Designers came up with massive twins and blown V4s, 14-speed strokers and in-line sixes. It led to radically different engines on the track and in the showroom.

Then red tape started to strangle fresh ideas. First they banned supercharging, then dustbin fairings that cut down on drag by enclosing the front wheel. But the FIM really started to screw things up at the end of the 60s when they limited 125s and 250s to two cylinders, and 350s and 500s to four.

A maximum of six gears was permitted. And they kept two- and four-strokes in the same capacity classes.

That really discriminated against four-strokes and narrowed the focus of development. Before long the only GP bike with the chance of a podium place was a four-pot stroker.

But MotoGP began a new era in 2002 when revised regulations meant that four-stroke engines were back with a vengeance with a capacity limit of 990cc. For the 2007 that was reduced to 800cc but cornering speeds increased and racing became even more competitive.

Chassis and tyre technology reached new standards as manufacturers struggled to control the huge power gains. It's all good news for road riders as the latest technology trickles down to street bikes.

Check out these old racers and imagine what could have been in the showrooms today if it wasn't for all that red tape. Anyone for a 10-speed supercharged V12?

Click the image below for more pics of crazy race bikes

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