10 Most Controversial Motorcycles On The Market

Jun 25, 2023

These controversial machines are nothing like a regular motorcycle

A motorcycle appeals to the emotion of the rider, and that’s why designing a motorcycle is not just about flat engineering. It's about craftsmanship and creative imagination that make a two-wheel machine more than just a medium of transport. But creativity, if unleashed, doesn't have any limits; it often goes for non-conformity, breaks stereotypes, and favors the unthinkable. Following this extreme nature of creativity, we have some amazing motorcycles that have sparked controversy over the years because of their surprising presence and performance. In this article, we have selected ten such controversial motorcycles.

Looking at the data from manufacturer websites and Kelley Blue Book (KBB), we have put together a list of most controversial motorcycles available on market.

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In this ever-amazing world of motorcycles, we are not unfamiliar with the idea that motorcycles can have three wheels. Harley-Davidson Trikes have been there for quite some time, but just then, Piaggio decides to do the experiment with a scooter! We are talking about the MP3, which the manufacturer claims is the first-ever three-wheeled scooter. Featuring an unconventional design of two front wheels, this dashing scooter has some real muscle in terms of power and tech. Powered by a 530 cc single cylinder engine, this scooter hits the road with 44 horsepower. Similar to a premium two-wheel motorcycle, you will get three engine power maps (riding modes) and cruise control. The tech features can put many bikes to shame. The dash is featured with a 7-inch full-color TFT display, which is the largest in the triple-wheel category. This display connects with your smartphone via the Piaggio MIA system to manage navigation, calls, messages, and music.

Base MSRP

$11,999

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 530 cc, single cylinder

Transmission

Automatic

Horsepower

44 horsepower

Torque

36.9 lb-ft

Suspension

Articulated Quadrilateral, Electrohydraulic suspension blocking system (front); Dual gas shock with continous spring preload adjustment (Rear)

Brakes

Dual 258 mm disc with ABS (front); Single 240 mm disc with ABS

Curb Weight

617 pounds

Creating retro-modern fusion is nothing new in the motorcycle industry. We have seen the Suzuki SV650 or Indian FTR, and we have a clear idea of how and where manufacturers mixed retro looks with modern features. Let us drop the Svartpilen 401 in the discussion to boggle your mind. Except for the round headlamp, it is incredibly hard to decipher whether it is a retro-inspired modern design or the other way around. But it doesn't end there. The manufacturer touted it as a city-oriented naked bike, but its design is much like that of enduro machines—look at the wheels and saddle. Even the handlebar is particularly off-road-style. The 401 is powered by a 373 cc single-cylinder engine that produces around 44 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque. The cockpit is designed with minimalist ideas, with just a simple round digital gauge.

Base MSRP

$5,649

Engine Type

Liqui-cooled, 373 cc, single cylinder

Transmission

6-speed

Horsepower

44 horsepower

Torque

27 lb-ft

Suspension

WP Apex 43 (front); WP Apex monoshock (rear)

Brakes

320 mm single disc with ABS (frobt); 230 mm single disc with ABS (rear)

Curb Weight

340 pounds

While other electric motorcycle manufacturers are trying to outrun fossil fuel machines in terms of power and style, Cake took a completely different approach to making its Osa significant. The top-spec Osa+: Work variant is not about style, power, and speed; it is specifically made for people who have business to do and who want to customize their motorcycle as per their work demands. The bike has a unique unibar frame that allows clamping several accessory combinations to carry or pull loads. The bike weighs only 158 pounds, and it can carry an impressive 414 pounds (other than the rider). The battery is also unique; it not only powers the bike but also has power outlets to charge phones or run electric tools like drill machines. The 3.5 kWh battery has an impressive range of more than 69 miles.

