Fancy an old-school four? These are the used buys our expert reckons should be on your shopping list

There’s no more definitive genre of motorcycle than the naked, big-bore, twin shock, retro-style Japanese fours which proved hugely popular between the mid-1990s and mid-Noughties.

Bikes like Yamaha’s XJR1300, Honda’s CB1300F and Suzuki’s GSX1400 took the spirit of the 1970s Universal Japanese Motorcycle but modernised it with reliability, performance, handling and quality to deliver a practical, evocative riding experience.

Sadly killed off by emissions regs, they remain among the more popular used retro motorbikes for sale today.

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MCN Recommended: 1998 – 2014 Yamaha XJR1300 – £3,600 – £6,000

Definitive old-school-style, twin-shock inline-four bruiser

Spec:

• Power 98bhp
• Engine capacity 1251cc
• Seat height 975mm
• Kerb weight 245kg

The first of the new wave of Japanese, retro-style, big bore, old-school fours, the Yamaha FJR1300s were definitive examples of the breed thanks to the firm’s use of the old, air cooled FJ1200 engine, classic styling, decent brakes and more. First arriving as a carbed 1200 in 1994 it grew to 1300cc in 1999 then switched from carbs to fuel injection in 2007. Spec varies and quality may not be Honda level but it’s bulletproof, arguably the most engaging ride and great value.

Yamaha XJR1300 used buying advice

● It might be solidly built but the XJR’s finish is flimsy, so watch for worn coatings, corrosion, and
chipped or flaking paint, especially on bikes that have seen winter use.
● On any bike with an immobiliser (2004-onwards) ensure you get the red ‘master’ key and be wary of the side stand cut-out switch as it often fails. Check the bike runs okay with the side stand both up and down.
● Make sure the brake calipers have been kept in fine fettle and bite as they should.
● Clutch slave cylinders are a known weak spot too, so give these a close inspection.

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2003 – 2013 Honda CB1300F – £3,500 – £5,000

Liquid-cooled retro all-rounder is a big super-smoothie

Spec:

• Power 113bhp
• Engine capacity 1284cc
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 236kg

The liquid-cooled CB1300F arrived as a naked roadster in 2003 and was more modern and smoother than the XJR with a motor based on the old CBR1000F. Build quality is good, reliability rock solid and it reeks of Honda class. The later, half-faired version (from 2005) adds more practicality and comes packed with burly performance, Honda quality and old-school looks.

Honda CB1300F used buying advice

● Scabby fork legs might be an indication that the bike’s been ridden through winter, and rear shocks sometimes weep if they’ve not been kept clean or the bike’s been loaded up with pillions and clutter. Check carefully.
● Despite liquid-cooling the motor can be quite noisy at tick over – it’s the clutch basket rattling and nothing to worry about.
● Check chassis bearings (wheels, swingarm, headstock) as hard use causes slop.

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2001 – 2006 Suzuki GSX1400 – £3,500 – £7,500

The biggest and arguably best of the beefy muscle-bike breed

Spec:

• Power 105bhp
• Engine capacity 1402cc
• Seat height 775mm
• Kerb weight 228kg

Suzuki’s big retro was the biggest and gruntiest of the bunch with quality touches, decent handling and an all-round style that attracted plenty of admirers… and still does. It died early in 2006 due to emissions regs. If you want a ’70s- style bike that’ll do everything except cruise at illegal speeds or lap race tracks at a searing pace, the Suzuki GSX1400 is worth a look.

Suzuki GSX1400 used buying advice

● Watch for paint chips on the wheels and for corrosion on both chassis and motor.
● Check for seized preload adjusters on the rear shocks. The early models (silver springs) are the worst, but the later ones (red springs) are also fragile.
● The six-piston calipers are prone to sticking pistons, so check for warped discs and dragging pads, and the wiring loom can throw up a few gremlins, so be very wary of any warning lights on the dash.

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2002 – 2007 Kawasaki ZRX1200R – £3,500 – £5,500

Eddie Lawson replica is now a rapidly appreciating classic

Spec:

• Power 123bhp
• Engine capacity 1164cc
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 223kg

Kawasaki’s racier follow-up to the Zephyr was intended as a Japan only 400 in 1994. But an 1100, based on the ZZ-R1100 motor with Eddie Lawson rep styling, landed in 1997. The conventional ZRX1200S debuted in 2001 followed by a new ELR version which ran until 2007. These 70s throwbacks are prized today for being iconic lookers and decent day-to-day bikes.

Kawasaki ZRX1200R used buying advice

● As long as it’s had regular oil and filter changes the big inline four won’t notice massive mileages, but make sure the gearbox selects all its ratios cleanly.
● The chassis and overall finish are less robust and the stubby front mudguard allows road filth to play havoc with the exhausts and engine finish, which can flake off.
● Front discs can warp (although not if the six-pot brakes have got grubby and lost bite), and the adjusters on the forks can seize.

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1999 – 2003 Honda CB1100X-11 – £3,200 – £3,800

Short-lived naked Super Blackbird goes better than it looks

Spec:

• Power 133bhp
• Engine capacity 1137cc
• Seat height 795mm
• Kerb weight 222kg

The X-11 is a slightly left-field, naked version of Honda’s CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. The result, although detuned from the Blackbird’s monstrous 173bhp down to just 133bhp and with little weather protection, actually proved a decent road bike. It was grunty, handled pretty well and was comfortable for longish trips. Dodgy looks, however, put many off which means it’s rare – and a potential bargain – today.

Honda CB1100X-11 used buying advice

● Rattles from the Blackbird engine can indicate cam chain tensioner issues (one of the X-11’s few weak spots), but a replacement unit is only about 50 quid and takes a few minutes to fit.
● Rec/recs can fail, as with most bikes at this sort of age.
● Bikes that have been well-used can have slightly baggy suspension once they reach 25,000 miles.