Motorbike

It was an attempt to cash in on the success of European-style sports twins; introduced to Europe in 1996 the TRX850 sold steadily.

Obviously Kawasaki UK didn't have one, it being a deleted model and all, but as I trawled my contact book's worth of friendly dealers across the country, I found the same story everywhere.

Try a Boxer engined bike first, especially the new R1200RT

The once bad boy on the block has lost its edge to younger upstarts like the Fazer Thou, but the big Bandit is still the boss to many

Let's start with the 600. In fact starting is something you might be forgiven for thinking you haven't done when you first let out the clutch and wind the throttle back.

De-tuned FJ motor could do with more horses to haul its heavy arse along

Mighty strong engine not matched by the lack of brakes, suspension, technology..

Bizarre looking Philippe Starck concept bike with Pegaso engine

Passable performance offroad, but the Senda R is more aimed at young riders on a restricted license than competition

If you can stomach the Mr Blobby looks, this is the affordable way to buy 750 power in a fairing.

Recently relegated from the cutting edge by newer, sharper sports middleweights, the Ninja 600 is a genuine allrounder with some edge

Big Divvie is like a labrador on the road. Friendly and likeable. Excellent shaft drive

900SS powered street-fighter struggled with lack of ground clearance and performance

The Honda ST1100 Pan European was one of those bikes that quietly got on with doing the job it was designed to do. And that was to provide something just short of a full-dress touring bike in a slightly more manageable (and cheaper) form, at the behest of the European, not US, market.