In the late ’80s, the Pontiac Stinger confirmed off a enjoyable and new means to consider automobiles. Like the Piranha, this automotive was additionally designed to be excellent for youthful individuals who love spending time outside. It appeared completely different from the automobiles that come to thoughts after we hear “concept cars” as a result of it was impressed by dune buggies, with an open prime and a brilliant neon inexperienced look.
The Stinger was a response to market analysis on future traits carried out by Pontiac, which concluded that consumers beneath the age of 35 wished one thing similar to what the Stinger was — a enjoyable automotive that might drive and deal with each work and play. So, GM’s Chuck Jordan and his workforce went to work. The ensuing Stinger had prophetic options, just like the carbon-fiber physique, detachable glass panels, and an inside decked with devices for the good outside. It additionally had a 3.0-liter, 170-horsepower engine and an energetic pneumatic suspension system, which promised efficiency that might hold tempo with its appears to be like.
The Stinger’s inside was fairly neat, too, from built-in device kits and moveable vacuums to backyard hoses and picnic benches that unfolded from the again. The seats have been comprised of wetsuit materials, and the automotive additionally got here with varied storage options for outside gear. Keeping with the theme of “concepts and prototypes we wish were built,” the Stinger by no means made it to manufacturing. But, it was a glimpse into what SUVs and journey automobiles may develop into.
The V65 Magna was one of many quickest bikes of the ’80s with 116 HP & 125 MPH quarter-mile timing.
Magna’s theoretical prime pace was 160 MPH however realistically hit 140 MPH as a result of traction points.
The V65 Magna was criticized for its discomfort on lengthy rides, obscure steering, and poor gas financial system.
In 1983, Honda unveiled the VF1100C V65 Magna, a robust cruiser that will outline the muscle cruiser phase. It joined the already-existing V30 and V45 Magnas, but it surely was new from the bottom up. A milestone in motorbike design, merging one of the best elements of a sports activities bike and a cruiser. It was a monstrous V4 cruiser on the planet of V-twins.
Harley-Davidson had been making cruisers for many years, however none broke the 100 MPH barrier, whereas Yamaha had simply began dabbling in cruisers on the time. So none were as powerful as the V65. For the primary time, one of the vital highly effective bikes on the planet was a cruiser, with a laid-back driving triangle and lazy steering. The Big Red had a winner on their fingers.
In order to provide the latest and correct data doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Honda and different authoritative sources, together with Cycle World Magazine, Motor Trend, and Motorcycle Specs.
Ten examples of Japanese cruise bikes that go quick like nobody’s enterprise.
One Of The Fastest Motorcycles Of Its Time
Power Output: 116 HP @ 7,500 RPM
The Honda V65 Magna used a 65ci, double overhead camshaft, V4 engine that delivered over 100 horses to the again wheel. It will not be a lot for 2024, however again within the 80s, that was superbike territory already! Such an influence output made the V65 Magna one of many quickest bikes of the 80s; it had a sub-11 second quarter mile timing at 125 MPH. For reference, the 1985 Suzuki GSX-R750 had a quarter-mile time of 11.2 seconds @ 121.3 MPH.
Theoretical Vs Practical Performance
The Guinness Book of Records listed the V65 Magna because the quickest manufacturing bike of the time with a prime whack of 160 MPH. The story was a bit completely different in the actual world, although. Cycle World Magazine’s test revealed the bike’s top speed as 140 MPH in the fifth gear. With barely any pull within the sixth (overdrive) gear, there was simply no reaching that 160 mark on the highway.
In different phrases, the V65 Magna was a lot quicker in concept than in follow. Not everybody may pull such quarter-mile timings or prime pace, because of its design. The tires by no means stored up with the facility supply, and the burden distribution didn’t assist both. The front-to-rear weight bias of 45-55, plus the laid-back stance, pulled the entrance wheel up when the bike caught traction. All these items did not cease this bike from being a stop-light drag particular for the house owners, although.
