The handling of bikes is affected by so many factors. Starting from manufacturing defects to poor maintenance. Everyone wants a reasonably handling bike. No one goes for a white-knuckle ride knowingly. Also, the bike tires can get your motorcycle to crash as soon as you hit the road. This list isn’t meant to blame any manufacturer because riders maintain their bikes differently and they also weigh different. However, these bikes aren’t for the faint-hearted as they’re not famous for their reasonable handling.
Kawasaki 750 Triple IV
This 748 cc was once the fastest street bike of its time. Being one of the motorcycle importers, I interacted with so many riders looking to replace it because of its brakes and handling. After some research, I have to say it has the worst handling designed. There is a reason as to why it was popularly referred to as the widow maker. They came into the market in 1972 and by 1976, Kawasaki dropped it.
Honda CX 500
This bike is heavily designed, so people complained of its low speed. The Honda CX was produced between 1978 and 1983, and it was a favorite bike for many. However, in the UK, there was a major default with its crankshaft bearing specifications. As a result, they recalled many bikes. So in addition to the slow speed, owners also experience crankshaft rotation-related issues. For example, if there was an emergency, and you close the throttle suddenly, the bike would lean to the right. Or if the rider changed down quickly, the rear wheel would lock.
Suzuki GT380/ 550/ 750
The Suzuki GT series produced from 1972 to 1980 had three major problems. One, the engine width and muffler location resulted in poor ground clearance. Secondly, the front disc brakes performed poorly. Add a little bit of rain and their performance is non-existent. Lastly, the front end would oscillate from side to side whenever you accelerated. With all these problems, you don’t expect good handling.
Harley Davidson Sportster, 1981
I have to start with a disclaimer, the Sportster was specifically designed to be on straight roads so it works fine in these types of environments. Back to my complaint. It’s a heavyweight bike and the long forks are at a steep angle so it couldn’t handle corners well thanks to the poor suspension. But what do you expect with those forks and steering geometry? This even impaired their low-speed maneuverability.