Base MSRP

$10,470

Battery Type

3.5 kWh lithium cells

Power

10 kW

Range

69 miles

Charging Time

0-100% in 4.5 hours

Suspension

Upside down fork front and rear

Brakes

220 mm disc, combined brake system

Curb Weight

158 pounds

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To ride this bike, you need to get into it. No, we are not talking about a car. Dan Gurney, the legendary racing driver, observed that the typical riding posture on most motorcycles was just too high and hunched forward. He began working on a riding posture that was significantly lower 'into' the bike, which had the added benefit of drastically decreasing the center of gravity. The Alligator moniker was inspired by the bike's long, low profile. Because Gators are only found in America, the name was also chosen to emphasize its pure American essence. A sports cruiser is probably the closest category this bike can fit into in the world of motorcycles. It looks like a sports bike, but the extremely low 18-inch seat height and forward placed foot position give the rider an extreme cruiser-like feel. This bike is extremely rare because only 36 examples would be produced, commemorating Gurney’s iconic number 36 from his F1 days.

Base MSRP

$35,000

Engine Type

Air-cooled 670 cc single cylinder

Suspension

Inverted cartridge fork from Honda CBR954 (front); Nitrogen-filled twin shocker (rear)

Brakes

390 mm dual disc (front); 220 mm single disc (rear)

Curb Weight

320 pounds

In a very German way, BMW's vehicles are quite methodical rather than radical. But when it comes to EVs, every manufacturer tries their weirdest ideas, and BMW is no exception. The manufacturer’s Urban Mobility, or CE, category has pulled people's attention for its all-electric, futuristic-looking motorcycle line-up. Here we have the CE 02, which BMW proudly calls the eParkourer due to its fast and agile maneuverability in city traffic. Its short length, incredibly low weight, and 29.5-inch seat height make it accessible for any rider. Powered by a synchronous motor and 48-volt battery, the CE 02 churns out 40.5 lb-ft of torque and can be charged from 20-80% within 2:40 hours. An optional fast charger cuts the charging time to only 1:40 hours. This amazing eParkourer comes standard with an array of electronic and tech features, such as two riding modes, electric reverse gear, a 3.5-inch micro TFT display, and basic smartphone connectivity.

Base MSRP

$7,599

Motor Type

Externally excited air-cooled synchronus motor

Battery

48-volt

Power

15 horsepower

Torque

40 lb-ft

Range

90 miles

Charging Time

20-80% within 2:40 hours with standard charger; Takes 1 hour less with optional fast charger

Suspension

Upside-down telescopic fork (front); Adjustable shock absorber (rear)

Brakes

239 mm hydraulic single-disc with 2-piston caliper and ABS (front); 220 mm hydraulic single-disc with 1-piston caliper.

Curb Weight

291 pounds

The Norton V4CR is a high-performance café racer sharing its DNA with the esteemed V4SV superbike. Limited to only 500 units worldwide, this café racer’s performance and agility are perfected by testing it on the world's toughest racetrack, the Isle of Man TT. The British manufacturer crafted this motorcycle to provide unparalleled performance, and that's why it is equipped with only premium equipment from head to tail. Featuring a carbon fiber body, this bike justifies its quite hefty price tag with Brembo brakes, Pirelli tires, and Öhlins suspension. But that’s not all; at the heart of the bike is the V4SV's famed 1200 cc V4 engine that produces a staggering 185 horsepower. The engine power is easily controllable with a quick shift system and three riding modes.

Base MSRP

$35,000

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 1200 cc, V4

Transmission

Full quick shift system and auto blipper

Horsepower

185 horsepower

Torque

92 lb-ft

Suspension

Öhlins fully adjustable upside-down forks (front); Ohlins bespoke fully adjustable shock with hydraulic preload adjustability (rear)

Brakes

Brembo 330 mm dual floating disc (front); Brembo 235 mm single disc (rear)

Curb Weight

449 pounds

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Somehow Honda engineers got their hands on Antman’s PYM particle disc, then threw it towards a little toy motorcycle, and...puff...the Monkey is here. Visibly, it looks like a kid's motorcycle, but the Monkey is a very practical bike when it comes to utility. This bike is specially designed for city dwellers who want great fuel economy and an easy machine to run their daily errands. The EPA estimated fuel economy of the bike is an amazing 169 MPG, and it has a 1.5 gallon fuel tank. It has an extremely reliable 124 cc engine that was well appreciated for its impeccable performance on Grom. The latest model features front wheel ABS, an inverted fork, and a low 30.5-inch seat height for better handling in any riding condition.

