11. The Piaggio Group
Okay, so maybe we cheated a little on this one; but being as though there are so many successful motorcycle manufacturers we had an abundance of motorcycle brands to take into consideration. It only seemed appropriate to feature this group, because it is one of the largest European motorcycle manufacturers and some of the brands that make it up are among the leaders of their specified sectors in the world! Leading in the scooter division of two-wheeled motor vehicles is Vespa; which literally translates to “wasp” in Italian. Originally named MP6, the Vespa was renamed for its distinct sound when presented to Enrico Piaggio. A true genius, Corradino D’Ascanio—an engineer who also designed the first Italian helicopter prior to his hand in birthing the motor scooter—wanted to create something different from his own personal stereotype that all motorcycles were “dirty” and “uncomfortable”. Consumers were marveled by these scooters for their unique beauty, reliability and low cost; which are only some of the reasons why Vespa has been an immediate success since its debut in 1946, and has since then remained the best of the best when it comes to scooters—selling over 18 million units. As gas prices rise and streets become more and more congested, Vespa sales are sure to keep soaring.
Another front-runner in the Piaggio Group that ranks 11th in our list of best-selling motorcycles of all time is Aprilia. Although, only becoming part of this group in 2004 these motor-racers have a history of success. Starting off as a scooter manufacturer after WWII, it wasn’t until 1968 that Aprilia began to turn their efforts towards creating something a little more serious. Two years later, their first “real motorcycle” (technically speaking scooters are motorcycles, but try telling that to a biker), the Scarabeo cross-bike was released; and since then have made a very nice name for themselves in the world of motor-racing. Holding the record for the most wins of any European manufacturer, Aprilia has accumulated 294 Moto Grand Prix victories and 54 world titles in different motor-racing divisions. In the world of motor-racing, Aprilia is one of the biggest competitors, and their continuous efforts to keep enhancing their already sterling machines will surely keep them on the top of the charts for years to come.
While we’re on the subject of motor-racing, Gilera is yet another trophy-winner owned by the Piaggio name. Founded in 1909, the young Giuseppe Gilera began building motorcycles; and by 1935 acquired the rights to the Rondine 4-cylinder engine. This only projected his success even further, as this opportunity kick-started (yes, pun intended!) the production of his racing machines; which would go on to break many records along with a number of Grand Prix wins. Although Gilera had a line of models which would later go down as icons in motorcycle history, the Saturno remains one of its most influential models—not only dominating road racing in Italy after the war, but was also one of Italian armed forces bike of choice during WWII.
Motto Guzzi is another one of the Piaggio Groups’ greatest successors. Here’s another manufacturer you could have found making a name for themselves on the track along with Aprilia and Gilera. Often referred to as the Ferrari of motorcycles, consumers from across the globe took a great deal of interest in these bikes. The 8 HP Normale was Moto Guzzi’s first of many legendary models. The Airone 250 they released in 1939 remained a best-selling [medium capacity] motorcycle in Italy for over 15 years; and after WWII, the new Guzzino 65 became the best-selling motorcycle in Europe and continued as the country’s best-seller for more than a decade! Being Europe’s longest continually-running motorcycle manufacturer, it is only fitting to feature them on our list of best-selling motorcycles of all time.
