Ariel: Originally a bicycle maker, Ariel became one of Britain's top motorcycle manufacturers, known for models like the Square Four and Red Hunter.
Laverda: After starting with small motorcycles, Laverda transitioned to larger, faster bikes in the 1960s and gained international recognition.
Bultaco: Founded in Spain in 1958, Bultaco quickly gained fame for its lightweight, two-stroke motorcycles.
Maserati: Maserati briefly ventured into motorcycle production due to a legal loophole in the 1950s.
Vincent: Founded in 1928, Vincent-HRD produced some of the fastest motorcycles of its time. Production ceased in 1955 due to slumping sales.
Cagiva: Founded in the late 1970s, Cagiva acquired Ducati and other brands, but financial difficulties led to the retirement of the Cagiva name in 2012.
Rupp: Known for minibikes, Rupp's success in the 1960s and 1970s was followed by bankruptcy in 1978.
Matchless: A British brand known for road bikes, Matchless struggled against Japanese competition and closed in the 1960s.
Excelsior-Henderson: Revived in the 1990s, Excelsior-Henderson's Super X cruiser gained popularity but the company went bankrupt in 1999.
NSU: Once a leading German motorcycle manufacturer, NSU shifted to car production due to declining motorcycle sales in the mid-20th century, leading to bankruptcy.