SPECIAL SECTION___________________________________________________________

The Bikes of Japan Learning seven secrets of the orient.

Kawasaki KR250 Teenie Green Meanie.

Honda NS250R A street-legal roadracer in every way.

Suzuki GSX-R Low-flying ultra-light.

Yamaha FZ400R The new king of handling.

Honda CBR400F No pain, lots of gain.

Suzuki GSX250FW Four little pistons, all in a row.

Yamaha RZV500 Who says it’s a beastie?

Beyond Pit Road A glimpse beyond closed doors at Honda Racing Corporation.

Gallery As seen on the streets of Japan.

Tokyo Grand Prix It's not a race, it’s a way of life.

TESTS ~~

Harley-Davidson FXSTA Softail for the hardcore.

Honda VF700F Interceptor It's smaller, it’s slower and it’s better.

FEATURE

Yamaha Comparison: YZ2S0 VS. YZ250 VS. YZ250 Riding Yamaha’s unfactory racebikes.

DEPARTMENTS

Editorial The Milwaukee mystique.

Letters Generalization retaliation.

New Ideas Now playing at a dealership near you.

Roundup The future according to Harley and Honda.

Race Watch Races won, champions crowned.

Service Ask and thou shalt learn.

Things to Do And places to go.

Summary What went what and when.

Slipstream Ted makes good on his promise.

COVER

Japanese canyon-carvers at home, in the canyons of Japan.