10 Most Dangerous Motorcycles Ever Built

[@barebonesmc]

IMPORTANT Dakar have hit me with a copyright strike so ive had to delist some of the videos just in case i guess they got pissed that mine were better because of the MOTOGP one before xmas that means im really vulnerable now and the channel could be removed at any time I have set up this backup channel so please go and follow it NOW, this could all be removed at any moment now so it is critical to stay in touch via the backup channel here kzbin.info/door/CSl6i-tZJNC5DQ38vgCtvw sorry for this if i get another strike it wipes out all my work all my old videos will be removed I wont be posting anything much on the new channel unless this goes down but this is a just in case because it really could go down at any point the videos are still visible if you have a link so if you have problems message me for links so you can still watch them, if you follow the channel and this one gets taken down you will be able to find me there sorry if thats a bit garbled ive just woken to this but i guess i could have had the channel taken down already so i should be thankful ride free everyone

[@stewart8127]

Vmax did zero to 60mph in under 2 seconds here .the set up was to switch the cams in for ex and ex for in with the kerker pipe

[@barebonesmc]

@@stewart8127 yep, but here im talking about stock bikes, tuning would reveal different bikes and figures 🙂

[@stewart8127]

@@barebonesmc stock the magazine got a guy named mr shift to ride in and his zero to 60mph was under one second on a demo stock bike. Did say if it was pump gas. It wasn't until 2012 the liter bokes beat its 1/4 mile time. Stock thar is.

[@barebonesmc]

@@stewart8127 i would like to have seen that run 🙂 im not sure on the 0-60 times to be honest, but they were a brutal bike 🙂

[@stewart8127]

@@barebonesmc its was cycle world buyer's guide issue. Notice how HD copied the V max for their V Rod just get Porche to make the engine Tracing paper and a V max manual is how HD came up with the V Rod.

[@allanweseman5433]

At 75 years old I am probably one of your older riders that has enjoyed several bikes. I started riding at 17 with a new YM-1 1967 Yamaha 305. I had a '72 RD350, a '74 Yamaha 360 enduro, a '75 Yamaha TX-500 twin and more recently a '81 CB750F Honda. For 35 years with my second wife I had no motorcycles. She died in 2/2020 and I resumed buying and riding motorcycles, first purchasing a '94 yellow V-Max from an 86 year old man. At 27 years old it had just 3,491 miles on it. It got 22.5 MPG on a good day and the gas tank below the seat held just 4 gallons. My heart's desire was to find another transverse 4 cylinder 750 Honda. Instead I found the joy of fuel injection with a 2014 CB1100. This, although not rocket powerful at 88HP I considered the finest overall bike I have ever owned. Carefully watching what motorcycles were what and desiring a shaft-driven bike I found a used 2010 Honda VFR 1200F in totally pristine condition from a private seller. This bike has unspeakable power at 170HP and smooth V-4 vibration free operation. It's only flaws are it's 400lb weight and uncomfortable lean-forward riding position. At 75 years old I am having difficulty in swinging my leg over the seat. I traded in my V-Max for a new '23 little Honda Grom that I can enjoy riding close by, so now I have a light bike, a middle weight bike and a go-fast heavy bike. As I speak I am now recovering from double-bypass heart surgery and it will likely be a month before doc will let me ride. I remarried my first wife who I had taught to ride. She went out and traded in her 2015 Yamaha MT-09 900cc for a new '23 Kawasaki KLX 230SM dual-sport dirt bike while I was in the hospital, so soon we will be riding together.

[@barebonesmc]

great story mate, and good luck with the recovery 🙂Cheers for watching , ride free

[@dominicrussell19]

Ride on brother, you’re truly an inspiration!!$

[@ceetwarrior]

Very cool motorcycle life you live sir. Inspiration for sure.

[@djquinn11]

My condolences for the loss of your wife. Hope you heel fast and get back out there on the road Sir!

[@pierreleroux2441]

Best of luck m8 , and what is amazing, you’ve been overhauled and gone full circle to find love again with your lucky lady. What a life, keep going take care and keep safe and look after your first love. 👏🥰🌹❤️

[@phonebackup8132]

Back in the day a buddy of mine had the Kawasaki 750 triple. I was in the business of porting 2 stroke outboard engines for racing and he asked if I could hop his 750 up, so I did, and after much rejetting and pipe tuning, removing the oil pump and just running premixed fuel it was simply insane. Looking back now I'm guessing it made north of 120hp. All summer he beat up on every thing he encountered until one day it puked the crank out the bottom and the mosquito killer was gone. I rode it once and never new how he managed to never crash it. I was used to Italian bike handling and that thing scared the absolute sh!t out of me.

[@barebonesmc]

great story mate :-) cheers for adding

[@ashleyobrien4937]

lol yeah it would scare you if you were used to older Italian bikes, premix is unfortunately never as good as the oil pump deal into the bottom end..

[@dennis-nz5im]

@@ashleyobrien4937 ya k lube pump was great. You can make it last forever if you turn the oil up . My Cullough did extensive testing and they said that engine life was directly related to the amount of oil consumed.

[@CSltz]

We had a great alcohol induced idea one night of riding one down the hallway of the barracks. Thankfully the owner and rider started drinking before we did. My lord that thing was loud. The hallway wasn’t much wider than the handlebars . I hope the statue of limitations have expired. If not… crank text crank text……….!!!!!!!

[@phonebackup8132]

@ashleyobrien4937 The oil pump could not keep up. Believe me I tried.

[@kevinkillsit]

man I'm getting old when the VMAX is no longer a "modern" bike. Great list.

[@barebonesmc]

Join the club mate lol glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel and the website, let me know what you think. hope youll climb aboard. Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂

[@AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw]

V max is nuts man.

[@malthuswasright]

The VMAX was the first bike I rode on as a pillion. It was certainly an addictive introduction to the world of motorcycling. When i got my licence I wasn't tempted to buy one!

[@cliffhouser9138]

50 years ago, I bought a Kawasaki 500. I still remember the thrill of the tach reaching 5000 RPM and the front wheel reaching for the sky!

[@barebonesmc]

Great story 🙂Cheers for adding your bit mate. Ride Free 🙂

[@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23]

Try a solo Ural where BOTH wheels frequently reach the sky ! .

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

I had one ant that was the first one on my list. That 2 stroke was wild. I now own a Kaw VN2000 thats got a ton of torque but ill handling.

[@quidly259]

I`m now 72 years old and have had the pleasure of being a motorcycle technician since 1967. I think I have probably ridden most everything from most every manufacturer and have had many a scary moment. I have to say It`s been a blast. Loved every moment of it.

[@barebonesmc]

glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel, hope you will look around and find something your interested in. there is more on the website too. and there will be more to come. Cheers for watching.Hope you will climb aboard. Ride Free 🙂

[@hiltonlouque1504]

I'm 73 yrs old ND can say I'm blessed to have owned some of the bikes in this list! My first true Muscle bike was a 74 Kaw 900Z1 that was king for a while! I also had a Suzuki GSXR1100, Ninja ZX11, YAMAHA VMAX, HONDA XX Blackbird and a Suzuki Hayabusa! All of these bikes were dangerous if you ever thought you were the boss! My only bike I feared were the Boss Hogs! Blew my mind to have a blown twin turbo V8 between my legs! That's enough of me, ride carefully guys and gals!!

[@barebonesmc]

Great story 🙂Cheers for adding your bit mate. Ride Free 🙂

[@nathan.brazil780]

I used to have a Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo in the late 90's. It was certainly one of the most dangerous that I have ever been on. It wasn't the speed that made it dangerous but the unpredictability of when the turbo would suddenly boost. Riding the highway it was sometime really difficult to tell where the tipping point of the boost was. You could be riding along and decide to speed up slightly to pass a car and suddenly have the turbo boost and find yourself rocketing towards the rear of the car ahead of you.

[@barebonesmc]

the tech was in its formation years so was always going to be hit and miss, maybe things would be different with todays tech but i just dont think turbos suit bikes except drag bikes, cheers for watching mate :-) ride free

[@merlin5476]

I've still got my 750 turbo after 25 yrs & love it, although its been chopped about somewhat, it wobbles a lot & has crap brakes but looks cool & sounds cool with just a wee slash cut exhaust from the turbo, it did give me a metal collar bone yrs ago due to a tank slapper though.

[@barebonesmc]

@@merlin5476 i do think the Kawasaki was the best of the Turbos 🙂cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@TheMattC9999]

I had a Yamaha 650 turbo and it was the same way. Riding that thing up a mile long incline on I-44 in the rain was about the scariest thing I've ever done. Just cruising along up the hill, then out of nowhere, boost hits, traction disappears as the engine pretty much instantly jumps to redline, grab the clutch, straighten, the bike out, and repeat. I never rode that thing in the rain again after that.

[@kamax7672]

I almost bought that bike in 84 but couldn't afford extra grand and went with the standard 750 (which was a great bike) . I always regretted not getting the turbo, but after reading your post, it probably worked out for the best!

[@WmArthur]

I had an RD 350 and a 750 H2 Triple, both cafed out, clip ons, rear sets, chambers, etc. SOo much fUN! Thanks for the memories

[@barebonesmc]

glad it jogged some good memories mate, i still miss my 350LC more than most of the bikes ive had 🙂Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂

[@leemasters2794]

totally jealous here !

[@aussiecoop.5399]

I'm in my 60s and your video took me straight back to old days, I started riding bikes when I was 9 , I remember buying the first Yamaha IT 400 when it came to Australia and at first that bike scared the shit out of me but I grew to love it, it was like strapping yourself to a missile, thanks for your video mate, it was great going down memory lane.

[@barebonesmc]

:-) cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@EarthSurferUSA]

My 1978 YZ100 was the same for me at the age of 14, (bought new for $800.00). But it would not be today. Neither would that 40hp IT400. A fast modified 2stroke 125 can make those numbers today, (or real close). The first powerful bikes we had as kids do stick in our memories though, and what a joy that was. :)

[@barebonesmc]

@@EarthSurferUSA Glad you enjoyed the video Cheers for watching mate, 🙂Enjoy the ride

[@gentrynewsom2080]

THOSE WERE CRAZY DAZE..GLAD I MADE IT TO MY 60s.. Thanks for the show..!

