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20 Wildest Cars Built by Motorcycle Companies

Cameron Eittreim June 10, 2025

Motorcycle manufacturers are renowned for pushing the boundaries of engineering and design. Yet, every so often, these risk-takers step beyond their two-wheeled roots, diving headfirst into the world of cars. The results? Some of the most outrageous, innovative, and downright wild vehicles ever produced. From experimental roadsters to futuristic supercars, these creations reflect a fearless spirit and a willingness to break the mold. Join us as we explore 20 unforgettable cars born from the minds of legendary motorcycle makers, each with a story as bold as its design.

1. BMW Isetta

1. BMW Isetta
“A classic BMW Isetta, a charming example of bubble car design, is seen as the epitome of microcar nostalgia.” | Image source: google

The BMW Isetta stands out as one of the most distinctive microcars of the 1950s. Known for its bubble-like shape and whimsical front-opening door, the Isetta was BMW’s answer to efficient, affordable transportation in post-war Europe. At a time when BMW was still celebrated primarily for its motorcycles, the Isetta captured imaginations with its practicality and charm. Its compact size and unique design cemented its place as an icon of urban mobility. Learn more about the BMW Isetta’s history.

2. Honda S600

2. Honda S600
A beautifully preserved 1960s Honda S600 sports car gleams under the sun, showcasing classic Honda style and charm. | Image source: Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Honda S600 marked Honda’s bold transition from motorcycles to cars in the 1960s. With its high-revving, motorcycle-inspired engine, the S600 delivered an exhilarating driving experience in a compact package. Its agile handling and innovative engineering helped establish Honda as a force in the automotive world. The S600’s legacy lives on as the blueprint for Honda’s future sports cars. Discover the full Honda S600 story.

3. Suzuki Cappuccino

3. Suzuki Cappuccino
A sleek Suzuki Cappuccino mini roadster stands out with its compact kei car design and sporty flair. | Image source: Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Suzuki Cappuccino exemplifies Suzuki’s talent for creating light, agile machines—whether motorcycles or cars. Launched in the 1990s, this kei car roadster brought open-top fun to the masses, boasting a playful spirit and remarkable handling. Its compact dimensions and zippy performance have made it a favorite among enthusiasts. The Cappuccino’s charm remains undeniable, as it continues to turn heads in the world of compact sports cars. Read a Suzuki Cappuccino review.

4. Yamaha OX99-11

4. Yamaha OX99-11
The rare Yamaha OX99-11 V12 prototype supercar stands out with its futuristic design and striking red finish. | Image source: Image from pl.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Yamaha OX99-11 stands as one of the boldest experiments in supercar history. Developed in the 1990s, this prototype featured a screaming V12 engine derived directly from Formula 1 technology—a testament to Yamaha’s racing DNA. The OX99-11’s radical design included a tandem seating arrangement and futuristic aesthetics. With only three prototypes ever created, it remains a legendary rarity, embodying Yamaha’s fearless ambition to blend motorcycle ingenuity with supercar performance. Explore Yamaha OX99-11 details.

5. Moto Guzzi Tipo 14

5. Moto Guzzi Tipo 14
A beautifully restored Moto Guzzi Tipo 14 vintage car gleams under the sun, showcasing classic Italian automotive elegance. | Image source: Image from it.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

Before achieving fame with motorcycles, Moto Guzzi dabbled in automotive design with the Tipo 14 in the 1920s. This small, lightweight car showcased the company’s early spirit of innovation and mechanical creativity. Although Moto Guzzi quickly shifted focus to motorcycles, the Tipo 14 remains an intriguing chapter in their story. Read more about Moto Guzzi’s history.

6. Triumph Herald

6. Triumph Herald
A beautifully restored Triumph Herald gleams under the sunlight, showcasing classic British design from the famed Triumph Motor Company. | Image source: Image from www.geograph.org.uk (Creative Commons Licensed)

Triumph, a name synonymous with legendary motorcycles, also made waves in the automotive world with the Herald. Introduced in 1959, this compact car quickly won fans across the UK thanks to its stylish looks and versatile modular design. The Herald’s nimble handling echoed Triumph’s motorcycle heritage, making it a joy to drive. Today, it’s celebrated as a quirky British classic that captured the spirit of its era. Discover the Triumph Herald background.

