However, starting from the top, the leader, as in the last 50 years is Honda. Not a surprise, of course. It is almost well known that the Japanese manufacturer dominates the industry with around one third of the industry in its hands.

The Kawasaki GPZ900R accompanied Cruise in a Top Gun scene that has garnered iconic status in Hollywood history.

1970s 2-stroke Kawasaki 500s (KH500) were called widowmakers. Some people applied that moniker to a couple of other bikes, later. Many bikes up until the early 80s had spongey frames, poor brakes and suspension, particularly (although not only) the KH500. People died riding those.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to determine the most reliable motorcycle – although the Big Four Japanese brands (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki) tend to dominate the market for dependability. Luxury brands like BMW and Ducati tend to be less reliable not to mention more expensive to maintain and repair.