20 Best in 37 years. Review on Twenty Best Bikes

I have tried to avoid in best possible manner using technological jargons and make this review simple. To take it forward and discuss about top 20 bikes in chronological order on global scenario, Here they are:

1969 Honda CB 750 four: The mother of all superbikes to debut with inline four cylinder and looks to appeal the masses. This model marks the beginning of UJM( Universal Japanese Motorcycle) concept. Technologically it wasn’t too great but most things done right made CB750 an instant hit. Powered by a 65bhp 4 cylinder engine breathing through four carburetors, smooth transmission combined with light weight  gave CB 750 an edge over European rivals and exhaust note to die for. An immediate hit and put Honda on European and US market.

1973 Honda CB 350 four: CB 350 was exactly a little brother of 750 but lighter and milder to ride. It lacked the aggression of 750 but engine was a gem and won accolades from critics. This model helped every motorbike enthusiast to realize dream of owning one. Thanks to it’s cheaper pricing and simplicity.

1979 Honda CBX 1100: Honda always lead the technological conquest and after many experiments and successes with 6 cylinders on race track decides to launch a monster of bike displacing 1047cc spread across 6 cylinders. What amazed the world was the way engine was used a stressed member of chassis and every bit oozed appeal. Six carburetors fed the cylinders and six exhaust pipes going into six into two exhaust configuration. It had an exhaust note which made a sports car look timid. Power was at roughly 100 bhp and straight line performance was exhilarating. It returned quick timings on acceleration making it the one of the fastest production bike.

1981 Honda CB1100: This was Honda’s flagship model to enter racing and many wins proved their development right. This had all the power a rider needed and looked fantastic. Producing 100 bhp and advance suspension allowed CB1100 to be thrown around corners with confidence.

Honda followed the four cylinder configuration to avoid stress on crankshaft during high revs.

1981 Yamaha RD 350 LC YPVS: Enter Yamaha! This one is known as hooligan around the world and was known for it’s scorching power band and ability to lift it’s wheel into air in an undignified manner. This liquid cooled two stroke twin was putting out a healthy 45 bhp and was able to catch up bigger bikes. Boasting YPVS( Yamaha Power Valve System) and reed valve intake this engine was hot. It was an instant hit and Yamaha could sell as many as they could produce. Followed later by RZ350 this marks as an important model for two stroke suicidal machines. It was believed that if someone could ride this fast then he could ride anything.

1986 Suzuki GSX 750: Suzuki showed world how GP technology can be used in road bikes with GSX 750. It had an engine which could rev  to scary heights and equipped with handling to ride on race tracks. Power was 80 bhp and expert riders could surpass the lap timings of liter bikes. A very great move by Suzuki to offer world GP technology at road version prices.

1987 Honda VFR 750: Honda’s affair with V engines started long ago but this was all things done right in one package. Best chassis mated to V4 engine riding on best suspension and revolutionary looks put this model on US and European market as the all time best. Even to date the present one is considered to be the best all rounder. They are not too extreme like a full fledged sports bike nor too docile like a street bike, Just perfect!

1988 Suzuki RGV 250: One killer of a two stroke with almost 43 bhp on tap and extreme light weight with best brakes riding on racy suspension made this little 250 a screamer on roads. It had the potential to harass 600 and 750’s and was known for it’s unique exhaust note. Very racy to ride and rapid acceleration made this little machine a favorite among street racers.

1988 Yamaha V-Max: Yamaha rewrote the rules of a street bike by using a V4 1200cc engine in a street chassis and bhp numbers on par with a sports bike. It had gut wrenching torque and if looks were to be described “ Pure masculine”. This carved a niche for itself and sold in good numbers. Handling was tough but buyers liked the crude characteristics. Power transmission was through shaft drive and specially designed Dunlop radials.

1989 Yamaha FZR 1000: A sports bike with a liter engine and race track handling was missing in the market and debut of FZR1000 filled the gap. This model rewrote all rules of sports bike riding as it had a liter engine but handled like a 750. Yamaha’s proprietary EXUP technology boosted low end power and FZR boasted the quickest quarter mile timings.

1990 Kawasaki ZXR 1100: Kawasaki had to bring in ZX11 and dump ZX10 as it knew FZR was racy and fast. ZXR1100 had the most powerful engine and ram air technology( Kawasaki’s own invention) gave this one a potential  to be called as “Worlds fastest production bike”. Power was plenty on tap and fresh looks made this an instant hit.

1990 Honda CBR 600 F: A star was born among sports bikes which defined the word “optimum”. CBR had everything one could ask for – Best handling, Braking, Good engine, Acceleration and Reliability. A favorite even to date as this one can be as fast as Yamaha, comfy as Kawasaki and handle like Suzuki.

1992 Honda CBR 900RR: Sports bike manufacturers were left with no shelter when a tornado hit one and all named CBR900RR. It was called 900RR in USA and Fireblade in Europe.Nimble handling, weighing as much as a 600 but powerful than a 1000.  Beefy forks, powerful disc brakes, ground breaking chassis technology and one killer of a 900cc engine putting out a healthy 115 bhp. This model in a wink put  FZR 1000 to rest and attracted buyers from all categories.

1994 Ducati 916: Italians launched 916 with an intention to push Japanese bikes aside on roads and on race track. Sleek looks, under seat twin exhausts, first to sport a 190 rear tire, exquisite suspension, exquisite brakes, molybdenum chassis and a gem of 916cc V-twin were all made this an irresistible package. It took away titles on race track and grabbed attention on roads. Had a distinctive V–twin exhaust note with raspy noise of desmoquattro valve gear. Priced high but nevertheless sold in many versions.

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