7. Kawasaki KZ360 Concept

7. Kawasaki KZ360 Concept
The futuristic 1970s Kawasaki KZ360 concept car prototype stands out with its sleek lines and bold, innovative design. | Image source: Image from ha.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

Kawasaki, renowned for its racing motorcycles, briefly ventured into car design with the KZ360 concept in the 1970s. Although it remained a prototype and never hit the streets, the KZ360 embodied Kawasaki’s spirit of innovation and willingness to explore new horizons. This bold experiment remains a fascinating “what if” in the brand’s storied history. Explore Kawasaki company history.

8. Peugeot Type 3

8. Peugeot Type 3
A beautifully preserved Peugeot Type 3 veteran car showcases the elegance and innovation of early automobiles. | Image source: Image from fr.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

Before becoming a giant in the automotive world, Peugeot made its mark with bicycles and motorcycles. The Type 3, introduced in 1891, stands as one of the earliest cars ever produced. This pioneering vehicle exemplifies Peugeot’s bold leap from two wheels to four, paving the way for its future innovation in motoring. Learn more about the Peugeot Type 3 history.

9. Aprilia Car

9. Aprilia Car
“An exquisite Italian prototype, the Aprilia car, showcases the pinnacle of innovative design and craftsmanship in Aprilia vehicles.” | Image source: google

Aprilia, best known for its racing motorcycles, ventured into automobile production for a short period after World War II. These rare, limited-run prototypes have since become coveted gems for collectors, reflecting Aprilia’s innovative spirit beyond bikes. Their brief foray into cars remains a fascinating chapter in the brand’s legacy. Aprilia company overview.

10. Indian Motocycle Company Prototype

10. Indian Motocycle Company Prototype
“A vintage prototype of a unique three-wheeler Indian Motocycle car, exuding nostalgic charm and innovation.” | Image source: google

Indian, celebrated as America’s oldest motorcycle brand, once set its sights on automobiles with a unique prototype in the 1920s. The company’s three-wheeled car design showcased innovation and ambition, though it ultimately remained a one-off experiment. Today, this rare vehicle is a testament to Indian’s adventurous spirit. Read more about Indian Motorcycle history.

11. Ariel Atom

11. Ariel Atom
The Ariel Atom’s striking exoskeleton frame and minimalist design highlight its reputation as a featherweight, high-performance sports car. | Image source: Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

Ariel, a brand with deep roots in motorcycle history, made a stunning comeback in the automotive world with the Ariel Atom. This radically minimalist sports car features an exoskeletal frame and a focus on raw, unfiltered performance. The Atom’s astonishing acceleration and agility embody Ariel’s tradition of lightweight engineering and adrenaline-fueled design. Revered among driving enthusiasts, it has set new standards for what a sports car can be. Read an Ariel Atom review.

12. Morgan 3-Wheeler

12. Morgan 3-Wheeler
A classic Morgan 3-Wheeler cruises down a sunlit road, its retro design and three wheels turning heads. | Image source: Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

Morgan carved its name in both motorcycle and car history with the iconic 3-Wheeler. This unique vehicle blends the thrill of a motorcycle engine with the stability of a lightweight car chassis, delivering a distinctively raw driving sensation. Its unmistakable design and open-air excitement have earned it a loyal following. Recently revived for modern enthusiasts, the Morgan 3-Wheeler continues to celebrate its adventurous heritage. Explore the Morgan 3-Wheeler story.

13. Honda NSX

13. Honda NSX
A sleek Honda NSX, the legendary Japanese supercar, showcases its aerodynamic lines and iconic VTEC engine prowess. | Image source: Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The launch of the Honda NSX in 1990 showcased Honda’s mastery of high-performance engineering, honed through decades of motorcycle innovation. Featuring a lightweight chassis, a mid-mounted VTEC engine, and cutting-edge technology, the NSX redefined what a supercar could be. It delivered everyday comfort with thrilling speed, earning comparisons to Ferrari and Porsche. The NSX remains a landmark achievement in accessible performance. Honda NSX details.

