Revisiting The Iconics

“I don’t really feel like going for a ride today,” said no motorcycle rider ever. Welcome to another adventurous month, but this one is extra special because we have successfully turned 15. The thing about motorcycles is that they are true to work, be it brand new and gleaming in the dealer’s showroom or sitting in your garage splattered in road dirt; you’re going to admire these in every circumstance. Let’s not miss out on the fact that your face in the wind, the sun on your back, and an open road stretching out in front of you, is all freedom that can only be experienced when on a Motorcycle.

At least one amongst 5 would have gone shirtless in front of their beast bike and taken really cool pictures. Over the past 15 years, we have talked about pretty much everything surrounding impeccable bikes; with the latest launches and upcoming events in the motorcycle world, we have brought our lovely reader all. This time to spice it up a little, we have brought to you iconic motorcycles from OG brands, that top the list of speed, sex, beauty, design, and freedom. Without any further ado, dive in as we remember our favorites from the past!

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR750

There was not a single child of the ’70s who didn't have at least one Evel Knievel XR750 toy. The hype of the Harley Davidson XR750 is unmatchable to date. Produced from 1970 to 2008, is regarded as the most successful race bike of all time in the history of dirt track motorbikes. It came with an overhead-valve (OHV) engine design and signature iron cylinder-and-head package.

The thing about motorcycles is that they are true to work, be it brand new and gleaming in the dealer’s showroom or sitting in your garage splattered in road dirt; you’re going to admire these in every circumstance.

Apart from this other specifications included; a compression ratio of 8.5:1 but later on adjusted to 9.8:1 and 10.5:1. The configuration delivers a 115 mph (185 km/h) top speed rating and 73–82 hp (53.7–60.3 kW) @ 7,600–7,700 RPM horsepower – with approximately 87–100 hp (64–73.5 kW) @ 7,800 RPM for post-1972 alloy-head versions, including the XRTT variant.

The fact that this bike had an insane amount of winnings and association with racing legends and daredevil stunt performers, made it stand out from the other HD bikes available. The two-wheeler’s initial 4-speed manual transmission later got upgraded to a 5-speed gearbox with accompanying changes to compression in 1978. As for the exterior, the race version had an orange-and-black bodywork and peanut-shaped tank with clean handlebars, offset staggered footpegs, and a Smiths tachometer for instrumentation. It has limitless potential back then and even today holds the power to dominate the racetracks and hearts of dirt-track enthusiasts.

1974 DUCATI 750SS

The list would be fairly incomplete without speaking of the Ducati 750SS which drew a great level of admiration from the public that the company soon produced a larger 900SS to satisfy demand. This model practically put Ducati on the map in 1974. The 750SS was based on the 1972 ‘Imola’ 200–winning 750 cc racer, ridden by Paul Smart. Only 401 examples of the 750SS were made and production bikes were as close to the original race bike as possible.

As for its specifications, with an engine of 748cc V-twin was fitted with two-valve desmodromic heads with cams powered by a bevel gear drive, it had a 10.5:1 compression ratio, it was fitted with two 40mm carburetors, and the engine was capable of 72 hp at 9,500 rpm. The engine breathed through a 40mm twin Dell’Orto PHM40A. The horsepower was made in a way that its incredible liner flow seems to go on forever.

This one was known as the “round case” due to rounded curves on the crankcase, the 1074 Ducati 750SS was indeed a beautiful beast to ride. The crankcases included the gearbox in unit-style construction, and also had a deeply finned sump. Even though many produced didn't survive because of the overly ambitious riders, it still is regarded as the most collectible motorcycle on earth.

KAWASAKI NINJA H2R 2015

The bike that’s too fast, and vicious, Kawasaki Ninja H2R is one of the fastest production bikes ever. With the launch of H2R, or as the brand likes to call it “because-we-can” bike, the brand brought a supercharged technology to the market, and it’s ironic that a motorcycle so blisteringly fast is based on fuel and emissions economy rather than outright speed. The H2’s high adiabatic efficiency means that it can be run without the need for a bulky and complicated intercooler, saving weight and space.

Speaking of its specifications, claiming a 310 peak horsepower at 14,000 rpm without ram air and 326 hp in a stiff headwind is wrapped in a carbon-fiber bodywork. The engine is supercharged DOHC inline-4, 4 valves per cylinder. The highly efficient, motorcycle-specific in-house supercharger is the key resulting in a bike with maximum power and intense acceleration. The shift was also improved with the dog-ring transmission. The dog rings are lighter than transmission gears,this type of transmission offers a significantly lighter shift effort.

To improve high-speed stability, every component of the vehicle's bodywork was aerodynamically shaped. Additionally, the cowling's design increases cooling efficiency and heat dissipation, which helps the engine's tremendous output. From craftsmanship to high-tech paint and performance; the NINJA H2R is going to remain an Iconic.

BMW R1200GS

After the launch of the BMW R32, the very first BMW motorcycle after originally building engines for the German air force in World War I; the rise of the company started. With a 1,170cc engine delivering an output of 125bhp and 125 Nm of torque at the rear wheels. The motorcycle is capable of a top speed of 200kmph. The flat twin design the company used back then is today also seen in the majority of the brand’s machines.

This bike was regarded as the one to handle any terrain. Thanks to its stable suspension, the bike is famed for its enhanced performance on both road and rough terrain. This along with flexible ergonomics allows for a comfortable ride too. With its potential and looks, it makes it a bucket-list bike for most of us around the office

It features Gearshift Assistant Pro, LED headlights, turn indicators, and auxiliary lights. Moving forward, there is cruise control, an onboard computer, and provision for aluminum panniers. Meanwhile, the top-end Pro trim gets all the aforementioned features but also gets heated grips, tire pressure control, and a chrome exhaust pipe.

From the April 2023 issue of FHM India.