The 1960s was a transformative time for the motorcycle industry. As the mobility culture shifted from affordable motorcycles to affordable four-wheelers, the industry found itself at something of crossroads and on the cusp of an identity crisis. The 60s would bring about the beginning of the end for the British industry, an unexpected rise of the Japanese industry, and a shift from small-capacity mobility solutions to thoroughbred performance bikes. The racing scene was experiencing a golden age, with racing championships becoming mainstream entertainment and riders like Giacomo Agostini and Mike Hailwood becoming household names. Safety measures and rider protectives were under the spotlight, and the decade ushered in new innovations, culminating in the Bell Star— the first real full-face helmet —hitting the market in 1966. No matter how you view the 1960s, there’s no denying that it was an exciting time to be on two wheels.
The Best Motorcycles of the 1960s
Here are some of the best motorcycles of the 1960s:
Ducati Scrambler
The first Ducati Scrambler rolled onto the scene in 1962 and left a lasting legacy. Today, the modern Scrambler range features a number of exciting models that have gone on to become some of Ducati’s best sellers, but the Scrambler of today wouldn’t exist without the original Scrambler line of the 1960s. Produced between 1962 and 1974, the original Ducati Scramblers were powered by single-cylinder engines in a variety of sizes, with frames altered for off-road riding, and dirt-track accessories. These Scramblers were available in 250 cc, 350 cc, and 450 cc displacements (with an additional 125 model added in the 70s), and were widely popular. The 350 model, was a particular favorite. Equipped with a potent 340.2 cc single-cylinder engine, 27 horsepower, Marzocchi suspension, spoked wheels, and a lightweight frame, the Scrambler could hit speeds of up to 81 mph, whilst looking incredible at the same time. It’s no wonder that Ducati was keen to re-introduce the range in 2015. Since its re-introduction, the Scrambler has grown into an entity in its own right: and that’s why we consider the Scrambler to be one of the most influential and greatest motorcycles of the 1960s.
BSA Rocket Gold Star
BSA’s Rocket Gold Star was the uprated version of BSA’s legendary Gold Star. The Gold Star itself is worthy of note, with a history stretching from 1939 to 1963, but if push came to shove and we needed a single BSA model to sum up the 60s, it would be the Rocket Gold Star. Manufactured for a very brief period between 1962 and 1963, and with only 1,584 units ever made, it’s a rare beast indeed. Unlike the regular Gold Star models that could be purchased with either a 350 cc or 500 cc single-cylinder powerplant, the top-spec Rocket Gold Star featured a different engine configuration.
Royal Enfield Continental GT
The Royal Enfield Continental GT was a 250 cc motorcycle produced by Royal Enfield between 1964 and 1968. The Continental GT was a popular bike in the UK, and it was also exported to the US. The bike was powered by a 248 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produced 21 horsepower. The Continental GT was known for its light weight, good handling, and excellent fuel economy. The bike was also known for its distinctive styling, which included a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single seat, and a chrome-plated exhaust system.
Honda Z Series
The Honda Z Series was a range of small motorcycles produced by Honda between 1964 and 1974. The Z Series was designed to be a fun and affordable bike for young people. The bikes were powered by small four-stroke engines that ranged in size from 49 cc to 125 cc. The Z Series was known for its reliability, ease of use, and low maintenance requirements. The bikes were also known for their distinctive styling, which included a step-through frame, a small fuel tank, and a low seat height.
Yamaha DT-1
The Yamaha DT-1 was a 250 cc motorcycle produced by Yamaha between 1968 and 1971. The DT-1 was designed to be a dual-sport bike that could be ridden both on and off-road. The bike was powered by a two-stroke engine that produced 20 horsepower.