[@barebonesmc]

@@gentrynewsom2080 cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride 🙂

[@davehudson4607]

The wildest bike I have ever had the pleasure of riding was the Honda CR500, that bike was incredible, how they could make that much power with that motor is incredible.

[@barebonesmc]

yep, ive been told by many it should have been included :-) cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@kevinbell6247]

The cr wasn't a bad bike.....the maico is much scarier. My mate had an alpha1 490....plenty skids with that yin and am nae speakin about the tyres 😲

[@billmeade9029]

My first bike was a 1977 XR75 and it was a great little bike, my friends and cousins had various bikes we would all ride each other's from time to time, In 1988 I bought a XR600 thumper it had so much tork you could dump the clutch in 3 gear from a dead stop and stand it straight up and I had Honda's first quad 85 trx 250 my friend buried in in a field of mud and I pulled it out with my XR it was a tractor on two wheels as you know being a 4stroke it wasn't quick but it was fast in the long run I never raced so for the kind of riding I did I preferred the 4 stroke but I had a Buddy who had a CR 500 and first time we switched bikes I was used to the 4stroke more all though I road all kinds of 2 strokes including my brother in laws CR 250 same year as my 600 and off the line it would eat me alive but when I took off on that what I call a rocket ship CR 500 I couldn't keep the front wheel on the ground 😳 I road for a very short time and said here I'm done with this thing give me my bike back 😂 so I know what your saying 👍ps sorry for writing a book

[@joeduffey5344]

I had a cr 500 and she rung the back spindle out of the wheel breaking ever spoke .I kid u not. Weapon

[@barebonesmc]

@@billmeade9029 no apology needed mate, i enjoy the replies, have a good day 🙂

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Sold my 1974 Kawie 750cc H2 that I'd owned since age 19 in 2017, was age 60 when I sold it to a close friend of mine so it's still "in the family", so to speak. I also learned how to street ride on a '73 1st-year RD350 air-cooled Yamaha twin, why I'm still alive after that steep learning curve is beyond me. It and the 750 triple always pulled the best wheelies, the 750 all by itself under load! 2 strokes forever! The only bad crash I ever had on a motorcycle was a f'n' dirt bike, endo @ 60 mph(97 kph)put me in a hospital for a week healing up from 2 major surgeries to put Humpty Dumpty's busted ass back together here! I did dragbike racing on my CBX after that...... I still have my 1979 Honda CBX that is turbocharged for giggles and grins.......am 65 now and still love a good fast ride on it.

[@barebonesmc]

glad ur still going strong mate, cheers for watching, enjoy the ride

[@fernanddominiquevitoux6447]

"2 strokes forever!" And with the smell of the mixture as a bonus 🙂

[@charlesparker14]

Had a 71 and 72. Triple 750 also a 500 and 400 triple all very fast but the 750 handled like a dump truck

[@barebonesmc]

@@fernanddominiquevitoux6447 Castrol R runs through my veins 🙂

[@barebonesmc]

@@charlesparker14 lol, cheers for watching mate, Ride Free 🙂

[@levi2204]

Can t agree more on the TL1000S - Replacing the rotary rear damper with a classic Ohlins and adding a proper steering damper did improve the bike greatly, but it remained a completely mental bike!

[@uhtred7860]

Especially the 98 model ones, after 98 they mucked around with the ECU to tame it a bit.

[@VN9001]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video here, thank-you so much for creating and posting it! Wonderful memories of most of those bikes (I'm in Canada, and some of them were European market specific so we didn't see them). I'm so glad you gave an "honourable mention" to the Yamaha RD series. As a teen I worshipped Kenny Roberts and followed him and his YZR through the 500cc Moto GP. When Yamaha released the RD500 we just drooled over ourselves and wet our pants!

[@barebonesmc]

Glad you enjoyed it! Stevie Baker was a GIANT of a tiny man too :-) what racing

[@sanatandharma4435]

I am grateful to my parents who limited me to a suzuki GT185, it was heavier than my mates RD200 that I rode, but the RD always felt twitchy, the suzuki did not! It took me reliably all over the NW of england and, yes, i did come off it, once or twice! It would be rude not too!! However, it was a very 'safe' bike in the 70s compared to what was on offer up to 250cc. But, in reality, I really did want an X7 but even I realised that they were deadly! So! Thank you mum and dad! xxxx Thank you for this content!

[@barebonesmc]

cheers for watching, and adding another story mate. we have had some great tales in the comments :-)

[@dougwhiley4028]

You had fun and survived. Good choice. My first bike was a Honda CB 250 twin. It did the job well and was very predictable. My rd350lc caused me to skip a heartbeat from time to time.

[@barebonesmc]

@@dougwhiley4028 They did have a tendancy to do that 🙂

[@carlfogle6517]

At 16 I sold my Honda 305 superhawk and my parents helped me buy a ‘70 Kaw H1 500, I truly had angels on my shoulders and consider myself very lucky indeed to have survived this motorcycle.

[@barebonesmc]

i guess i think similarly of the 350LC I had, i guess we all had friends who weren't so lucky sadly

[@carlfogle6517]

@@barebonesmc I was living in so cal when the katanas were released, Anaheim Suzuki had almost all of them come back badly crashed. And yes we are lucky to have have survived be it through fear, common sense or pure luck. 💙

[@barebonesmc]

@@carlfogle6517 most of us probably a bit of all 3 lol🤣🤣

[@waynefeigenbutz4309]

I had the same experience as you! Went from a Honda 305 to riding a friends H1 500! Not even on the same planet with regards to speed!

[@alanhardy3374]

My first bike was a305 Scrambler A real POS

[@gregsullivan8065]

I’ll throw the Suzuki Bandit 1200 into the mix. Full disclosure, I have a 600, which makes about 75 hp. The 1200, without much more chassis, and only 25 lbs heavier, makes 100 hp. They call it the “Wheelie Bandit” for a reason, and it’s rightly gained favor among stunt riders. I bought a 1200, intending to transfer some direct fit pieces (Corbin seat, $500, etc.). I had a go at the 1200, and quickly realized that the 600 was enough. Sold the 1200, and haven’t regretted the decision. Great video, thanks!

[@barebonesmc]

Great story 🙂Cheers for adding your bit mate. i do like the Bandit 12 though lol, i featured it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHPFl2Oue5yHmLc Have a great weekend 🙂

[@grahamovenden9007]

I agree with most of the content . The 500 Kawasaki was the first to get the nickname widowmaker and it was the original model . Once the problems were discovered the last of the original run were withdrawn . some of the fork head's were over torqued and the bearings were damaged . I don't believe any of these bikes reached the US and were only sold in Australia and New Zealand . The H2 handled very well and was very successful in production racing , usually filling in the first four or five places . It was the less skilled riders that got them a bad name but only through their lack of competence . ( some people could crash a velosolex ) In my opinion the top of the list would belong to the original Z900 Kawasaki , this bike was truly an evel handling bike . most rider never pushed them hard enough to find out , but at race speed they were like a Camel with three left feet . Few riders did well production racing the early models and were always out paced and handled by the H2 . By the way I raced a TM 400 and to this day it remains my all-time favourite bike . We had a thing going , I wanted to win , it wanted to kill me . There is an honesty in this . I am just days short of 73 and I would love to do a few more laps on a TM 400 . Still have a 360 CZ and a 250 Maico .

[@barebonesmc]

cheers for watching mate, cant disagree with much of what you say 🙂 a good rider rides to the limits of themselves AND the bikes they ride 🙂 Id say the Z900 was easier to ride normally than the H2. It was only when you tried to push it hard it came unstuck, whereas the H2 could try and kill you at any moment depending how good your throttle control was. That was the beauty of the big fours, they were easier for non racers to go quick. but it did mean they caught people out too. thanks again for the comment mate, enjoy the ride

[@fknchuck55]

Kawi 500 triple was one hell of a machine, I rode one from '76 to' 79. I loved that bike.

[@barebonesmc]

@@fknchuck55 love and respect, thats what they needed 🙂

[@robertomalatesta6604]

Yeah, worst thing was asking them (H1/H2) for a tour around the block from a mate, at times where the helmet wasn,t law everywere, yet. No time to get acquainted to to the sudden rush.

[@donuthole7236]

I hated the "5 up" transmission. What were they thinking? 😐

[@andrewoakley4957]

I will add that personally I always felt the tl1000s was more lairy with the rotary rear damper and flexy frame. Absolutely loved mine ❤ Such fun to ride..

[@barebonesmc]

it has been said in more than a few comments mate :-) cheers for watching, ride free

[@peterford9369]

I rode a 94 VMAX for about 10 years. And you're so right. The thing was a beast. But I loved it. Vboost was a knuckle whitener alright, but being a conservative rider, thankfully no mishaps. But I loved the look. The fat rear tire and smaller front always gave it the dragster look. I miss it. Thanks for the memory.

[@barebonesmc]

🙂cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride

[@williamjmansfield8768]

84 and no longer ride. Had a list of Suzuki as well as many others. Managed to scare myself more than once riding beyond my true ability. Still alive by the grace of God.

[@barebonesmc]

happy memories mate, and have a great day

[@michaelreed9805]

As a rider of over 40 yrs now this list is absolutely spot on! The kawasaki early H2 was a true widowmaker. That motor was and still is a beast..nobody cared that the rest of the bike was a sponge. That sound was worth the speeds we pushed regardless of how many skin grafts it delivered

[@barebonesmc]

cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride :-)

[@pauloconnor7951]

Dramatic. All new road tests didn't fault the handling. However about 4 years later several articles did negatively reflect on handling. As an H2 restorer; I have some observations. The nylon - plastic swing arm bushings were worn by then. And so swing arm play occurred. Simple as that; Later bronze bushes becam available; later again needle roller bearings. And wow what an improvement ! Taper head bearings help immensely !!!

