When Was the First Crotch Rocket Made?

The first actual crotch rocket was the Kawasaki GPZ900R made in 1984. However, there were other motorcycles that could be considered as the first crotch rocket.

A crotch rocket is actually a motorcycle with an engine displacement of more than 500 cc and capable of speeds over 130 mph. They are generally single-seat motorcycles powered by gasoline engines. The term was coined in the 1990s. Street bikes rapidly evolved into faster machines which were less comfortable for cruising and more for getting somewhere extremely quickly. Thus the term 'crotch rockets' came to be used for these high-speed bikes. The definition can vary, depending on who you ask. It's also possible to find people who hate this term to describe these bikes.

Kawasaki company started the world of sportbikes, then many other Japanese companies started making such types of bikes. And still, Japan is the leading market in producing and selling sportbikes of the kind. The majority of the well-known crotch rocket motorcycle brands come from Japan.

Today, crotch rockets are made by many different companies and the term is used to describe all the powerful motorcycles no matter where they are manufactured. Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Ducati - all these companies make good crotch rockets as well as other major players like Aprilia, BMW, Triumph, and KTM.

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CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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