The Suzuki GS1000S emerged in 1979 and the 3-cylindered 1000 cc Laverda Jota in 1979 helped to cement the trend for larger and larger engines.
The Gold Wing grew to 1500 cc in 1988 and the Harley-Davidson Super Glide and other models reached 1337 cc. Yamaha responded with the V-max in 1985, a V4 engine of 1200 cc.
The sports models followed the trend as well, with worthy representatives such as the Yamaha FZR1000, Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade, Suzuki GSX R 1100, MV Agusta F4 750 S, Kawasaki ZZ–R1100 and BMW K1 in 1992. Triumph had introduced their Speed Triple in 1984. But eyebrows were raised yet again in 1995 when Ducati released their V2–916 model , followed by the 996; these two models won 6 World Championships in 8 years.
On the touring side the big superbikes continued to grow, carrying their riders into the new century on models such as the HD Fat Boy (1450 cc V2 engine), Gold Wing (6 cyl., 1520 cc), Kawasaki Vulkan VN (1500 cc V2) and Yamaha Royal Star (1300 cc V4). Then Triumph trumped them all with the 3-cylindered Rocket III Roadster with 2400 cc.
Models were also produced for the ordinary motorcyclist, but the economic boom during the beginning of the 2000’s resulted in high sales for the big bikes.
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