What it is:

The last incarnation of the old Zl-derived engine. Hugely fast and, well, just huge. One of the earliest fuel-injected Japanese bikes. The pinnacle of big air-cooled sports bike design.

Others in its family tree:

Its roots trace back to the Zl. Original B1 model was un-faired. B2 got more torque and a cockpit fairing. The ZX model got a frame-mounted fairing, mono-shock, Star Wars styling and more power.

It’s good because:

150mph performance has never looked so cheap.

It’s bad because:

Fuel-injection gets temperamental with age (carb conversions are common). And the GPz900R is so much better.

Other alternatives:

Suzuki GSX1100EF offers the same combo of bulk and mind- bending power, but is ugly beyond belief. Honda CB1100R proddie racers are more desirable, but more expensive as a result.