‘The GSX1400 is underappreciated’

Some people like big bikes: ‘big’ as in long, tall, fat and heavy. God knows what Japanese developers think when they try to make large-capacity motorcycles shorter, lower, slimmer and lighter.

Those of a certain age – hello, guys who passed their test in the 250 era, this is you – actually like bikes that need muscle to get round the corners and which strengthen your neck in a fast straight line. Yamaha’s XJR1300 was a contender, but emission regs emasculated it and it’s hard pushed to do over 120mph these days. Kawasaki’s ZRX1100/1200R is more like it, assuming you’re not after the half-faired version (still a blinding bike, but we’re talking retro muscle here).

Old air-cooled Kawasakis are always in vogue, but an air-cooled Uni-Trak GPz1100 is not worth seven grand, no matter what one classic dealer thinks. It was generally felt that the model was inferior to its B2 twin-shock predecessor. Peaky as hell, instead of torque everywhere.

No, there’s one machine that combines unashamed nakedness with amazing grunt. How does 94ftlb at just 5000rpm sound? That bike is Suzuki’s GSX1400. On sale for just five years and discontinued in 2007, it’s holding its value magnificently and is even starting to appreciate. You’ll need at least three grand for a good one and £4500 for a minter. These are going to get pricier. Next year, top examples will be £5k. Why do I keep talking myself into buying something?