What Would You Nominate as the Worst-Styled Motorcycles? A Seersive Look

When it comes to motorcycles, the design can often be as disappointing as it is striking. From the ridiculous to the simply unfortunate, there are motorcycles that have captured the hearts—and often the wallets—of automotive enthusiasts. However, there are some whose designs are so outlandish that they stand out as some of the worst in history. In this article, we will take a closer look at a few of the most infamous examples, including those ridiculous models of Harley-Davidson, the mid to late 1960s Honda 305 Dream, and the Suzuki RE5 Wankel-powered bike, known as the GT750.

Harley-Davidson: A Ridiculous Ride

When it comes to classic motorcycle enthusiasts, Harley-Davidson is a name that immediately springs to mind. However, not all of their models have been immune to the ridicule that often accompanies poor design. Some of the most notable instances of this include the reverse-ratio steering models and the Sportster series in the 1960s to 1980s, which can now be considered some of the worst-styled motorcycles in history.

The Hardest to Love: Harley-Davidson Reverse-Ratio Steering

The reverse-ratio steering models were a disaster for Harley. In an ill-conceived attempt to improve handling and rider comfort, the company introduced a system that made the handlebars control the front wheel in the opposite direction to the rider’s input. The result was a bike that was notoriously difficult to ride and often led to accidents and injuries. Opinion remains as to whether this was a genuinely bad design or merely a badly implemented one, but it certainly did not endear itself to many riders.

The Sportster Series: Classic or Clunk?

The Sportster is one of Harley-Davidson's most iconic lines, but the models of the 1960s to 1980s were a mixed bag when it came to styling. While some designers tried to give the bikes a sleek, modern look, others seemed to be more focused on sheer bulk and heft. The result was a series of motorcycles that were often criticized for their dated, clunky appearance. The big saddles and stiff, angular frames did not appeal to many, and even the smallest of these bikes stood out as a peculiar and decidedly unattractive design.

The Honda 305 Dream: A Mid-60s Dilemma

Now, let us explore another gem from the mid-60s, the Honda 305 Dream. Produced from 1966 to 1970, this motorcycle was a standalone marvel, but it did not age well. With its boxy, angular appearance and bulky features, the Honda 305 Dream is remembered not for its performance but for its unmistakable and unflattering design. The lack of aerodynamic lines and the overall chunkiness of the machine made it one of the most polarizing designs of its era. For decades, it has been a symbol of what not to do when it comes to motorcycle styling.

The Suzuki RE5 and the GT750: A Wankel’s Wake

Lastly, we cannot ignore the Suzuki RE5, a Wankel-powered bike that garnered both admiration and criticism in equal measure when it first hit the market. Its architect, the GT750, known as the “water buffalo,” followed a similar trajectory. Both machines were once seen as groundbreaking, but their designs quickly became contentious.

The Suzuki RE5: The Wankel’s Woe

The RE5, released in 1984, was the first motorcycle to use a rotary engine (Wankel engine), and it enjoyed a brief period of popularity for its innovative design and unique sound. However, the decision to use such a complex and demanding engine, without a smooth running system, resulted in a motorcycle that was prone to issues and hard to maintain. The clunky and boxy appearance of the RE5 did not help elevate its reputation in the world of motorcycle design.

The GT750: The Water Buffalo’s Woes

The GT750, released in 1972, started its life as a marvel of engineering, but its styling soon began to be a point of contention. The massive engine cylinders and the asymmetrical frame gave the bike a distinctive and somewhat bizarre look. While it was a functional machine, its design was so outlandish that it has since become a symbol of 1970s motorcycle design that perhaps should have stayed in that decade.

The Verdict: Worst-Styled Motorcycles

So, are these bikes truly the worst in motorcycle history? While it is largely subjective, they certainly stand out for their distinctive and often regrettable designs. The bikes have a unique place in motorcycle history as testaments to what happens when innovative design and poor execution come together. Each of these models has its own story, from the ill-conceived reverse-ratio steering to the awkwardly placed Wankel engine, and each has contributed to the legacy of motorcycle design in its own way.

While some may argue that these bikes were simply ahead of their time and others may see them as merely bad designs, the fact remains that they have become iconic in their own right, an enduring source of conversation and critique for motorcycle enthusiasts and critics alike. Whether they are the worst or simply the most memorable, these motorcycles have become an enduring part of the motorcycle design landscape.