Another great article MO on what was most definitely a game changer particularly engine wise with, as we know, Honda reliability. However, we have left Ducati out of this conversation and they are a most are a worthy adversary. While it was only a twin it was a much higher revving twin than the Brits could muster, also a SOHC like Honda but with superior desmo valve actuation (expensive and over complicated they may be but better than working man's valve srings) 60 BHP at 8ooorpm, 210 KMH which compares well with the Honda. Most importantly, the Duke is around 175-180kg which is very, very light for a 750 back then and still most impressive now. Initially, they arrived with single then twin front discs and were reputed to be the best handling bike on the market which was oft repeated by period Motorcycle mags. By '74 they had 70bhp at 9000 rpm and 230 KMH. These bikes are worth an absolute bomb nowadays and are highly regarded particularity the fabled green frame (image #3) which is very, very valuable indeed. Don't get me wrong, the Honda and subsequent Kawasaki/Suzuki big bore fours are fantastic (I can remember as a kid opening the taps on a friend's two stroke Kwaka triple and nearly soiling myself) and like Japanese cars more accessible/affordable in addition to being most things to most people most of the time but a Ducati is a bit special then and now. You also have to give Honda credit for motorsport-massive in all senses of the word for a very long time. Cheers Steve