A concept that was popularized in the mid-80s, turbocharged or supercharged motorcycles, more or less disappeared from the market until recently. With both Kawasaki and Suzuki bringing out their 'forced induction' motorcycles or at least letting the public know about the concepts they are developing, the idea of turbocharged motorcycles has come into the discussion once again.
With changes in technology in the motorcycling industry, there is no doubt that modern turbocharged motorcycles will be different from the ones that existed before, and might even try to provide something better. However, there have been motorcycles with turbocharging features that have existed previously and it cannot be denied that some of these were really good.
10 Suzuki XN85
Although extremely rare, the Suzuki XN85 was one of the best looking turbocharged motorcycles that were amongst the highlights of the 'Katana-era' motorcycles released during the turbo war of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers in the early years of the 1980s.
However, two reasons that did not make this motorcycle very popular included the archaic air-cooled GS-transverse four-engine, as well as the low power output of 85bhp (which is the reason it is named the XN85) and the low engine capacity of 673 ccs. Regardless, this motorcycle still a brilliant turbocharged motorcycle and definitely amongst the better-looking ones that ever existed.
9 Bimota Impeto
There are many things people know about the Tesi H2, the motorcycle that was released alongside the Impeto, but very few people are familiar with the outstanding naked motorcycle from Bimota. Despite numerous changes at the helm of the company, Bimota remains a reliable motorcycle company that produces classy Italian masterpieces time and again. With the release of the Impeto, Bimota made sure that they impressed audiences once again, with their supercharged naked motorcycle.
The Impeto makes use of Ducati's supercharged V-twin 1,198 cc engine and has been created for use only on tracks. A supercharger kit is an additional option that buyers can choose and it is claimed to provide the motorcycle with a power boost of approximately 20%.
8 Honda Turbo CX650
One of the best Honda motorcycles, this is the bike that created the concept of turbocharged motorcycles to be a valid thing. The Honda CX650 is arguably one of the best in the turbocharged segment and is based on the same frame as the CX500. Honda pushed forward to include turbo features in the CX650 and the rest is history. Other features that make this motorcycle unique include an efficient and stylish fairing, high-quality equipment, and cycle parts.
However, the motorcycle did not fare well in the market owing to its measly 650cc engine capacity and low power output, aspects that were never improved upon even in the later upgrades of the model. Regardless, it is an iconic turbocharged motorcycle and has achieved collectible-status in the modern market.
7 Suzuki Recursion
Despite being a concept motorcycle, Suzuki's Recursion has been hailed by many as the company's re-entry into the glory days of turbocharged motorcycles. With the company stressing on how they would like to enter production for this motorcycle, it might become a reality after all. Moreover, trademarks and patents regarding the model have already been filed and the prototype that Suzuki had showcased looks almost ready for production.
This motorcycle was first showcased at the Tokyo Show of 2013 and features a brand new parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 588 cc engine with forced induction that uses a turbocharger with intercooled facilities. This promises to be one of the best Suzuki motorcycles ever made if it makes it through to production.
6 Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Available for both public roads and track-only use, the H2R from Kawasaki is a beast of a motorcycle that features turbocharge and is powerful and exotic to the core. The track-only variant of this motorcycle is available in limited edition with only 300 models being sanctioned for production. The bike makes use of the completely new inline-four, four-stroke engine from Kawasaki, with 16-valves, DOHC, and inbuilt supercharger.
Powered by a 998 cc engine, with the supercharger produced by Kawasaki Industries themselves, this bike is truly phenomenal and showcases the genius of the company. The angular bodywork and menacing looks of this motorcycle that uses a tubular trellis frame made out of steel only enhance the bike's overall appeal, which is further complemented with the dearth of high-end electronics and components that the H2R features. Capable of reaching a top speed of 248 miles per hour, no other turbocharged motorcycle comes close to the H2R. It is undoubtedly one of the best Kawasaki sportbikes ever made.
5 Yamaha Turbo XJ 650T
Although having a very short-lived existence in the market Yamaha Turbo XJ650T is amongst the most interesting and earliest models of turbocharged motorcycles that marked the turbo wars of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers in the early years of the 1980s.
While the motorcycle used the aging air-cooling mechanism and featured a transverse-four engine, the availability of turbo features in the XJ650T allowed it to produce a commendable power output of 91.24 hp. Further aspects that made this motorcycle interesting included a high-tech dashboard and efficient full-fairing.
4 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo
Although the last model to be released in the market during the famed turbo wars of the 1980s, Kawasaki's GPz750 Turbo was arguably the best motorcycle to be released in this segment. Based on the tried and tested chassis of the GPz750, the GPz750 Turbo didn't have many natural rivals.
The major factors that resulted in its downfall include a high price and the availability of the aforementioned models that attracted the buying audience more than the GPz750 Turbo. Regardless, it is quite an outstanding turbocharged motorcycle and has achieved collectible-status in the present market. With looks to kill, it deserves to be featured amongst a list of stunning pics of Kawasaki bikes that people are totally obsessed with.
3 Peugeot Jet Force Compressor
Claimed by Peugeot to be the first scooter with turbocharged features, the Jet Force Compressor was a testament to the fact that forced induction is not a concept that is exclusive to performance motorcycles or superbikes. Using a 125 cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, the Jet Force Compressor was able to create a power output of 19.26 hp with the supercharger included.
However, in order to achieve this, the Jet Force Compressor had to sacrifice the under-seat luggage space, as that area was used to incorporate the large air-intake that it featured. Irrespective of this, it is one of the fastest supercharged scooters available in the market and can outrun any regular 250cc scooter with relative ease. The high pricing and lack of storage capacity are two of the factors that contributed to the eventual decline of this brilliant machine.
2 Kawasaki Z1R-TC
Although not belonging to the day and age of the turbo wars that happened in Japan during the 1980s, the Z1R-TC from Kawasaki is the motorcycle that paved the way for future turbocharged motorcycles. Released in 1978, exclusively in the American markets, this motorcycle is a factory-approved conversion that was brought to fruition by combining a Turbo-Pak kit with the Z1-R superbike.
The result of this combination was the Z1R-TC that was capable of producing a massive power output of 132 hp, something that the standard chassis of this motorcycle should not have been able to handle in theory. This is the main reason why Kawasaki did not agree to provide a warranty for this conversion. Although, a brilliant turbocharged motorcycle, this Kawasaki was more scary than fun.
1 BMW Kompressor
The forefather of all turbocharged motorcycles has to be the 1930s BMW Kompressor. One of the most iconic and best BMW motorcycles ever made, the Kompressor is powered by a 492cc engine. This beast of a bike was capable of producing close to 60.8 hp, courtesy its front-mounted Zoller supercharger, and lightweight aluminum cylinder and magnesium engine-block, a feat that was no little thing at the time of its release.
Being extremely fast during its day and time, it was no surprise when Georg Meier won the 1939 TT using this motorcycle and also set a land-speed record in its streamliner form. Only a few models of this ancient turbocharged beauty exist in the modern world and those that do sell for a fortune.