Honda and Yamaha are the two great brands of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers (as well as cars, keyboards, and a variety of other things). Hailing from a culture that values precision, cutting-edge technology, and a whole lot of bright colors, these two brands do have a great deal in common. They are both household names all over the world thanks to their excellent engineering, good fuel efficiency, and the beautiful purr their engines make when you get them out on the open road and really see what they can do.

That said, there are important differences in how these two mighty brands market themselves and in who tends to be drawn to buying their motorcycles. Yamaha is more forward-looking, edgier, and controversial. Honda's bikes are a little more in the style of Honda's cars: sensible, efficient, and reliable. To the extent that it is possible for a motorcycle to be reserved, they are. They might not take your breath away, but they'll get you from A to B and, crucially for a notoriously dangerous form of transport, they won't kill you getting there! Yamaha is a higher-performance machine with a little more pizzazz, that demands more attention on the road.

Tell us about yourself and we'll see which of these fine brands was made for you!