overweight, from the unreliable to the unrideable, these are the bikes that prove that even the biggest names in the industry can sometimes get it horribly, horribly wrong.

1997 Bimota V-Due

In 1997, as two-stroke engines were on the verge of being phased out in all segments except motocross and some dirt bikes, Bimota announced they had developed a clean-burning two-stroke V-twin, the V-Due, using direct injection. Promises of reliability, greater fuel efficiency, reduced oil consumption, and an impressive 105 HP and 66 lbs-ft of torque output garnered significant attention.

However, the V-Due engine proved to be an utter disaster. The fuel injection system was inconsistent, leaving riders with either no power or sudden bursts of power, usually at inopportune moments. Traction control was virtually non-existent at the time, leading to frequent rear wheel spin-ups as power unexpectedly surged. Despite Bimota’s attempts to salvage the V-Due, the costs associated with trying to rectify the engine’s issues ultimately led to the company’s bankruptcy.

1998 Victory V92C

While the 1998 Victory V92C was reportedly loved by some despite being “a little rough around the edges,” it was far from perfect. Every gear change was accompanied by a jarring sound, as if the engine utilized a ball-peen hammer instead of a shift fork. Nonetheless, fond memories remain for those who rode it across the continent on the Lincoln Highway.

When the V92C first appeared in the subterranean test-bike garage at Motorcyclist magazine, its homely appearance made some hope they wouldn’t be assigned to review it, especially given the abundance of new R1s and ZX-9s available at the time. Polaris had sent a bike with either a bad clutch, broken transmission, or some other unrideable issue, and it took up space gathering dust for a month or two before mysteriously disappearing.

2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

The 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000, while not inherently bad in terms of looks, function, or engineering, marked the pinnacle of an era of increasingly larger Harley-Davidson imitators. With a 2053cc V-twin engine boasting 125 cubic inches, it was the biggest available at the time. Weighing 820 pounds with 5.5 gallons of fuel, simply lifting it off the sidestand tested whether one should attempt to ride it.

The low 27-inch seat height made it difficult for shorter riders to touch the ground, while the thin seat proved painful for riders of all sizes. Taller riders, for whom the bike seemed designed, also found the seat unforgiving. The handlebars appeared better suited for a horse-drawn plow or jetpack. The housing bubble implosion of 2010 ultimately sank the Vulcan 2000, along with much of the custom cruiser business, marking the end of a rather ridiculous era.

2005 Hyosung GT650R

Despite Hyosung’s reputation as a large manufacturer, rumored to have built entire engines for respected brands like Suzuki, they consistently struggled to get their own motorcycles right. Reviews of the GT650R, including from Motorcycle.com, were filled with lukewarm conclusions, acknowledging its shortcomings while attempting to highlight any redeeming qualities.

The GT650R’s flaws were numerous: a vague, high-effort transmission prone to popping out of gear; brakes and clutch devoid of feel; and subpar fit and finish. While its overall function was deemed not tragically far behind its Japanese counterparts, it was undeniably inferior in most aspects. Priced only marginally lower than a genuine Suzuki SV650, the Hyosung GT650R failed to justify its existence, and the company no longer appears to be actively selling motorcycles in the US market.