The early 1980s motorcycle scene balanced rising sport performance with reliable commuter designs, and today those bikes are tracked by collectors, restorers, and anyone curious about vintage two-wheel engineering. Looking back at 1982 gives a useful snapshot of what manufacturers were offering at the time.
There are 16 1982 Motorcycle Models, ranging from CB650,XLH Sportster. For each entry the data is shown as Make,Engine (cc),Model year(s); you’ll find below.
How complete is this list of 1982 Motorcycle Models?
This list covers the main production models released in 1982 across common markets, drawn from factory catalogs and period references; it may omit very limited regional variants or dealer-only specials, so use it as a solid starting point and check model-specific registries for rare exceptions.
What’s the best way to identify a bike from 1982 using this list?
Match the bike’s make and reported engine displacement to the entries, confirm the model year range listed below, then cross-check VIN/frame prefixes and visual details (badging, fairing shape, exhaust) against photos or service manuals to narrow down exact trim and options.
1982 Motorcycle Models
| Model | Make | Engine (cc) | Model year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KZ1000R | Kawasaki | 1,015 | 1982 |
| KZ1000 | Kawasaki | 1,015 | 1977-1982 |
| GPz750 | Kawasaki | 738 | 1982 |
| GPz1100 | Kawasaki | 1,052 | 1982 |
| CB900F | Honda | 901 | 1980-1983 |
| GL1100 | Honda | 1,085 | 1975-1983 |
| CB650 | Honda | 627 | 1979-1985 |
| GSX1100 | Suzuki | 1,074 | 1981-1983 |
| GS1000 | Suzuki | 997 | 1978-1982 |
| GS750 | Suzuki | 739 | 1976-1983 |
| R100RS | BMW | 980 | 1977-1984 |
| R80G/S | BMW | 797 | 1981-1987 |
| XJ750 Maxim | Yamaha | 749 | 1980-1983 |
| Virago XV750 | Yamaha | 749 | 1981-1983 |
| RD350LC | Yamaha | 347 | 1980-1983 |
| XLH Sportster | Harley-Davidson | 883 | 1977-1985 |
Images and Descriptions
KZ1000R
A one-year-only Eddie Lawson Replica released as a performance street machine in 1982, the KZ1000R pairs a torquey four-cylinder with race-inspired suspension and styling. Highly collectible for rarity and its direct connection to Kawasaki’s AMA road-race efforts.
KZ1000
A staple big-bore inline-four through 1982, the KZ1000 combined raw power, simple air-cooled engineering, and aftermarket tuning potential. Collectors prize well-preserved examples for their period-correct performance and as icons of late-1970s/early-1980s superbike development.
GPz750
The GPz750 of 1982 bridged sporty handling with usable touring comfort, featuring improved brakes and aerodynamic styling. Known for strong midrange performance and period race pedigree, tidy original examples draw interest from riders and collectors of early sportbikes.
GPz1100
Kawasaki’s GPz1100 in 1982 delivered big-torque performance in a relatively sophisticated chassis for its day. Favoured by long-distance sport riders, early GPz1100s are sought after for their classic superbike character and commanding road presence.
CB900F
Honda’s CB900F Bol d’Or was a high-revving sportbike sold through 1982, offering smooth four-cylinder power and refined ergonomics. Collectors value clean US-market examples for reliable performance and as a representation of Honda’s early superbike era.
GL1100
The GL1100 Gold Wing sold in 1982 as Honda’s full-dress touring flagship, boasting a smooth flat-four, shaft drive, and comfort-focused features. Collectors and vintage tourers prize original GL1100s for durability and classic long-distance capability.
CB650
Honda’s CB650 series was a versatile middleweight sold through 1982, blending approachable power, dependable engineering, and simple maintenance. It’s popular with hobbyists and collectors who appreciate period-correct standards that are easy to restore or ride daily.
GSX1100
Suzuki’s GSX1100 range around 1982 offered big-displacement sport performance with a torquey inline-four and strong aftermarket support. Well-preserved examples are prized by collectors seeking powerful, late-1970s/early-1980s superbikes with classic styling.
GS1000
The GS1000 remained available as a rugged, high-revving four-cylinder through 1982, known for reliability and tuning potential. Collectors appreciate original-condition machines for period authenticity or as donor bikes for sympathetic restorations.
GS750
Suzuki’s GS750 was a middleweight standard/sport offering into 1982, favored for balanced performance and mechanical simplicity. Clean examples attract collectors and riders wanting a usable classic with straightforward maintenance and period-correct charm.
R100RS
BMW’s R100RS was sold in 1982 as a pioneering fully-faired sport-touring machine with shaft drive and torquey boxer twin. Highly regarded for build quality and longevity, original R100RS examples are desirable to collectors of classic European touring bikes.
R80G/S
The R80G/S, marketed in 1982, launched BMW’s adventure-touring lineage with a capable shaft-drive boxer and long-travel suspension. Its historic significance as a dual-sport pioneer makes early, well-maintained examples appealing to collectors and dual-sport enthusiasts.
XJ750 Maxim
Yamaha’s XJ750 Maxim in 1982 offered cruiser-style ergonomics on a bored-out inline-four with smooth power delivery. Appreciated for its unique styling and comfortable ride, tidy Maxim models interest collectors of early 1980s Japanese cruisers.
Virago XV750
The Yamaha Virago XV750 sold in 1982 as one of the first mass-market Japanese V-twin cruisers, featuring shaft drive and accessible torque. Early Viragos have collector appeal for historical significance and approachable ownership for riders entering classic cruiser territory.
RD350LC
Yamaha’s RD350LC was a liquid-cooled two-stroke sportbike available in 1982, prized for razor-sharp performance and light handling. Collectors chase well-preserved RD350LCs for their roaring two-stroke character and period-correct race-inspired engineering.
XLH Sportster
Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 models were sold in 1982, offering air-cooled V-twin simplicity, strong aftermarket customization, and classic American cruiser appeal. Original, low-mileage Sportsters are collectible for nostalgia and customization potential.
