SPORTS BIKES of the 80s 90s 

Real bikes. No traction control, abs. Just rider input. The way it should be..

I love those 90s bikes. The zx7 and the SRAD gixers still look amazing to me. I remember when that 900rr came out and I was drooling over it in the magazines. The 916 is definetly the best looking to me but a very close second is a blue 98 R1. That has to be one of the best looking Japanese bikes ever made. I have a 99 R1 that I've put over 50,000 miles on and it still makes me smile. Thanks for putting this together!

I enjoyed the video, this was truly a great time to ride. I remember going into a Suzuki shop in 1986 and falling in love with the GSX-R750 Limited but I was still a new rider and couldn't afford it. A few years later I picked up a used Red White and Blue 1986 VFR700F and absolutely loved the look and sound, I put many happy miles on that bike and wish I still had it. I also had a 1986 FZ600 that I made many upgrades to, that bike was so much fun on a twisty road.

Great nostalgic video! In my humble opinion😮, that era was the height of sportsbike design, each bike had it's own character and style, unlike today's computer designed, electronically aided clones. Sure, they weren't perfect but they sure were fast and fun! 🇬🇧

Happy memories ! The 1986 gsxr1100 made a massive impact too, on roads, circuits and drag strips - the engine was amazing for it's ease of tuning ❤

The round twin headlights are so badass.

I used to get a second gear scratch on my VF 700 and it had "windslick" side covers when I bought it. So I added the rear seat cover from the VFR offered the next year, which really made it look sweet. Wish I had kept it!

I had the 98 R1, what a beast.

TL1000 - the legend. Love riding it more than and other bike. But nearly all 90s sportsbiles were insane

well done. Those were the years where something new came about every other year..

Thank you for this great video. When I was a lot younger, there was a Kawasaki Centre round the corner from my parents house…. well, by road it was about 1/4 mile away, but as the crow flies it was actually around 100m away. They had a pair of Ducatis in the showroom. One was the Mike Hailwood replica, and every Sunday morning they would rev the t1ts of the Ducatis before zooming off for a ride in the beautiful countryside that surrounded our town. I desperately wanted a bike, and had an eye on a Z250 Scorpion. my dad even bought me a helmet, which didn’t go down too well. However, my brother bought a brand new car and I used it during the week, whilst he was in London. Then, in the mid to late 80s, I got married, had kids, then started a PhD where i was getting paid a whopping salary (£4k after tax, I was at the top applied research place in Europe). I wanted a ZX9R, and put a deposit on one, with the intention of doing my full licence. However, my ex-wife had other ideas. She went out and bought me a Fiat Seicento….same engine size, but nowhere near the fun! Then my ex-started to fool,around with every Tom, Dick and Harry (emphasis on the Dick). So she agreed for me to buy a bike. I bought an Aprilia Futura 1000RST without having passed my test, which I did within a month of buying it. She even picked out the colour…..little did I know it was the GROH plan…get rid of husband plan. It almost worked after nearly 2 years and 30k miles someone took me out. I’ve never known anyone to be so disappointed when their estranged (by this time) husband is lying in A&E……”you fckn tw@t….I had to give up my dinner in the Ritz because of you”…….sympathy at its finest! Looking at those bikes brought me back to my younger days. I’ve got an RT now, and have no hope of getting on an S1000RR, not because of size but because I’m riddled with arthritis. I did own a K1200S from new which I did 80k miles on and I had a shot on the very first S1000RR. I didn’t take it out of 3 rd gear….i was too frightened, so perhaps i was never meant to own a superbike! Thank you for reminding me of boyhood dreams….

Great video, and some absolute pearls of bikes! I remember every one of these being released, and they were all mind-blowing in their day. Still are, in many ways!

Ace video mate.👍 Beautiful motorcycles. The summary comparison table is a very useful.

Oh boy just watched the best years of my life pass buy. It was great time to be. Still have GSX-R 750 lo for short rides on sunny days. 😎✌

That was brilliant. As I watched all these bikes I felt exactly the same way as the first time I saw them. Since then I have owned a few of these and ridden a few others. Owned ZXR750H1, 'Blade '92, Blade RRV, GSXR1100, my brother still owns an original R1 in red/white. I've had a go on that and it was fantastic, also ridden a thou EXUP and my mates owned a Bol 'dor and a GPZ900. We bikers really do live our best lives! Currently own a 'busa gen2. 🤘🤘

Great video! I was in my late teens and early twenties during the 1980s. Cutting my teeth when I was 13 years old with my first clapped out DT100. Went on to own a number of bikes of all different flavours but recall the RZ500 I bought in 1985 as "the one that got away". I still have very fond memories of my 84 FJ1100 with my friends all driving bikes like the Interceptor, Magna, RZ's, Ninjas and all the other amazing bikes of the era. It was a great time to be alive and to know how most of these bikes made their mark on the industry is something special. Cheers.

