During the late 1960s, NASCAR was a hotbed of fierce competition among automakers. These were the days of the aero wars, with manufacturers pushing the limits of vehicle design to gain an edge on the racetrack. It was during this time that road cars closely resembled their race car counterparts. Recently, an exciting barn find uncovered a collection of high-performance race cars from this era.
This impressive collection includes several American-made models from the late 1960s. One standout is a 1969 Charger Daytona, painted in the iconic B5 Blue with a white stripe and blue interior. This vehicle is already undergoing restoration, along with several others in the collection. However, the barn also houses some rarer gems for enthusiasts to discover. Among them are several Plymouth Superbirds, known for their distinct big wings and aerodynamic noses. Some of these Superbirds are already being worked on, with one having its vinyl roof and nose removed. Additionally, one of the Superbirds featured a four-speed gearbox, while the rest were equipped with a 440-cubic-inch V8 engine and automatic gearboxes.
Also present in the collection are several 1969 Ford Torino Talladegas, which were a more aerodynamic version of the car. The Mercury variant, known as the Cyclone Spoiler, is also part of this barn find. These Torino Talladegas were produced in limited numbers, with rumors suggesting that less than 800 were made in the first few months of 1969. As a result, these cars are quite rare and highly sought after. They came in three different colors and featured power steering, power brakes, and an AM radio.
While not every car in the collection is destined for restoration, many of them are in decent enough condition to be revitalized. Unfortunately, there is a burnt-out Superbird that is beyond repair. Nevertheless, it’s exciting to think that there could be more NASCAR-related treasures hiding in barns across the country. It’s incredible how many forgotten or abandoned vehicles are out there, waiting to be appreciated by new owners. Though they may require some work, few of these cars are beyond salvage.
Tesla is once again reducing its prices. This is the sixth time the automaker has cut the prices of its models in 2023. Earlier this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk surprised many by implementing price cuts of up to 20 percent in the U.S. and up to 17 percent in the European markets. As a result, the Tesla Model 3 became eligible for electric vehicle tax credits, solidifying its position as one of the most affordable EVs in the U.S. However, these price cuts have impacted Tesla’s profit margins, which have seen a sharp drop in the last quarter. Despite this, Musk believes that reducing prices is a calculated move to ensure long-term success for Tesla.
Sacrificing Today’s Profits For Tomorrow’s Rewards
Musk is willing to sacrifice short-term profits in order to set Tesla up for long-term success. The goal is to attract more customers and gain a competitive advantage over traditional automakers. Although the price cuts are eating into profits now, Musk believes it will pay off in the future. This strategy has sparked an EV price war, with other companies facing a dilemma on whether to follow Tesla’s lead. Only time will tell if this strategy will work in Tesla’s favor.
Tesla Is Striving To Capture A Larger Market Share
Tesla aims to capture a larger share of the automotive market currently dominated by traditional car manufacturers. Musk is pursuing a higher volume and larger fleet approach to achieve this. By slashing prices, Tesla has forced other automakers to adjust their EV prices in response. This move is aimed at enticing potential customers away from traditional automakers and towards Tesla. While competitors are hesitant to lower prices due to the impact on profit margins, Musk is confident that Tesla’s strategy will result in increased market share.
Musk Is Adapting To The Increasing Competition In The Market
Tesla is facing competition from both traditional automakers and new EV market entrants. Musk recognizes the need to adapt to this increasing competition, especially in key markets like China. The company is countering this competition by not only reducing prices but also by developing new models and employing innovative manufacturing techniques to lower production costs.
It’s The Best Way To Boost Sales
Musk believes that selling a large number of EVs at a lower margin is a more effective strategy. By reducing prices, Tesla aims to make EVs more affordable and accessible to a wider range of customers. This approach is intended to increase demand and penetrate the market further. Price cuts have already been implemented in various countries, resulting in increased demand and eligibility for electric vehicle tax credits.
After spending 28 years in a barn, the time has come for this 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE coupe to finally receive a much-needed wash. And after all the hard work, the classic coupe looks absolutely stunning.