[@TonyYork-KB9RAO]

What was left out was the wheelie factor, at @4000-4500 rpm under open throttle the thing would wheelie in whatever gear it was in, the last one I rode was bored out and ported and polished and it scared me off of the triple completely.

[@timking2822]

I haven't owned that many m/c's. My first was a Kawasaki H1 500cc two-stroke. You're right, it was scary. I started having nightmares after almost every ride, so I traded it in on a Suzuki TM400, my first dirt bike. It didn't seem that bad. Of course I had nothing to compare it to. Fortunately, I survived both. But, I never had so many injuries as I did on that TM400.

[@barebonesmc]

glad u survived em mate, cheers for watching, enjoy the ride

[@mrsilbo6499]

Great video, really enjoyed the trip down memory lane. IMO, most 70s & 80s bikes, by today's standards, were deathtraps. Skinny, non-stick tyres, lousy brakes & suspension plus flexible frames that couldn't cope with rising power outputs were all part of the fun! I restored an X7 a couple of years ago & I can confirm they were made from recycled sardine tins. Look forward to the next chapter.

[@barebonesmc]

The tyres were so ridiculous when you look back on it 🙂 glad you enjoyed it, finally sold my last TZR about 7 or 8 years ago now, i just wouldnt bend that much anymore lol Ride free my friend

[@lanesaarloos281]

The 500 Kawasaki 3 cyl death wobble made me reconsider riding in '73. Started up again in 2017.

[@barebonesmc]

@@lanesaarloos281 Glad you came back to the fold mate, enjoy the ride

[@John-ue8md]

I personally really like Honda bikes in the 1979-1984 range... by 1986 they often used the same basic engines but they changed the frames and suspension and they just didn't fit me as good as the older dual shock bikes. I like riding in rough terrain, and being able to easily reach the ground with the bike hung up on a log or stump is important to me.

[@barebonesmc]

@@John-ue8md me too mate, 🙂cheers for watching, enjoy the ride

[@robertesposito9871]

I had three of the scariest bikes ever built a Yamaha rd 350, a Kawasaki two stroke 500 and a 750

[@barebonesmc]

glad it jogged some good memories mate 🙂Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂

[@AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw]

Yep. They are nuts.

[@scottcrowley2061]

RDs were good for wheelies in the first 5 gears as from the factory. Put conical K&Ns on and the carbs would go from 105 to 190 mains.

[@peterkoning21]

How did you miss the Suzuki CT750 water buffalo ?! Evil handling but went like hell !

[@barebonesmc]

🤣🤣🤣 it is true :-) couldnt include them all though :-) cheers for watching mate

[@josephpacchetti5997]

The Suzuki water buffalo was the GT-750, I had one in the mid 70s and quite a few others, I bought Kawasaki 500 H-1B in 72, and I was 14 years old, No kidding, everyone said I would be dead in a week, But here I am, 65 this summer. 👊 😎

[@josephpacchetti5997]

​@@barebonesmcThanks for posting. 👍

[@barebonesmc]

@@josephpacchetti5997 reckon theres probably a few of us thought wed be gone before now 🙂 cheers for watching mate

[@wesstratichuk3141]

For sure 3 cyl 2 stroke They were a rocket in the day!

[@cousinjack2841]

I had an ex works Maico 490 in the 80's and that was scary enough now and then, so I can only imagine what the 760 must have been like. At the same time my daily commuter was the Suzuki TS400 which I rode for a few years. That was a great bike and never gave a moments trouble even after some serious mileage. It was a good ride for dealing with hectic city traffic. Nice programme; thanks.

[@barebonesmc]

thanks mate, cheers for watching, enjoy the ride

[@jeffurey6399]

Me too, Maico 490 Spider and an Alpha 1. Came on like a rocket 🚀

[@hsttrek1]

​@@jeffurey6399hole shots were no problem. I loved practicing starts on the 490. However it was heavy & a bit unwielding around the track.

[@TheDigger06]

Imo the 460 was the scariest...livelier than the others ,and bad power output lowdown

[@transistor754]

I also had the TS400... nice bike.. lots of good memories.. after that I had the PE400 Enduro which was my day bike... a drag racer fixed the exhaust for me, it would rev cleanly and not burble just as it "came on the pipe".. consequently first gear was useless, as it would wheelie in second, crash change into 3rd and if I was mad enough it would have done 4th but by this time you're doing 80 or 90 k's and the front wheel would skid as you came down as it had stopped rotating way back... I eventually sold it for my healths sake... and bought the Yamie XT 500... far more sane! A 750 single 2 stroke can only be unusable... lots of guys thought a CR500 or YZ490 made them good but I could run rings around them on a XR200 on twisty trails as it was more useable... except in a straight line of course.

[@desperadolighfoot8534]

Great narration, cool pace, super content. Thanks:)

[@barebonesmc]

Thanks for your support mate 🙂 the feedback does help me and i do appreciate it

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

Proud owner of a TL1000S here (with an Ohlins at the back). Still a great bike, but heavy to handle compared to these days bikes. And now with 200CV bikes around it seems even tamed...

[@manuelmontiel5418]

I got a backseat ride on Kwacker 750 H2's on two ocasions from two different friends within a 20 year time difference and they were both terrifying experiences. Thankfully they both had enough confidence and skill to negotiate turns scraping the footpegs in slick pavement. My white hair is testimony of these scary experiences.

[@barebonesmc]

lol, cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride :-)

[@pateris]

They were so raised that they lifted your helmet up ? ;) (I point out I would not have fared better. Oh, no. Nope. Uh-hu…)

[@BROU-bb2uc]

We had one with a sissy bar told my buddy on the back don't use it😂

[@barebonesmc]

@@BROU-bb2uc lol, 🙂Cheers for watching mate, Ride Free

[@andypap7955]

Great video, thanks for sharing. remember most of those crazy motorcycles over the years, and another one I would add to the list is the Yamaha RD 500 LC. After moving up from a 250 LC to 350 I thought that I could have a thrash on my mates RD500lc on the North circular Road in London in the late 1980s. It was a bit of a handful, especially in the power band, and because of its 16 inch front wheel turned very quickly indeed, and almost spat me off a couple of times. I return to my mates house, a little bit whiter in the face, then when I left, but that crazy machine left an indelible memory, and a big smile on the face….

[@barebonesmc]

great story mate, 🙂cheers for watching, ride free

[@patrickwhitfield1350]

That was a great list... Most mental bike I've ever had the pleasure of riding is an '82 Yamaha IT 465. It's heavy, and it doesn't like to turn... but touch the throttle and you're on one wheel.

[@barebonesmc]

i think someone else mentioned the IT, ive never ridden one to be honest, i can imagine tho :-) I had a YZ 490 at one point lol, cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@dwightcrapson135]

"Dial a wheelie" was how the great Rick Ramsey described it. Super Hunky said "the only way to miss a rock with an IT is to aim for it". I had an 82 IT465, probably the best all around dirt bike I ever had.

[@olsmokey]

Nice to see a mention of the Yamaha RD/LC series at the start. My first bike was the RD250LC which introduced me to the joys of the powerband. Such fun!

[@barebonesmc]

happy days :-) cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@karlalton3170]

I had a H2 when they first come out and it used to wheelie at 80 mph and when it come on the power band it was brutal bloody Awesome bike 😁😁🤘🤘

[@barebonesmc]

That engine was awesome. Cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride

[@danwilliams5867]

Ahh another H2 survivor LOL. It was a brutal bike to ride

[@ade-1772]

Nice would love a go on one of them omg

[@Paganreptiles]

I have 3 kawasaki triples fully restored 750cc scary as hell but what a rush

[@barebonesmc]

@@Paganreptiles indeed :-) ride free mate

[@davefrench3608]

The CX500TC was a heavy slug with chronic turbo lag. The CX650TC was another matter altogether, 100 bop and good for 140, when the boost comes in things in the mirror get small very quickly. Add in a brilliant fairing and riding position, you have the ultimate grand tourer, and it’s not scary in the slightest. Great vid, thanks

[@barebonesmc]

glad you enjoyed it mate :-) Cheers for watching, Ride free

[@assassinatepsychoputin4151]

The Kwaka 750 Turbo was the BEST Turbo'd bike EVER ... & the best of them all to ride.. it ate hondas for breaky lol

[@christopherhampson265]

The euroslug/maggot

[@barebonesmc]

@@christopherhampson265 🤣

[@joseluisruiz8526]

Thanks for the video. 100% with you. BTW, your description of the TL1000R is spot on. I have had one for ten years already and I will keep it forever. When properly managed, that is the most rewarding motorcycle I have ever ridden. Cheers.

[@barebonesmc]

glad you enjoyed it mate, cheers for watching, ride free

[@roadstrom]

The RD's were fantastic bikes 👍

[@barebonesmc]

yep. i loved my first gen LC, wish i still had it 🙂

[@billallen4793]

I had 1 RD400 with every go fast part available, and 4 different RZ350's from moderate to craziness power wise!..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠 I still have a waterbuffalo and a 75 RE5 Suzuki's.

[@Aubury]

Perhaps the best of my motorcycles the 250RD. Touring Ireland, commuting. Of its time, the smooth twin ts and the gush of power, still recalled in my dotage, with a smile..

[@barebonesmc]

I think we have a big RD appreciation society going here 🙂

[@billallen4793]

@Donley Wilson that name is ringing a bell 🔔 in my memory, wasn't he a big time racer from the 70's?..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸👋🤠

[@albertpeugh9367]

In 85 the V-Max did not beat the V65 Magna in the quarter mile. Peewee Gleason ran the V65 Magna down to 10.59 seconds, the following year the V-Max did surpass that, but it’s first year Peewee found a quicker ride on the Magna.

[@barebonesmc]

I bow to your superior knowledge mate:-) I'm not always right but i do my best lol, cheers for watching

[@albertpeugh9367]

😂😂😂 Oh, soooooo true!! Thank you for the memory jog. It's been a while since I rode both, and bikes that look meaner/faster ARE meaner and faster, just ask those that are on them. With that great memory jog it now comes back to me just how scary fast bikes were then. Trying to keep the front tire down on my V65 Magna was a challenge, but oh it was the fastest bike ever made, at that moment. I also forgot about the pee-NOS, that particular injection made things even FASTER. You made my day, heck even my year with these amazing memories, thank you!!!

