25 Years Ago September, 1981

25 YEARS AGO SEPTEMBER, 1981

The Sporting Forty-Fives” graced the cover as the Big Four Japanese moto-makers’ 750cc four-cylinder machines were pitted against each other in an extensive comparison. After running the bikes through the full test regimen, just as we do today, staffers had much trouble picking a winner, just as we do today. The standout attributes of each? The Yamaha 750 Seca had looks and technology; Suzuki’s GS750EX was the best long-tripper while the Honda was the perennial all-rounder. This left the Kawasaki KZ750, deemed the raw performer and overall winner. The test concluded with this comment: “The Official High Performance 750cc Motorcycle Admiration Society never had it so good.”

• Suzuki’s RM250X and RM465X were late releases that year, but it didn’t take long for them to get to the head of their respective classes. The yellow bikes looked identical for good reason, as they shared frames, wheels, plastic and Full-Floater single-shock rear suspension. Aside from the obvious displacement difference, the 465 featured extra clutch plates, a stronger-but-heavier transmission and bigger fork tubes, while the 250 was downsized and lightened everywhere possible.

Both bikes were said to deliver big performance for a small price.

• Among the tests were two features. “Paperwork Protection” advised how not to get burned when buying or selling a bike. “Roadcraft” related the importance of being smooth.

The source? None other than former Daytona Superbike winner Ron Pierce.

Mark Cernicky