According to reports, when this car was brand new, it was supposedly on display at either the New York or Chicago Auto Show. It boasts a black body with a sunroof and a red leather interior, and under the hood, you’ll find a powerful 2.2-liter inline-six engine.
As is customary, the first step in the cleaning process involves rinsing off the body to assess its true condition. While there are a few paint chips here and there, overall, the classic Mercedes looks fantastic. Polishing the black paint brings back its shine and luster.
The carpets and some door panels are stored in the trunk, but due to their fragile nature, WD Detailing avoids using a pressure washer on them as usual. Instead, the cleaners opt for compressed air to clear off any debris and then use a sprayer with soapy water.
The final step involves shining the exterior trim, including the grille and bumpers. By using some polish, the team is able to remove any pitting and bring back the metal’s original shine.
At the end of the video, the owner fires up the engine. After a few tries, it roars to life, which is quite impressive considering it had been sitting idle for such a long time. The car appears to be running well, and the owner is even able to drive the Mercedes away, which is remarkable for a vehicle that had been stored in a barn since 1995.
With Mercedes rapidly transitioning into an electric automaker, it will be fascinating to see if their future products can match the longevity of classic cars like this one. Models like the EQS and EQE are leading the way, featuring high-capacity batteries that allow for long driving distances between charges. And there are even more electric models on the horizon, such as the EQG, which is set to debut in late 2024 and will add an off-road-capable EV to Mercedes’ lineup.
Electric mobility is progressing rapidly, with a continuous rise in registrations of fully electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure. However, there are still many misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles. To address these misconceptions, BMW has launched a ten-part video podcast series called “Electric Myths.” Hosted by British tech enthusiast Tomi Adebayo (also known as GadgetsBoy) and transgender racing driver Charlie Martin, the podcast aims to debunk common myths and provide factual information about the advantages and possibilities of electric vehicles.
In each entertaining episode, the hosts discuss real-life anecdotes and answer questions that skeptics often have. They explore the day-to-day benefits of electric cars, their range capabilities, their cost-effectiveness, and their impact on the environment. The podcast also addresses the misconceptions surrounding hydrogen-powered vehicles and their safety.
The ten episodes will be released weekly, presenting a fun and informative way to understand electric mobility. Martin and Adebayo emphasize the enjoyable driving experience offered by electric vehicles from BMW, taking driving pleasure to a new level.
The podcast aims to create a better understanding of electric mobility without overwhelming the audience with contradicting statements. The episodes focus on lively exchanges, maintaining a modern and youthful vibe. Starting from June 22, 2023, the first two episodes will be available on BMW’s audio channels on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts, as well as in video form on BMW.com and the company’s YouTube channel.
This podcast series, “Electric Myths,” follows BMW’s successful sustainability podcast, “CHASING THE GREENEST CAR.” In the previous series, environmental activist Anne Therese Gennari explores the sustainable efforts of BMW and the significance of electric mobility in reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The podcast delves into topics such as recycling, circular economy, social impact, and the future wave of innovations.
With a commitment to sustainability, the BMW Group aims to drive the transformation towards electric mobility. The company already offers fully electric models in all relevant segments and plans to increase the delivery share of all-electric vehicles to 50% by 2025 under the Neue Klasse models, while further reducing the carbon footprint over the entire product lifecycle.
The latest Transformers movie is here in time for the summer blockbuster season. Titled “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” it is in theaters now to take audiences on an adventure set in the 1990s. It also introduces a new faction of Transformers called the Maximals and features the Autobots, with a Porsche 911 Carrera named Mirage taking a central role.
More specifically, Mirage is a 964 series Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 when in car form, a particularly rare model that is an unusual choice to base a hero on. However, according to Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Marketing Communications at Porsche AG, the Carrera RS 3.8 is perfect because of Mirage’s character traits, describing him as “A tough character with a good heart and a bit of a rebellious streak now and again.”
Porsche only built 55 units of the Carrera RS 3.8, which are highly valuable today. Five picture cars were built to look like the original car to avoid the risk of damage and fulfill specific functions. One car was modified to go backward at high speed, while another was prepared for stunt sequences. Additional cars were built for close-ups or scenes involving the actors interacting with the car.
