Cooler than a new motorcycle? Here's some vintage bike info!

Modern motorcycles are highly advanced, with performance that exceeds imagination.
However, discontinued models, known as classic bikes, are still loved by many riders despite being outdated.
They are popular not only with riders who rode these discontinued bikes in their youth, but also with generations who are only familiar with high-tech motorcycles. When you search for classic bikes online, you'll find Kawasaki's Z series like the Z1300 and Z1.
Yamaha's famous RZ250 and RZ350 are definitely classics. From Honda, there's the CB750FOUR and CBX400F, among others. All of them are unique and captivating motorcycles.

Table of Contents

This time, I'd like to share the appeal of discontinued classic bikes, categorized by manufacturer.

After reading this article, you'll surely want to search for classic motorcycles!

Please enjoy until the end.

［1. The Spark of the Discontinued Bike Boom? Kawasaki's "Manly" Z Series］
［2. Honda CB Series］
［3. Yamaha's Reckless Two-Stroke Bikes and Stylish Four-Stroke Bikes］
［4. Finally］

［1. The Spark of the Discontinued Bike Boom? Kawasaki's "Manly" Z Series］

Compared to other manufacturers, Kawasaki bikes have a strong rugged image. The "Manly Kawasaki" bikes come from the Z series, which captivates enthusiasts! [From the captivating Kawasaki Z series: 750RS] The alphabet "Z" is considered Kawasaki's flagship. It is said that "Z" being the last letter of the alphabet signifies the ultimate motorcycle.
Among such Kawasaki Z series, the popular 750RS, commonly known as ZII, is a model so popular that it's no exaggeration to say that classic bikes and discontinued models are synonymous with ZII.
Why did the ZII become so popular?

In the popular manga "Aitsu to Lullaby," the protagonist rode a ZII.
It's a manga that's all about the protagonist riding the ZII and the ZII itself.

Due to the influence of this manga, the Kawasaki ZII became an explosively popular motorcycle. Perhaps riders of that generation still adore the ZII.

【From the captivating Kawasaki Z series: Z1000Mk-II】

In contrast to the rounded form of the original Z1000, the Z1000Mk-II, with its sharp, crisp appearance, debuted in 1978.

This "manly Kawasaki" style must have captivated many riders.

This Z1000Mk-II has been my dream bike since I started riding. I always wanted to ride it after getting my full motorcycle license.

It was already a discontinued model back then, so it was hard to get my hands on, but by the time I got my heavy motorcycle license, it became even more out of reach.

［2. Honda CB Series］

【The Honda motorcycle that sparked the "Nanahan" boom: CB750FOUR】

The CB750FOUR was the world's first motorcycle to exceed 200 km/h. It was this CB750FOUR that sparked the "Nanahan" boom, which became a social phenomenon.

With its upswept seat and angular side covers.
The exhaust from its four cylinders produces a captivating sound from four individual mufflers and silencers.

Currently, the CB750FOUR is popular overseas and its price has soared in the used market, making it difficult to acquire.

【Innovative Technology and Style: CBX400F】

In 1982, Honda, having fallen behind other manufacturers in 400cc 4-cylinder engines, used all its available technology to defeat its rivals with the CBX400F.

Its air-cooled 4-stroke parallel 4-cylinder DOHC engine revved up quickly from low to high RPMs.
It was equipped with the world's first inboard ventilated disc brakes.
The CBX400F, which truly seemed to embody Honda's accumulated technology, became a social phenomenon due to a rash of thefts.
Even back then, thefts were common, and I often heard stories of bikes being returned so heavily customized that their owners couldn't recognize them.

Even today, its popularity has not waned; a few years ago, there was an incident where a CBX400F was stolen after its rider was intimidated and forced off the road by a car on the highway.

Many riders have a strong attachment to the CBX400F, and if you own one, you need to enhance its security.

［3. Yamaha's Reckless Two-Stroke Bikes and Stylish Four-Stroke Bikes］

【The "Nanahan Killer" motorcycle: RZ250/RZ350】

In the early 1980s, the era was shifting from two-stroke to four-stroke engines. At such a time, Yamaha, which excelled at two-strokes, manufactured the RZ250 with pride.

With only a 250cc engine, it boasted a maximum output of 35 horsepower. This monster-like machine captivated the street racers of that time.

Then, the RZ350 appeared as the older sibling of the RZ250.
The RZ250, bored out to 350cc, offered exhilarating acceleration that revved up instantly, which was its greatest appeal.

The motorcycle, known as the RZ Sanpan, was truly ridden by reckless riders with intermediate licenses, aiming to take down "Nanahan" (750cc bikes).

On winding mountain roads, the lighter two-stroke must have been invincible compared to four-strokes.

【XJ400】

Yamaha, also known as a two-stroke specialist, released its first inline four-cylinder XJ400.
This was Yamaha's long-awaited contender against Kawasaki's Z400FX.

In contrast to the Kawasaki Z400FX, which was known for its heft and size, the compact and lightweight XJ400 was arguably a very Yamaha-like motorcycle.

Its specifications, including a fuel gauge and voltmeter, and front double disc brakes, surpassed those of the Kawasaki Z400FX.

With abundant customization parts, it was also a motorcycle widely loved by rebellious riders.

［4. Finally］

Discontinued motorcycles, known as classic bikes, are very appealing, but it's important to remember that owning one often comes with many challenges.
Original parts are, of course, out of stock, and parts manufactured by aftermarket companies tend to be expensive. Unexplained malfunctions are also very common, and particular attention needs to be paid to electrical systems. Owning a classic bike likely requires a certain level of knowledge and financial resources. However, the appeal of classic bikes might be so great that the significant effort is well worth it.