[@albertpeugh9367]

Please see the response from Michael Murdock. His ability to bring back the truth is really amazing, besides he reminded me about the magic of Pee-NOS injection which made bikes like the MAX even faster. If his description doesn't invoke e little bit from laughter, you haven't been on a V-Max. Best quip of the year for me.

[@barebonesmc]

@@albertpeugh9367 thanks, what a lovely thing to say, glad you enjoyed it mate, theres more to come

[@tonydabaloney]

Nice list. I'm 70yrs old and have ridden most of the bikes you mentioned. I'm surprised the kawasaki 900-1100 wasn't on the list. It was a true widow maker when it came out. I rode with two friends who thought they had a jewel, but but wrecked because of the horrible front wheel wobble at around 90-100mph. One lost both big toes from scrapping boots in a high speed slide on his belly. And I would also add the Suzuki 750 water cooled. First of the kind. When I rode one I was amazed at the lack of feel. I looked down to find I was going almost a hundred in a 35 zone, because I felt no sense of speed due to the water jacket around the motor. I rode a Norton Atlas(1968) for 30 years. Best bike ever, best handling, acceleration, but worst brakes EVER! Keep that in mind and alls good.

[@barebonesmc]

Cheers for adding your bit and watching mate👍😊 I had to stop somewhere or id still be writing it all

[@michaellange6598]

H2

[@johncarver8125]

Roger the Norton Atlas 750's outstanding Handling ("Featherbed frame."). Also at Norton service school in '67 Mr. Fred Neil, Norton Engineer on the Manx Isle of Mann racers, gave me some very good Norton intake and exhaust tips. Quite a helpful, learned gentleman! BC

[@petergerritgroen3157]

Bad brakes ? The Jawa 350😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. Your shoes...

[@webjammer1]

I had a 74 Kawasaki H2 750 with expansion chambers and it was scary fast. It had way more power than the crude brakes and suspension could handle, and deserving of the Widow-maker moniker.

[@barebonesmc]

indeed mate, :-) Cheers for watching :-) Ride Free

[@markalton2809]

The X-7 took a couple of my mates well before their time. Stupidly fast for a learner and the main reason the UK introduced a power limit legislation for learners.

[@barebonesmc]

that and the RD's Cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride :-)

[@bobjohnson7207]

I remember when Cyclones showed up for the races but none of these had a rear fender. The European mxers enduros and trails were still the class of the field until the Suzuki RMs showed up.

[@blakeepperson3902]

Awesome video. I never rode a tm400, but I once rode a clapped out ts400, and that bike was a beast. It was powerful but handled surprisingly well. I can’t imagine riding the tm400. There’s something about the design and styling of the early to mid 70s bikes that I love. Many modern bikes are trying to recapture the retro styling, but they aren’t the same as the real thing.

[@barebonesmc]

Simplicity is one aspect im sure :-) cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride

[@djbillye4943]

Had a pe400 back in the day.was also a beast.suzuki all the way😊

[@ejgrant5191]

Suzuki actually addressed some of the TM400 issues about 3 years into production. The Dirt Bike magazine roasting of the TM400 probably made them take notice....I think they lenghtend the wheelbase 25-30mm with a new rear swing arm as I recall.

[@barebonesmc]

@@ejgrant5191 I don't recall that but thats nothing new lol i thought it was just replaced by the TS

[@mangoMango-ck3et]

great memories,,,remember at high school in the 1970s in NZ,,young guys no helmets ,,,wheel standing their GT 380 Suzukis,,RD Yamahas ,,Kawasaki 500s,,everywhere you looked Japcrap,,,the" great invasion " has just begun...Excellent Video..Narration..keep em comin..

[@barebonesmc]

🙂 cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride

[@joeybobbie1]

Hi, Great Video. This brings back Memories of the 70s and early 80s for me. I had a Z1 900 Kawasaki back in 1979 and it was the King of the Road back then. Like you said though, Suspensions, Tires, Brakes, weren’t as good back then. When I look back at some of the Crazy things I did on that 900, it’s amazing I’m still alive. Thanks for the Video, and I look forward to more.👍👍

[@barebonesmc]

your welcome mate, glad you enjoyed it. theres always more to come :-) Im still not even halfway through last years tour videos lol. the best is still to come, cheers for watching

[@keithharrison1453]

1976 Kawasaki H2 750 C survivor here! Damned fine machine, I absolutely loved it. Unlike other machines, when climbing on the H2, I did always ponder if that was going to be my last ride, ever. Oddly, I thought it actually handled very well, at least up to 115mph. After that, one had to catch the tank slappers the very moment they tried to start, or else one would end up in a hedge. Well, here I am, many decades later and, thanks mainly to the H2, I am now limping badly with a full set of comprehensively damaged lower bones and joints but, I'm still here. Just. However, in the morning, please ask my wife to re-check!

[@barebonesmc]

glad ur still with us mate :-) cheers for watching mate. enjoy the ride

[@grayharker6271]

I got my only speeding ticket in California on a 750 triple. The CHP had been chasing me for miles but I didn't know it. He only caught up when I stopped at the Kawasaki shop for a new clutch cable!

[@grayharker6271]

The 750 was borrowed. At the time I owned a 75 Norton 850. I didn't think the the triple handled that bad. The Kawasaki 900 and 750 could beat me stoplight to stoplight. But once we got on the coast road from Carmel to big sur I could walk the dog on them!

[@keithharrison1453]

@@grayharker6271 The exact details now escape me, as it was 46 years ago, but my H2 750C had an uprated clutch, I think using Plates from an H2R Racing Machine, plus I seem to recall, Z1B valve springs used in the clutch (or something like that). Most H2s would slip the clutch badly, so lost a lot of power because of that, plus because of the huge slippage, the clutches just did not tend to last that long, that's if an H2 was ridden enthusiastically, as it should be. Indeed, the H2 750 clutch was not a lot bigger than the KH 250 clutch so, not surprising it slipped! However, those changes to my H2, whilst making my clutch highly effective, meant I only had a very small amount of movement in the clutch lever. Indeed, many climbing on it, even when stationary, thought the clutch was jammed and stuck, because it needed the strength of a million monkeys to use it! But it worked, never slipped, and I could get the power down every time, even screaming away from traffic lights. The most amusing thing about that was when I travelled half way up the UK to initially buy it and collect it, I had only the day before had my left arm taken out of plaster, so I had less than the strength of single hamster in that wrist, at that time. The 200 mile ride home was entertaining! Ended up having to operate the hair trigger clutch with my left forearm. The other fun was it was quite late when I picked it up, and I found most of the fuel stations along the A1 riding home were closed. Very nearly ran out of fuel at least once, and only just made the last stop some 40 miles from home. I then let rip on the M11 heading south, and was amazed to find I managed to use a whole tank, and went on Reserve before the end of that! Fuel consumption, that was the other minor problem! Your Norton would indeed sail past me probably at every fuel stop! But then they'd be an initial enormous cloud of white Two-Stroke smoke, as I departed in hot pursuit!

[@rogerdodrill4733]

@@grayharker6271 it took a long time for jap bikes too handle as well as Norton's, maybe never

[@berttompkins9096]

Cheerio old boy. We all all thankful that you survived . A cat has nine lives. You've had 11!!! Thanks for the ungovernored sounds as well

[@barebonesmc]

glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂

[@ninjapower1000]

Great Vid. Turns the clock back. For me a 350 Elsie everyday of the week. It was the total hooligan of the 80's and messed with big bikes of its era. It's no wonder they are fetching huge money these days.However had a Maico 490, that was scary especially on dirt lol.

[@barebonesmc]

I do miss my LC too lol. rose tinted specs aside they were a fantastic bike

[@mikeholland1031]

I've had a few RD and RZ's in my day. Always loved them. Sold my RD a few years ago and still regret it but was trying to raise a family and broke. Still got my RZ350 although the clutch is blown up. I bought a 91 FZR1000 last year and love it.

[@barebonesmc]

@@mikeholland1031 I do still miss my 350LC. last of the TZR's went about 6 or 7 years ago now, I just wouldnt fold up enough lol. Ive got a bog standard '89 FZR1000 EXUP which I'd say was the best year, and then ive got a naked one thats been toyed with lol, its got the later USD forks and YZF 750 head and cams. YZF swingarm, underslung calipers etc, its a monster, cheers for watching mate

[@baerv3753]

The RD350 was the most fun bike of that era. The most terrifying was the Kawa 500 2 stroke triple. When that thing got up on the pipe it was pure insanity.

[@richardwalker7688]

Ran a tuning & race shop in the early 80s, I had a KH500, just a set of allspeeds & RamAir filters & re-jetted to save the pistons from holing. Got tame after a while so found the right piston alternatives and bored it to 600, with about 9:1 compression corrected. Initial testing on our Souirau Dyno gave impressive HP, loads of torque & the tendency to go into diesel mode (no ignition needed) after 7500rpm. Yup turn off the ignition and it just carried on running! So we had to drop the Compression to 8.5:1 corrected. Jim Lomas pipes and finally 40mm Lectron flatslide carbs did the trick. Everyone who tried it out always came back white but with a massive grin. Eventually sold it before it killed me. Never got around to trying to sort the totally useless chassis / suspension other than a steering damper to stop the tank slappers that would invariably set in at about 125mph, a very bad time to do it as that was just starting to hit the power in top, once you'd wrestled it past that it flew, I never took it flat out for long enough to have time to look at the speedo, too busy hanging on for dear life, no fairing. Memories. BTW, single seat conversion. So I wouldn't have to let the girlfriend get on the back on that one :-)

[@marvelaturraz5405]

About 40 years ago, I remember helping a friend start his Kawi 500 for the first time after he bought it from someone who had stored it. I was a very good motocrosser at the time. Bump-started it down his street, and nursed it for a while, while it blubbered but ultimately cleared out. I rode it back and handed it over. I didn't want to be on it. My legs were shaking!! That F-ing thing was vicious. Come to think of it now, I'm not so sure both brakes even worked at that point.

