Fifty years ago the biggest name in two-wheeled tourers was born. Funny thing is, in 1975 the original GL1000 was meant to be a superbike…

After nine years away from top-flight racing, a Honda factory team rocked up in the Netherlands – and then simply blew everyone away

Suzuki have been responsible for some fabulous inline fours, from GS1000 to Hayabusa, and they all owe their existence to the GS750 . We stretch the legs of one that’s freshly restored

1976 brought a swarm of impressive new bikes – and the tantalising prospect of clutch-free operation

1989 BMW K1

Honda’s new £11,999 CB1000GT tall-rounder is a riot of electrickery and long-distance comfort