Getting from point A to point B wasn’t enough for 1970s motorcycle designers. Riders demanded more than basic transportation – they craved machines that could deliver both blistering speed and mechanical artistry.
Engineers responded with groundbreaking solutions, from Ducati’s desmodromic valves to BMW’s sophisticated suspension systems.
19.1972 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1000
Raw American muscle found its voice in the 1972 XLH Sportster. The 998cc Ironhead V-twin transformed motorcycling culture while delivering street performance that could reach 110 mph and sprint 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Want to experience a piece of movie history? This is the machine that Peter Fonda elevated to cultural icon status. Moving from a modest $2,500 showroom tag, original examples now command $20,000 at specialized auctions, particularly those with documented Hollywood connections.
18.1976 Honda CB750F Super Sport
Honda redefined what was possible in a production motorcycle with the CB750F. The 736cc inline-four revolutionized street performance, bringing advanced technology to everyday riders. When you twist the throttle, race-derived engineering delivers 115 mph potential through innovations like disc brakes and overhead cams. Starting at an attainable $2,295, these pioneers of modern performance now fetch $15,000+ among collectors who appreciate their historical significance.
17.1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane
Craig Vetter’s audacious design transformed motorcycle aesthetics forever. The 740cc triple shattered conventional styling while the signature three-pipe exhaust announced its presence blocks away. You’ll never mistake this rare beast for anything else – only 1,200 units ever left the factory, each capable of 115 mph flat out. From an original $2,900 sticker, these rolling sculptures now command $75,000+ from collectors seeking motorcycle history’s boldest statement.
16.1973 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750
Kawasaki’s legendary H2 earned its notorious nickname honestly. The 748cc two-stroke triple dominated stoplight grands prix with eye-watering 4.5-second 0-60 mph times and 120 mph potential. Ever wonder what pure adrenaline feels like? Period reviewers called it “the most terrifying motorcycle ever built.” Clean survivors command $30,000+ today, especially those with documented racing history and original exhausts.
15.1971 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
Moto Guzzi’s V7 Sport defined Italian motorcycle elegance. The longitudinal 748cc V-twin delivered 120 mph performance through innovative shaft drive and precise handling geometry. Low bars and a streamlined tank created an unmistakable silhouette that still turns heads today. These masterpieces of Mandello craftsmanship have soared from their original $2,500 price to $220,000 at premier auctions.
14.1975 BMW R90S
BMW’s R90S redefined sport-touring capabilities through precision engineering. The 898cc boxer twin generated 124 mph performance while introducing innovations like dual front discs and adjustable suspension. Think executive express meets café racer – the distinctive silver smoke paint and elegant fairing created an entirely new motorcycle category. From $3,700 new, pristine examples with matching numbers fetch $20,000+ among collectors who appreciate German thoroughbreds.
13.1976 Kawasaki KZ1000
The KZ1000 reset performance expectations for production motorcycles. A 1015cc DOHC inline-four catapulted riders from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds toward a 125 mph top speed. Mad Max immortalized this machine on film, but real-world riders appreciated its bulletproof reliability. These street warriors have climbed from $3,700 new to $15,000+ today, especially those with period-correct modifications.
12.1973 Norton Commando 850 MK1A
Norton’s ingenious Isolastic mounting system transformed motorcycle design. The 829cc parallel-twin delivered 58 horsepower and 125 mph while eliminating the vibration that plagued traditional British twins. Looking for classic character without the typical drawbacks? This represented British engineering at its finest. Starting at $2,300, properly maintained examples now command $25,000+ at specialist auctions.
11.1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850
Moto Guzzi distilled decades of racing experience into the Le Mans 850. The 844cc V-twin produced 80 horsepower, while distinctive styling and committed ergonomics delivered 130 mph capabilities. Each component showcased Italian artistry – from the angular tank to the booming exhaust note. These mechanical masterpieces have soared from $4,000 new to $220,000 among discerning collectors.
