I still have my 1985 model, but this one looks so much better, like it’s less than a week old. This is one of my favourite colour schemes, but in Canada we only got one look per year, mostly variations on white with red trim.

It was a different time. Back then, this was a hard-edged sport-touring bike, with the emphasis on sport. Eddie Lawson’s 1986 Daytona 200 race winner didn’t look much different, while nowadays it would be seen as a sporty touring bike, not a “serious race replica”, as R1s are seen. The fuel tank held 22 litres, while the R1’s tank holds only 17 litres. As well, the 1985 (-1988?) FZ750 had the ever-handy centre stand, which made it simple to lube the chain or remove and replace the rear wheel, without needing to shell out for a racing stand. If you thought the centre stand was too heavy or made your bike look wimpy, it took only a few minutes to remove it. It was great to have the option.