Some bikes make you wonder what their riders were thinking when they bought them—or if they were thinking at all. With a legacy of speed, danger, and sometimes tragedy, these fifteen motorcycles have earned their reputation as the bad boys of the biking world.

Kawasaki H2 Mach 4

The Kawasaki H2 Mach 4 was famous for its incredible power and speed. However, it also had terrifying acceleration and poor brakes. This motorcycle gained speed in a manner that caused many riders to struggle to control it and often led to accidents, causing it to be known as the “Widowmaker.” 

Harley V-Rod

Developed in collaboration with Porsche, the V-Rod’s low-slung stance and aggressive power delivery attracted a sportier demographic to the traditionally cruiser-focused Harley brand. However, this power and unconventional design made it a demanding bike with the potential for danger, especially for those unaccustomed to its capabilities.

Suzuki X7

The Suzuki X7 is a fast and lightweight two-stroke motorcycle. When it hit the market, it was popular among beginner riders. However, this bike was difficult to control, especially for the novice riders who had come to love it. The sharp power delivery could catch riders off guard, leading to dangerous situations.

Suzuki TL1000R

The TL1000R evolved from the TL1000S model. Suzuki developed this engine to become the most robust V-twin of its time, producing over 135 horsepower. The bike’s chassis design had a short wheelbase and aggressive steering geometry. This was quick to respond but also twitchy and unstable, making it a potentially dangerous machine. 

Honda CR450

A significant issue with the CR450 was that Honda built the engine on the smaller engine case of the CR250. Power delivery was impressive, but the bike was hard to manage and had unpredictable power surges. All these made it more than a handful to many riders and contributed to its scary reputation.

Harley-Davidson MX250

Instead of the normal functional suspension befitting for a bike with the speed packed by the MX250, the designers of this bike used the front fork as the rear suspension. This subpar placement meant the bike was difficult to control, especially when jumping or moving through bumps and rough tracks, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

Yamaha V-Max

The Yamaha V-Max was a powerful cruiser made for high speed. But with that speed came the issue of handling whenever the surge from a gear change hit. This bike could easily overwhelm inexperienced riders because you only realized the mess you were in when it was time to make it stop. 

Suzuki Hayabusa (1999 Model)

It was designed for speed, reaching digits that could intimidate old riders. The power and aerodynamic design made this motorcycle a favorite among riders who loved speed. However, it lacked the brakes to go with it, leading to crashes for those who couldn’t maneuver fast enough during stop emergencies. 

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R

Like the Hayabusa, the ZX-14R is known for extreme speed and power. While it features advanced technology to aid handling, the potential for high-speed accidents remains a concern, especially for riders who push it to its limits without adequate experience. 

BMW R 1200 GS

Popular for long-distance touring, the BMW R 1200 GS adventure bike can be dangerous in the hands of inexperienced riders. Its weight and size can make it unwieldy, particularly in off-road situations, leading to potential crashes. 

KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Aggressive performance and super speed are the two phrases that describe this motorcycle. However, this bike’s high torque and weight can make handling and control difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with large-displacement motorcycles. Since it ended in a crash, it earned a spot on the deadly bikes list. 

Suzuki RG500 Gamma

This two-stroke sportbike, known for its incredible speed and lightweight frame, gained notoriety due to a sudden and intense power surge at about 9600 rpm, propelling the bike past its official top speed. The abrupt power increase was unpredictable and difficult to control and could lead to dangerous situations and crashes. 

Honda CX500 Turbo

The 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo had an innovative yet potentially hazardous design. Honda’s bold decision to turbocharge a mid-sized bike resulted in an overly powerful machine for its frame and suspension capabilities. This mismatch between engine output and chassis design made the bike unsuitable for riders who weren’t experts. 

Brough Superior SS100

Renowned for its power and striking appearance, it lacked modern safety features like anti-lock brakes and traction control, which was typical for its era. However, beyond the absence of modern technology, the SS100 had fundamental design flaws, including an unstable chassis and tires with inadequate grip.

Vincent Black Shadow

This bike’s aerodynamics could have been better. Its flexible chassis caused various handling problems for riders, leading to extreme vibrations when cornering. While the Black Shadow was exceptionally fast for its time, its braking system was inadequate for its power output.