Suzuki Rg500, Yamaha Rz500, Honda Ns400r

The Yamaha RZ500 came first in 1984, looking all the biz like a race bike. Suzuki responded the following year with the RG500. The Yamaha had a broader powerband and was considered easier to ride; the Suzuki was explosive. Often considered the high point of motorcycle engine design — Japan’s 500cc two stroke grand prix bikes virtually ended the horsepower war by generating more power than any tyre manufacturer could ever hope to handle; more power than any frame could ever hope to contain; more power than any race course designer could ever hope to accommodate; more power than any rider could ever hope to use.