Many riders are proud of their motorcycles, and when people pass by in the parking lot and talk to them about how awesome their motorcycles are, they simply reply, "Yeah, well..." but inside they will be gut-punching their hearts. Of course, I'm sure there are many people who don't like that, but this time, I'll try to think of a motorcycle that other people will think is "great"!
The basis for the big size and powerful appearance is awesome!
Triumph's Rocket 3 series is the largest displacement motorcycle in mass production. This is a cruiser equipped with a liquid-cooled inline 3-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2458 cc.
Working in the motorcycle media, I have the opportunity to ride a variety of motorcycles, and the motorcycle I am riding when I am on a break at a parking lot and a passerby asks me what a great motorcycle it is, or what makes it is, or what cc it is, seems to stand out somehow.
I'm a shy person, so I'm a bit confused when people talk to me in a friendly manner, but on the other hand, as a motorcyclist, it's a bit of a pleasant feeling to have my motorcycle (although it's only a borrowed one ......) attract attention.
Of course, there are many types of riders, so there are those who want to show off! If you are the former type, being talked to by others while taking a break at a parking lot is a barometer that you are attracting attention.
So, in my experience so far, what kind of motorcycles have increased the probability of being talked to?
First of all, motorcycles with large bodies or engines. This naturally has a strong presence and stands out, so it often attracts attention.
In recent years, the Triumph Rocket 3, equipped with the world's largest displacement 2458cc liquid-cooled inline 3-cylinder engine for mass production vehicles, and the R18 series, equipped with a 1801cc air-oil-cooled boxer twin engine, the largest ever for a BMW Motorrad vehicle. These motorcycles have a strong presence, and when you ride them, you can feel the stares of others everywhere. If you want to stand out, this is the motorcycle for you.
Japan manufacturers are decreasing over-liters
Bigger motorcycles tend to get more attention here and there, but the four domestic manufacturers today do not have as many large-displacement models on the market as they used to.
Only Honda is actively introducing the over-liter class, while Yamaha's current models are all under 998cc since the only remaining FJR1300 series is no longer in production. Suzuki's only complete over-liter class is the HAYABUSA, followed by the 1036cc V-Strom 1050 series, so it is almost 1000cc. Kawasaki, too, has two models that exceed 1000 cc, but they are both 1043 cc Versys 1000SE or Ninja 1000SX, and they call themselves "1000" only.
However, the requirement for a motorcycle to stand out is not just about having a large displacement.
Even if the displacement is modest, it may attract attention with its rugged looks or flashy coloring.
Or, if the other party knows a little about motorcycles, or is a motorcyclist like you, the rarity of the motorcycle may be influenced by its limited edition of ○○ units or a very small number of units sold.
We have therefore listed below the most conspicuous motorcycles among the current models of Japanese manufacturers, one model from each company. The reasons for our selections are solely based on our own prejudice, but we hope that those who want to stand out will use them as a reference in selecting their favorite motorcycle.
Honda Gold Wing Tour
Honda's largest current 6-cylinder displacement
The largest displacement in Honda's current Japan lineup is the gorgeous tourer-type Gold Wing Tour.
In addition to its displacement of 1833㏄, the engine's presence is enhanced by its horizontally opposed six-cylinder layout, which is extremely rare for a motorcycle. Moreover, its body, with top and side cases at the rear, is quite large. If the vehicle is parked, it will catch your eye.
The Gold Wing series has long been popular, especially among experienced riders, and it is not that rare of a motorcycle, so this may be a factor that reduces its attention, but there is no doubt that it is huge and amazing, at least to those who do not know much about motorcycles. For example, at a hot spring resort, the hostess or waitress who greets you is likely to tell you how amazing you are for operating such a large motorcycle.
Yamaha Naiken GT
Robotic look with two front wheels
The two-wheeled front end is unique for a motorcycle. In addition, the headlight and its surrounding area are sharply sculpted, giving the motorcycle a Transformer-like robot-like atmosphere. The engine is an 845cc liquid-cooled, a parallel three-cylinder engine based on the MT-09, and while it does not have the "wow factor" in terms of displacement or horsepower, it has such a presence that it no longer needs such things.
It is one of a series of motorcycles that use Yamaha's LMW technology, but the number of units sold so far is considerably smaller than that of the Tricity series. This means that they are rare (rate) in the market, and in this respect, they are also attractive in that they can easily become a focus of attention among motorcyclists. Since many people ask what kind of mechanism this motorcycle has when parking, it might be a good idea to learn at least a little bit about it beforehand so that you can explain it in a more informative manner!
Suzuki HAYABUSA
While a staple among motorcyclists
In the U.S. market, the cruiser Boulevard M109R is still in the lineup, and this model boasts the largest displacement (1783cc) of any current Suzuki motorcycle model, but in Japan, the HAYABUSA's 1339cc liquid-cooled parallel four-cylinder engine is the largest.
It may be the most prominent model among the current domestic Suzuki models, either because of its size, speed, or looks. The HAYABUSA is quite popular in Japan, and it is a bit of a disappointment for those who want to stand out that it is not a very rare motorcycle among riders. However, the third generation, debuting in 2021, has a higher quality feel than before and asserts its presence with its beauty, even when parked.
The quintessential moment was when a passerby, who did not know much about motorcycles, asked me what cc this was and how many km/h it could go. and "How fast does it go?"
Instantly, reply like this: "The displacement is 1339 cc. The maximum speed is 300km/h."
Although 300 km/h is not so rare nowadays, HAYABUSA can answer with pride.
It is a little less conspicuous, but this may be a good point.
Kawasaki Z H2/SE
Stand out even with its unique engine sound
One of the models equipped with a supercharged engine made completely in-house, the 998cc liquid-cooled, parallel four-cylinder engine has a maximum output of 200 hp.
If you are not knowledgeable about motorcycles, you may not notice from the exterior whether the engine is supercharged or not. But don't worry. This engine has a unique sound when the rpm is raised, and it is different from ordinary engines. The sound of the engine is sure to make many people feel that it is something amazing.
Kawasaki also has the full-cowl Ninja H2 SX series, which is also equipped with a balanced-charged engine and stands out with its rugged appearance, but we chose the Z H2 because of its impressive 200-horsepower naked specs. We are sure that other motorcyclists will think that the Z H2 looks amazing.