I had the Sabre variant of the Interceptor; I believe the bikini fairing and shaft-drive - plus the black, chrome and grey highlights - distinguished it from its better-known brother. It was one hell of a bike and, yes, it was pitched at 86hp. The weak link was meant to be, as you mentioned, excessive camshaft wear due to a useless chain tensioner mechanism. My bike was 20 years old when I bought it, so obviously the Honda recall for a replacement update had been carried out. Not as good as the XS11 though !!

I bought a new VF100F. I was working at a Honda shop. Small mom and pop shop. It was when there were about a hundred models to keep track of. I was the parts manager and owed my soul to the company store. XR 500, CR 500, XR 80, And the interceptor, which was billed as the fastest production bike at 151mph. I had the poster. The bike felt as if it could easily outrun the suspension. I never pushed it past 135, and felt uncomfortable at that speed. Of course that was on Oklahoma roads. 😊

exelente video mait! gracias por mostrar a las nuevas generaciones que el pasado de nuestras motos aun hoy esta vivo!

I had a 1995 916 for four years - rode 20,000kms on it. Might not stack up to more modern bikes in terms of outright power - but felt fast, stable, and cornered on rails. A stunning piece of kit if not a touch high maintenance...

Nice review of some legendary bikes from when I started riding.

What a great video of information and from experienced nearly all these bikes in the flesh you were spot on! Thank you 🙏

Having owned most of the bikes you cover, I am still looking for an 851 to complete my 80s CV. Then perhaps I will delve a bit deeper in to 70's stuff. Must go , a lot to fit in while my old body can take it.

Great vid, no mention of the original fj1100 from 1984 - 85. One of the first sports tourers, naked bikes. Still remember my two choices were that or the gpz900. Old guy now, get my kicks from the xsr900. Cheers.

Info boxes excellent. Great video mate!

I still have 1970’s and 1980’s bikes. 4 x Moto Guzzis, 3 of which are now Historic Vehicle status.

Bloody awesome that was. Smiling from ear to ear I was. Beauties all.

A very interesting compilation of the most powerful bikes of this era!!!

The 1986 white and gold VFR 700 was my first love.

Superb analysis just up to the 90s our favourite Machines. ❤

Great stuff mate, love your chanel. Ace vid, cheers.

Those were the days. I had a 1975 kaw 900 bored to 1013. Stripped down with full fairing, glass tank, and seat. Ran bit over 160 mph in 1976. Next ZX10R in a month. Had FZR 1000 in 1988 and kaw 1000R 1987.

The black limited edition GSXR 750...IS THE DREAM BIKE,and the RR🙏

in 1986, my dad sold his GS1000E and got the VFR750 in red, white and blue ..... I luv dat bike bcoz a 13 year old me can ride a 750 for the 1st time.😅

I'd love to see a doco on 80s 2 strokes like the kr, kr1, tzr, rz, rg, rgv, mvx250f and nsr

Superb dissertation, I find it hard to argue with the descriptions of any, being a sport rider since 86, and always a Yamaha guy, including the 98 R1.

Now this is my era of sport bikes! The ZXR750 H2 is my favourite bike in my small collection.. I also have a ‘99 Fireblade, ‘91 VFR750 RC36, ‘91 CBR1000F, ‘01 ZX12R, ‘98 GSXR750 SRAD & ‘99 Suzuki TLR 😊👍🏼

I agree, the VFR Interceptor, with honorable mention to the Hans Muth Susuki Katana

I had the last model fzr 1000 twin fox eye headlamps , what a fabulous bike it was . You had to work hard to be rewarded / it really was worth it . and it was comfy too . Nice video and a blast from the past .

12:59 I miss my '93 WP GSX-R 750 bad, that bike was a beast !

I loved all of those bikes. I rember watching the ZX7s and Ducatis fight it out in World Superbike. The Honda V4 is my favorite. Wish they would have kept that motor alive longer. When the R1 came out it was totally a game changer. But the 916 is still by far the sexiest bike ever.

Great vid. To my memory, the TL100s had the rotary rear shock and handling issues; the TLR was released with conventional shocks, but was too heavy to cut it against the Ducatis and later VTR/RC51. Maybe other markets got a different TLR than the uk though

Ducati 91sex on wheels! Changed the way bikes looked , wow.

The Yamaha FZ750 is missing here. It has a steal frame. The YZF 750, 125hp followed. Beautifull machines

I had three Interceptors in the 80's. Incredible machines and I still miss them today.

I had an 86 FJ 1200. Bulletproof, fast, and comfortable.

I remember reading all the magazines in 86 about these beauties

I had aHonda VF500F2, what a cracking bike that was.

The VF750F was one of the best-looking bikes there has ever been in my opinion - I'd love to own a minter now.

Still have a totally original srad 750. She's a stunner.

I have a vf500. The 400 and 500 didn't have the oiling problems of the larger bikes. It now has 28,000 with very few problems. None of the problems that I had were neither expensive or difficult to fix.

Well done - thanks!

