They are from a sweet spot in history. There was adequate technology to make them reliable and high performance but inadequate technology to truly perfect suspension geometry and engine layout. The big-bang four was intended to reduce rear wheel slip by maximizing dwell time between impulses. Modern bikes can make far more power and let computers do the traction control. But the VFR400 is a carbureted fully mechanical bike. The ignition is electronic but no more complex than points. Just more reliable. It's a real joy to own, maintain, and ride. It isn't even fast, but it sure feels like it's doing something!