Top 10 Fastest Bikes in the World

No 10. Ducati 848

 

Top 10 fastest bikes, hopefully we’ll be impressing the boys with this post. Here is an exhaustive list of top 10 fastest superbikes. We have tried our level best to gather information from various sources, and inter-tallied them. This seems to be a viable answer.

Top speed would be considered here under testing driving conditions. If you’re about own anyone please do let us know how it feels to ride them. Here goes top 10 fastest bikes in the world.

Engine: 849 cc (51.8 cu in), 4 valves per cylinder desmodromic liquid cooled L-twin
Top speed: 159 miles per hour (256km/h)
Power: 100 kW (134 hp) @ 10,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed, wet clutch
Replacing the Ducati 749, the 848 weighs 370 pounds and was announced in 2007. The 2009 model was available in Red and Pearl White color. The 848 shares more features with 1198 than its predecessor, the 749, like single-sided swingarm, same rake and trail and same valve angles among many. Read more after the break...

No 9. Aprilia RSV4

Engine: 999.6 cc V4
Top speed: 175 miles per hour (281km/h)
Power: 132 kW (178 hp) @ 12,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed, wet clutch
This is the successor to the Aprilia RSV 1000 R motorcycle which began manufacturing in 2004. The RSV4 was unveiled at the International Piaggio Group Convention in Milan, Italy. During its first full season of World Superbike racing, Max Biaggi aboard the RSV4 reached the podium 9 times, and won one race at the Brno Circuit

No 8. Suzuki GSX-R750

 

Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Top speed: 190 miles per hour (306km/h)
Power: 110.3 kW (150 hp) @ 13,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Introduced in 1985, the Suzuki GSX-R750 features a 750 CC 4-stroke engine and weighs 437 pounds. It easily goes to 300+ km/h and is priced at $12,000. It has an excellent body work and is the most powerful, efficient and cleanest running production engine Suzuki has ever produced.

No 7. Yamaha YZF R1

Engine: Forward Inclined Parallel 4-cylinder, 20 valves, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Top Speed: 186miles per hour (297 km/h)
Power: 128.2 horsepower (95.6 kW) at 10000 rpm
Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed
Lets discuss 7th position in the list of top 10 current fastest bikes in the world. Yamaha launched the YZF-R1 after redesigning the Genesis engine to offset the crankshaft, gearbox input and output shafts and this “compacting” of the engine yielded a huge dividend in that the total engine length was now very short. The Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle, introduced in 1998, was the first significant motorcycle in the true liter class (1,000 cc) “handling arms race” between the Japanese Big Four motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha). When introduced, it took the class closer to a true racing motorcycle, and increased the handling capabilities. May be some more improvements it might push it further to the top among the top 10 fastest bikes in the world.

No 6. Ducati 1198R

 

Engine: 90° V-twin cylinder, 4-valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Top speed: 185 miles per hour (299km/h)
Power: 134 kW (180 hp) @ 9,750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Introduced in 2009, the Ducati 1998 is a successor to the Ducati 1098. The 1198R from the Italian manufacturer is available in red, black and white.

No 5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 – Electronically limited to 299 km/h

 

Engine: 1352 cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled,DOHC, four valve per cylinder,inline-four
Top speed: 185 miles per hour (299km/h)
Power: 142 kW (190 hp) @ 12,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
This is Kawasaki’s most powerful current bike. Introduced in Tokyo 2005 show, the ZX-14 does 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Also known as ZZR1400, it was also featured in Fifth Gear. It can cover one-fourth of a mile in 9.783 seconds.

