In the early 1980s, motorcycle manufacturers embraced a bold innovation: turbocharging. This concept aimed to deliver high performance and speed without the need for larger, heavier engines. Four major manufacturers led this charge, each introducing a unique turbocharged model:
Honda CX500 Turbo: Released in 1982, the CX500 Turbo was Honda’s ambitious entry into the turbocharged market. It featured a liquid-cooled V-twin engine with a turbocharger, delivering 82 horsepower. The bike was technologically advanced for its time, with features like fuel injection and anti-dive forks.
Yamaha XJ650 Turbo: Yamaha followed with the XJ650 Turbo, also in 1982. This model utilized a turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 90 horsepower. Yamaha aimed for a balance between performance and everyday usability, incorporating a shaft drive for smoother operation.
Suzuki XN85 Turbo: Introduced in 1983, Suzuki’s XN85 Turbo was named for its 85-horsepower output. The bike featured a turbocharged inline-four engine and was designed with a sportier edge, including a full fairing and a more aggressive riding position.
Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo: Kawasaki’s entry in 1983, the GPz750 Turbo, was perhaps the most powerful, with a 750cc turbocharged inline-four engine producing 112 horsepower. Kawasaki marketed it as the “fastest production motorcycle” of its time, emphasizing its performance credentials.
Despite the initial excitement, turbo motorcycles faced numerous challenges that led to their decline:
Complexity and Cost: Turbocharging introduced complexity to the engine design, leading to higher production and maintenance costs. These costs were often passed on to consumers, making turbo motorcycles more expensive than their naturally aspirated counterparts.
Turbo Lag and Reliability: Turbo lag, the delay between throttle application and the turbo’s response, affected rideability. Early turbo systems were also prone to reliability issues, with components sometimes failing under the increased pressure and heat.
Handling and Weight: The addition of turbochargers and related components added weight to the motorcycles, impacting their handling. The extra weight often made the bikes less agile and more difficult to maneuver, especially compared to lighter, naturally aspirated sport bikes.
Competition: As naturally aspirated motorcycles continued to improve in performance, they offered a simpler and more reliable alternative. Bikes like the Suzuki GSX-R750 and Yamaha FZR1000 provided excellent power and handling without the drawbacks of turbocharging.
Market Reception: The market reception to turbo motorcycles was mixed. While enthusiasts appreciated the innovative technology and performance, the general riding public found them less practical for everyday use.
By the mid-1980s, the disadvantages of turbo motorcycles had become apparent, and manufacturers gradually ceased production of these models. The era of factory turbo bikes was brief, but it left a lasting impression on the motorcycle industry.
The Custom Turbo Motorcycle Scene
Revival Through Custom Builds
Though factory turbo motorcycles faded from the mainstream, the allure of turbocharging never truly vanished. In recent years, the custom motorcycle scene has seen a resurgence of interest in turbocharged builds. Enthusiasts and custom builders are now retrofitting turbos onto a wide range of motorcycles, from classic models to modern sport bikes.
Modern technology has addressed many of the issues that plagued early turbo motorcycles:
Improved Turbo Systems: Advances in turbocharger design have reduced lag and improved reliability.
Engine Management: Modern electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems and engine control units (ECUs) allow for precise tuning and control of turbocharged engines.
Performance and Aesthetics: Custom builders are able to create machines that not only perform exceptionally but also feature striking, unique designs.
Popular Custom Builds
Custom turbo motorcycles often feature impressive craftsmanship and innovation. Popular builds include:
Turbo Streetfighters: Aggressive looks paired with high horsepower.
Turbo Sport Bikes: Modern sport bikes retrofitted with turbochargers for unparalleled speed and acceleration.
Community and Culture
The custom turbo motorcycle scene is fueled by a passionate community of riders and builders. Social media platforms, motorcycle shows, and online forums have become hubs for sharing knowledge, showcasing builds, and inspiring new projects. This vibrant culture ensures that the spirit of turbocharged motorcycles continues to thrive.
While turbocharged motorcycles had their moment in the 1980s, supercharging has seen a resurgence in the modern era. Unlike turbocharging, which uses exhaust gases to drive the compressor, supercharging is driven directly by the engine, offering immediate power delivery without lag. This has made supercharged motorcycles an attractive option for manufacturers seeking to push the boundaries of performance.
Kawasaki’s Supercharged Lineup
Kawasaki has been at the forefront of this movement, introducing a series of supercharged motorcycles that have captivated enthusiasts and set new benchmarks for performance:
Kawasaki Ninja H2: Launched in 2015, the Ninja H2 features a 998cc inline-four engine equipped with a supercharger. This model delivers extraordinary power and acceleration, making it one of the fastest production motorcycles available.
Kawasaki Ninja H2R: The track-only version of the H2, the H2R, boasts an even more powerful engine, producing over 300 horsepower. This bike is designed for maximum performance, with advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge technology.
Kawasaki Z H2: Expanding the supercharged lineup, Kawasaki introduced the Z H2, a supercharged naked bike. It combines the raw power of the H2 with a more upright and comfortable riding position, making it suitable for both street and track use.
Supercharged motorcycles offer several advantages over their turbocharged counterparts:
Instant Power: Superchargers provide immediate power delivery without the lag associated with turbochargers.
Efficiency: Modern supercharged engines are designed to be more efficient, balancing power and fuel consumption.
Reliability: Advances in engineering have made supercharged engines more reliable and easier to maintain.
Conclusion
While factory-produced turbo motorcycles were a fleeting experiment in the 1980s, the concept of forced induction has found new life through custom turbo builds and modern supercharged models. Advances in technology and a dedicated community have revitalized these approaches as means of achieving unique, high-performance motorcycles. The custom turbo motorcycle scene celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and the enduring quest for speed, while manufacturers like Kawasaki continue to push the envelope with their supercharged offerings, keeping the dream of unparalleled performance alive.
