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Yamaha Motor's first motorcycle, introduced in 1955. Its simple form and chestnut-red finish, unusual in an era of all-black machines, earned it the nickname "Red Dragonfly" (Aka-tombo). Powered by an air-cooled 123 cm³ two-stroke single, it won the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race in July 1955 and took the top three places in the ultra-light class of the 1st Asama Highlands Race later that year.

Yamaha's first model with a four-stroke engine, after making only two-stroke machines since 1955. A slim 653 cm³ OHC vertical twin in an equally slim double-cradle frame answered the brief for a light, slim and compact large-displacement sports bike. Fans nicknamed it "Peke-S".

Suzuki’s first 750, introduced in September 1971 as the flagship of the GT series. Its 738 cc liquid-cooled two-stroke inline triple used a pressurised system with an aluminium radiator and electric fan, and in the United States the model became known as the “Water Buffalo”.

Since its debut in March 1978, the SR400 held its following with a simple, largely unchanged style and the pulse of its kick-started, air-cooled single. For the Japanese market the line concluded with the Final Edition Limited of 2021. Specifications listed are those of the 2021 Final Edition Limited.

Unveiled in 1994 amid the trend for unfaired "naked" bikes, the XJR1200 topped its class with what was then the largest displacement available. Its air-cooled 1,188 cm³ DOHC inline four offered strong low- to mid-range torque in clean-cut Yamaha styling. Specifications listed are for the 1995 model.

The second generation of the Bandit 400cc naked line that began in 1989. A flowing form from fuel tank to tail lamp was paired with a round headlamp and bullet-shaped meters. The 400V carried the VC engine, which switches cams according to engine speed, while radial tyres and an aluminium swingarm reduced weight.