No 4. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

 

Engine: 998 cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve cylinder head
Top speed: 186 miles per hour (300km/h)
Power: 147 kW (197 hp) @ 12,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
With the highest theft and damage loss claim rate of any registered motorcycle, the Ninja ZX-10R is at number four. It is a successor to the ZX-9R sport bike. It boasts ultra-narrow chassis, low weight, and radial brakes

No 3. Suzuki Hayabusa

 

Engine: 1340 cc (82 cu in), 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve
Top Speed: 188 miles per hour (303 km/h)
Power: 197 horsepower (147 kW) @ 6750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
Standing 3rd in the list of top 10 fastest superbikes the name Hayabusa, translates directly from the Japanese as Pergerine Falcon, the bird commonly attributed of achieving speeds of over 180 mph (290 km/h) and predator of the common blackbird. The name Suzuki Hayabusa is a subtle reference to Honda’s competing Hawk models. When introduced in 1999, Suzuki Hayabusa overtook the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird as the fastest production motorcycle. The first generation of the Hayabusa was called the GSX1300R and was powered by a 1299 cc (79.2 cu in) inline-4 liquid-cooled engine. In the US, the 2008 suzuki hayabusa will boast a price tag of $11,999 and stands still in the list of top 10 fastest bikes.

No 2. Suzuki GSX-R1000

 

Engine: 999 cc four-cylinder 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC
Top speed: 185 miles per hour (299km/h)
Power: 142 kW (191 hp) @ 12,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh, Back-torque limiting clutch
Introduced in 2001, the YZF R1 is powered by a liquid-cooled 999 cc inline four-cylinder 4-stroke engine. It too tops at 185 miles per hour. It features dual hydraulic disc brakes at the front and single ones at the rear.

No 1. MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K

 

Engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20 turbo shaft
Top Speed: 227 miles per hour (365 km/h)
Power: 320 horsepower (239 kW) @ 52,000 rpm
Transmission: 2-speed automatic
MTT Turbine Superbike, also known as Y2K Turbine Superbike, is the world’s second wheel driven motorcycle powered by a turbine engine, created by Ted McIntyre of Marine Turbine Technologies Inc and it appears just below Suzuki GSX-R750. Powered by a Rolls Royce Allison 250 series turboshaft engine, producing 238kW (320hp), this motorcycle has a recorded top speed of 227 mph (365 km/h), with a price tag of US$150,000. It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the “Most powerful production motorcycle” and the “Most expensive production motorcycle”. Unlike other contemporary motorcycles (such as the Hayabusa), 2001 and later models of MTT Turbine SUPERBIKE do not have the 300 km/h speed limit self-imposed by Japanese manufacturers. MTT has achieved the 1st rank among the top 10 fastest bikes.

Top 10 Most Expensive Motorcycles in the World

Motorcycles have had mass appeal to the general public for roughly a century and a half. An American named Sylvester Howard Roper designed one of the first motorcycles in the 1860s. The motorcycle was displayed at fairs and circuses around the eastern U.S.. Europeans also had their hand in popularizing motorcycles and, during the World Wars, motorcycles functioned as a quick means of transportation.
As the motorcycle progressed, the engines and frames became bigger, sleeker, faster and more powerful, resulting in the high-tech and expensive motorcycles of today. If you can afford one, a custom motorcycle built to your exact specifications is within reach.

MV-Augusta F4CC – $120,000


This expensive motorcycle was created by Claudio Castiglioni, MV’s director. He wanted to create a spectacular motorcycle that met strategic marketing needs while also being something truly special and unique. The expensive motorcycle bearing his very own initials “CC” has a top speed of 315 kph (195 mph), 1078 cc’s and a 198 hp engine. Each bike boasts a platinum plate located near the top of the steering column showing the model number from 1 to 100, making this motorcycle all the more special to its owners.

MTT Turbine SuperBike – $150,000


Not only is this motorcycle expensive, it’s also extremely fast. This bike, also known as the Y2K Turbine Superbike, is the Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Powerful Motorcycle Ever to Enter Series Production”. The turbine engine in this one is made by Rolls Royce and is capable of over 300hp. The motorcycle also boasts carbon fiber fairings, a rear mounted camera with LCD color display, forward-and rear-looking radar detector with laser scrambler, one touch “Smart Start” ignition, and many other cool gadgets. This bike seams to be pretty popular in Hollywood. It starred in the movie “Torque” and even Jay Leno owns one!

