PS mixed issue sampler - last updated Jul18

Oddball bikes
Gilera CX125
1991-1992 124cc liquid-cooled, reed valve,
two-stroke single, 30bhp, 125kg
What is it? The maddest production 125, or
indeed two-stroke, ever built.
Why so odd? Single-sided swingarms front and
rear, near solid wheels, all enclosed bodywork and a
look only matched by the off-the-wall Elf racers,
the CX looked like it had dropped from another
galaxy, never mind planet, when Italian marque
Gilera unveiled it in the early 1990s. Sadly its
oddness worked against it – Italian kids viewed the
CX as kudos-shrivelling, so sales slumped.
Why you want one: The CX’s lack of sales success
mean it’s a true rarity today. There is nothing else
like it, of any capacity, and it’s become a cult classic
in recent years. Values are soaring, too. They remain
resolutely a love/hate machine, however. We love
them.
Values: £2000-£3500
The Italian market
failed to embrace this
CX – so it bombed
Norton Rotary Classic
1987 588cc air-cooled, twin chamber rotary,
79bhp, 227kg
“ODDEST OF ALL, IT FORMED THE BASIS
FOR BRIAN CRIGHTON’S HUGELY
SUCCESSFUL RACERS”
What is it? A better attempt at the rotary theme
than Suzuki’s RE5, but still odd in almost every
respect.
Why so odd? The wankel engine had no connection
to the earlier Norton name, but it kept the brand
alive for a further decade or so. Oddest of all, this
utilitarian roadster (check out the almost Eastern
Bloc styling) formed the basis for Brain Crighton’s
hugely successful Norton rotary racers.
Why you want one: Like the RE5, this is a bike with
a massively enthusiastic cult following and those
who run them, love them. Although thirsty, a rotary
motor has a charm all of its own. Pricey though.
Values: £6000-£10,000
They spent some money on this photo shoot
(money they could have spent on the styling)
Suzuki RE5
1974-1976 498cc liquid-cooled single chamber
rotary, 62bhp, 230kg
Suzuki VX800
1990-1996 805cc liquid-cooled, sohc, 4v,
45-degree V-twin, 61bhp, 213kg
What is it? It’s doubtful even the VX800 knows
what it is – a cruiser? Street bike? Who knows?
Why so odd? Fitting a cruiser lump into a street
bike(ish) package with lazy steering and shaft-drive
isn’t a great recipe. But the VX was part of Suzuki’s
range for six years – in the UK.
Why you want one: If you want to, ahem... cruise,
without all the baggage of bandanas and tassled
chaps the VX makes a lot of sense in its mixed up,
muddled up fashion.
Values: £1400-£2000
Kawasaki Eliminator
1985-’86 (900) 1987-’88 (1000) 908/997cc
l/c, dohc, 16v four, 105/110bhp, 238/244kg
What is it? A Mad Max machine made production.
An attitude packed street rod with the heart of a
GPZ900R and later 1000RX.
Why so odd? The Japanese didn’t make many hot
rod genre bikes – Yamaha’s V-Max filled that gap
almost all on its own – but Kawasaki’s offering,
the Z900 Eliminator (and latterly 1000), made
brutal, almost uncomfortably ugly styling a
staple of the class, and all the better for it.
Why you want one: The Eliminator may not go
around corners with anything like the finesses
of its engine donor, but for rolling burn-outs and
lightning fast starts this Kwak is very much the
guvnor. Good value too.
Values: £1200-£2500
What is it? The result of Suzuki’s dalliance with a
technical cul-de-sac that was rapidly killed off by
the sharp rise in the cost of fuel and the fact the
firm’s other less complicated offerings were better
in every respect.
Why so odd? Neither a two-stroke nor four-stroke
but delivering elements of both, the wankel motor
can produce massive performance, especially in a
light bike. But the RE5 was big, heavy (a gargantuan
230kg dry), thirsty and no match for Suzuki’s more
conventional GS750.
Why you want one: Like a factory turbo, own one
for the sheer hell of it. Those who own RE5s, love
them. Plus there will never be another Japanese
rotary.
Values: £5000-£12,000
Suzuki GSX400X
1986-1987 398cc liquid-cooled, dohc, 16v
inline-four, 59bhp, 153kg
What is it? Proto streetfighter with angular styling;
like a second-generation Katana.
Why so odd? It was a proper one-off, spawning no
updates or secondary models, despite its base
being boringly conventional – GSX-R400 motor,
parts bin wheels, forks, etc. Being a Japan only
model, the 400X was up against the then manic
interest in pure sportsbikes, and the appeal for its
stripped back style fell between the cracks.
Why you want one: It’s an interesting oddity and
very of its time. Great if you fancy a GSX-R400
without the focussed race rep look. A Honda CB-1
or a Kawasaki Xanthus would be a better bet.
Values: £700-£1500
When Health & Safety meant
not having that fifteenth pint
Styling appeals, price too.
What’s not to like?
72 Practical Sportsbikes Practical Sportsbikes 73