Electronic fuel injection
The death of the carburettor.
1980
Kawasaki Z1000H (Fuel Injection)
FIRST
2002
Suzuki GSX-R1000 K2
PERFECTED
Aluminium twin-spar frames
Steel was on its way out.
1985
Suzuki GSX-R750
FIRST
1992
Honda CBR900RR Fireblade
PERFECTED
Upside-down forks
Stiffer, lighter, dearer.
1987
Cagiva Freccia C9
FIRST
2004
Yamaha YZF-R1
PERFECTED
Anti-lock brakes
From luxury option to legal requirement.
1988
BMW K100
FIRST
2016
EU Mandate (Reg. 168/2013)
PERFECTED
Radial-mount brake calipers
From MotoGP to the showroom in three years.
2003
Yamaha YZF-R1 (5PW)
FIRST
2009
BMW S1000RR
PERFECTED
Ride-by-wire throttle
The cable becomes a wire.
2006
Yamaha YZF-R6 (2CO)
FIRST
2012
BMW S1000RR HP4
PERFECTED
Quickshifters and auto-blippers
Clutchless gearchanges, both ways.
2007
Aprilia RSV4 Factory
FIRST
2016
Ducati Panigale 1299 (DQS Up/Down)
PERFECTED
Rider modes
One bike, four personalities.
2008
Ducati 1098R
FIRST
2014
KTM 1290 Super Duke R
PERFECTED
Traction control
The thing that stopped highsides.
2009
Ducati 1198S
FIRST
2015
Aprilia RSV4 RF (APRC)
PERFECTED
The viable production EV
When electric stopped being a science project.
2010
Zero S
FIRST
2019
Harley-Davidson LiveWire
PERFECTED
LED then matrix LED headlights
Halogens went the way of the dodo.
2011
BMW K1600GT
FIRST
2018
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
PERFECTED
IMU + cornering ABS
Brakes that know which way is up.
2013
KTM 1190 Adventure
FIRST
2015
BMW S1000RR (M-package)
PERFECTED
Semi-active suspension
Damping that thinks for itself.
2013
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Skyhook
FIRST
2019
BMW S1000RR (DDC)
PERFECTED
TFT dashboards
When analogue dials died.
2014
KTM 1290 Super Adventure
FIRST
2019
BMW R1250GS (10.25” Connectivity)
PERFECTED
Adaptive cruise control
Radar arrives on bikes.
2020
Ducati Multistrada V4
FIRST
2023
BMW R1300GS
PERFECTED