Icon Sheene – $160,000


This bike was created by Andrew Morris in honor of legendary British Grand Prix motorcycle champion Barry Sheene, who died in 2003 at the age of 52. As such, only 52 of these 250 hp, turbocharged 1400cc motorcycles will be created, each emblazoned with a playing card hand-painted by the same artist who painted Sheene’s helmets, Mike Fairholme. Each of these bikes will be bespoke, tailored to fit the purchaser’s unique requirements.

Macchia Nera concept bike – $201,000


Built around a Ducati 998RS engine, this motorcycle’s Italian designers and engineers set out to create an extremely high tech and expensive motorcycle that would be thought of as “the ultimate track bike” that is “simply beautiful and beautifully simple”. The Testastretta engine is fitted with lightweight metals and alloys, like titanium and aluminum, making it very lightweight. The view from the side of the Macchia Nera shows exposed belts and engine components, giving its design a minimalist feel while still being aesthetically pleasing. We should add that this bike is a one of a kind and not in produced for retail at this point, but if you have an extra 150,000 Euros (US $201,000) laying around for an expensive toy, your dream might come true.

Ecosse Titanium Series RR Limited Edition – $275,000


This luxury motorbike features a titanium chassis with clear coated carbon fiber bodywork and wheels. It features a fuel injected, intercooled, supercharged 2,150cc billet motor and is capable of over 200 hp. Its saddle is ergonomic and adjustable. The bike also comes with a timepiece, designed by French watchmakers BRM, which is made to match the bike and is engraved with the same serial number as the handlebar clamp and VIN plate. This bike is limited to only 10 units.

Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike – $555,000


This reproduction of Dodge’s concept bike is considered an “automotive sculpture,” as it is not street legal in the US. Ten of these bikes were offered by Neiman Marcus in their 2003 Christmas Book. The Dodge Tomahawk V10 superbike boasts an 8.3 liter engine (505 cubic inch), and the 10 cylinders can bring the bike to a maximum speed of almost 400 mph. The 1500lb bike has an independent 4-wheel suspension and can reach 60 mph in around 2.5 seconds.

Top 10: Starter Bikes

No.1 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Cost new: $5,499

This is the complete package: 51 mpg, aggressive style, a budget-friendly price tag, and gallons of fun -- all courtesy of the Kawasaki Ninja 500R. With its bikini fairing and belly pan, this tame Ninja oozes sexy sportbike style without compromising comfort. A liquid-cooled 498cc parallel-twin engine fires off enough torque for the twisties, while its lightweight chassis works wonders for handling. The Kawasaki Ninja 500R requires minimal maintenance and will last you for years to come. If you’ve been touched by the Ninja after seeing Top Gun, then the Kawasaki Ninja 500R is your Maverick.

No.2 Triumph Bonneville

Cost new: $7,699

Evel Knievel jumped one over Caesar’s Palace. Clint Eastwood rode one through Central Park in Coogan’s Bluff. Steve McQueen was rarely seen without one. The Triumph Bonneville is testament that classic style can outlive half a century, for today the bike is aesthetically unchanged from its 1959 debut. At 50 years old, the Triumph Bonneville is still running strong with an air-cooled 865cc parallel-twin engine, featuring EFI and an output of 67 horses. With upright seating and scintillating British style, the Triumph Bonneville is a legend in the motorcycle world and a must-have as your first bike.

No.3 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Low

Cost new: $6,999

If you have a penchant for push rods and a thirst for the open road, no other cruiser in American history can tango with a Harley. But before you attempt to reenact Easy Rider, start with the Sportster 883 Low rather than blowing half of your yearly salary on that new Wide Glide. Harley’s classic V-Twin melds with dual chrome pipes and rear piggyback shocks, showcased by minimal bodywork. Horsepower is low and torque is a passive 55 lbs.-ft, so there’s nothing to be afraid of on your first hog. Slip on those chaps and bust out the tassels -- your first Harley is a Sportster.  

