Motorcycling in 1971 mixed evolving technology with classic design, as riders across cities and countrysides chose machines for commuting, touring, and sport. This list gathers the models that defined that year so you can quickly see what was available and how machines compared.
There are 23 1971 Motorcycle Models, ranging from 150 Sprint to XS650. The table below organizes each entry by Manufacturer, Displacement (cc), Class so you can scan engine size, maker, and purpose at a glance — you’ll find below the full list and details.
Which of these 1971 models are most sought after by collectors?
Collectors typically favor models with limited production, historical significance, or iconic engineering (for example early twins or notable sport bikes); check the Manufacturer and Displacement (cc) columns below to identify rare variants and the Class column to spot desirable road or race-oriented machines.
How should I use the table below to compare choices for restoration or riding?
Start by filtering the Manufacturer column for brands you trust, then use Displacement (cc) to match the riding style you want, and consult Class to determine original intent (commuter, cruiser, sport); that combination helps prioritize projects that fit your budget and goals.
1971 Motorcycle Models
| Model | Manufacturer | Displacement (cc) | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB750 | Honda | 750 | sport |
| CB450 | Honda | 450 | sport |
| CL350 | Honda | 350 | off-road |
| H1 500 | Kawasaki | 498 | sport |
| S1 250 | Kawasaki | 250 | sport |
| GT750 | Suzuki | 739 | touring |
| T500 Titan | Suzuki | 500 | street |
| GT380 | Suzuki | 371 | sport |
| XS650 | Yamaha | 654 | street |
| DT250 | Yamaha | 250 | off-road |
| Bonneville T120 | Triumph | 650 | street |
| Trident T150 | Triumph | 741 | sport |
| Commando 750 | Norton | 745 | street |
| Rocket 3 | BSA | 750 | street |
| 750 GT | Ducati | 748 | sport |
| V7 Sport | Moto Guzzi | 744 | sport |
| R75/5 | BMW | 743 | touring |
| R60/5 | BMW | 599 | touring |
| Electra Glide FLH | Harley-Davidson | 1,214 | touring |
| 750 S/SF | Laverda | 744 | sport |
| 150 Sprint | Vespa | 150 | scooter |
| Sherpa T 250 | Bultaco | 250 | off-road |
| SL350 | Honda | 350 | off-road |
Images and Descriptions
CB750
Iconic four-cylinder 750cc standard that launched the superbike era; praised for its SOHC inline-four, electric start and disc brake. Widely sold in the US, Europe and Japan in 1971, it reshaped performance expectations for road bikes.
CB450
High-revving twin nicknamed Black Bomber, the 450cc DOHC offered sporty performance and electric start options in 1971. Popular across North America and Europe, it combined nimble handling with respectable highway capability for enthusiasts.
CL350
Scrambler version of the CB350, the 350cc twin featured high pipes, off-road styling and a light chassis in 1971. Marketed to North America and Europe as a dual-purpose bike for road and mild trails, it’s easy to ride and maintain.
H1 500
Fearsome two-stroke triple with a 498cc engine, the H1 offered explosive acceleration and lightweight handling in 1971. Sold strongly in the US and Europe, its performance made it a legend despite peaky power and challenging handling.
S1 250
Sport-oriented 250cc two-stroke triple blending lively power with agile handling; the S1 was marketed in 1971 across Europe and Japan. Its compact chassis and winning performance made it popular among younger riders seeking sporty commuting and club racing.
GT750
Water-cooled three-cylinder 739cc two-stroke nicknamed “Water Buffalo” or “Kettle”, offering touring comfort and strong midrange in 1971. Sold globally, it stood out for liquid cooling and shaft-drive, unusual for two-strokes of its era.
T500 Titan
500cc twin four-stroke standard, the T500 Titan delivered relaxed torque and reliable touring ability in 1971. Marketed particularly in North America and Europe, it offered an accessible big-bike experience without high-revving complexity.
GT380
350cc-class triple two-stroke sporting good midrange and nimble handling; the GT380 was sold in 1971 across key markets. Known for balanced performance and reliability, it appealed to riders wanting two-stroke punch without the GT750’s weight.
XS650
650cc SOHC parallel-twin offering strong torque and a durable pushrod-less design; the XS650 was available in 1971 worldwide. Popular for customization and reliability, it became a favorite for cafe-racer and cruiser conversions.
DT250
Lightweight 250cc two-stroke enduro with rugged suspension and street-legal kit, the DT250 was marketed in 1971 for dual-sport riders. Popular in Europe and North America, it balanced off-road capability and everyday usability.
Bonneville T120
Classic 650cc twin standard combining torquey character with British styling; the Bonneville T120 was a flagship in 1971. Sold primarily in the UK, US and Europe, it’s famed for tunability and motor-sport heritage.
Trident T150
Three-cylinder 741cc sport standard introduced to rival Japanese multis; the Trident T150 was sold in 1971. Known for distinctive triple sound and strong midrange, it faced showroom competition and complex maintenance.
Commando 750
Famous 745cc parallel-twin with Isolastic frame for improved handling and comfort; the Commando 750 was marketed in 1971. Popular in the UK and export markets, it was praised for ride feel and torque despite electrical and reliability quirks.
Rocket 3
750cc three-cylinder developed alongside Triumph Trident, the BSA Rocket 3 was offered in 1971 as a performance cruiser. Sold mainly in the UK and US, it shared many parts with the Trident and suffered from corporate troubles.
750 GT
V-twin 748cc sport-tourer introduced in 1971, the Ducati 750 GT combined Italian style with desmodromic valves and competitive performance. Sold mainly in Europe and the US, it established Ducati’s reputation for sporty twins.
V7 Sport
744cc transverse V-twin sport machine introduced in 1971 with distinctive shaft drive and slim chassis. Sold across Europe and exported to the US, the V7 Sport offered strong road manners and became an Italian design icon.
R75/5
743cc boxer twin in BMW’s /5 range, the R75/5 was marketed in 1971 with modernized styling and optional electric start. Popular in Europe and North America, it offered reliable touring ability and simple engineering.
R60/5
599cc boxer twin from BMW’s /5 family, the R60/5 was sold in 1971 as a versatile standard and light tourer. Known for durability and straightforward maintenance, it was popular with long-distance riders.
Electra Glide FLH
Full-dresser 1,214cc V-twin touring bike, the Electra Glide FLH was Harley’s flagship in 1971 with electric start and large fairing options. Sold primarily in North America, it’s synonymous with long-distance American touring.
750 S/SF
High-quality 744cc triple from Laverda, the 750 S/SF offered robust engineering and sporting character in 1971. Marketed across Europe and exported to the US, it gained a reputation for reliability and strong touring ability.
150 Sprint
Iconic 150cc scooter blending easy urban mobility with Italian style; the Vespa Sprint lineup was offered in 1971 across Europe and export markets. Known for nimble handling and economical running, it was a common city transport.
Sherpa T 250
Trail and trials specialist, the Sherpa T 250 two-stroke was widely marketed in 1971 to competitive trials riders. Known for lightness, balance and tunable power, it dominated trials scenes in Europe and the UK.
SL350
On/off-road 350cc dual-sport SL version offered in 1971, combining CB350 internals with taller suspension and high pipes. Marketed in North America and Europe for riders wanting light trail capability with street legality.
