Hashiriya Motorcycles

We have compiled a list of the most popular Hashiriya machines used in Japan as well as a list of machines that can be found in the US and used for Hashiriya style builds. To understand the motorcycles Japanse street racers used, it helps to know what bikes were popular and why. Due to the high cost of circuit racing and the young age of the enthusiasts, these riders took their sport to secluded mountain passes. They found inspiration in professional racing, which led them to favor road race replica machines The light weight chassis and ergonomic designs made these a weapon for the touge. Due to the structure of Japan's drivers license, age and engine size restrictions, the majority of these riders raced under the Small and Mid-size license class, primarily using 400cc bikes or smaller. These lighter machines, often inline four-strokes or various two-strokes, were perfectly suited for the tight, winding roads these racers frequented. It's well-known that the U.S. market missed out on the amazing small-displacement race replica motorcycles that defined the Hashiriya style. We've compiled a list of USDM Japanese motorcycles that perfectly capture that original spirit.

A red circle on a white background.
A red circle on a white background.

Traditional Motorcycles Used in Japan

Two-Stroke

Kawasaki

KR-1

Honda

NSR50
NS1
NSR250
NS400R

Four-Stroke

Yamaha

YSR50
TZR50
RZ125
TZR125
TZR250

Suzuki

RG50
RGV250R
RG400R

Honda

CBR250RR
CBR400RR
VFR400R
RVF400

Kawasaki

ZXR250
ZXR400
Zephyr400

Yamaha

FZR250
FZR400

Suzuki

GSX-R250
GSX-R400
GSF400 Bandit

American flag with a blue canton filled with white stars and red and white stripes.
American flag with a blue canton filled with white stars and red and white stripes.

Hashiriya Era USDM Motorcycles

1980s - 1990s Models

Sub 600cc

Kawasaki

Ninja EX250
Ninja EX500
Zephyr 550*

Honda

Dio
Elite
VTR250
CB-1/CB-400F
VF500

Honda

CBR600 F1
CBR600 F2
CBR900RR

Yamaha

Jog
‍ ‍YSR50*
SRX250
RZ350
‍ ‍FZR400*

Suzuki

GSF400 Bandit*
GS500E

Above 600cc

Suzuki

GSX-R600
GSX-R750
SV650

*These are models we believe are the best bases for USDM Hashiriya style bikes as they were both sold in the US and used by Hashiriya during the peak era. You can street race any machine but there are models that fit the spirit of Hashiriya and are easy to modify into that authentic and iconic Hashiriya style. Did we miss a bike? Let us know.

Kawasaki

ZX-6R
ZX-7R
ZX-9R
GPZ550
GPZ750

Yamaha

FZR600
FZR1000
XJ Series

American flag with stars on a blue canton and red and white stripes.
American flag with stars on a blue canton and red and white stripes.

Inchiki Machine Recommendations

Honda

GROM
CBR250R
CBR300R

Kawasaki

Ninja 250R
Ninja 300
Ninja 400
ZX-4RR

Yamaha

MT-03
YZF-R3

Suzuki

GSX250R

These are modern 400cc and below machines that would make a great base for an inchiki machine to swap vintage fairings onto.

A motorcycle with a purple and black paint scheme, flames on the rear fender, and the words "Night Runnin'" parked next to a blue sports car in a garage.
A motorcycle with a purple and black paint scheme, flames on the rear fender, and the words "Night Runnin'" parked next to a blue sports car in a garage.

Examples of the different types of Hashiriya machines that can be built.

Inchiki Machine: 2018 Yamaha R15 - aka Tyrant
Owner: wisnuchandraaa
Team: 走り屋 Pride

A purple sport motorcycle parked on grass with a backdrop of cherry blossom trees in full bloom under a bright blue sky.

Small Bike (Japan): 1995 Honda NSR50
Owner: semedaruma.ryusan
Team: 攻達磨

Motorcyclist wearing a black helmet with yellow designs and a black and yellow racing suit, sitting on a yellow and black sports motorcycle on the road with greenery in the background.

USDM “Big Bike”: 2002 Kawasaki ZX-6R
Owner: dan.b.tauber
Team: 走り屋 Pride US

Big Bike (Japan): 1995 Honda CBR250RR
Owner: ns6_mc22
Team: たくらや