Engine Highlights
Each pair of camshafts was pushed from the middle to the four-main bearing crank by a sequence
Four valves per cylinder opened at a slender 38-degree angle by way of screw-adjustment rockers
Straight-cut gears with a break up gear on the crankshaft within the main drive lowered lash and equipment noise
Semi-slipper, diaphragm spring clutch allowed half of the plates to launch throughout aggressive downshifting
Five-speed gearbox (with a sixth overdrive) was pushed by way of two bevel gears and a shaft
36mm Keihin CV carbs drew air from the airbox set in a recess minimize into the gas tank
An electrical pump fed the secondary gas tank tucked beneath the seat
Performance Specifications
Engine Type
Four-stroke, 90-degree V4, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1,098cc
Bore x Stroke
79.5 x 55.3 mm
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Power Output At The Wheel
100 HP @ 9,500 RPM
Torque Output
69.33 LB-FT @ 7,500 RPM
Standing Quarter-Mile
10.75 seconds @ 126 MPH
Top Speed
140 MPH in fifth gear
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs and Cycle World)
The Best (Or The Worst) Of Both Worlds
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The successors of the V65 Magna regarded extra like conventional cruisers. Yet, the V65 was something however that. Yes, it featured a shaft drive that stored your denim clear, however apart from that, cruiser components didn’t work in its favor. It was both one of the best or the worst of each worlds, relying in your perspective. For house owners, it was either a fast cruiser or a lazy efficiency bike.
For occasion, the bike wasn’t snug for lengthy journeys regardless of the laid-back stance. With your weight in your butt, you’d make sure you lose an inch of your peak after a protracted experience. And whenever you dialed again the absolutely adjustable twin shock unit on the rear, you’d be met with shaft drive jacking. The experience consolation wasn’t what you’d count on from a cruiser.
These highly effective cruisers from Japanese and American manufacturers are in a continuing struggle for dominance.
Things received worse the second you began getting frisky within the twisties. The entrance was suspended on air-adjustable 41mm forks with an anti-dive unit, however the rake resulted in over 4 inches of path. The lazy steering was made worse by the burden bias, which means the entrance finish was obscure, and operating broad in corners wasn’t unusual for riders. The cornering clearance was restricted, too, so say goodbye to your dear leather-based boots.
The explosive acceleration got here at one more price — gas financial system. At a sedate tempo, you’d get good fuel economy. Ride it prefer it’s meant to be ridden, although, and the gas financial system would drop to low 30 MPGs. The V65 additionally lacked a gas gauge or reserve; a low-fuel warning gentle was all you bought. So house owners discovered the gas stage the onerous manner by pushing the bike to the closest fuel station.
Model Highlights
TRAC anti-dive entrance suspension setup
Self-cancelling flip indicators
Gear place indicator (but no gas gauge!)
Honda Fiber Optic Integrated Lock (FOIL) anti-theft system
Taillight failure warning gentle (but no gas gauge!)
ComCast alloy wheels
Chassis And Dimension Specifications
Frame Type
Double down tube, full-cradle body with tube/box-section metal swingarm
Front Suspension
Leading-axle, air-assisted 41mm forks with 5.9 in journey
Rear Suspension
Twin shock, absolutely adjustable, with 4.1 in journey
Front Brakes
Dual 270mm discs with twin-piston calipers
Rear Brake
Single 282mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rake
30.3-degree
Trail
4.1 in
Wheelbase
62.8 in
Seat Height
31.6 in
Ground Clearance
5.9 in
Wet Weight
589 lbs
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
The Start Of The Power Cruiser Segment
Production Years: 1983 to 1986
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The V65 Magna, even with its shortcomings, was a terrific motorbike designed for the American market. The world will not be so keen on cruisers, however the American market was fairly keen on this bike. Unfortunately, the V65 by no means swayed Harley-Davidson riders to ditch their American metallic like Honda anticipated. Still, it discovered many lovers; some that still swoon over the Big Red power cruiser.