No.4 Yamaha FZ6R

Cost new: $7,090

So, you want a sportbike but you don’t want to break the bank or your neck? The Yamaha FZ6R is the safest bet for future track riders, offering smooth power, an accommodating seat height and enough low-end torque to zip through the canyons. The FZ6R’s full fairing and low handlebars round out its sporty aesthetics, while the fuel-injected 600cc inline-four engine cranks out 66.5 horsepower. Dual-disc brakes in the front attribute to the FZ6R’s impressive stopping power, and the bike is available in three different color variations. Keep walking past that expensive and intimidating R1 and swing a leg over the Yamaha FZ6R as your starter bike.    

No.5 Ducati Monster 696 

Cost new: $8,775

Few brands stimulate the saliva gland to the obscene extent that Ducati tends to, and many of the Italian empire’s hundreds of thousands of loyalists will remain with a Duc for their entire lives. If you have lots of money and a burning desire for pristine Italian architecture on two wheels, then a Ducati Monster 696 is the beginning of the red carpet. With its signature trellis frame, fuel-injected, 80-horsepower, L-twin engine, and stubby tail section, the latest Monster 696 is the definition of Italian innovation. A pair of upside-down Showa forks, radial Brembo brakes and USB-equipped digital instrument panel boost the Monster’s quality meter over many bikes in this price range. 

No.6 Suzuki GS500F

 

Cost new: $5,499

The Suzuki GS500F is one of the most versatile beginner motorcycles on the planet. This standard rocks out with a full fairing and sleek bodywork for a sporty profile. Riders who don’t want to be scrunched over the tank of a sport bike in order to reach the clip-ons will love the upright seating position of the GS500F. For power, the Suzuki GS500F’s 487cc parallel twin cranks out just over 51 horsepower, yet is frugal with its gas mileage. This bike can reach 115 mph, but that’s pushing it to the max in sixth gear. The Suzuki GS500F heads the welcoming committee of the Standard world.

No.7 BMW F650 GS

Cost new: $8,255

Who hasn’t dreamed of pulling a Ewan McGregor and circumnavigating the globe on a BMW adventure bike? Before you work your way up to an R1200 GS, the BMW F650 GS will pave the road. But cast aside the “650” portion of this Beemer’s model name, for the bike shares the same 798cc parallel-twin with the BMW F800 GS. Those wacky Germans! The F650 GS engine is detuned, staving off a little extra grunt for beginners, and flaunts a low seat height. Heated grips, ABS and a few other optional features make the BMW F650 GS a solid bike for novice rock hoppers.

No.8 Honda CRF230M

Cost new: $4,749

If you’re a dirt rider trying to bridge the gap between gravel pits and asphalt, the Honda CRF230M is right up your alley. Honda’s supermotard cousin of the Honda CRF230L dirt bike delivers exceptional gas mileage and exceedingly manageable power, thanks to its air-cooled single cylinder. The Honda CRF230M is more of a commuting machine than a competition supermotard, ideal for riders looking for a lightweight, durable machine to flog around the city. 

No.9 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD

Cost new: $4,699

What happens when you take a Ninja 1,000 engine from the '80s, slice it in half and stuff it into a cruiser body? The Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD comes to life! With its bulletproof parallel twin engine, the Vulcan 500 LTD is not only reliable, but it possesses enough power to hang with bigger 850s. The bike’s low seat height, wide rear tire and dual exhaust pipes contribute to the bike’s classic styling. If you see yourself as a future highway warrior, then the Vulcan 500 LTD is an excellent start.

