The new generation of neo-classical cars, “4 manufacturers/4 vehicles,” is hot! [Japan Mobility Show 2025]

What’s important is not classic, but “classical”

　Neo-classic bikes. Commonly known as “neo-classic.” Leaving aside the exact meaning of the term, I think it can be said that the look is nostalgic but the mechanism is modern. To put it more simply, it’s like a modern car with a classical design.

　The prevailing theory is that the “neo-classical” genre began with the release of the Zephyr in 1989. It gradually gained traction in the 1990s, regardless of engine displacement or model, and then in the 2000s, it clearly became a boom, evolving from a sub-genre into a mainstream genre.

　However, if you look closely, the interpretation and approach of what makes these bikes “classic” and “modern” varies from model to model, and the market is flooded with neoclassical bikes with such a wide range of stances that it’s difficult to simply describe them as “neoclassical.”

　Many such neoclassical motorcycles are currently exhibiting at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. More than 30 years have passed since the genre first emerged, but how has the latest form of neoclassical motorcycle evolved? Let’s take a look at Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki, in that order.

The high level of reproduction is heartwarming! The “F” is making a comeback after more than 40 years

　The new Honda CB1000F (pictured here is the SE) was announced on October 10th, just ahead of this year’s Mobility Show. It is based on the CB750F, which was released in 1979. As this is a model that has been rumored for some time, I’m sure there are many motorcycle enthusiasts who are excited and thinking, “It’s finally out…” and “It looks pretty cool.”

　The body beautifully reproduces the square tank design and pop graphics that were distinctive of the “F.” Of course, if you look closely, it’s easy to see that the details are different, but even so, the spirit of “let’s get as close as possible” is evident everywhere. This is very exciting! And above all, the announcement of a large road sports model equipped with a new water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC in-line 4-cylinder engine that will take over from the CB1300 SUPER FOUR model. That alone is enough to warm the hearts of Honda fans.

　Another hot topic is the adoption of the “Wolf Silver Metallic Blue Stripe” color scheme, the same as that of Freddie Spencer, who was a huge star in the AMA Superbike Championship. And above all, the announcement of a large road sports model equipped with a water-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder engine, which will replace the CB1300 SUPER FOUR. That alone is enough to warm the hearts of Honda fans.

　That’s right. The price, which was a matter of concern, has also been reduced by 330,000 yen compared to the standard models CB1300 SUPER FOUR and CB1000F. What’s more, the weight has also been reduced by a significant 52 kg… I repeat. I want to try riding the new CB1000F, which will warm both my heart and my wallet!

Yamaha’s “glorious colors” that evoke the Grand Prix scene are back!

　The Yamaha XSR900GP is a machine that has been popular among older guys who know the Grand Prix scene from the past, and it really gets their motivation going. It’s a machine that was designed based on the YZR500, a GP machine that once dominated circuits around the world, so it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

　Now, a year and a half after its domestic release in May of last year, the 2026 model of the XSR900GP is on display here at the Mobility Show… and what really catches the eye is this “US Intercolor” specification! With a yellow and white body and black speed blocks (commonly known as strobe lines), just seeing this body color is sure to bring tears to the eyes of any middle-aged man.

　There are many mechanical topics about the XSR900GP, but what resonates most with me as an older man is that even though it has clip-on handlebars, it doesn’t lean too far forward. The optimized and exquisite riding position minimizes the burden on the body, and while it has a racing feel, it is also easy to use for daily use.

“We managed to get the display up just in time!” said the Yamaha booth staff, their heavy breathing and smiles on their faces. It was wonderful. Everyone, please come to the venue and see the actual bike. It’s not too late to make arrangements to buy it after that (lol).

I’m impressed by Suzuki’s originality, which exquisitely weaves the line between classic and modern!

　Suzuki has always been Suzuki. The GSX8TT exhibited at this year’s Mobility Show is clearly full of originality, giving it that same feeling. Its positive design and flexible stance, which doesn’t try to be overly archaic, will have fans saying, “This is Suzuki.”

　In that sense, the exterior of the new GSX8TT may not be mainstream in the neoclassical genre, but its design is. While the website clearly states that the design motif is the 1968 T500, to be honest, I don’t think it’s all that similar. The T500, which served as the base machine for the TR500 Titan, the world’s first road racer equipped with a 500cc two-stroke two-cylinder engine, was a super machine at the time, boasting a top speed of 181km/h.

　The base machine is the already released road model “GSX8S,” but the French designer in charge of the exterior design must have been more flexible in drawing on a more free concept rather than sticking to the T500. Rather than forcing it to be similar to the original, he casually referenced details and used them to create a new machine…the GSX8TT is a very Suzuki-like answer to the free-wheeling vehicle that is the motorcycle.

The Z900RS, the traditional “fireball” that has been unleashed countless times and embodies the Kawasaki brand, has been completely redesigned!

　On the press day (October 29th) of this year’s Mobility Show, the only models that were solemnly unveiled before the press briefing were the Z900RS and Z900RS SE. Perhaps this reflects the desire to make the debut of these noble flagship models spectacular.

　And finally, the new Z900RS was announced. No matter who looked at it, it had a “Z900RS” appearance. From the fireball color painted on the teardrop-shaped tank to the rounded tail cowl and oval-shaped LED taillight, to the bullet-shaped dual meters, the entire body is dotted with homages to the former world-famous 1972 Z900RS, to the point that it seems like “this is it!”

　We’ve introduced new models from Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki in that order, but it’s safe to say that the Kawasaki Z900RS shows the highest level of loyalty to the original model. In that sense, you can really feel the commitment to the roots of the Kawasaki brand, and you can also get a glimpse of the pride that comes with being conservative. There must be a reason why they haven’t changed their image too much, even with the new model.

　The Japan Mobility Show 2025 is currently underway, and when it comes to motorcycles, it seems that, just as in the past, or even more so than ever, new models in the “neo-classic” genre are leading the scene.

　Of course, environmentally friendly measures that keep up with the times are an unavoidable theme, but inseparable from these issues is the increasingly natural approach of “We want to create a riding environment that fits into our lifestyle without pushing ourselves too hard.”

　I think the perfect fit for the current era is the eclectic neo-classic spirit of “old-school looks with the latest mechanics.”

　Everyone, get a new, life-sized bike that you can ride whenever you want without any stress and enjoy your motoring life to the fullest!