10.1975 Kawasaki Z1B
Kawasaki’s Z1B set standards that sportbikes still follow today. The 903cc inline-four introduced all-day reliability to the superbike class while delivering 130 mph capabilities. You’ll find this bike’s DNA in every modern performance machine – from its balanced chassis to its versatile power delivery. These trailblazers have appreciated from $3,300 new to $25,000+ for survivors with original components.
9.1976 Kawasaki KZ900
The KZ900 defined the golden age of Japanese performance. Its 903cc inline-four achieved 132 mph through advanced metallurgy and precise engineering. Want raw power with real-world usability? Period testers called it “the most perfectly balanced superbike ever built.” From $3,400 in showrooms, documented examples with racing history now secure $15,000+.
8.1978 Suzuki GS1000
Suzuki’s first big-bore four-cylinder changed motorcycling forever. The 997cc engine sprinted 0-60 mph in 4 seconds and reached 135 mph through advanced materials and innovative design. Double overhead cams and sophisticated valve timing delivered reliability that shamed the competition. Listed at $3,200, preserved examples bring $20,000+ from collectors seeking pivotal Japanese motorcycles.
7.1977 Ducati 900SS
Ducati’s racing heritage found its ultimate street expression in the 900SS. The 864cc L-twin showcased the desmodromic valve system that would define generations of Italian performance. Each component reflected hand-built precision, delivering 135 mph capabilities with mechanical symphony. From $3,500 new, these mechanical artworks now command $330,000 among connoisseurs.
6.1974 Laverda 3C
Laverda’s distinctive triple challenged Japanese dominance with pure Italian character. The 981cc three-cylinder powerplant married brute force with precision engineering, reaching 135 mph through advanced metallurgy. Think of it as Italy’s answer to the superbike question – rare, fast, and uncompromising. Limited production numbers and competition heritage drive pristine examples to six-figure prices today.
5.1979 Yamaha XS11
Yamaha’s XS11 redefined expectations for big-bore motorcycles. The 1101cc inline-four produced 95 horsepower, combining locomotive thrust with unexpected agility. Ever wonder what happens when a superbike meets a luxury car? Advanced features like monoshock suspension and shaft drive delivered 135 mph capability with unprecedented refinement. From $3,500 new, preserved examples reach $10,000 among enthusiasts.
4.1979 Honda CBX1000
Honda’s CBX1000 pushed production motorcycle boundaries through mechanical artistry. The 1047cc inline-six introduced electronic ignition and sophisticated suspension to mass-produced machines. You’re not just riding a motorcycle – you’re experiencing an engineering watershed that achieved 135 mph with turbine-like smoothness. Originally $4,000, documented survivors now bring $20,000+ from collectors who appreciate technical milestones.
3.1973 Ducati 750 Super Sport
Ducati’s groundbreaking 750 Super Sport brought genuine racing innovation to street riders. The 748cc L-twin introduced the desmodromic valve system to production motorcycles, a technology previously reserved for grand prix machines. You’re experiencing living history when the engine spins to deliver 135 mph capabilities – each power stroke controlled by the same valve technology that dominated European racing. While $3,500 secured one new, documented examples with racing provenance now command $50,000+ from collectors seeking motorcycling’s pivotal moments.
2.1978 Kawasaki Z1R
Kawasaki’s Z1R broke every styling rule while establishing new performance benchmarks. The 1015cc inline-four achieved 137 mph through aerodynamic advancements and innovative suspension geometry. Factory-installed adjustable damping and triple disc brakes created a blueprint for modern sportbikes. Moving from $3,800 new, documented examples now fetch $20,000 at specialist auctions.
1.1979 Kawasaki KZ1300
Kawasaki’s ultimate expression of six-cylinder technology crowned the decade. The 1286cc water-cooled engine produced 120 horsepower through groundbreaking liquid cooling and precise fuel delivery. Looking for the grandfather of modern sport tourers? This technological tour de force achieved 140 mph while establishing new standards for refinement. From $4,500 new, pristine examples command $115,000 among serious collectors.