14. Suzuki X-90

14. Suzuki X-90
“A quirky Suzuki X-90, a unique crossover between an SUV and coupe, showcasing its distinct character on the open road.” | Image source: google

The Suzuki X-90 stands as one of the automotive world’s most unusual creations—a compact, two-seat SUV coupe launched in the mid-1990s. Suzuki’s boldness and love for innovation, inspired by its motorcycle heritage, are evident in the X-90’s design. While sales were modest, its quirky character has earned it a devoted following. Read a Suzuki X-90 review.

15. BSA Scout

15. BSA Scout
“A gleaming, 1930s BSA Scout, a relic of British automotive history, showcasing the timeless elegance of BSA vehicles.” | Image source: google

BSA, famed as the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer in its heyday, expanded its reach with the Scout car during the 1930s. This lightweight, budget-friendly vehicle provided practical, accessible motoring for the masses in Britain. The Scout’s straightforward engineering echoed BSA’s motorcycle philosophy of reliability and value. Explore BSA Scout history.

16. Yamaha Motiv.e

16. Yamaha Motiv.e
“Showcasing a bold future, the Yamaha Motiv.e, a concept city car, glimmers in the spotlight as a sleek, all-electric vehicle.” | Image source: google

The Yamaha Motiv.e represents Yamaha’s latest leap from motorcycles into the world of innovative urban vehicles. Developed in collaboration with Gordon Murray, famed for designing the McLaren F1, this concept city car focuses on lightweight construction and eco-friendly electric power. The Motiv.e combines Yamaha’s engineering finesse with forward-thinking mobility solutions, embodying their progressive approach to transport. It’s a vision of city driving where efficiency and excitement coexist. Yamaha Motiv.e info.

17. Moto Morini 3½ Car

17. Moto Morini 3½ Car
“Spotlighted in the center, the Moto Morini car, an Italian V-twin prototype vehicle, stands proudly with its sleek, innovative design.” | Image source: google

Moto Morini, known for its distinctive Italian motorcycles, once crafted a prototype car powered by its legendary 3½ V-twin engine. Although the venture was brief, the resulting vehicle remains a fascinating footnote in Moto Morini’s adventurous history. It stands as a testament to the brand’s innovative mindset. Moto Morini history.

18. Laverda Mini Car

Laverda, celebrated for its Italian motorcycles, produced a small number of mini cars in postwar Italy. These unique vehicles featured distinctive styling and drew on the brand’s engineering experience from two wheels. Today, Laverda’s mini cars are rare collector’s items, cherished for their quirky charm and historical significance. Laverda company background.

19. NSU Prinz

19. NSU Prinz
A classic NSU Prinz, the iconic compact German car, stands proudly among a lineup of vintage NSU vehicles. | Image source: Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

NSU, a German brand celebrated for its motorcycles, brought its engineering expertise to the automotive world with the Prinz in the 1950s. This compact car featured a lightweight build and a small, efficient engine, mirroring the brand’s two-wheeled heritage. The Prinz’s success paved the way for NSU’s later automotive advancements, including the revolutionary rotary-powered Ro80. Discover the NSU Prinz history.

20. DKW F1

20. DKW F1
A beautifully preserved DKW F1 showcases the timeless charm of vintage German engineering and a rich automotive legacy. | Image source: Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

DKW, famed as the world’s largest motorcycle maker in the early 20th century, launched the innovative F1 car in 1931. The F1’s lightweight build and two-stroke engine drew directly from DKW’s motorcycle expertise. Notably, it was among the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive cars, setting a trend in automotive engineering. Read about the DKW F1 history.

Conclusion

Conclusion
“An edgy lineup of sleek, motorcycle company cars that meld speed and stylish design.” | Image source: google

From bubble cars and three-wheelers to boundary-pushing supercars, the wildest creations of motorcycle companies reveal a unique blend of risk-taking and cross-industry genius. These vehicles embody the relentless drive to innovate, pushing the limits of design and performance far beyond convention. Their legacy continues to inspire engineers, collectors, and enthusiasts on both two and four wheels.
If you’re passionate about bold engineering, keep exploring the fascinating crossroads where motorcycles and cars meet—you never know what wild ride might be next.

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