In 1968 Honda released the first large capacity ‘modern’ bike, the Honda CB750 four. In the following few years other similar capacity bikes (for the day) were produced by the various manufacturers. With the Italians they were the Ducati 750 GT and 750 Sport, Laverda had the SF series, Moto Guzzi had the 750 S3 and of course the expensive and exclusive MV Agusta 750 Sport and 750 GT. These bikes, as well as having great handling were also the first bikes which allowed the large distances in Australia to be covered with some degree of comfort. There is no doubt that the Japanese bikes were great value for money but they didn’t have quite the kudos of an Italian steed nor the handling characteristics if truth be told.
Whilst the large capacity bikes were where manufacturers were heading, and still do today, there are many who wished for something a little bit smaller, especially in countries where distance isn’t such a priority. Today that