The Magna meant extra for motorcycling than it did for Honda’s backside line. It was the quickest cruiser of the time. Harley-Davidson’s bikes have been 14-second bikes (quarter-mile timing) and barely crossed the ton. They additionally price a minimum of three grand greater than the V65 Magna. For the lovers of pace, there wasn’t a cruiser higher than the Magna. To nobody’s shock, the thought was picked up by Honda’s contemporaries as properly.
Suzuki Madura: Equally Fast But Softer Cruiser
The first was the Suzuki GV1200GL Madura, a extra laid-back and softly sprung providing than the Magna. In a straight line, it was an equal, but it surely had shortcomings in all places else. It had a spread of solely 100 miles, the facility supply was abrupt, and the dealing with was tremendous compromised. Think of it as being nearer to a Harley-Davidson (albeit with extra energy) than the Magna.
The Yamaha V-Max did not simply change the rulebook, it utterly reinvented it.
Yamaha V-Max: Mold-Shattering Power Cruiser
Then got here the Yamaha V-Max — the only real survivor of the 80s energy cruiser warfare. This one nailed down the components, becoming the fastest and most powerful cruiser for years to come. This was Yamaha’s bullet of alternative for the bull’s eye, the V65 Magna. The V-Max was brutally quick and intimidating even at a standstill; its eye-flattening acceleration made it an prompt cult traditional. The similar can’t be mentioned for the Magna or the Madura.
All in all, the V65 Magna had a little bit of an id disaster. It was a performance-oriented bike with lazy dealing with or an uncomfortable cruiser with an keen throttle. The imperfections didn’t matter for many house owners, although. Honda bought the Magna items quicker than it may manufacture them, outselling even the Sabre V65 and the VF1000F! So, let’s name it what it was: a reinterpretation of the cruiser phase. It set the groundwork for the Madura and the V-Max, and lots of different energy cruisers that adopted. A listing that in the present day consists of the Ducati XDiavel or the Triumph Rocket 3.
If you’re a fan of ’80s and ’90s Japanese sportbike styling, then you’re definitely going to want to take a look at this sweet 1987 Honda CBR750F Hurricane that’s for sale in Nebraska. A previous owner went to the trouble of importing it into the States from Japan, and it’s not difficult to see why. I mean, just look at this thing, and then watch the video and listen to it ride.
It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 748cc, dual overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine that, when new, made a claimed 105 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, alongside 56.8 pound-feet of torque at 8,500 rpm. It’s outfitted with Keihin carburetors and has a six-speed gearbox.
Suspension consists of a telescopic fork up front and Pro-Link suspension in the back. Brakes are Nissin at both ends, with a two-disc setup in front and a single disc in the rear. The odometer shows around 7,000 kilometers, or about 4,400 miles ridden, but of course the actual total mileage is unknown.
17Photos
The most attention-grabbing part of this bike is undoubtedly the styling. This particular bike features bold blue and white livery with red, black, and gold accents to really set the entire thing off. That four-into-two exhaust, especially when taken with the white three-spoke wheels, is also a fantastic example of some of the best of Honda’s late-80s styling.
The mirrors and clear windscreen look remarkably good for this bike’s age, although it’s not without some aesthetic issues. The seller notes some paint bubbles and chips here and there, and also illustrates them in some of the photos. (Speaking of which, you can check the listing in our Sources to see more photos, as well as place a bid on the auction if you’re interested.) A previous owner also installed a coating inside the fuel tank, although specifics of the coating aren’t given in the listing.
Are you wondering about the title since it’s a Japanese-market bike? No worries there, as the seller says it’s offered complete with a clean Nebraska title for whoever wins this auction. At the time of writing on July 10, 2023, the bid is up to $1,000. The auction ends on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 3:16 p.m. Eastern.
The ’80s were not one of the best times in the car industry for muscle cars, but it sure left things open for sports cars. Small cars with big engines that could push out more horsepower than any of the big displacement engines could have ever dreamed of, which is where the idea of a supercar comes in. The label of a supercar is as debated then as it is now, with some saying that the Ford GT1 was the first, others claiming that the original supercar was the Ferrari Miura, while others say you need to go back even further to the 1954 Mercedes-Benz.
