1996-2003 Yamaha Thunderace

Ample proportions and excess kilos meant it never cut it as a sportsbike. But essentially a 130bhp FZR1000 engine in YZF750R chassis, the Thunderace mixes accurate steering and rock-solid stability with surging old-school power and room for two. It makes a ballistic sports-tourer. It looks better now than in ’96, and it’s cheap. Clean bikes start at £1750.