What it is:

The original superbike. Smooth, fast and refined, the 750 Four elevated biking to a higher plain. Its arrival in the UK in 1969 signaled the beginning of the end of the old British bike industry.

Others in its family tree:

The 750 spawned a whole family of inline fours: 400, 550, 900 and 1100. There was even a bizarre two-speed auto CB750. Aimed primarily at the US market, it was a poor seller in the UK.

It’s good because:

It turns heads, plus it’s reliable and relatively cheap to buy and run. Spares are easy to come by too.

It’s bad because:

Looks better than it rides (a Z1′s got more oomph) and prices are getting steep.

Other Alternatives:

Honda‘s own CB550 is nearly as fast in a straight line, plus it handles and stops far better. Kawasaki Z650 is better at everything and is almost as desirable.

What it is?

Honda‘s first 16-valve four, developed alongside a 750cc version. Its long-stroke engine has plenty of punch, it handles, and even the brakes and suspension are half decent. Nearly as fast as the CBX-6 too. Later models got twin-piston calipers, rubber engine mounts and a fairing.

Others in its family tree : Developed from the ROB endurance racers. The 900 is sandwiched by the bigger CB1100FICB110OR and smaller CB750F.

It’s good because:

CB900s can be bought very cheap, parts are readily available, and 130mph performance isn’t to be sniffed at.

It’s bad because:

Not the strongest engine around (trouble from the strange twin camchain system and bottom end is not uncommon).

Other Alternatives:

CB750F looks similar and is tougher, if slower. GS-1000 looks better and performs just as well, but has a more dated engine.