Hesketh was never big. If anything it was pitifully small — only a few hundred V1000s sold worldwide, but the same can't be said for the bikes themselves. They're huge. A Hesketh's dimensions — 550Ibs dry weight and 59.5 inches from one wheel spindle ...

What it is: Kawasaki's immortal Z1 engine, bored-out, in a variety of tweaked and restyled guises. Early models were slower than the 900s; later examples were faster. Not as desirable as a Z1/900, but benefits from a much improved chassis and brakes. Far, far cheaper ...

What it is: Hugely influential bike, named after a Japanese sword. Looks fantastic and handles better than the stock GSX, on which it was based. Not a big seller in the Eighties due to its cutting-edge looks, but now an acknowledged classic. Starting to get expensive. Others ...

There are a variety of options in synchro­nizing devices, from homemade to high- tech. We evaluated the Morgan Carbtune Pro. Technically this device is a mechanical manometer; no electrical connections are involved. Originally developed in 1979, the first Carbtune incorporated mercury as the operating medium. ...

What it is: One of the greatest bikes. Ever. Fastest production bike in the world when launched. Made large capacity and DOHC technology accessible. Staggeringly beautiful too. Others in its family tree: First conceived as a 750 - Japan got a 750cc model, the Z2. ...