Description:

What moved the motorcycle scene 25 years ago? Many new machines were to write the story came on the market. MOTORCYCLE Classic highlights the key developments in a quarter century.


For the world was in 1986 a mixed year. The old dream of mankind of the complete mastery of the art experienced severe setbacks. America lost with the exploding space shuttle Challenger faith in NASA; Russia failed a test at the Chernobyl nuclear power, with devastating consequences for the whole world.

The industry was not as innovative as long. Brave new engine concepts, new categories and new designs were developed. Above all, the Japanese manufacturers lay down on the stuff and pushed on with their machines in different performance categories. 125, 130 hp, nothing seemed more impossible. It was still, at least in Germany, the voluntary power limit to 100 hp.

Some of these machines at that time incurred reasonable ranges that exist today. Suzuki GSX-R 750, a Kawasaki 1000 RX, Honda VFR or Yamaha FJ 1200 life changed today. Rather weak at that time was the creative force of BMW. After all, they brought the three-cylinder K 75 S. uncompromising sporty style and design, making, however, was the Bimota DB1, a ground breaking Rennreplika.