Great vid thanks

The VF750F could be a great and historical bike, but its issue with engine condemned it to an unfairing oblivion.

Yes, thank you I did very much enjoy that.

My vf500f2ff was clocked at 135 I dont know if it right or not but it still felt bl dy fast.

I would have no problem owning any of these bikes. 916 is my favorite

Not sure the gpz900r was the first bike to reach 150 mph, in 1982 Suzuki launched the katana which definitely did 150mph the 1000cc and the 1100cc were way ahead of their time,I know the kwacka was a fantastic bike and sold in much greater numbers but having owned a katana I had to mention that, fantastic video atb Dave

I watch these videos about 80’s sports bikes but never see a list that includes the YAMAHA FJ1100.The only bike faster in 1985was the YAMAHA VMAX or so the motorcycle magazines would say,but I was never beaten by one.

Miss my 87 FZ-700

Awesome video

Would like to have seen the VF1000R in the line up, what a weapon.

When the 1st SRAD model came out then the R1 everyone was going apeshit on the streets. The Busa the ZX9 then ZX12 it was the best time period in my life. When dreams actually did come true

Them were the days boys!

GSXR750 & Interceptor we’re the Class Of The World even though Honda had serious cam issues. I can still remember the GSXR’s absolutely destroying everything on tracks across the land.

Regarding the Yamaha R1, a shorter wheelbase will make a bike easier to wheelie, that is why dragsters have such a long wheelbase.

The green, blue, and white Kawasaki ZX7 is arguably in the top 3 of sexiest bikes in existence.

I’m surprised there was no mention of the 1987 and 1988 Honda Hurricane 600F1 or the 1000

Good report; I owned a few of these machines. But I SERIOUSLY doubt those horsepower numbers; I believe those came from the Manufacturer's claims, which have always been 15%+ optimistic

...my youth is back! 😉

confused the cbr900 is lighter has more cubes but is slower than the heavier smaller engine zxr750 over the quarter mile at 10.9 to the zxrs 10.8 are these figures correct ?

I'm still trying to figure out why 86 GSXR1100 wasn't mentioned while mentioning the 85 750, it would have taken one extra sentence sounding something like this.... -- and in 1986 they jammed an 1100 into it. The 1100 made 130hp and weighed 197kg, besides the bigger engine, the extra weight was mainly due to slightly heavier duty parts and a slightly longer wheel base. That power to weight allowed the bike to do the 1/4 mile in the 10.5s.

You ever heard of the CBX 550 Honda?

Good video but you should have included the Blackbird & Hayabusa

Loved my ZX7R.

I'm surprised. No mention of the 1998 zx9r? first production bike to break into 9 second 1/4 mile territory in stock form

Yes , the '85 " Jixxer " completely changed the Game out of Japan . The Frog faced little beauty . Worth BIG money for an 85 model these days . Ducati were still doing Exactly what they always had done , but found somewhat more power . And MUCH better Electricals .

The V4's where a total pain to work on

Cagiva mito lawson,, and vfr400 nc30, best bikes of the 80s 90s

Yams power valve was controlled by cables

The VF750 the first real full on sports bike out of Japan??? I would argue the CB1100R, released in 1980 was the first full on Japanese sport bike.

The first proper japanese sports bike was the Honda CB 1100 R. It was the pioneer.

AHHHHH the 84 ninja 900 the hp war began i had 85 600 ninja it was 12 sec 1/4 mile 137 mph top speed and handled great in the day. That bike kicked of the 600 sport wars. kawasaki just loved starting wars and any time some one one upped them they came back stronger. The zx7 was a beauty and a beast. Yes I prefer kawasakis as fast or faster than bikes in same class bullet proof and I like their looks more than any suzuki ever made most hondas and only the r6 and r1 looked as good or beat them.

You left out one of the best 750,s of the 90's the Yamaha YZF 750R

Vf750 f was good bike but..... primary chain wears out after 15k, rockers and cams need replacing after 40k.

Thw whole line up here are all winners thumbs up

GSX-R 1100 Oil cooled is missing. + Aprilia RSV Mille.

Most people would not know how to start a carbureted bike.

ooh thats a telling sentence at the end.

The rc30 wasnt developed for wsb it was born from the race rvf750 that dominated f1 racing and ttf1 and endurance racing back in the early to mid 80s

Do not forget ducatis opposition only ran 750 cc fours

I had the slab tank gixer 750 , bloody fast in its day , i raced against a Kwaka 900 r , nothing in it , i was lighter , but he was faster

I dont think 245kg 221kg and 228kg are dry weight for the cb900 vf750 and gpz900 they sound bad enough for a wet weight

What a wonderful collection of bikes. Pure art and mechanical genius.. no wonder the British Market died. Many thanks.

You forgot the HONDA CBR 600 F ONE OF THE GREATEST HONDAS

MV Agusta all the way🤘

Blades top speed was 167mph

Is this a real person or a stupid AI?

Yup!

The 84 model 750 interceptor was 86 hp?