[@olafkelm6441]

Yep,

[@frankstone8930]

15years ago superbikes just shy of the 200hp mark and still without TCS, ABS or even electronic throttle left a serious impression on me. 😂😂😂

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Excellent video. Great history lesson. Thanks for making it. I still have my TLS that I bought new in 01 and have never felt unsafe on it. That motor is a blast.

[@mikef.1000]

I agree, the bad press about the TL Suzukis really is undeserved. The rear shock absorber copped and undeserved shellacking, as did the steering geometry. Anyone I know has one, has no complaints whatsoever. Much of the negativity seems to have been confirmation bias in the motorcycle magazines!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

@@mikef.1000 and the fact that the issue was ONLY in 97, resolved with the addition of the steering damper. I’ve had my bike way up above 130 and the bike tracked dead straight. Awesome bike.

[@barebonesmc]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-) cheers for watching mate. Ride Free

[@djdirty7455]

Great video I really enjoyed it, It brought back vivid memeories of my path. The unique essence I percieved was your story is from an experienced sportbike rider, I'm sure (track time videos lol). So I made this discovery as I watched you explain the basis of what content you were offering. I must say that your approach let me know that we both grew up in pretty much the same era. Thank you I enjoyed the content & would like to add .... I believe it was either 1982 or 83 Susuki GS1150E. While being young & adventurist I launced it, it went sideways burning rubber so I short shifted to 2nd gear & noticed that my front tire was no longer on the ground & I proceded to have one of the scariest & mosted loved experieces of my life!!!! MInd blowing power!!! I think I understand LOL.

[@barebonesmc]

welcome aboard mate. Madness will inevitably ensue 🙂I still have 2 FZR's and a Daytona 955 but they get used less now, ive thoroughly enjoyed riding most of the bikes i have tried over the years, i even loved ragging my lads Honda Dax around the woods 🙂 I always preferred the Yamaha's to the Suzuki's so didnt have so much saddle time on them to be fair. trust me to end up with a Vstrom now as my general digsbody 🙂 cheers for watching, enjoy the ride 🙂

[@rcclassiccrawlers4368]

Ahhh the good ol’ days! This video certainly brought me back. I’ve ridden a few of those bikes back in the day. But my all time favorite and maybe scariest for me was a Suzuki gs1100e. It was far from stock and that thing went like a bat out of hell. I ended up selling it shortly after my wife had our first child. Probably a good thing that I did but I do kind of miss it. Very cool video, thanks for sharing. And as my dad would always tell me, “keep the shiny side up”

[@barebonesmc]

Glad you enjoyed it mate - and the rubber side down :-)

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

I owned a 750 Katana and absolutely loved it. I heard stories of the 1100 being a pig and the 650 being not great to ride but the 750 was a dream although the best I got out of a tyre was 4000 kilometres and that was a dual compound too.

[@barebonesmc]

@@potrzebieneuman4702 🙂cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride

[@MoparMan1320]

Thanks for posting!! My first street bike was a 1977 Yamaha RD 350. I had graduated from high school the year before, and convinced my parents that it was "economical", as I was commuting a 60 mile round trip to junior college each day (yes, they knew I was BS'ing, but didn't deny my purchase). Having a buddy who was an artist, I got some cool airbrushed artwork on the bike...and it was, wicked fast. Living on the California central coast (in Cambria...about 45 miles south of Big Sur), I never lacked for great cruising roads. My last bike was a 71' Norton Commando...yellow w/black lettering, that always got strange looks from the kids on the Japanese super bikes...until I cracked open the throttle, and that sweet sound emanated from those twin cigar pipes...great times ✌😎

[@MrMopar413]

Back in the 70’s I had a friend that got a Norton 750 commander it was a awesome bike and I think it came with a 5 gallon fuel tank and you could ride for hundreds of miles without refueling.

[@barebonesmc]

Ive got Commando exhausts on the SF2 im rebuilding :-) :-) cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@alextornello4755]

Great video. I had an rd400 back in 1977. Put 10,000 miles on it that first summer. What a great bike. Had many other bikes but that rd400 was my favorite.

[@barebonesmc]

they were indeed a fantastic bike, cheers for watching, ride free

[@Turco949]

Good list, great video! Really enjoyed seeing these iconic bikes. 80s was definitely my favorite decade for motorcycles. I had a tweaked 2006 VMax. I can't believe I am still alive. If I had that bike in my 20s, I probably wouldn't be. I'd have fish tails on a dry street merely by taking off slightly too fast. That was also the only bike where I could feel the shaft drive twist the frame a tad when taking off a bit fast. Crazy bike, delivering around 117 ponies to the real wheel when stock, mine was probably close to 130 HP.

[@barebonesmc]

cheers for watching mate and adding your thoughts :-) ride free

[@neillawrence4198]

I would add the V65 Magna to the list. Way to much power and torque for the chassis to handle. It was a wonderful bike to ride if you took it easy. With it's high stance and center of gravity favoring the rear, a handful of throttle would sent the front wheel skyward. At full throttle in 4th gear at 100+mph a small bump in the road would cause the front tire to lift a few inches. Had to change my undies more than once after accelerating in 1st gear and found myself looking at the clouds, not sure which way I was coming back down. Still, loved it, and wish I still had it. Traded for CBR1000F, wish I still had that!

[@barebonesmc]

great bike 🙂Cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@darwinhall8550]

As a Suzuki dealer mechanic in the late 60's through the early 70's I think this is a very interesting list. It was amazing to me that the Japanese manufactures were taking on the big American and European manufactures with innovative design and engineering. Working on all types of motorcycles as we did, it was apparent that the Japanese were leading the way, abet with some questionable trade offs between speed, handling and braking. I think that in many ways this was a motorcycling golden age with lots of interesting choices. I still ride a 2005 Suzuki S83 and the ride, reliability, and ease of maintenance still surpasses anything from most other manufactures.

[@barebonesmc]

it was a golden age for sure mate 🙂 cheers for watching, ride free

[@bonecruncher2641]

Try the Chevy chase cheddar cheese chuppa chup challenge !. That’s a eye opener for sure

[@homerepairguy1]

I've got an 02 1500LC, I've never ridden. Lol. Took it on a trade, and shes tucked in the garage since

[@barebonesmc]

@@homerepairguy1 1500LC?

[@homerepairguy1]

@@barebonesmc the big cruiser, before it became the boulevard. First years was called the Vulcan 1500 LC "legendary classic" air cooled 1500, big chassis bike, perfect for tall guys. Picked it up from the original owner, put it away, then left for business. Finally got home, and there she sits.

[@georgerogers5954]

Thank you! Great vid which brought back a lot of memories. Keep it going please. Your output is top notch.

[@barebonesmc]

glad it jogged some good memories mate 🙂Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂

[@5280MTM]

My dad raced the TLR for a couple of seasons. That bike was an absolute animal. I remember other racers talking about what a monster that bike was. He loved that bike until the unavoidable crash that TLR's were becoming known for. He was coming out of a corner and rear end got loose, he gave it some gas to upright the bike, but it was too much throttle and it launched him. He was hurt pretty bad, even on the track in full race leathers. He never raced again after that.

[@barebonesmc]

Sorry mate. best wishes if hes still about, and thanks for sharing, and watching, enjoy your day

[@billallen4793]

Highside's SUCK!!..lol..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠

[@Bdub1952]

In a somewhat more positive note, that engine in somewhat detuned form found its way into my 2002 V-Strom 1000, still going strong after 21 years of ownership.

[@barebonesmc]

@@Bdub1952 A fellow Stromtrekker eh :-) If only theyd sort that bloody clutch basket on the 1000 lol. enjoy the ride mate

[@Bdub1952]

@@barebonesmc right? At least they sorted out the hydraulic conversion, but after two baskets (or is it three?) she's still happily chuddering away. It's part of her personality at this juncture, mate. Thanks, right back at you.

[@chuckallison6228]

Yup, TM 400. Rode right around the guys on 360 Yamahas and still had both feet on the pegs! It may have been over powered and under suspended but it was a blast to ride. I never had an issue with the bike. Sold it to a friend who stretched it and made a hill climber out of it.

[@barebonesmc]

I bet it took some bracing to turn into a hill climber 🙂 cheers for watching mate

[@GITBCrab]

Me and my father were in a kawasaki dealer a while ago and the salesman was an older kind gentleman. He told the story of his cb750 to us and brought up the fact when he would race the h2s they would spit small bits of oil on his visor. He told how when you’d wipe the oil it’d smear and make it hard to see. The salesman was wonderful and helped me settle on my next bike. God bless the man.

[@barebonesmc]

Those are the people all too often missing from dealerships now, too many sales reps :-) Thanks for watching mate , Ride free

[@gorflunk]

If he could've kept up with the H2, he wouldn't have had that problem!

[@GITBCrab]

@@gorflunk that’s the difference between 2 and four strokes!

[@paulwojnar2291]

I think the Suzuki TL1000S deserves an honorable mention here. First model year 1997 they had a deadly headshake and due to less than desirable engine management the power delivery in the idle to quarter throttle was very notchy. Once you got into the throttle look out power came on in a massive rush. Eventually Suzuki cured these issues and it was an awesome machine. The engine still lives on in the liter V Strom. An incredibly powerful V twin in the late 90s but very scary.

[@barebonesmc]

i did have a fair few people tell me i should have said TLS rather than TLR 🙂 the conclusion i came to was i must have ridden a later and sorted TLS, i loved it, whereas the TLR i took around Cadwell was a major handful, and yes, a legendary engine. I had a Cagiva Navigator with the S engine in it (a few tweeks) for a good while, awesome mile muncher

[@elizabethcanavan3755]

Great list .Of all the mad machines you featured I only ever rode the Suzuki X7.Although I did try to trade in a Yamaha XS 1100 for a V-Max,until the ,surprisingly honest, seller asked me why I wanted to trade one fast,gas guzzling ,bad handling bike for another .

