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When you think of famous car brands, motorcycles probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But over the years, several iconic automakers have quietly experimented with two-wheel machines and some of them were surprisingly good. From luxury names like BMW to supercar makers like Ferrari, these rare motorcycle projects prove that even car giants can’t resist the thrill of two wheels.
What Are Car-Brand Motorcycles and Why They’re So Rare
Car-brand motorcycles are bikes built or commissioned by well-known automobile manufacturers, usually as experimental designs, limited editions, or engineering showcases. They’re rare because most car companies specialize in four wheels meaning these bikes often appear as one-off prototypes or passion projects rather than full-scale production models.
These motorcycles usually combine a car maker’s signature design language with innovative tech. The result? Machines that look as good as they ride but with exclusivity that makes them collector favorites.
How Car Companies Ended Up Building Motorcycles – Explained Simply
Most car-brand motorcycles were born out of curiosity or competition. Some were built to explore new markets, while others were created to showcase engineering or design capabilities. For example, when luxury brands wanted to show off futuristic materials or high-performance engines, a motorcycle was the perfect blank canvas.
It’s also about brand identity building a bike is a bold statement that says, “We can master speed and design in any form.”
1. BMW Motorrad – The Car Brand That Became a Bike Legend
Let’s start with the most successful example: BMW. The German automaker didn’t just dabble in motorcycles it built an entire empire around them. In fact, BMW Motorrad has been producing bikes since 1923, long before its modern luxury cars became household names.
BMW’s first motorcycle, the R32, featured an air-cooled flat-twin engine — a layout still used in many of its bikes today. Fast forward to now, and models like the BMW S1000RR and R 1250 GS are global favorites. BMW proved that a car company could not only build motorcycles but dominate the market.
| Model | Year Introduced | Highlight Feature |
|---|---|---|
| R32 | 1923 | First BMW motorcycle |
| R 1250 GS | 2018 | Adventure touring legend |
| S1000RR | 2009 | Superbike performance rival |
2. Ferrari – The Secret “V4 Superbike” That Shocked Collectors
Yes, even Ferrari once had a motorcycle though it was never officially produced. In the 1990s, a designer named David Kay built a Ferrari-branded motorcycle with the company’s blessing, using a hand-built 900cc V4 engine inspired by Ferrari’s Formula 1 technology.
Only one was ever made, and it was later auctioned for over £100,000. The red-and-chrome beauty wasn’t just fast; it was a rolling piece of art that perfectly captured Ferrari’s racing DNA on two wheels.
3. Mercedes-AMG and MV Agusta – When Supercars Met Superbikes
In 2014, Mercedes-AMG partnered with Italian motorcycle brand MV Agusta to create a series of limited-edition bikes. The collaboration aimed to bring AMG’s performance heritage to the motorcycle world.
The standout was the MV Agusta F3 800 AMG, painted in AMG’s signature “Solar Beam Yellow.” It wasn’t a rebadged bike AMG had a real influence on the design and performance tweaks. It offered razor-sharp handling, 148 horsepower, and stunning looks that wouldn’t look out of place next to a Mercedes-AMG GT.
4. Peugeot Motorcycles – A Century of Hidden History
Many don’t know that Peugeot, the French car brand, actually began as a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer before producing cars. In fact, Peugeot built its first motorcycle in 1898, making it one of the oldest names in two-wheel history.
Even today, Peugeot Motorcycles remains active, producing stylish scooters and lightweight bikes that blend French elegance with practicality. Models like the Peugeot Metropolis 400 and Django 125 show that Peugeot still knows how to design vehicles that feel fun, urban, and timeless.
5. Lotus C-01 – The Futuristic Superbike That Redefined Design
The Lotus C-01 wasn’t your typical motorcycle it was a design revolution. Unveiled in 2014, it was developed by Kodewa under license from Lotus Cars and designed by Daniel Simon, the artist behind the light cycles in Tron: Legacy.
Powered by a 1,195cc V-twin engine producing 200 horsepower, the C-01 featured a carbon fiber and titanium body, making it one of the most exotic bikes ever built. Only 100 units were made, each priced around £80,000, making it an instant collector’s item.
Why These Car-Brand Motorcycles Still Matter Today
These motorcycles represent moments when car companies stepped outside their comfort zones to experiment with creativity, speed, and innovation. They may be rare, but they showcase the spirit of engineering that drives both industries.
From BMW’s ongoing dominance to Ferrari’s one-off masterpiece, each bike tells a story of craftsmanship and ambition. They remind us that when design meets passion, the results are timeless no matter how many wheels are involved.
Conclusion
Car-brand motorcycles are rare treasures that reveal a fascinating side of automotive history. Whether it’s a BMW adventure bike, a Ferrari concept, or a Lotus superbike, these creations prove that the line between cars and motorcycles is thinner than we think.
If you ever spot one of these machines at an auction or a museum, take a closer look you’re not just seeing a motorcycle, you’re seeing a brand’s dream on two wheels.
FAQs
What was the first car brand to make motorcycles?
Peugeot was among the first, producing motorcycles as early as 1898, even before it became famous for its cars.
Why do car companies build motorcycles?
Car brands create motorcycles to explore new design ideas, expand into new markets, or showcase engineering and performance innovations.
Which car brand is most successful in motorcycle production?
BMW is the most successful, with a full division BMW Motorrad producing award-winning bikes for nearly a century.
Can I buy a Ferrari or Lotus motorcycle today?
Not easily. Ferrari and Lotus motorcycles were produced in extremely limited numbers, so they occasionally appear at auctions for collectors.