Base MSRP

$4,249

Engine Type

Air-cooled 124 cc single cylinder

Transmission

5-speed

Horsepower

9.2 horsepower

Torque

8 lb-ft

Suspension

Inverted fork (front); Twin shock (rear)

Brakes

220 mm hydraulic single disc with ABS (front); 190 mm hydraulic disc (rear)

Curb Weight

231 pounds

Yamaha shook the motorcycle world when it released a grand tourer with three wheels and three cylinders—the unmistakable Niken GT. While other manufacturers are in the race to impress everyone, Yamaha proudly declares that this machine is not for everyone, only an open-hearted pro rider can appreciate the karizma and worth of this awesome machine. Featured with LMW front wheels, the Niken provides class-leading cornering performance with an unrivaled sense of stability. The latest model features an adjustable front screen and a redesigned seat to accommodate diverse rider sizes. The 890 cc CP3 engine produces smooth yet strong power delivery in every riding condition. On the tech side, Yamaha featured Niken with a 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity and Garmin navigation. This bike also comes standard with two full-size side cases. However, Yamaha has discontinued Niken for US market, but you can find a used one.

KBB price

$13,075

Engine Type

890 cc three-cylinder

Transmission

6-speed constant mesh

Horsepower

113 horsepower

Torque

67 lb-ft

Suspension

Telescopic fork (front); Swingarm (rear)

Brake

298 mm hydraulic disc (front); 282 mm hydraulic single disc (rear)

Curb Weight

595 pounds

The Honda Rune was a motorcycle that was designed with no constraints on cost or engineering. The goal was to create something new and innovative, and the designers were given free rein to express their creativity. The result was a motorcycle that was unlike anything else on the market, with a unique design and cutting-edge technology. The bike was powered by the same flat-six engine we see in the Goldwing. However, the Rune was very expensive to produce; the production cost was an estimated $100,000 per unit, but the selling price was just $25,000 per unit. Because of this disparity in production cost and selling price, the manufacturer was bearing a huge loss, which ultimately became the reason for the discontinuation of Rune. Nevertheless, it remains a cult classic among motorcycle enthusiasts, and it is a testament to the creativity and ambition of Honda's designers.

KBB Price

$16,250

Engine Type

1832 cc, six-cylinder

Transmission

5-speed

Horsepower

118 horsepower

Torque

121 lb-ft

Suspension

Trailing bottomlink, non-adjustable (front); Pro-link single shock, single sided swingarm, non-adjustable (rear)

Brakes

330 mm dual disc with 3-piston caliper (front); 336 mm single disc with 2-piston caliper (rear)

Curb Weight

888 pounds

If you look at the Slingshot R, you will get the feeling that it wants to be a car, but because of family pressure, it becomes a three-wheel motorcycle. The front of the vehicle looks exactly like a high-end sports car, and instead of a handlebar, this vehicle has a steering wheel. But as you slowly move towards the rear, you will find a single wheel. And probably that's the only character that holds this vehicle in the motorcycle category. Even if we look at the power characteristics, this three-wheel vehicle is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower, which is equivalent mostly to cars and rarely to bikes. This is the same when it comes to transmission; the Slingshot has a five-speed gearbox with a reverse gear. This amazingly confusing machine is equipped with a top-spec infotainment system featuring a 3.7-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Ride Command connectivity, among others.

Base MSRP

$33,999

Engine Type

1997 cc, 4-cylinder

Transmission

5-speed

Horsepower

203 horsepower

Torque

144 lb-ft

Suspension

Independent double wishbone with forged aluminum control arms (front); Single sided swingarm (rear)

Brakes

Brembo 339 mm discs with 4-piston caliper and ABS (front); 298 mm disc with single-piston caliper (rear).

Curb Weight

1,749 pounds

Mainak is an automobile enthusiast with a special love for motorcycles. He has been riding for the last ten years and has written about almost all the big names out there on two and four wheels. And when he is not writing, he is traveling somewhere with his two-wheeler buddy.