The only area where a real Carrera RS 3.8 was used is sound design. “It was important to us to represent the sound of the 911 model depicted in the film,” said Ayesha Coker, Vice President of Marketing of Porsche Cars North America. “It was extremely ambitious due to the number of cars needed from a limited production 911, but we are thrilled with the result and hope audiences are too.”
What makes “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” unique is the level of involvement the production team had with Porsche, which was very hands-on with the development of Mirage. According to Irene Trachtenberg, SVP of Worldwide Marketing Partnerships at Paramount, that partnership “brought our Autobot Mirage to life in a most unique, iconic, and unforgettable way.”
As for Porsche, it has been actively promoting the movie on its YouTube site and through social media. The automaker is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and has been very active in sponsoring exhibits and releasing videos to commemorate the milestone.
BMW has made significant progress on its upcoming X2 model. Although this isn’t the first time we have seen a prototype out in public, new spy photos reveal a clearer view of the crossover’s front end. The latest images showcase an M35i trim with some of its heavy camouflage removed.
One notable change can be seen in the front fascia. Previously, the lower vents were partially covered by hard covers, but they are now completely exposed. This reveals the angled sides of the lower openings, which curve inwards at the top, seamlessly aligning with the bottom corners of the grille. Additionally, slim vertically-oriented vents can be clearly seen on the sides of the fascia.
We plugged the Tiago EV into a DC fast charging station and recorded the charging time in real-world conditions
The Tata Tiago EV was launched last year in September and at the time, the electric hatchback was the most affordable electric car in the country, bested only by the MG Comet EV which came along in May. It comes with two battery options – 19.2kWh and 24kWh – with a claimed range of up to 250km and 315km respectively, and supports both AC and DC charging options. Recently, we had the bigger battery pack version of the Tiago EV with us and so we just had to check how much time it takes to be charged from 10 to 100 percent using a DC fast charger.
Charging Time
The charging times in the real world can vary based upon factors such as vehicle condition, ambient temperatures and flow rate from the chargers. To see how fast it can be charged, we took the Tiago EV to a 120kW DC fast charging station. However, it is worth noting that during the entire charging process, the maximum rate of charge the Tiago EV could take was 18kW.
Here are the detailed charging times from 10 to 100 percent.
Charging percent
Charging Rate
Time
10 – 15 percent
17kW
4 minutes
15 – 20 percent
18kW
4 minutes
20 – 25 percent
18kW
4 minutes
25 – 30 percent
17kW
4 minutes
30 – 35 percent
17kW
4 minutes
35 – 40 percent
17kW
4 minutes
40 – 45 percent
17kW
4 minutes
45 – 50 percent
18kW
4 minutes
50 – 55 percent
18kW
4 minutes
55 – 60 percent
18kW
4 minutes
60 – 65 percent
18kW
4 minutes
65 – 70 percent
17kW
4 minutes
70 – 75 percent
17kW
5 minutes
75 – 80 percent
17kW
4 minutes
80 – 85 percent
18kW
4 minutes
85 – 90 percent
13kW
5 minutes
90 – 95 percent
7kW
7 minutes
95 – 100 percent
2kW
26 minutes
Key Takeaways
Once the Tiago EV was plugged in, its battery was replenished by five percent every four minutes.
The Tiago EV kept charging at 18kW till its battery indicated 85 percent, and from there on it started to decline.
The charging rate fell to 13kW and it took an extra minute for the next 5 percent of charge.
At 90 percent, the charging rate dropped to 7kW and the car took seven minutes to reach 95 percent.
From 95 percent onwards, the charging rate started to drop quickly all the way down to 2kW. With this rate of charge, it took 26 minutes for the car to reach its full charging capacity.
In our tests, the charging time from 10 to 80 percent came out as 57 minutes, which is almost the same as the 58-minute claimed time from the carmaker.
From 80 to 100 percent, the car took another 42 minutes.
Why This Drop In Charging Speed?
