WHEN RACING WAS KING

Things were certainly different in Japan back in 1988. The country’s economy was shooting skyward much like the rev limits of these 250cc sportbikes. Motorcycles were still the primary form of personal transportation for the majority of the population. With the “golden era” of Grand Prix motorcycle racing in full swing, roadracing was soon reaching its zenith of popularity in Japan. The Japanese Grand Prix and Suzuka 8 Hours races drew massive crowds, and the MFJ All-Japan domestic racing series was bursting at the seams with entries.

Racing’s popularity meant that sportbikes were dominating motorcycles sales in Japan during that time, but the cost and difficulty of obtaining a license and registering a bike of more than 400cc meant that small-displacement bikes were the overwhelming choice of Japanese riders. The 250cc category from that era is not only a prime