Updated :  16 April 2007

These motorcycles are in my opinion future classics.  There's more to add so check back for further updates. The bikes are listed in Alphabetical Order.

Although motorcars are described in this type of fashion and pertains to them made during certain years and so forth (via legislation in some countries) to most people something that is 'classic' is indeed something that is pretty 'old'. 

Used generically though I feel the most common meaning attributed to 'classic' car or motorcycle is assessed on whether they significantly advanced their respective design base. Be it technically or marketing wise, image etc.. that have made them memorable.  For example the Ford Model T, it didn't advance automotive technology but it certainly advanced mass production manufacturing techniques ! 

Note that the impact of any of these bikes may not be of any 'historical' significance.

Anyway, I guess the definition and usage of the term can vary and I am yet again confusing the issue. I have chosen the bikes for this category via my own experiences (Based on the impact they made on myself) as a consumer to see if they will be remembered years later.

BMW K1



Lets face it the K1 was a weird looking thing.  The fact that BMW made it even more interesting.  Sure BMW makes some strange looking bikes but this was supposed to be a sports bike ! - as I recall the marketing blurb 10 years ago.  I liken it to the the Hayabusa of the early '90s except that it didn't live up to the expectations.   It's a classic though, on style alone.
Lots of technical firsts for BMW eg. water cooling.  Unfortunately old tech compared to the rest of the world.

Bimoto Tesi

Thanks Rob Grant for the pictures !
Not a very well known brand or model these days but the Tesi was indeed something different.  Released in about 1983 this bike was indeed a futuristic looking thing. The frame was a triangular space frame lattice design, the concept now used by Ducati range.  The standout feature was that it used forkless front suspension and hub steering.  Much like the designs seen in the Japanese Manga - Bubblegum Crisis.  It was powered initially by a Honda VF400 engine and later Ducati engines.  The design was indeed very modern for its day.

Honda Fireblade CBR900RR
'No picture available yet'
The Fireblade was conceived at the height of Japanese dominance of the industry.  I remember how the press where 'over enthusiastic' about, this single bike back in 1992.  It was fast, it looked in advanced of the designs of the day it also could handle !  It was THE sports bike to have.  It had a bad reputation from the start due to certain journalists promoting its dangerous upper limits. Or rather I feel the inability of journalists of the day that where inexperienced in riding such a bike or maybe because it was the first of its kind.  The concept was simple, produce a bike that had more power than the 1 litre class of the day and the weight of the 750cc class of the day. 
Yep, the Fireblade was the first, its aftermath spawned the fantastic R1 and the new GSX-R1000 to name just 2.

Honda Goldwing

2000 model shown
The 'outrageous' Goldwing or Leadwing as the more cynical call it !   It still dominates the particular niche it sells in - Its the product of consumer power working for sure.  Arguably the best long distant tourer in the world it's also arguably the biggest bike ever and it comes with the lot.  The latest version even has remote central locking for the panniers and electronically controlled suspension.  Strange that the range started life off as a 70's Sports bike !  It seems to have gained an image as an older persons bike along the way.  Nevertheless, I want one ! 

Honda NR 750

*Thanks to Brad H for the new picture !
Who can forget the NR.  It had so many firsts for a production motorcycle : Where do I start ? 747cc Oval Pistons in a V4, turn indicators in the rear view mirrors, real carbon fibre bits, twin fuel injectors, twin spark plugs, titanium con-rods, titanium coated alloy frame to prevent scratches, 260kph, 15,000rpm.  It is reputed that at least 200 patents where registered to create the NR.
Strangely it weighed in at 220kgs !
Quite a hefter for a 750 even back then and especially so today and guess what ... yours for only AUD $83,000 and this was in 1992. 
Is this the worlds most expensive prod bike ?
This bike was strictly limited edition, only a 1 month production run
and that was it.
Was the headlight and under tail muffler treatment 'copied' by Ducati ?  Perhaps someone can tell me !  This was Honda demonstration of technical superiority - which it certainly was.  I remember the intricate tail treatment very well. 
I wonder if any still exist ? 
The picture is an NR which is the track configuration.

Harley Davidson Fatboy
'No picture available yet'
The most well known of the Harley range.  Everyone seems to know what a Fatboy is, unfortunately on-one seems to be able to tell the Harley range apart.   Unless you are a Harley fan.  Harley's have a well known image and following I need not repeat here.  I chose the Fatboy as I believe it represents the pinnacle of H-Ds revival !

Kawasaki ZZR1100 Ninja (ZX-11)

2000 model shown
One of the formative bikes in my mind is this bike.  It was THE fastest series bikes in the world for close to a decade.  Top speed of around 280kph.  Besides that the old ZZ-R 1100 or ZX-11 still looks like a proper motorcycle.  Kawasaki has had a history of producing high powered and very fast bikes e.g. the classic Z series.
It's a big heavy bike that set many benchmarks in its heyday. 
Fantastic speedy long distance tourer, sounds great,
huge power, street cred, what more can I say.
The new ZX-12R is great bike but in my opinion not in the same league.
The ZX-11 is possibly the bike of the decade ! -
When will a real replacement arrive ?
Speaking of which - Have you seen what they have done to it in 2002,
now with 1200cc.  I feel they've ruined this models image and heritage.

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R
Click here for pictures
The Hayabusa is indeed a classic.  On the Net it is one of the best represented bikes.  Not only did it look outrageous it came with the usual Suzuki outlandish colour combinations (remember the GSX-R750).  The now infamous Copper Bronze scheme and the very futuristic fairing, still looks great.  The 1999 and early 2000 models are still the fastest prod bikes in the world. 
When released, everyone was surprised that it met all the hype that surrounded it.  Namely : it could break 300kph and it could handle. 

Even more so the bike was given a weird name to go with the weird look ! Yes sure we've had other funny Japanese names such as the Tengai, Ninja, Tenere etc... but I think Hayabusa takes the cake to date.

Clearly the Hayabusa will have an impact on the younger generation purely on style alone.  I wouldn't be surprised that in 20 years time a young person will write about their own formative bike experiences and recall seeing the Busa for the first time made them want to ride bikes.