[@barebonesmc]

A full power 🤣🤣🤣V Max is one of my shortest ownerships, got one, loved it, 3 days later realised there were 2 end results, death or no licence lol, it got sold a week later

[@seanbutler2291]

Yamaha xs 1100 was actually a pretty decent bike all around. But the Vmax definitely takes the cake for being the....less safe ride.

[@seanbutler2291]

​@@barebonesmc that seems like such a waste. If those two options were your only two options that's really more of a comment on you as a rider and not so much on the bike.

[@barebonesmc]

@@seanbutler2291 and you mate, cheers for watching, enjoy the ride

[@BearsTrains]

Had an XS1100 as well. It was nicknamed Kenny. Not after Mr Roberts but a brand of truck as that was what it was like to ride.

[@benitopussolini544]

I know a few blokes that bought their lad a cr80 back in the 80's.After the initial excitement over getting a new bike the time came for trying it out,it scared the life out of them. When I tried them they usually had the same effect.Wild little things they were.

[@barebonesmc]

i love the concept. Here you are, buy this for your kids, theyll be fine, honest 🤣🤣

[@christianfritz6333]

I grew up on a CR80, it's an insane little bike, mostly because power band was so abrupt, and the bike weighed next to nothing, I had a friend that had a 125, got on my bike blipped the throttle and stood amazed as the bike disappeared from under him and off into the distance.

[@Cutter_Number_30]

I rode a KTM sx65 until I was maybe 11, well and truly too big for it, but damn it if that little bike didn't get you moving fast no matter how heavy you are. Many adults rode it ironically and we're unironcally chewed up and spat out the moment they tried to push it.

[@mikeholland1031]

Odd looking master cyl on the RD. Definitely different than the stock one in Canada.

[@daryldaryl913]

Thank you for the exceptional history. An Aussie here. This was my era also. I agree of the Kawasaki 750 triple. It was the original Widow -maker, although others could fit a widow maker title as well. The 500s triples ripped also. I had a friend that would wheel stand them every where he rode. Entire streets and manage around corners on the back wheel as well like as in a circus, not fast of course. I was never anywhere near that talented. Good video mate, thanks to revive my memory.

[@barebonesmc]

glad it jogged some good memories mate 🙂Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂

[@kerryschwass1147]

Put a 500 triple in a go kart. Scared the daylights out myself mates flat out on local mud flats. And of course the sound was bloody fantastic. Had to give away and went down the vfr route another great sounding bike.

[@barebonesmc]

@@kerryschwass1147 some serious go karts there 🙂

[@Midnight_Rider96]

Can't forget the cr500, 1985 model is supposed to be the most violent. I've ridden a 1983 cr480 quite a bit, had a few scary moments but it was generally controllable for a moderately experienced rider

[@barebonesmc]

The CR was a legend of a bike :-) cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride

[@Patriot-up2td]

I said the same thing! No Honda CR 500?

[@barebonesmc]

@@Patriot-up2td I have been told 🙂 Im sure it will come up again somewhere 🙂

[@brianjebe7797]

I think the 87 through 90 were highest output.

[@steveread3890]

My brother had a 81 ktm490 and everyone who had a go came off it.

[@mikekemsley1531]

Interesting video. I'm an old guy(72) and have owned or ridden a couple of the bikes you listed. I had an Rd350lc and also a Rd500lc which was mostly scary when it was blowing up. I've owned lots of dirt bikes 2 and 4 stroke. Maicos and Bultacos. 370 Matador could get your attention pretty quickly as well as the Maico 501. Maico,shako, breako. I remember a 250 Canam Qualifier that hurt me bad. I owned a couple of GPZ turbos and sold them after different pants soiling adventures. During the time that I owned the first one I also had a hot rod Laverda 3C that had been worked on by Lance Weil and Erraldo Ferracci. Riding that was like going a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson. You always knew you had been for a ride and you always had a smile on your face. I should have owned a Suzuki TL but alas, I'm now too old. Bummer.

[@barebonesmc]

cheers for watching mate, glad you enjoyed it, just finishing an SF2 build :-)

[@rogerdodrill4733]

Never too old. Still breathing aren't ya. Better to have loved & lost, than to never have loved at all. I'm 70s also.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Since I started riding in 1969 I've had a chance to ride or own the 1971 Suzuki TM 400, 1985 Yamaha VMax,1972 Kawasaki 750 H2, 1985 RZ350 , 1970 Kawasaki 500 H1. Out of this group I'd the Kawasaki H2 was the scariest. My buddy has a mint 1983 Honda CX650 but I haven't ridden it yet.

[@barebonesmc]

a nice list of bikes mate :-)

[@broncosgjn]

V Rod. Yup took one for a ride and nearly went down on a gentle corner because I had no idea that a motorcycle company would put a 100 plus HP motor in a motorcycle that cant lean. I took it back and the dealer said "What did you think?" "Thanks no thanks. Let me know if they ever put it into a motorcycle frame." I got off a Triumph that day to ride the VRod. I was not a Harley guy or otherwise I would have known about Harley lean angles.

[@barebonesmc]

great comment :-) I'm not a Harley guy either. although I did end up with a superglide sport. I think its one of few Harleys that will go round a corner :-) cheers for watching mate

[@larrycumbo2023]

Got 3 of them but vrod street rod will corner like it's on rails 😅

[@barebonesmc]

@@larrycumbo2023 is that a later one? I did understand they made changes, but they are so low the lean angle is always gonna be compromised. cheers for watching mate

[@larrycumbo2023]

@BAREBONESMC 2006 has different lean angle 1 year model only it's also a taller bike I'm 5.6 and can't flat foot

[@barebonesmc]

@@larrycumbo2023 typical, they fix it n then go back to what didnt work lol, enjoy the ride mate

[@greigsimpson6079]

There was a n Australian who helped develop Rotax 2 strokes. He cut and polished my rdlc added extractors et C. It had no discernable powerband. Handled well, loved the rain . I have won nothing in life. This bike gave me a race win on a club day. .y happiest moment ever.

[@barebonesmc]

glad it jogged some good memories mate 🙂Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂

[@Painrunner]

I had a 2006 Vrod a few years ago and I have to say, even though on occasion I would lose the rear either by locking up the rear brake and sliding the rear tire or aquaplaning on the highway overall, I found it to be a pretty stable and forgiving platform. Even when standing up on the pegs to go over bumps slightly faster than advised or snapping off the pins on the footpegs in a corner. Sadly a truck cut me off on a highway onramp and clipped the front wheel. Been running the ZX10R in my profile since 2015 and I wouldn't trade it for the world. The Vrod steered heavy and wide, the ZX10R flicks all over the place almost as easily as a bicycle. The Vrod would lock up and slide when braking hard, the ninja brakes straight, stable and balanced even when coming down hard from ludicrous speeds and yes it can brake pretty much as hard as it can accelerate and with 200hp on a 200kg bike, that is saying something. Even though the electronics are advanced, most rider aids are configurable in how soon and how drastically they intervene. (Yes it has wheelie control, no the wheelie control doesn't intervene until after the front wheel has already left the ground. Yes you will be pulling unintended wheelies taking off from intersections and roundabouts if you do not keep yourself in check.) Also, about the electronics, they do not make someone a good rider, they just add to what is already there. If you put an unskilled rider on a bike like a ZX10R, they're a smear on the road waiting to happen no matter how you look at it.

[@barebonesmc]

re the last bit. I didnt say they made people better riders, i said they fooled people into thinking they can ride better than they can. :-) and yes. a ZX10R isnt a bike for novices lol. glad urok anyway mate, have a good weekend

[@tomb5396]

I have vrod, you just described my last ride! Had wheel lock twice and my arms were pumped from trying to turn bike in tight s curves Still fun, lol

[@micheltremblay4774]

I owned around 15 motorcycles and the most hairy to ride fast were shaft driven. Gunning it in a turn, the rear end would jump up and the traction would go down making it dangerous to do fast cornering. I loved cruising the Suzuki 650 shaft drive but my modified Suzuki 1000E was scary fast to say the least. My fun to ride bike was an RD400 (full race mode) was light and fast. I'm 72 and I now ride an electric motorcycle, fast and dead silent, my neighbours hear nothing when I go out early in the morning. I'm in Canada and most of the bikes on your list we never saw. Thanks and take care.

[@barebonesmc]

the shaft torque reaction issue is one that fascinates me in all honesty. despite all the so called explanations some bikes that shouldnt seem to suffer more, other bikes much less, i have never felt it on the Nighthawk S at all 🙂cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I LOVE my 85 Kawasaki 750 turbo! It is a brutal beast, well ahead of it's time (and tire technology). I also have an 03 Suzuki SV1000S, the TL's offspring. I think they sorted out the TL's issues pretty well with the SV version.

[@Floridaboi-Woody]

You have great taste in bikes.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@Floridaboi-Woody Thanks! I also have a 71 CB350 twin hotrod, a 77 KZ000A, an 01 KLR650, and a 12 VStrom 650 "hybrid/hooligan".

[@barebonesmc]

The SV's are a great bike, a bit tamer than the originals :-) I had a Navigator with same engine too, a proper hooligan it was

[@barebonesmc]

tell me more about the hooligan strom :-)

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@barebonesmc My wife bought it new and rode it without incident until she got hit by a car on it, destroying the front end. I replaced the front wheel, fork tubes, fender and put it back together with no fairings or other bodywork from the seat forward. I put a single projector headlight on it, modified a Harley windshield mount to hold a flyscreen, and fabricated a mount to hold the original gauge cluster. Last week I installed a Delkevic exhaust. It looks like nothing else, handles well, is comfortable on long trips, fast enough to be fun, and gets 60mpg on long rides. I left the dent in the tank that broke her knee.

[@peteranson4021]

Surprised to see the RG500 gamma on your list because I thought it was quite easy to ride. Two grumbles about it: It was light with a large area of fairing so was tricky in strong cross winds; and it came with odd size wheels so was difficult to get good production race rubber. I think the 16" front wheels were a failure all round and the RG had a 17" rear before 17" rear tyres were common. The engine was brilliant.

