The motorcycles that defined the last five decades

Launched in 1972, the 903cc, 130mph Z1 surpassed by miles Honda’s CB750 and showed the way ahead for Japanese in-line-fours. It helped create Kawasaki’s reputation for building storming engines, which the firm nurtures to this day.

Now, we’re not saying the 350LC is the best motorcycle of the ‘80s but what machine better typifies the decade than this stinky little stroker? Today there are three types of motorcyclists: those that have an LC in their garage, those that would like one and those that are too young to remember.

Odd to think that in 1989 the litre sports bike class was made up of bloaters like the original Kawasaki ZX-10. If you wanted something more like an actual sports bike, you had to get a 750, like the ZX-7. Until Honda designer Tadao Baba decided to combine the best of both in the original 1992 Blade, paving the way for the modern litre sports bike class.

It’s a tricky one, the Naughties. What actually happened? Bike design didn’t change direction that much, which may have contributed to the slump in sales manufacturers saw towards the end. Bikes did get better though, following the new direction taken by the Blade and showing where it could lead. Launched in 2001, the GSX-R1000 became king of the class. Probably the best remembered is the K5, thanks to its monstrous engine, still available today in the GSX-S1000 and GSX-F1000.

Yes, we know this may seem a controversial choice. But if anything defines motorcycling this decade (so far) it’s the popularity of new-wave traditional machines, inspired by custom bikes. It’s transformed the market, with new retro models like the Triumph Bonneville Bobber attracting more interest (and readers) than new sports bikes. Ducati got in there pretty quick, combining style and performance in an accessible package, making the Scrambler a massive, deserved success. Let’s admit it: motorcycling and fashion don’t often meet. They have now.