No matter how you feel about the subject, the one thing that most experts can agree upon today is that a supercar is a high-performance car (usually a sports car) that can pump out over 400 horses and reach speeds of over 200 MPH. Of course, that is by today’s standards which the vehicles in the ’80s could not meet, at least not the top speeds anyway.
NOTE: Since this list could be organized in many different ways, please note that it was designed to go from the supercars that produce the lowest horsepower to the ones that top out at the highest power numbers for the decade. It considers the amount of torque each can pound out, but it has no deciding factor on the list’s placement.
Even though the base-level Ferrari Testarossa back in the 80s does not fall under the definition of a supercar today, back in the day, it was one of the premier supercars on the planet. If you were riding around in a Ferrari (or a Lamborghini), you were on top of the world. The mid-mounted 380 horsepower 4.9L flat-12 engine pushed the torque to the rear drive tires through a five-speed manual gearbox, pushing the car from 0 to 60 in a mere five seconds.
Ferrari Testerossa Pros
Easy handling due to sensitive controls
Full of luxury for the decade
Aerodynamic without spoilers
Ferrari Testerossa Cons
Noisy when driving over 95
Upholstery comes apart at the seams
Issues starting when the engine is warmed up
91985 Lamborghini Countach: 455 Horsepower
Mecum
Front and side view of a 1985 Lamborghini Countach
The 1985 to 1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV was the most powerful version throughout the ’80s, only giving way to the Lamborghini Diablo in 1990. For the end of the decade, the company stuck with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-12 engine behind the cockpit in the middle of the car. The 455 horsepower could accelerate the car from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds, rocketing it down the quarter-mile track in right around 14 seconds.
Lamborghini Countach Pros
Superb handling
Craftsmanship is top-of-the-line inside and out
Carburetors have been replaced with fuel injectors
Lamborghini Countach Cons
Very warm in the cockpit when driving
No power assist anything
The pedals are too far to the right
81987 Porsche 959: 450 Horsepower
Mecum
Front and side view of a 1987 Porsche 959
Pure excitement is what you get when climbing behind the wheel of a 1987 Porsche 959. It only takes 3.6 seconds to reach 60 mph from a dead stop on its way to the top speed of 199 mph due to the 450 horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.8L flat-six Boxer engine. Mated to the engine is a six-speed manual transmission that sends the 368 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Under the car, you will find all kinds of innovative technology for the time period, such as active suspension and an all-wheel drive system that can send the power and torque to the drive tires that need it.
Porsche 959 Pros
Adjustable ride height adjustments
Automatic transfer of power to drive tires needing it the most
The 1987 Ruf CTR may look like a basic Porsche Carrera on the outside, but you would be wrong. The Ruf CTR is a version of the car that has been stripped, updated, improved, and put back together. The supercar has been bored out to a 3.4L that can push out 463 horses that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 408 foot-pounds of torque is sent to the rear tires through the drivetrain, pushing the car from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds, with a registered top speed of up to 213 mph.
Ruf CTR Pros
Steel body panels were all replaced with aluminum to reduce the weight
Intake ducts were added to rear flares to help cool the engine
Ruf CTR has a full roll cage inside for added safety
Ruf CTR Cons
The manual gears are hard to shift unless you are paying full attention to the task
Can skid sideways when under power very easily
Steering jerks sideways
61987 Ferrari F40: 471 Horsepower
Ferrari
Front and side view of a 1987 Ferrari F40
When you take a car engineered for a rally race, converted over for road racing, and produced for the street, you get a beast of a supercar. In this case, that specific car is the 1987 Ferrari F40 with a 471 horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-8 that shoots the car from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 426 pound-feet of torque is sent to the rear-wheel drive tires through the five-speed manual transmission, helping the car achieve its top speed of 201 mph.