[@TheDigger06]

Its just biker myths,, i agree, the rg was v v competant

[@patrickjaegers3110]

The RG Gamma engine is legendary! That engine was swapped into a couple Suzuki LT500R ATV chassis (one in the US, and one in Australia I believe), and might be the meanest Frankenstein ATV ever made!

[@tmerizan]

for me the rg500 was the most difficult bike to ride fast on a track because it's power was all or nothing making accelerating out of the corner hard to get right every time, then add in some surface imperfections with a guy in front and next to you lap after lap. yeah it's fast but mentally exhausting to go at it full tilt

[@ejgrant5191]

BIG PROBLEM with the RG500 was INSTANT SNAP OPEN of the exhaust valves @ 7000RPMs...The opening wasn't progressive...it was HERE'S 30HP for you! Right NOW! I almost wrecked mine @ the 600Km mark after a careful break-in....NOPE The RG500 definatley belongs on this list.

[@carlwalker7560]

An RG500 was the only brand new bike I ever bought, back in 1986. I crashed it after 3 months and around 5,000miles. In my case, I think it was the 16" front wheel and/or steering geometry that did for me. The front end just let go at around 50mph while in a bend :-( Unfortunately I couldn't afford to repair it and ended up selling it for parts. Still don't regret buying it, that was the most exiting 3 months of my life!

[@therobert9521]

I've heard many stories about the KH 750 and how dangerous they were. My dad was ine the hospital this one time and there was a guy in a body cast because he wrecked one. They were light and ridiculous with that 2 stroke.

[@barebonesmc]

:-) cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride

[@stratcat3216]

Me on a 750 Kawi and my buddy on a RD350LC... we were nuts :) glad we're still alive.

[@barebonesmc]

Wild days, and even wilder nights 🙂Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂

[@khr1960]

My personal horror bike was the Kawasaki zx10r C1 blisteringly fast in a straight line but hated bends, I think even Rossi would have a problem with it.

[@barebonesmc]

the joys eh mate :-) fun times

[@AridersLifeYT]

i have owned over 50 bikes, and ridden countless others.. the scariest bike i ever rode was the new tmax 1700 with a supercharger. i have never in my 30 years of riding felt such a volatile and brutal snap in power as the gen 2 tmax produced. it was amazing.

[@barebonesmc]

Not one I had considered. cheers for watching mate, enjoy your day

[@techs1smh13]

V max ?

[@barebonesmc]

@@techs1smh13 yep, its in there

[@elemar5]

@@barebonesmc What is a tmax?

[@ToddWright2]

I have been lucky enough to ride 5 of the bikes on your list, and for me the H2 was in a class by itself. The frame was so bad I thought it had to be bent or broken somewhere. They made great and dirt cheap dragbikes and in the '70s and early '80s the staging lanes were packed with them.

[@barebonesmc]

🙂 cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@ancientheart2532]

Take that H2 750 motor and put it in a Rickman frame and you've got something.

[@barebonesmc]

@@ancientheart2532 ive seen it done with a Spondon chassis but not sure ive ever seen a Rickman KH🙂cheers for watching, ride free

[@barebonesmc]

@@ancientheart2532 ive seen it done with a Spondon chassis but i dont remember seeing a Rickman KH, 🙂cheers for watching, ride free

[@MGower4465]

As a teenager, I had a Yamaha 175 Enduro. Mostly ridden offroad. It nearly killed me a half dozen times, but in fairness, it had a lot of help from my stupidity.

[@barebonesmc]

lol, recognising your own stupidity is the first sign of sanity mate so be careful🤣🤣🤣 Cheers for watching, ride free 🙂

[@pauloconnor7951]

Indelible mark on ones mind. The Kawasaki H1 500 should be on the list for it's light switch power band !!!

[@barebonesmc]

it has been said in the comments and i hold my hands up on this one :-) cheers for watching mate :-) Ride free

[@StreetSinner]

The TLS is the Widowmaker. 2nd gen was fitted with a steering damper which came standard on the R, which came a year later after many tank slappers were reported on the S and a journalist died testing it on a track. Rode a TLS with no steering damper but wide renthal bar for about 10 years (street only, no track). The extra leverage on the wide bars allowed you to trim out oscillations, but under certain hard braking plus bumps it would get squirrely up front, and I had the sense that the Pirelli Diablo and keeping weight on the pegs rather than seat were the only things keeping the front from skipping out. I suspect it was the rear damper fading and upsetting the chassis over bumps which made the fork unstable, and possibly the stock forks themselves, which could only be made to rebound at a certain rate (not fast enough). Anyway, the TLS stock may be a widowmaker but without the clipons and with a replacement for the boat anchor and spring-on-a-stick in the rear, flapper delete, good tires, blanced throttle bodies, clean injectors, clutch interlock bypass and ECU flash to fix the glitchy fueling, and a lightweight sprocket, they're fun, zippy wheelie machines that feel like a sportbike and sound like a harley that ate all the meth. Highly recommended if you like riding a bike that feels like it is possessed by a prankster demon and enjoy challenging troubleshooting in your garage and trying to roll-start a 430-lb fuel-injected motorcyle with ghosts in the electronics which will roast your nuts off in traffic. Good times. Thanks for the memories!

[@barebonesmc]

cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@Gilles-EricReveillac]

That’s the one I have now. A 2000 TL1000S. It replaced my RDLC350 and 500. Love it but trading it for a roadster Katana

[@TheCaluzz]

Great stuff many memories. I was a motorcycle dealer in the 80s and have ridden most of your list an in full agreement, good stuff. The Yamaha RZ500 was very scary. Had a tendency for a violent front wheel shake / tank slapper at around 160kmh under hard acceleration. Typical of the 16 inch front wheels of bikes from that period the VF750fd similar but nowhere near as scary in my experience. The early Yamaha XS1100 had mountains of power but shocking handling caused by the torque reaction from the shaft drive that would change the lean angle of the bike mid corner and send it in a different direction. Would also make the back wheel chirp and sort of lock up and bounce down during gear shifting when riding hard .Very scary on such a heavy beast. I rode a V1000F2d at a track day once , was accelerating flat out on a straight loving that glorious motor when at approx. 200kmh the rev limiter kicked in . This cut the engine abruptly transferred the weight to the front and basically caused me to lose control and overshoot the upcoming corner. Never shit my self so much hitting the grass at that speed and was only luck and considerable run off that allowed me to stay upright. My favorite bike ever was a 1985 CR500 , What a beast, what a motor. But only got it as buy who bought it off me new had a test ride after purchase in a concrete lane way behind shop. And even though only doing about 50kmh in top gear he cracked it open and within two seconds I reckon he was doing over 100 on the back wheel and flipped it causing considerable painful gravel rash. We immediately did a deal where he trade it back for a CR250.

[@barebonesmc]

even the 250 red rocket could be a handful :-) 🙂 cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@geraldfrieberg7921]

Great video ! Thanks for sharing. I bought a new 1970 Yamaha R5 (predecessor to the RD series). I rode that purple and white bike for thousands of virtually trouble-free miles. It was the most fun motorcycle I've ever owned. I am still riding to this day at age 70. Cheers to all from Ohio, USA !

[@barebonesmc]

welcome Ohio 🙂I do love the RD's 🙂Cheers for watching mate, ride free

[@Toadonthehill.]

Great video brother. I picked up a 1980 Royal Enfield 350 Bullet a few years ago and it was the scariest, most unsafe bike I’ve ever ridden. They are world class bikes now but the model I had was still from the cottage industry days. If I rode it around town at 20-30 mph for short distances it was great but I lived in the county 20miles from the nearest town and the bullet vibrated it’s nuts loose above 40mph, the front end wobbled badly under heavy braking and it was rubbish going around corners. The suspension was Stone Age and the headlight may have well been a candle light. It wasn’t just the low speed on a national speed limit road that was hairy it was the whole riding experience, it just didn’t feel safe and it crippled my back with the hard ride. I know it could be customised from their catalogue and most things could be upgraded and a better riding experience had but that all cost money and I could pick up almost any other bike and not have these issues. I got myself an old cheap CX 500 instead and gave the bullet away. Take it easy brother 👍.

[@barebonesmc]

:-) cheers for watching and thanks for sharing mate, ride free

[@Rick-ve5lx]

I agree; the most dangerous bike I’ve owned was a Royal Enfield Bullet sixty-5 (500cc with left-foot gear change.) Dreadful piece of scrap iron. It got sold after the throttle jammed open and when I switched off the ignition- somehow and incredibly - it still ran! You know about the brakes, they make no difference at full speed. I downchanged like a lunatic and locked up the rear wheel, approaching a junction but stopped just in time. After sliding to a halt I found that the throttle cable was at a tight angle where it emerged from the top of the carb. Upon gently turning the carb in it’s rubber mount to free the kink in the cable, the rubber turned into icing sugar and the carb fell off. It was a heavy bike after a three mile push home. Goodbye RE, hello Suzuki Bandit.

[@Aubury]

I dabbled with the Indian import 500 Bullet. Fine for India, the lower toothed sprocket was raised by one. The twin leading front brake was played with. Drum skimmed, etc. To not much avail. A real caution,looking back. How times have changed to todays RE offerings

[@robertbowden6749]

Surprised the Suzuki GT750 didn't make it to your list. Nearly lost my life on one icy roads and that flexible frame really didn't go well together. If I had the money however would buy another at the drop of a hat. There was something magical about that engine once it hit 3500rpm and all pistons sang in harmony. Really enjoyed your video was a massive trip down memory lane remembering my mad moments on my 250LC and X7

[@barebonesmc]

It is mentioned here mate, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqXPY6t5bZmdbLc Cheers for watching and the comment , Ride Free

[@markf5735]

@@barebonesmc The GT550 could get an honorable mention due to the foot pegs that didn't fold up. I leaned too far over on mine and fortunately it spit me off on to a nice soft lawn. Still loved that bike though, wheelies on demand.

