| Take a look at OverDrive’s (June ’09) top ten sports bikes of all time… |
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 Ducati 916
The Ducati 916 was a revolutionary motorcycle in more ways than one. The bike featured a 916cc 90-degree twin engine that was an evolution of the Desmoquattro (four valves per cylinder actuated by desmo valves) family that produced 114PS at 9000rpm. The output was considerably lower than its in-line four counterparts, but the 916 won hearts and races with its linear power delivery. |
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 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade
Designed by Tadeo Baba, the CBR was developed as a powerful track racer, which could leave every other bike behind on the race track. The first CBR had a 893cc engine that developed power in excess of 100PS and set new benchmarks in terms of refinement and smooth power delivery. The bike suffered from twitchy handling but subsequent improvements in suspension sorted this out. |
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Honda NR750
 Honda’s NR750 was a bike much ahead of its time when launched in the early ‘80s. NR stood for ‘New Racing’ series of V-four racers. The most revolutionary feature of the engine were the oval pistons with two connecting rods. This layout facilitated eight valves per cylinder and allowed better fuelling to extract more power from the engine. In its road-going form, the NR750 developed 125PS of power at 14,000rpm. Packed with technology and exotic metallurgy, the NR was heavier in spite of its carbon fiber monocoque chassis and fairing. It sold in limited numbers at its exorbitant price of $50,000 (Rs. 25, 00, 000) and is still sought by collectors. |
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 Kawasaki Z1
The Kawasaki Z1 was hailed the world’s first superbike by purists. Its 903cc engine produced 83PS and pulled a sub 13-second quarter mile, enough to keep the crowds queuing up for it. It was way more powerful than the two-strokers of that era, yet friendlier and far more predictable for on-road use. The Z1 sent every other Japanese manufacturer in to making high capacity four-stroke inline fours. The trademark trumpet exhausts were a rage and iteration can still be found on Kawasaki’s latest Z1000. |
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Norton Manx
The Norton Manx was developed with just one intention – to win the Isle of Man TT races. It was purpose-built for racing and it showed in its no nonsense body work and lightweight frame. The design of its 500cc single cylinder engine dates back to 1927. Initially designed with a single overhead camshaft, it was later upgraded to a DOHC valvetrain in 1937. Another major development came in 1950 with the featherbed frame with a low centre of gravity and short wheel-base that gave it an edge over the challenging TT course. In 1950 the featherbed Manx recorded a double hat-trick of podium positions at the TT. |
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Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K5
Though all Suzuki GSX-R 1000s are highly regarded, it was the 2005 version that struck the perfect balance between insanity and refinement. The engine made just under 160PS of power at the rear wheel and its bursts of power surprised even the most experienced of riders. It was also considerably smaller, roughly the same size as a 600 and handled beautifully. The triangular titanium muffler gelled well with the sharp aggressive stance. Over the years, the Gixxer has become easier to ride but it is the K5 that remains the most exciting. |
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Suzuki Katana
Very few people know that the Katana was styled by a German design firm at Suzuki’s German arm’s request. It was the first superbike to come with a front fairing nicely integrated with the fuel tank and razor sharp styling, living up to its nomenclature. The first Katana sported a 650cc motor that easily made it the fastest production motorcycle of its time. This was followed by a Katana 1100 a year later. The 1100 borrowed its engine from Suzuki’s GS1100 naked and the Katana got even faster. It was only after the Katana that the design of a motorcycle came to be considered as important as its performance. |
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Yamaha YZF-R7 OWO2
The Yamaha YZF-R7 was an out and out racer launched in a limited run of 50 units, built to compete in the World Supersport Championship in the 750cc category. Its 749cc engine breathed through five valves per cylinder and produced 107PS in stock setting. It also came with a secondary set of injectors that raised the power to 140PS when activated and a full blown race kit that unleashed over 163PS. The R7 featured race-spec Ohlin suspension and a shortened and lightened Deltabox frame that made it quite expensive for its time. |
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 Yamaha RD350LC
If there is a bike every biker swears by, it has to be the Yamaha RD350. The RD350 was fast handled pretty decently to provide levels of performance easily accessible to the masses. In the early 80s Yamaha upped the game by launching liquid cooled RDs. Power increased by about 12PS over the stock 350s 37PS and looks were greatly improved over the previous bike’s classic looks. When it comes to affordable thrills, the RD remains the boss. |
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Yamaha YZF-R1 ‘98
 The image of the first Yamaha R1 is sure to be etched in the minds of every sports bike fan on this planet. The world had not seen anything like the white and red wonder. The sharp fairing, angular twin headlamps and beautifully executed tail were a smack on the face of bulky, staid looking sports bikes of the time, while it set new benchmarks in terms of size and weight when launched in 1998. The R1 utilized an updated delta box II chassis and potent brakes that immediately won it the title of best handler on the race track.
The bike however didn’t get a great response from road users. It’s power output of 150PS at the crank, generated at a high 10000rpm was rated too peaky for road use while compact size meant the bike was a bit cramped for long hauls. Yamaha took this on a serious note and the next update in 2000 featured more accommodating seating and still managed to look sharper. Over the years, the R1 has constantly been improved and stays up there as one of the best bikes in the world. |
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| Article By IndiaBike.com on 12th October 2009 |