Every carmaker gives its customer just the 10 to 80 percent charging time as that is the optimal battery charging bracket. As per our tests, it is evident that the last 20 percent takes a lot of time because the rate of charging starts to drop after 80 percent. The reason for this is that while using a DC fast charger, the battery pack starts to heat up, which is bad for the battery’s health. Slowing the charging speed keeps it from overheating and prevents any damage.
Powertrain
The Tata Tiago EV gets two battery pack options: 19.2kW and 24kW. Both are paired with an electric motor that churns out 61PS/110Nm with the smaller battery and 75PS/114Nm with the bigger one.
Price & Rivals
Tata has priced the Tiago EV between Rs 8.69 lakh to Rs 12.04 lakh (ex-showroom). The entry-level EV goes head to head with the Citroen eC3 and MG Comet EV. Stay tuned to find out how much range the Tiago EV delivers in our extensive real world testing.
Pol Tarres is back in action, but this time it’s not about stunts or showcasing his skills. He’s fully focused on the dirt, armed with his camera and his trusty T7 motorcycle.
Tarres has made a name for himself by riding dirt on one of the best adventure bikes on the market, the Yamaha Tenere 700. He joins the rest of the grid at Erzbergrodeo, where everyone is riding enduro bikes that are lighter and more agile. Despite the competition, Tarres managed to get the holeshot and remained unfazed in the early sections of the race, even against the lighter bikes.
As the race progressed to the rockier sections of Erzbergrodeo, Tarres faced some challenges. A tip-over caused him to lose the lead temporarily, but he quickly caught up in the faster sections of the course. However, the real challenge for Tarres and his T7 awaited beyond the gravel and rocks.
When the terrain became thicker with greenery and the trail muddier, all riders started to struggle. Climbing up a single track hill proved to be difficult for many competitors with their lightweight enduro machines. Tarres, on the other hand, seemed largely unaffected in comparison. It’s incredible to witness how calm and composed Tarres was during the run and how well he managed his machine.
The climb was brutal, with rocks, shrubs, and mud posing a constant challenge for the racers. There were moments in the hour-long video where I couldn’t help but hold my breath. Yet, Tarres managed to put on a show and tackle the obstacles with his adventure bike.
Unfortunately, the video ended before Tarres’ run concluded. He finished 131st out of 500 riders at the 16th checkpoint, “One Way Train.” This achievement is remarkable considering Tarres was riding his T7 and competing against a field of lightweight enduro bikes. It’s worth noting that this is not Tarres’ first rodeo (pun intended) – he made history by finishing 77th in 2022 at Erzbergrodeo.
The 80s was a time of motorcycle reinvention. Manufacturers the world over were trying new concepts, entering classes they weren’t previously in, and even creating whole new segments. Kawasaki entered the cruiser segment with the Vulcan, Yamaha built a new power-cruiser called the VMAX and BMW gave a very odd bike that went on to define its own segment almost 10 years after it first launched. Most of these motorcycles have continued to stay in the market. While some of these stayed relatively the same over the years, some are now unrecognizable. Some, like the Suzuki Katana, are even coming back as all-new motorcycles complete with new engines and modern designs.
There were so many incredible machines that launched over those 10 years that it is almost impossible to list them all without exceeding our word count. So instead, we decided to list down 10 of the most iconic of those motorcycles which, coincidentally, also happen to be 10 of our favorites from the 80s. Now, yes, this is a Japanese-heavy list, but that is because the Japanese bike manufacturers kept pushing out something new almost every year.
n “” data-modal-id=”single-image-modal” data-modal-container-id=”single-image-modal-container” data-img-caption=””Yamaha””>
Yamaha
Perhaps one of the biggest names from the 80s has to be the Yamaha VMAX 1200. A true power-cruiser in every sense of the term, the V-Max (as it was originally spelled) set the industry standard for performance cruising. The reason for this was the potent 1,197cc liquid-cooled V-four engine that produced a whopping 145 horsepower. With that many ponies strapped to a low-slung rocket, you’d expect handling to go out the window. And, you’d be right. The question was, however, would you rather carve mountains or be the fastest down the quarter mile? With 120 horses at the rear wheel and a 10-second quarter mile, the VMAX would take on any other cruiser that looked at it sideways.
