What’s on the Tank? : Motorcycle Badges and Marques

The world of motorcycling is split like many parts of the world of motoring enthusiasm by the identity of its members’ vehicles. As with motor cars, every motorcycle make is identified by a specific marque name and badge, the origins of which are both wide-ranging and fascinating.

Some makes remain well known, such as Triumph (a name chosen to be easily recognisable in every language) and Harley Davidson (named after the company’s founders), while other marques have been swallowed up by history. Once-great British names such as BSA (a name created from the initials of the parent company Birmingham Small Arms) and Douglas (named after the company founders) are no longer with us, but their owners’ clubs keep their names alive and well. BSA motorcycles would be badged with a ‘piled arms’ symbol comprising three rifles, while Douglas would acquire the figure of a Scotsman called ‘Douglas’. Overseas, Honda would choose a winged ‘H’ for all its motorcycles and Laverda would use the colours of the Italian flag.

Michael Burgess explores the intriguing history of the names and badges of motorcycle manufacturers from around the world, some well-known, some more obscure, with a selection of high-quality images.