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The Big Four of the Japanese motorcycle industry ([[Yamaha]], [[Kawasaki]], [[Suzuki]], and [[Honda]]) are engaged in a bitter struggle for technological supremacy . The majority has chosen to produce mass-market: Yamaha offers the [[Yamaha FZR1000|FZR1000]], Kawasaki has its [[Kawasaki ZX750N|ZX-7RR]] and Suzuki-with models like the [[Suzuki RGV250|RGV250]] -markets replicas of its Grand Prix racers. | The Big Four of the Japanese motorcycle industry ([[Yamaha]], [[Kawasaki]], [[Suzuki]], and [[Honda]]) are engaged in a bitter struggle for technological supremacy . The majority has chosen to produce mass-market: Yamaha offers the [[Yamaha FZR1000|FZR1000]], Kawasaki has its [[Kawasaki ZX750N|ZX-7RR]] and Suzuki-with models like the [[Suzuki RGV250|RGV250]] -markets replicas of its Grand Prix racers. | ||
==High-Tech Superbikes== | ==High-Tech Superbikes== | ||
Honda, on the other hand, has chosen a different route by opting for more realistic mass-market models while building its high technology superbikes in limited editions. After the fabulous | Honda, on the other hand, has chosen a different route by opting for more realistic mass-market models while building its high technology superbikes in limited editions. After the fabulous [[Honda VFR750R|RC30]], a 750cc replica of its victorious endurance racers, the latest in this vein is the NR750, the most advanced [[superbike]] ever built. | ||
==Return to GP Racing== | ==Return to GP Racing== | ||
Its story started back in 1979 when Honda returned to Grand Prix racing with a four-stroke bike. That original NR was a failure, despite Honda's determination to make it work, and it was replaced by a two-stroke racer. The idea of a V4 with oval pistons was conceived by the brilliant engineer S. Irimajiri, who had earlier created the 1966 250cc GP racer and the 19-:'8 1000 CBX production six-cylinder. Irimajiri returned to the idea in 1990with the NR750,the ultimate V4. It combined Honda's most advanced technology with the wide use of exotic materials. | Its story started back in 1979 when Honda returned to Grand Prix racing with a four-stroke bike. That original NR was a failure, despite Honda's determination to make it work, and it was replaced by a two-stroke racer. The idea of a V4 with oval pistons was conceived by the brilliant engineer S. Irimajiri, who had earlier created the 1966 250cc GP racer and the 19-:'8 1000 CBX production six-cylinder. Irimajiri returned to the idea in 1990with the NR750,the ultimate V4. It combined Honda's most advanced technology with the wide use of exotic materials. |