Big Four (Japanese Manufacturers)

The Big Four is the usual name for the four large Japanese motorcycle manufacturers: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki. From the 1960s onwards they came to dominate world motorcycle sales and racing with reliable, affordable and technically advanced machines.

The term is used when comparing bikes, for example 'a Big Four 600 sports bike', or when talking about parts availability. Because the four makers sell so many machines, spare parts and aftermarket parts for their models are usually easy to find, including for older bikes and ATVs.

Other important manufacturers include KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas in Austria, BMW, Ducati, Triumph and Harley-Davidson, as well as a growing number of Chinese and Indian brands.