9Kawasaki Vulcan
Kawasaki
A front three-quarter shot of a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 750
First introduced in 1984, the Kawasaki Vulcan was then known for two things. It was the first cruiser to come out of the Japanese manufacturer’s stable, and it was also their first V-twin. Now, when it first launched in the United States, the Vulcan featured a 699cc because of the tariff restrictions on motorcycles above 700cc that were imported from Japan. These restrictions were lifted in 1986 and the Vulcan then received the 749cc engine that duty in the rest of the world. Even today, the average Vulcan owner continues to love their ride with very few willing to trade in. Those who do, however, usually talk about the more modern Vulcan 800 or 1000.
The Virago first appeared in 1988 as a smaller, novice-friendly cruiser from Yamaha’s stables. Essentially, the little sibling to the XV750 and XV1100, the Virago was purpose-built and aimed squarely at competing with cruisers already servicing the US motorcycle market. The Virago’s engine may not have been the most exciting, at least at the top-end considering V-twin’s 38 horsepower output, but it certainly was engaging when riding day-to-day thanks to the meaty midrange. Then you had the short seat height which meant shorter riders and women found it to be an especially friendly bike. All of this, along with its gentle handling characteristics made the Virago one of the best first big bikes for many riders.
7Honda Africa Twin
Honda
Vintage motorcycle standing in white room facing right.
Yes, the Africa Twin was more iconic in the 90s, but there is no denying the fact that it was the 1988 XRV650 that paved the way for the Africa Twin as we know it today. This was based on the Dakar-winning NXR750 and if there is anything you need to know from these races, it’s that the bikes are built to take massive amounts of thrashing. Everything from the sculpted fairing to the engine components were purpose-built with one sole idea in mind: Go anywhere, do anything. Of course, a year later, Honda also gave us the XRV750, the second generation to hold the Africa Twin title. The XRV650, today, is extremely difficult to obtain outside the collector’s market making them that much more valuable.
6Ducati 851
Ducati
Ducati 851 in red, facing right
The Ducati 851 was perhaps one of the most exciting sportbikes of the year when it launched in 1988 thanks in part to the financial injection provided by the then-new owner, Cagiva. This directly resulted in a new 93 horsepower-producing 853cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine. The 851 was pretty to look at exuding the Italian design that it is known for even today. Yes, the 916 that came almost 5 years later is probably more fondly remembered, but the 851 is the one that paved the way for the Ducatis that we know and love today.
5Suzuki DR Big
Suzuki Motorcyles
Side view of the Suzuki DR750 finished in blue
Here, we have the Suzuki DR Big, aptly named due to its gargantuan proportions. The DR Big was the best performer when it came to other ADVs in its class, but a lot of the features that you first saw on this motorcycle, you see even today. Take for example the beak: the DR Big is the first bike to sport one. Then there is the tall seat that comes on every ADV today. And finally, the absolutely massive 30-liter fuel carrying capacity. The DR Big also had one of the largest single-cylinders the world had ever seen – a full 727cc power plant producing 51 horsepower.
This auction bike has a set aftermarket exhausts to further amplify your riding experience
Do you like Top Gun? Yea, us too, so we may be biased, but the Kawasaki GPZ900R had quite a few things going for it. For example, when it launched in 1984, the first ever Ninja became the first production bike to break the 150-mph mark topping out at 151 mph. It debuted the world’s first 16-valve inline-four engine. This was also used as a stressed member in the frame which allowed for lower weight and better maneuverability. Within three months of its first unveiling, three GPZ900R bikes were entered into the Isle of Man TT where they won first and second place. And, Tom Cruise rides it! What more do you need to make it ionic?
Another race-derived machine in the 80s was the Honda VFR750R RC30. Soon after its launch in 1987, the VFR750 RC30 went on to win the first two World Superbike Championship titles back-to-back in 1988 and 1989. Now, when we call the RC30 a ‘production’ bike, we use the term fairly lightly and that’s because only 3,000 units were ever produced. Additionally, a lot of the components on the RC30 were high-performance competition parts. For example, it had titanium connecting rods, intake and exhaust valves, fully adjustable Showa suspension, a single-sided swingarm, and a slipper clutch.