No.10 Suzuki TU250X 

Cost new: $3,799

If your two-wheeled experience is limited to squeaking around the block on a rusty Huffy, your best bet is to opt for the least likely to cause pants-wetting motorcycle on the market. The Suzuki TU250X is one of them, sporting a docile 249cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, upright riding position, and 75 mph top speed. Not to mention the Suzuki TU250X’s Bonneville-like style and passenger-friendly seat. At just under four grand, the Suzuki TU250X is a stellar starter bike.

Top 10 Sexiest Motorcycles of All Time

Definitive? We're not sure. Debatable? For sure! It's not about price, it's not about performance. It's about the feeling they give you. Pics courtesy of Bennett

MV Agusta F4CC

If power is the ultimate aphrodisiac, then MV Agusta’s F4CC is the planet’s most sexually charged motorcycle. Not simply because of its sheer horsepower; a claimed 200bhp with the titanium race exhaust in place. Nor because only 100 units will be built, at €100,000 apiece. (The only one in this country costs £75,350 on the road — and you did read that correctly.)
No, the CC’s real power is in its name. The CC stands for Claudio Castiglioni, MV’s President. They could just as easily be for Capo dei Capi, the Mafia term for boss of bosses. “I put my name to this motorcycle because I originally dreamed of it for myself,” says Castiglioni. It is created to be the ultimate F4; an unashamedly self-indulgent, money-no-object version of the radial 16-valve four on which the famous Italian (alright, Italian-American) marque was reborn.
As befits the Capo’s Creation, the CC is faster even than the F4 Ago; more intricately detailed even than the F4 Tamburini. Its 1078cc engine is tuned with titanium internals and variable intakes, and lightened with magnesium covers. The chassis combines magnesium frame sections and swing-arm with carbon bodywork plus unique, hand-machined components. Another famous saying is that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Clearly that is sometimes a very good thing.

Yamaha RD350LC

If bikes such as the Desmosedici and RC30 are motorcycling’s supermodels, then the RD350LC is the saucy sixth-former that all the boys fancied at school — and it’s no less appealing for that. In the early Eighties there was nothing on wheels that matched the Elsie’s blend of clean good looks, razor-sharp performance, racetrack cred and down-to-earth price. This was the blonde bombshell that teenaged leather-jackets could take home to meet the folks — and which was a total blast to ride.
Despite its humble status the LC had class in its genes. The liquid-cooled two-stroke twin was descended not only from Yamaha’s line of superb aircooled roadsters such as the RD350 and RD400, but also from the all-conquering liquid-cooled TZ350 and 250 racers. Adding the water jacket to the RD’s cylinders allowed Yamaha to boost output to 47bhp, good for 110mph with a thrilling kick as the power came in with an orgasmic six-grand shriek.
The simple but attractive styling matched the shapely tank, seat and sidepanels with eye-catching curved spokes, plus black engine and pipes. Competent forks, a cantilever monoshock rear end and sharp twin-disc front brake combined with light weight to make the Yam ace in the bends. It was the ultimate poor boy’s superbike; the star of a million teenage fantasies.

Cagiva C589

One of the most vivid images from 500cc grand prix racing in the late Eighties was of Randy Mamola power-sliding his factory Cagiva sideways out of a bend with smoke pouring off its rear slick. Randy managed only one podium finish aboard the Cagiva, and couldn’t approach the four championship runner-up spots he’d managed for Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. But the tiny Italian factory’s efforts to beat the Japanese giants in racing’s toughest class were truly heroic.
Cagiva’s creation might not have been the fastest of the 500cc brat-pack, but it was surely the most deliciously sleek and streamlined. There was plenty of high tech beneath its all-enveloping bodywork, too. The 498cc liquid-cooled V4 used contra-rotating twin crankshafts, and produced about 150bhp. The twin-spar aluminium frame and banana swinger were Cagiva’s own; suspension was Marzocchi and Öhlins’ finest.
Cagiva’s growing GP challenge saw race wins for Eddie Lawson and John Kocinski in the Nineties. Kocinski even led the ’94 championship before cash problems forced Claudio Castiglioni to abandon his dream. More recent rumours that Cagiva would produce a limited-edition replica for track-day or collector use have faded. But the red bike that Randy rode remains a stunning memento of one of racing’s most inspiring struggles.

Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide

It’s no wonder that Harley has forged such a successful business by faithfully copying the look of its greatest hits from the Fifties and beyond. One glance at this immaculately preserved Duo-Glide confirms the pulse-quickening, gut-churning appeal of a big, aircooled 45-degree V-twin engine, housed in a long, laid-back cruising machine with cow-horn bars, swoopy fenders, buddy seat, lashings of chrome and a gas tank shape just so.
Especially when it’s all wrapped up with a technical advance that made the FLH Duo-Glide, released in 1958, one of Milwaukee’s most significant machines. Eight years earlier, the Model EL had introduced Hydra-Glide telescopic suspension to Harley’s range. Now the 74ci (1208cc) V-twin gained hydraulically damped rear shocks, adding considerably to the comfort of a bike whose 52bhp output gave genuine ton-up performance.
“Now! The Greatest Motorcycle ever built,” trumpeted Harley’s advertising back in 1958. “New swinging-arm suspension combines with Hydra-Glide front fork and spring-loaded seat post to make the Duo-Glide a miracle ride.” A trifle immodest, perhaps. But half a century later, the fact that the Duo-Glide’s visually near-identical descendents are some of the most desirable bikes on the planet suggests that — in terms of lasting sex appeal, at least — it really was The Greatest.

Suzuki GSX-R750
 
Life in the fast lane was transformed when the GSX-R750 exploded onto the scene in 1985. Tall, slim and with those two round headlights set in a shapely full fairing just like Suzuki’s works endurance racers, the outrageously light and fit GSX-R made every rival seem like a fat bird with acne. Suzuki’s engineers had simply redefined what was possible from a mass-produced motorcycle.
The GSX-R’s revolutionary aluminium frame weighed less than half as much as the steel equivalent of its GSX750 predecessor. Foam-backed instruments, slender 18-inch wheels, and the oilcooled motor’s magnesium cam-cover contributed to an all-up weight of 176kg, over 30kg down on Yamaha’s new FZ750. But Suzuki’s superstar didn’t crush the opposition just by dieting; it was powerful as hell too. The 16-valve four made 100bhp, coming alive at 7000rpm to send the bike tonking to over 145mph.
Straight out of the crate, the GSX-R was in a different league to most rival streetbikes, and ridiculously competitive on track. Hotted-up with flat-slide carbs and a loud four-into-one, it was faster, louder and sexier still. The Gixxer cult was born; high-performance motorcycle design entered a new era. More than two decades later, the reputation of the bike that started it all is stronger than ever.

Ducati Desmosedici RR
 
If any modern superbike demands that all performance-hungry motorcyclists should stand up and salute as it roars by, it’s Ducati’s extraordinary V4 missile the Desmosedici RR. Not that you’re ever likely to see one of these stunningly exotic MotoGP replicas in the local high street any time soon, even if the Bologna firm has increased the hand-built production run to over 1000, to meet undreampt-of demand for a bike costing more than £40,000.
Such a price might normally seem ludicrous even for the finest of production bikes, but not for the Desmo Sixteen. Ducati’s audaciously conceived and brilliantly realised 989cc, 16-valve V4 is improbably similar to the mighty works Desmosedici on which Troy Bayliss won the final race of MotoGP’s 990cc era two years ago; and which was regularly the fastest of all the factory weapons in a straight line.
Perhaps the statistic that best sums-up the Desmosedici RR is not its 200bhp power output with included loud Termis fitted, its near-200mph top speed or its long list of race-quality components, but the fact that its painstakingly designed and constructed chrome-moly tubular steel frame is both lighter and 80 per cent more torsionally stiff than the 1098’s equivalent. Compared to Ducati’s majestic MotoGP-replica tool, everything else on two wheels is, frankly, just a bit soft.

