The arrival of Japanese motorcycles on the world stage in the late 1960s and 1970s fundamentally changed the industry. Combining technical sophistication with reliability and competitive pricing, machines from Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki quickly established themselves as formidable alternatives to established European manufacturers. Today, the best Japanese classics of this era are among the most sought-after motorcycles in the world. At South Wales Classic Motorbikes, we stock and specialise in early Japanese machines alongside our British and European inventory.
Honda CB750: The First Superbike
When Honda launched the CB750 Four in 1969, it redefined what a production motorcycle could be. A transverse four-cylinder engine, disc front brake, and sophisticated electrics in a machine that was affordable, reliable, and fast — it was a revolution. Original CB750s in good condition command significant prices today, and rightly so.
Kawasaki Z1 and Z-Series
Kawasaki’s response to the CB750 was the Z1 of 1972 — a machine that eclipsed Honda’s offering in outright performance. The Z1 and its descendants established Kawasaki as a performance powerhouse and created a dynasty of large-capacity fours that continues to this day.
Yamaha Two-Strokes
Yamaha’s two-stroke road bikes of the late 1960s and 1970s — the DS7, RD series, and the iconic RD350 — offered performance that embarrassed much larger machines. Their lightweight agility and distinctive power delivery made them favourites of sporting riders and have ensured their enduring desirability as classics.
Browse our current Japanese and other classic motorcycle stock at southwalesclassicbikes.com or call 07966 296269 to speak with our team.