2Suzuki Katana
Suzuki
Side view of the early Katana 1100, demonstrating the unique style it introduced.
If retro is cool today, in the 80s futuristic was the way to go in the motorcycle world. And, no other bike did that better than the Suzuki Katana. Designed by the Target Design team from Germany, the Katana has been an inspiration for many sportbike designs for years to come. According to Suzuki, the Katana was also the fastest mass-production motorcycle thanks to its 1,075cc transverse V4 engine. Today the Katana is back with an all-new engine, but the original sold right up till 2006 and while it is rare in the used market, the 1,000cc race editions are more difficult to find.
1BMW R80 G/S
Mecum Auctions
Perhaps the most iconic motorcycle of the 80s has to be the BMW R80 G/S. This bike single-handedly created an all-new segment today revered as the go-anywhere adventure tourer. But when it launched, the R80 basically failed in the eyes of the media. It was big and burly and didn’t quite fit either on the streets or the off them. But the balance was evident. The R80 gave up a little street performance to do well in the dirt and vice versa. The R80 G/S went on to become one of BMW’s best-selling models and continues to do so despite the numerous revisions to everything from the engine to its design.
The 80s was a time of motorcycle reinvention. Manufacturers the world over were trying new concepts, entering classes they weren’t previously in, and even creating whole new segments. Kawasaki entered the cruiser segment with the Vulcan, Yamaha built a new power-cruiser called the VMAX and BMW gave a very odd bike that went on to define its own segment almost 10 years after it first launched. Most of these motorcycles have continued to stay in the market. While some of these stayed relatively the same over the years, some are now unrecognizable. Some, like the Suzuki Katana, are even coming back as all-new motorcycles complete with new engines and modern designs.
There were so many incredible machines that launched over those 10 years that it is almost impossible to list them all without exceeding our word count. So instead, we decided to list down 10 of the most iconic of those motorcycles which, coincidentally, also happen to be 10 of our favorites from the 80s. Now, yes, this is a Japanese-heavy list, but that is because the Japanese bike manufacturers kept pushing out something new almost every year.
n “” data-modal-id=”single-image-modal” data-modal-container-id=”single-image-modal-container” data-img-caption=””Yamaha””>
Yamaha
Perhaps one of the biggest names from the 80s has to be the Yamaha VMAX 1200. A true power-cruiser in every sense of the term, the V-Max (as it was originally spelled) set the industry standard for performance cruising. The reason for this was the potent 1,197cc liquid-cooled V-four engine that produced a whopping 145 horsepower. With that many ponies strapped to a low-slung rocket, you’d expect handling to go out the window. And, you’d be right. The question was, however, would you rather carve mountains or be the fastest down the quarter mile? With 120 horses at the rear wheel and a 10-second quarter mile, the VMAX would take on any other cruiser that looked at it sideways.
9Kawasaki Vulcan
Kawasaki
A front three-quarter shot of a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 750
First introduced in 1984, the Kawasaki Vulcan was then known for two things. It was the first cruiser to come out of the Japanese manufacturer’s stable, and it was also their first V-twin. Now, when it first launched in the United States, the Vulcan featured a 699cc because of the tariff restrictions on motorcycles above 700cc that were imported from Japan. These restrictions were lifted in 1986 and the Vulcan then received the 749cc engine that duty in the rest of the world. Even today, the average Vulcan owner continues to love their ride with very few willing to trade in. Those who do, however, usually talk about the more modern Vulcan 800 or 1000.
The Virago first appeared in 1988 as a smaller, novice-friendly cruiser from Yamaha’s stables. Essentially, the little sibling to the XV750 and XV1100, the Virago was purpose-built and aimed squarely at competing with cruisers already servicing the US motorcycle market. The Virago’s engine may not have been the most exciting, at least at the top-end considering V-twin’s 38 horsepower output, but it certainly was engaging when riding day-to-day thanks to the meaty midrange. Then you had the short seat height which meant shorter riders and women found it to be an especially friendly bike. All of this, along with its gentle handling characteristics made the Virago one of the best first big bikes for many riders.