Ferrari F40 Pros
Simple and to the point: build to perform, not to impress
The actual power output of the engine may well be over 500 bhp
Three-pipe exhaust system (one specifically to remove gases from the twin turbos)
Ferrari F40 Cons
Extremely low ground clearance caused issues on uneven roads
The Interior had no creature comforts, including no radio, door panels, or door handles
Distorted and blocked view in all directions
51986 Ford RS200 Revolution: 600 Horsepower
Another car initially designed to compete in the Group B rally races that quickly became known as a supercar was the 1986 Ford RS200 Revolution. It was powered by a 600 horsepower 2.1L turbocharged Cosworth BDT-E inline four-cylinder stashed in the middle of the Ford. The 400 pound-feet of torque is pushed out to the all-wheel drive tires through a five-speed manual transmission mounted in the front of the car, helping push the car from 0 to 60 in just over 3 seconds (a world record that stood for over 10 years.)
Ford RS200 Revolution Pros
Front drive tires always engage first, producing better traction
Double wishbone suspension helps with handling on all types of road surfaces
Exceptional ride quality on and off the beaten path
The 1989 Vector W8 may not have been designed and produced by one of the more familiar car companies. However, it still tops the list of one of the most powerful supercars of the 80s. It was a mid-engined design offered a 625 horsepower twin-turbocharged 6L eight-cylinder that could help the car from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. The three-speed automatic transmission moved the 649 pound-feet of torque to the rear-wheel drive tires to help it reach its claimed top speed of 242 mph.
Vector W8 Pros
High-quality interior construction made from aircraft-grade materials
GM engine and transmission, so easy to find parts for
GM parts make it easy to work on and modify even further
Vector W8 Cons
No anti-lock brakes were ever included in the design
Power steering was not thought to be a necessity, so it was cut out to reduce the weight
Three-speed transmission limits high revs
31980 Aston Martin Bulldog; 700 Horsepower
edvvc via Wikimedia Commons
Front and side view of a 1980 Aston Martin Bulldog
One of the most futuristic-looking cars on this list is the 1980 Aston Martin Bulldog, but in the ’80s, it did not look all that out of place. Under the hood was a 700 horsepower 5.3-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder engine that could push out up to 499 pound-feet of torque. The Bulldog makes use of a five-speed manual transmission to get from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds, and as of 2023, it finally reached its mark of reaching its top speed of 200 mph.
Aston Martin Bulldog Pros
The wheels have integrated cooling fans to keep the brakes from overheating
Lights were hidden in the hood to help improve aerodynamics
The gullwing doors come up to allow ease of entrance and exit
Aston Martin Bulldog Cons
The fuel injection system has been removed and replaced with dual Weber carbs
Front and side view of a 1988 Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer
A supercar with all of the creature comforts still in the cockpit was hard to find in the ’80s, which may be one of the biggest draws towards the 1988 Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer. For others, it may be the 880 horsepower 5.7L eight-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers. From 0 to 60, the car can accelerate in 3.9 seconds, and overall, the Sledgehammer can top out at an incredible 254.76 mph. It uses a six-speed manual transmission and has been lowered by an inch compared to the average 1988 Corvette to offer better handling and performance.
Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer Pros
Block is up to NASCAR specifications with forged pistons and connecting rods
Heads are aluminum made by Brodix
Stainless steel exhaust with four mufflers for perfect combustion
Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer Cons
The electrical systems are known for shorting out on the 1988 Corvettes
The original brake master cylinder can malfunction and cause the brakes to stop working
If you think the 1988 Koenig Competition looks a bit like a Ferrari, you would be right on the nose because it is based on the Ferrari Testarossa. The Competition offers a mid-engine 1,000 horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12 that can push out up to 737 pound-feet of torque. If that is not enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck, imagine going 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds on your way to its top speed of 229 mph. The five-speed manual transmission is smooth and easy to shift, making this car the rightful top dog of the 1980s supercars.
Koenig Competition Pros
The racing suspension was added for better handling and performance
Racing brakes were added for better stopping power
The chassis is stiffened to account for the added power and torque
Koenig Competition Cons
1000 bhp car was a special order, the base level was only 800 bhp
Takes both hands on the wheel when launching to keep control
Too powerful for everyday traffic
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