For roughly a decade, there was simply no stopping the sheer onslaught of cheap, bulletproof bikes from Japan. They made so profitable of an impression on the bike business as an entire, that complete manufacturers fell by the wayside of their wake. Only main inside reflection and restructuring by the extra resilient of the producers was in a position to avoid wasting of them, while others disappeared, by no means to be heard of once more.

The success of these Universal Japanese Motorcycles (UJMs), so named resulting from their uncanny resemblance to one another, has been completely documented all through the many years. Bikes from the Big Four, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, have been notably modern for his or her time, and stay, to this present day, extraordinarily standard with riders of all ages.

In the latest heyday of the Café Racer resurgence, many builders had taken to deconstructing UJMs, rebuilding them into mild, minimalist heart-stoppers. Others would like to revive them to their unique magnificence or select to repair what was damaged and depart the patina as a badge of honor. To this present day, UJMs proceed to be extremely wanted and could be a incredible possibility if you happen to’re on the lookout for a primary bike, a venture to work on, or to have a cool, classic trip for everybody to be jealous of.

In order to provide the most modern and correct info attainable, the pricing and information used to compile this text have been sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Cycle Trader, Cycle World, and Mecum Auctions.

10 1975 Yamaha RD350

Used Price: $4,799

The RD350 from Yamaha did not have an particularly lengthy life. Only produced from 1973 to 1975, this little two-stroke twin was ultimately changed by the marginally bigger RD400. But it nonetheless had a large following resulting from its lightness, six-speed transmission, and front-wheel disc brake. Due to its considerably restricted run, discovering one in good situation could be uncommon, which in fact will affect the value.

Engine Specifications

9 1977 Kawasaki KZ650

Used Price: $3,800

Part of Kawasaki‘s extraordinarily profitable KZ sequence of bikes (generally known as Z exterior the US), the KZ650 was a middleweight sibling to the bigger, heavier KZ900. Built from 1976 to 1983, the KZ650 had a small, four-cylinder engine that was extraordinarily succesful, outputting a good 115.5 miles per hour. It was the very definition of a UJM and routinely went up in opposition to its nemesis, the Honda CB650.

Engine Specifications

8 1976 Honda CB550

Used Price: $3,400

The Honda CB550 was smaller, lighter, and more beginner-friendly than its greater brother, the CB750. Manufactured from 1974 to 1978, the CB550 got here in a number of flavors.

While the vast majority of the parts have been the identical, together with the engine, some variations to the gasoline tank, handlebars, and exhaust gave the opposite fashions (CB550K and CB550F) completely different dealing with traits in addition to total esthetics. And although most riders keep in mind the CB750 because the legendary UJM of the time, it is the CB550, with its lighter parts and higher maneuverability, that’s the extra sought-after bike.

Engine Specifications

7 1976 Honda CB750

Used Price: $3,300

There merely is not a motorbike that got here out of the late Nineteen Sixties that has extra awe, reverence, and respect surrounding it than the legendary Honda CB750. It was the world’s first, true superbike and, based on some, it single-handedly annihilated the British bike business. Of course, the true story of that is a little more nuanced, but it surely’s not a shock that a lot reward is laid on the toes of the mighty CB750. It was progressive, technologically superior, and extremely succesful, at a time when different bikes have been sluggish, heavy, and costly.

These days, CB750s are hunted all the way down to be was Café Racers, although conserving one in its inventory type would be the more sensible choice in the long term. And it’s shocking that Honda hasn’t capitalized on nostalgia, by creating a contemporary model of the CB750, much like how Triumph turned the Bonneville right into a digital goldmine.

Engine Specifications

6 1980 Yamaha XS1100

Used Price: $3,245

The XS1100, nicknamed the XS Eleven, was recognized for 3 issues. It was heavy. It was dependable. And it was extraordinarily quick, featuring a newly designed engine that moved the camshaft drive chain to the middle of the engine. The results of this and different modifications, like rubber engine mounts, allowed for the bike to be just about vibration-free. It was additionally the quickest manufacturing bike, again when it was launched in 1978.

Engine Specifications

5 1978 Suzuki GS550

Used Price: $2,995

When Suzuki launched the GS sequence of bikes, it was clear that they have been going straight after Honda and its bestselling CB750. And whereas the GS750 was certainly up to the task, and a very good bike in its personal proper, it was the light-weight, smaller GS550 that was the larger success. It appeared and felt large whereas being tame sufficient for newer riders and people who weren’t as expert. And most opinions of the bike on the time famous that it eschewed flash for reliability, good handling, and solid looks.

Engine Specifications

4 1978 Honda GL1000 “Gold Wing”

Used Price: $2,500

There’s not a single self-respecting bike rider who hasn’t at the least heard of the Honda Gold Wing. But it wasn’t all the time regarded as the final word SUV of bikes. When it was first launched in 1974, it was simply Honda’s try at creating the following CB750. Its evolution right into a best-selling touring bike was sluggish at first.

Eventually, Honda observed that Gold Wing house owners have been vulnerable to taking longer touring journeys, because of the extremely succesful flat-four engine and shaft drive, and commenced outfitting the GL1000 with numerous equipment like screens, fairings, baggage, infotainment methods, and different rider comforts. These days, it may no longer resemble a typical UJM, however again in 1974, the Gold Wing appeared like the following step in its evolution.

Engine Specifications

3 1977 Kawasaki KZ400

Used Price: $2,495

The true story behind UJMs, and the true motive for all of the innovation that got here out of the Seventies, is that Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki have been all engaged in a severe recreation of one-upmanship. Sometimes it was about being the quickest bike on the road. Other instances it was about being essentially the most comfy.

And then there was the KZ400, which existed for just one motive, and that was to tackle Honda’s uber-popular and light-weight CB350, a moniker that stands to this day. And they succeeded, as Honda was in the end compelled to make their very own 400cc bikes, adopted swiftly by the opposite Japanese producers.

Engine Specifications

2 1978 Yamaha XS650

Used Price: $2,000

The Yamaha XS650 had an extended, storied life. Rolled out of the manufacturing unit and launched in 1969, the XS650 lasted till 1983 within the US, and a bit longer in different markets. It went by means of a number of variations, upgrades, and revisions over time, however total it remained the same; a smart, middleweight choice for riders looking for reliability, satisfactory horsepower, torque, and on a regular basis consolation.

Its reputation and longevity are maybe because of the lack of any drama that adopted different, extra mercurial fashions of the period, although, notably, a modified model was utilized by Kenny Roberts in AMA Pro Track Racing. It was a stable, commuter selection that acquired you to work, your good friend’s home, or wherever else you wished to go.

Engine Specifications

1 1969 Honda CB350

Used Price: $2,000

The CB350 was considered one of Honda’s bestsellers from the get-go, although it solely lasted a couple of years. After having to cope with a extra highly effective Kawasaki KZ400, it was discontinued in 1973. But its legacy stays firmly intact, and to this present day, it is a wonderful selection if you happen to’re simply beginning out, or wish to transfer all the way down to a smaller capability, but nonetheless a really succesful bike.

It’s reliable, light at only 353 pounds, and fast, with a high pace of 106 miles per hour. The CB350, resulting from its simplicity, was additionally a well-liked selection for beginner fabricators to show into Café Racers. Is it the final word UJM? With the CB750 round, maybe not. But it actually stays probably the most cheap and versatile choices on the market.

Engine Specifications