[@barebonesmc]

great bikes, i featured them here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJi2n3t4mb2WhdE and to be fair, i fitted fixed pegs to my Daytona 955i, but it has got a bit more clearance lol 🙂 Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂

[@marks2091]

V65 Honda Saber. You sat high on the bike, and the power was incredible. Came out in the middle 1980s. It felt more like a circle track bike than a sport bike and would get you into trouble in the curves. I loved that bike but it reminded you that you were one day dream away from death if you didn't pay attention riding it.

[@barebonesmc]

lol. its been mentioned a few times mate. cheers for watching mate. enjoy the ride

[@donaldgrant9067]

As a boomer I look at your list and think to myself that there is such a difference between us and this newer generation. We got a thrill out of taming the bikes. Yep they might get you killed, but to conquer one was the point of riding one. Plus it seems today that crashing a bike is so scary to young people, especially on dirt racing. I knew someone with that Suzuki 400 and he handled it fine, yes he crashed occasionally, but he'd pick it up and off we'd go again. But I crashed my Ossa 250 Phantom also. But we took pride in riding on the edge. But I can tell you there were more people riding back then and pushing the limits than people today.

[@barebonesmc]

maybe thats why the average age of bikers keeps getting higher. less young uns are taking to bikes in the western world. perhaps a choice of cheaper mid sized bikes that we used to have will rekindle that? the big bikes just arent economically accessible to young people now. cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride

[@donaldgrant9067]

@@barebonesmc I hear what you are saying. I believe that is the reason for so many problems with young males today. They have no idea what it is like to ride on the edge and crash and get right back on there and do it until they get it right. But that all goes back to women having all the right with their kids and the fear of a broken arm or a leg. Many kids in my neighborhood had enduros and would walk them out to a place to ride them. We didn't have gun violence at schools, that big of drug use and I believe it was because we had things like dirt bikes to get ready to go ride. Now days all they have are video games. But it wouldn't do any good to make them go ride because fear is so imbedded in their minds they wouldn't do it the second time. I know because my mom was the type of person that told us all to walk away from a fight and it took many years and a mean second wife to break me of that.

[@barebonesmc]

@@donaldgrant9067 I do think we were definitely more inclined to take risks lol, whether thats ALWAYS a good thing im not so sure 🤣🤣🤣 enjoy the rest of your day mate

[@donaldgrant9067]

@@barebonesmc Well we turned out OK.

[@barebonesmc]

@@donaldgrant9067 I did stress the word always, As with everything there is a balance 🙂

[@rudedog302]

In 1980 I bought a 1973 H2 750 off of a friend in the military after he ran it off of a clover leaf entering on to a highway. Fixed it up. Love the sound. Rode it for 15 years, then kids came along, and sold it to a friend , he restored it and I get to ride it when ever I get to his place. Told my son he will never ride it, only on the back with me driving. I have owned 22 motorcycles in my 60 years, Harleys, Hondas, Suzukis, Yamahas, Kawasakis, a Husqvarna, and a Can Am. The H2 750 is my favorite. That bike was mean, loud, and fast.

[@barebonesmc]

great bikes, fantastic that you still get to ride it, 🙂 cheers for watching mate, Have a great week

[@LtJackboot]

You pretty much covered it. The only surprise for me was the V-rod. I had one of those XJ 650's- the way the turbo came on was sudden and in full- it was a killer.

[@barebonesmc]

glad you enjoyed it mate, thanks for watching. The Quasar and the V-Rod were my curved balls 🙂

[@elemar5]

@@barebonesmc You can get cream for that.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

@@barebonesmc I've got curved balls also , cause 400 huskies seat didn't cover rear tank Mount bolt

[@barebonesmc]

@@elemar5 lol

[@barebonesmc]

@@rogerdodrill4733 pmsl

[@keithgibson568]

Had both a H2 750 which was traded in for a Z1R, the 750 was a fun bike i just could not live with the 9 mpg when you thrashed it. front brake would struggle to stop a SS 50 moped let alone a 750 two stroke. Handling was "interesting" the weight distribution of 50/50 saw to that. The Z1R was a totaly different kettle of fish, got over 60 mpg out of it riding pretty much the length of England. Riding normaly it did not handle to bad, was not to heavy to hustle around. When you started to push it the "hinge in the middle" frame would flex giving regular tankslappers. The front tyre used to wear at about the same rate as the rear giving me about 1000 miles on a pair of Pirelli phantoms. That engine was a monster though once i got rid of the original highly restrictive exhaust system & the air box & air box silencer, 4 K&Ns, Harris 4 into 1 works pipe. Saw a whisker under 150 mph on the speedo on several occasions. It felt like it could break into a tankslapper at any time when going over 120 mph though. Lol, happy days when we thought we were invincible !

[@barebonesmc]

glad I stirred the memory pot mate :-) happy days indeed :-) ride free

[@anthonybell6344]

150? What gearing was it running, how steep was the cliff.

[@keithgibson568]

@@anthonybell6344 I know the speedos tend to over read but it must have been a good 135 mph

[@ubernooben6436]

@@keithgibson568 Mine was modded nearly identical to yours and it could never break 130 at redline with stock gears.

[@lestersmyth692]

I was pleasantly surprised to see the X7 included in your review. Having owned one in the early eighties as a learner rider I suppose I’m fortunate to have survived intact. I crashed that bike more times than I remember usually racing RDs …… flipped it over many times whilst wheelying or lost it whilst cornering beyond its capabilities and mine of course. The tyres, brakes and suspension were crap to say the least. Obviously making it go faster was obligatory hence Micron pipes, K&N filters etc. plus some filing of the ports courtesy of the MCN tuning article. With a smaller rear sprocket I do recall seeing 110 on the speedometer. They’re fetching serious money now and I look back fondly to those fabulous times forgetting the hospital trips of course 👍

[@barebonesmc]

lol :-) Cheers for watching mate and thanks for the comment, enjoy your weekend

[@leemasters2794]

great list, i turned 16 in 1981 and all my mates and me got mopeds! but then one of my mates who had a birthday in November turned up one morning for the ride to school (as we had stayed on for 6th form) on an X7 ! wow1 we all had a go on it riding down a 400 yard terraced street in Northampton! it would get to about 85 mph and lifted the front at each gear change! that experience has never left me! those were the years of freedom, excitement and fear all rolled into one package! in hindsight, it was no wonder the 15 learner laws came in a year or two later.

[@barebonesmc]

Great story 🙂Cheers for adding your bit mate. wild days and even wilder nights lol Ride Free 🙂

[@neilmackinnon3371]

Somewhere in the late 80's / early 90's when we were in our early 30's, the husband of a friend of my wife decided to 'get into bikes'. He knew I rode and had seen my Laverda 1000 and so having passed his test he decided to go one better and bought a V-Max! At the time he lived in the Lake District and we would visit from time to time. On one visit he told me to bring my bike gear.... and that's when the V-Max was revealed. He generously loaned it to me on a Sunday morning and told me to finish my ride at Kirkby Lonsdale where there was a regular Sunday morning bike meet. I had a great ride, the bike was a lumbering giant but with a bit of perseverance you could hustle it through the bends and get it right onto the edge of the tyres. The owner was expecting the V-Max to really turn heads at the meet.... nothing, not a flicker from the crowd of fellow bikers.... this was the ear of the sports bike and a 'cruiser' was of no interest. When ready to head home the owner of the bike told me to really give it some beenz as I left.... I did as instructed and felt a bit of a kick to one side as the mighty V four did its stuff. Apparently I left a considerable amount of tyre on the road!

[@barebonesmc]

Its stories like that that i love lol. ride free my friend :-) Ive been finishing an SF2 build, for too long lol. hopefully it will be finished this year 🤞

[@neilmackinnon3371]

@@barebonesmc I had a 1973 3C. I did a rolling restoration for about three years, rode it finished for a few years more and then it became a bit of a garage queen as I was busy on a Triumph Thunderbird flat tracker, so I sold it.... its been SORN ever since... what a waste. I am determined to finish a flat track T140 this year. It came to me as a pile of pieces in 1993! This year.... I promise!

[@barebonesmc]

@@neilmackinnon3371 mine arrived in oily boxes lol. hasnt been on the road since about 79

[@neilmackinnon3371]

@@barebonesmc Excellent! Nothing better than a few boxes of rust, oil and road dirt.

[@barebonesmc]

@@neilmackinnon3371 its been a challenge 🙂

[@bobcohoon9615]

I heard from a person who raced for Kawasaki( triples ) that the handling was lousy and power hit in big surges ,enough to throw you off your line

[@billwalker2122]

Great video thanks, especially that crazy TM400. I had one with heavier flywheel, aftermarket shocks and forks. It had a lengthened swingarm for beach racing and different cogs for higher speeds. With only four speed gearbox and a powerband like a full-body slam, it was not for the faint-hearted. We clocked it on the local beach at 80mph when I went into top gear and was doing 105mph when I chickened out and throttled back. I never rode it again after surviving a brutal tank-slapper on a two-lane blacktop which defied all physics. I had it parked in an open garage facing the paddock of the family farm. Every day after work I would don gloves n helmet and kick it 3 times. Such a bad ignition sysytem! Once in a while it would start and I would be off roostertailing giant slots in the pasture. My parents were not impressed. It seized on my first enduro before completing a lap. Exciting, dangerous and entirely inappropriate motorcycle. I remember it with fondness.

[@barebonesmc]

memories eh :-) cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride 🙂

[@dennissales8487]

My tm had five speed maybe you never made it to fifth gear

[@DanaTobin-fm3wm]

I bought a ' 73 Kawasaki 350 triple back in the eighties and wow. It was fast. It had a tensioner on the steering column so when it was racing straight aways it was more stable. The extra gear didn't hurt either. Great for the highway. Thanks for the memories.

[@barebonesmc]

glad it jogged some good memories mate 🙂Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂

[@bigviking0001]

For me it was the original Maico 501. I say original because the first 501s delivered had 52 HP on a bike weighing under 250 pounds. The clutch was a real handful and this combination could put you on your back very quickly. Later models were de-tuned to 37 HP but still had great torque.

[@barebonesmc]

cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride 🙂