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Germany’s motorcycle history extends well beyond BMW, but these ten names are not an objective ranking by sales, performance, or popularity. This is a history-led selection of marques with recognizable German motorcycle heritage, including both current and discontinued businesses. Some names remain in motorcycle production; others belong to the history of the industry.
How to read this list
The marques below span different eras, regions, and corporate histories. They are useful reference points for understanding German motorcycling, not interchangeable alternatives to a new BMW. The order is editorial, and available sources do not establish a common performance test or an overall winner.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Maico: The American History of a German Motorcycle, 1955-1983 | $49.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles, 3rd Edition: Every Model Since 1923 (Complete Book Series) | $34.67 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
BMW Motorcycles: 100 Years | $60.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
German Racing Motorcycles | $40.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Motorcycles: 45th Ed. (45th Edition) | $27.96 | Buy on Amazon |
Production status matters: a historic marque may still be familiar to collectors even when its original motorcycle business has ended, while a surviving name may now be associated with a different kind of vehicle. Current parts support, restoration prospects, and collector demand vary by model and require up-to-date, marque-specific information.
German motorcycle marques beyond BMW
1. HOREX
HOREX traces its origins to Bad Homburg in 1923. According to the company, 3C-Carbon-Group AG took over the marque in 2015, and its present-day revival is based in Landsberg am Lech. HOREX’s company page names its VR6 models and the Regina Evo, which it says was developed under HOREX and 3C direction. The company describes its motorcycles as being in series production; that is a company statement, and current availability can change. HOREX company history
#1 Best Overall
2. MZ
MZ’s story is rooted in Zschopau and the former DKW factory there. The cited marque history traces the postwar business through IFA before the MZ abbreviation was introduced in 1956. MZ became known for 125, 150, and 250 cc single-cylinder two-strokes. Motorcycle production in Zschopau ended in 2013 after the company’s insolvency; the source notes a final electric-tricycle order. MZ is therefore a historic motorcycle marque on this evidence, not a current motorcycle manufacturer. Markenlexikon/Brandslex history of MZ
3. DKW
DKW’s postwar motorcycle history has a distinct Ingolstadt chapter. Audi’s company history says the postwar Auto Union GmbH began producing DKW-branded motorcycles there in 1949 and identifies the DKW RT 125 W. The later history of Auto Union moved toward the Audi name, so DKW should be understood as part of a changing corporate story rather than a single uninterrupted motorcycle company. Audi company history
A motorcycle publication describes the RT 125 design, originally developed in 1939, as widely copied internationally. That is the publication’s historical characterization, not a measured ranking of motorcycle designs. MOTORRAD on the DKW RT 125
Rank #2
4. Hercules
Hercules was a Nuremberg company whose historic motorcycle production began after 1949. The cited marque history says regular motorcycle production ended in 1979, although military deliveries continued until 1996. The Hercules name later became associated with bicycles; that later identity should not be confused with the historic motorcycle operation. Markenlexikon/Brandslex history of Hercules
The history also records the forced sale of shares belonging to the Jewish Marschütz family under Nazi persecution. This is an essential part of the company’s history, not merely a change in ownership on a corporate timeline.
5. Zündapp
Zündapp is included here as a German motorcycle marque listed in a broad directory of German marques. That directory establishes its place among the names, but the available evidence does not support a detailed account here of its founding, signature models, ownership, or present-day motorcycle production. German motorcycle marque directory
Rank #3
6. NSU
NSU is another German motorcycle marque identified in the broad marque directory. The source supports inclusion, but not a model-by-model history, production timeline, or claim about current motorcycle manufacturing. German motorcycle marque directory
7. Maico
Maico appears in the directory of German motorcycle marques. With the evidence available here, it is best treated as a name to explore further rather than assigning it a founding date, signature model, ownership history, or current production status. German motorcycle marque directory
8. Hercules
Hercules is already covered above as a historic Nuremberg motorcycle business and a name later associated with bicycles. To keep the ten entries distinct, this list instead includes the other directory-listed marques below.
Rank #4
- Used Book in Good Condition
8. Kreidler
Kreidler is listed among German motorcycle marques. The directory supports the marque’s inclusion, but the evidence here does not establish detailed dates, notable models, ownership, or current motorcycle production. German motorcycle marque directory
9. Simson
Simson is named in the German-marque directory as a motorcycle marque. It does not provide enough detail to substantiate a specific model history, production end date, or present-day status for the motorcycle business. German motorcycle marque directory
10. Adler
Adler rounds out the directory-listed names. Its inclusion reflects German motorcycle heritage, but the evidence available here does not establish a detailed timeline, signature motorcycle, or current manufacturer status. German motorcycle marque directory
Best Value
Why DKW and MZ histories intersect
DKW and MZ are connected by Zschopau, but their names refer to different periods and corporate strands. The cited MZ history traces motorcycle production at the former DKW factory through postwar IFA and then MZ. Separately, Audi’s history records postwar DKW-branded motorcycle production by Auto Union in Ingolstadt beginning in 1949. Keeping the place, company, and period straight avoids treating the two marques as one continuously operating business.
What this list can—and cannot—tell you
These names show the breadth of Germany’s motorcycle past, from a company describing a present-day HOREX revival to businesses whose motorcycle production has ended. They are not a guide to current buying or restoration decisions: the sources do not establish comparable information on condition, parts supply, reliability, prices, or collector demand across all ten marques.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
