26. Rikuo Type 97
Source: World War II Database, China Postcard-Press Photo 54-1942
Right at 16,000 Type 97 motorcycles were built for the Japanese specifically for war. The backstory is a bit ironic since Harley Davison moved a factory to Japan in order to produce Harley Davidson motorcycles for Japan. Yet, when Japan went to war with the United States a few years later it was a bit embarrassing since their motorcycles were actually our motor cycles. Even so, the main purpose of the Type 97 was to help the Japanese Imperial Army navigate rough terrain during their attempt to invade China. Each motorcycle could comfortably transport three soldiers and the sidecar was equipped with a mounted machine gun. The 1274 CCV twin engine (22 hp) was one of the most iconic war motorcycles of the second World War. And even though they were produced in extremely large numbers, you will be hard-pressed to find one today. They are highly collectible and most owners don’t part with them easily.