THREE 'extra special' superbikes from the 1980s and '90s have joined the Lakeland Motor Museum’s ever-expanding motorcycle collection.

A Honda RVF750, known as the RC45, has been loaned to the Backbarrow-based attraction by the late owner’s family and is one of only 200 built and sold worldwide.

Able to reach a top speed of 160mph, it can cover a quarter of a mile in 11.1 seconds. It is remembered as one of the best-made Honda motorcycles and most desirable superbikes of the 1990s. The RC45 has done just 6,600 miles and has had one owner from new.

It is joined by two other new arrivals, the 1985 Ducati 900 2S and the 1991 Ducati 851 SP3. These Italian models are renowned for their style, engineering and performance, and add a fresh dimension to the museum's collection of motorcycles which now spans more than 110 years.

Museum manager Chris Lowe said: “We’re thrilled to welcome three of the world's most desirable sport motorcycles to our display. Visitors are always excited by supreme examples of speed and power, and it’s great to add to an ever-changing collection which now includes a total of more than 90 motorcycles.”

The new exhibits complement a diverse range already on show at the Backbarrow-based attraction, including legendary Vincent motorcycles from the 1930s, '40s and '50s and a display of racing superbikes on loan from Isle of Man TT hero John McGuinness, otherwise known as ‘the Morecambe Missile.’