7Honda Africa Twin
Honda
Vintage motorcycle standing in white room facing right.
Yes, the Africa Twin was more iconic in the 90s, but there is no denying the fact that it was the 1988 XRV650 that paved the way for the Africa Twin as we know it today. This was based on the Dakar-winning NXR750 and if there is anything you need to know from these races, it’s that the bikes are built to take massive amounts of thrashing. Everything from the sculpted fairing to the engine components were purpose-built with one sole idea in mind: Go anywhere, do anything. Of course, a year later, Honda also gave us the XRV750, the second generation to hold the Africa Twin title. The XRV650, today, is extremely difficult to obtain outside the collector’s market making them that much more valuable.
6Ducati 851
Ducati
Ducati 851 in red, facing right
The Ducati 851 was perhaps one of the most exciting sportbikes of the year when it launched in 1988 thanks in part to the financial injection provided by the then-new owner, Cagiva. This directly resulted in a new 93 horsepower-producing 853cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine. The 851 was pretty to look at exuding the Italian design that it is known for even today. Yes, the 916 that came almost 5 years later is probably more fondly remembered, but the 851 is the one that paved the way for the Ducatis that we know and love today.
5Suzuki DR Big
Suzuki Motorcyles
Side view of the Suzuki DR750 finished in blue
Here, we have the Suzuki DR Big, aptly named due to its gargantuan proportions. The DR Big was the best performer when it came to other ADVs in its class, but a lot of the features that you first saw on this motorcycle, you see even today. Take for example the beak: the DR Big is the first bike to sport one. Then there is the tall seat that comes on every ADV today. And finally, the absolutely massive 30-liter fuel carrying capacity. The DR Big also had one of the largest single-cylinders the world had ever seen – a full 727cc power plant producing 51 horsepower.
This auction bike has a set aftermarket exhausts to further amplify your riding experience
Do you like Top Gun? Yea, us too, so we may be biased, but the Kawasaki GPZ900R had quite a few things going for it. For example, when it launched in 1984, the first ever Ninja became the first production bike to break the 150-mph mark topping out at 151 mph. It debuted the world’s first 16-valve inline-four engine. This was also used as a stressed member in the frame which allowed for lower weight and better maneuverability. Within three months of its first unveiling, three GPZ900R bikes were entered into the Isle of Man TT where they won first and second place. And, Tom Cruise rides it! What more do you need to make it ionic?
Another race-derived machine in the 80s was the Honda VFR750R RC30. Soon after its launch in 1987, the VFR750 RC30 went on to win the first two World Superbike Championship titles back-to-back in 1988 and 1989. Now, when we call the RC30 a ‘production’ bike, we use the term fairly lightly and that’s because only 3,000 units were ever produced. Additionally, a lot of the components on the RC30 were high-performance competition parts. For example, it had titanium connecting rods, intake and exhaust valves, fully adjustable Showa suspension, a single-sided swingarm, and a slipper clutch.
2Suzuki Katana
Suzuki
Side view of the early Katana 1100, demonstrating the unique style it introduced.
If retro is cool today, in the 80s futuristic was the way to go in the motorcycle world. And, no other bike did that better than the Suzuki Katana. Designed by the Target Design team from Germany, the Katana has been an inspiration for many sportbike designs for years to come. According to Suzuki, the Katana was also the fastest mass-production motorcycle thanks to its 1,075cc transverse V4 engine. Today the Katana is back with an all-new engine, but the original sold right up till 2006 and while it is rare in the used market, the 1,000cc race editions are more difficult to find.
1BMW R80 G/S
Mecum Auctions
Perhaps the most iconic motorcycle of the 80s has to be the BMW R80 G/S. This bike single-handedly created an all-new segment today revered as the go-anywhere adventure tourer. But when it launched, the R80 basically failed in the eyes of the media. It was big and burly and didn’t quite fit either on the streets or the off them. But the balance was evident. The R80 gave up a little street performance to do well in the dirt and vice versa. The R80 G/S went on to become one of BMW’s best-selling models and continues to do so despite the numerous revisions to everything from the engine to its design.
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