Honda NR750

The sexiest new bike of 1992 was not the phenomenal FireBlade, but Honda’s much less accomplished yet still achingly gorgeous NR750. The oval-pistoned V4’s drop-dead looks, long list of technical innovations and unapproached air of quality and exclusivity made even the brilliant Blade seem almost Ugly Betty.
Never mind that the NR500 four-stroke racebike that inspired the roadster had embarrassingly uncompetitive against the V4 two-strokes following its debut in 1979. Or that any theoretical advantage of oval pistons was irrelevant on a streetbike. More than a decade after abandoning the racer — whose unique twin-conrod piston arrangement had been designed to mimic a V8 — Honda launched the 32-valve, fuel-injected, staggeringly complex NR whose 125bhp max output made it the world’s most powerful production 750.
Unfortunately the NR weighed a hefty 222kg, and felt bland due to its seamless power delivery. But boy, was it stylish, with a snarly twin-headlamp fairing, and curvaceous, carbon-fibre reinforced tailpiece finished in the same lustrous red paint. Below the titanium-coated screen was a “floating” LCD speedo. Polished aluminium frame, single-sided swinger and sophisticated usd forks added to a spec almost as jaw-dropping as the £35,000 price tag.

Kawasaki Z1

The mighty 903cc four with which Kawasaki redefined high-performance motorcycling in 1973 was not just the most awesomely fast and powerful superbike ever built. It was also a breathtakingly handsome machine whose high bars, teardrop tank, slinky sidepanels and colour-matched ducktail perfectly complemented its muscular, aircooled powerplant. Not that most riders of rival bikes got more than a glimpse of its upswept four-pipe exhaust system as the Z1 charged into the distance.
Good looks are all very well, but it was brutal power that earned the King its nickname. The dohc engine’s maximum output of 82bhp at 8500rpm outclassed Honda’s single-cam CB750 unit by fully 15bhp. The Z1 accelerated towards its 130mph-plus top speed with enough acceleration to rip the sleeves off its rider’s cheese-cloth shirt. In addition the engine’s tuning potential was huge, and its bottom-end strength turned the adjective “bulletproof” into a Seventies cliché.
Handling was a different story. The Zed’s blend of horsepower, high bars, marginal frame stiffness, basic twin-shock suspension and almost 250kg of fuelled-up weight made high-speed travel distinctly lively at times. Ridden hard, nothing on earth got the blood flowing like the big Zed. That merely adds to a legend which, 35 years later, shows absolutely no sign of dimming.

Honda RC30

There had been plenty of exotic two-wheeled pornography before Honda unleashed the VFR750R in 1988. But there had never been anything as hardcore this. The machine code-named RC30 was close to being Honda’s all-conquering RVF750 factory racebike with lights; a stunningly faithful recreation of the V4 missile that ruled top level four-stroke racing.
Its sleek RVF shape, unmatched specification and racing heritage made the RC30 highly desirable, but it was the Honda’s all-devouring performance that made it irresistible. Its 112bhp output, combined with compact size and slippery bodywork, sent the bike surging to 155mph with a deceptively effortless feel and a deliciously deep 360-degree V4 exhaust drone that raised the hairs on your neck. The rigid frame and Pro-Arm, racy RVF geometry and peerless suspension gave handling so precise it was as though you were gripping the front wheel spindle.
Winning is sexy, of course, and the RC30 did plenty of that. Foggy and Flyin’ Fred Merkel rode race-kitted RC30s to back to back titles in the world F1 and Superbike championships in 1988 and ’89. Unfortunately for less well-backed racers, in some classes the costly V4 was so dominant that there was no point in turning up without one. Two decades on, it remains highly valuable — and the ultimate example of Honda’s engineering class.

Ducati 916SPS

In the mid-Nineties, with Foggy conquering all on the World Superbike racetracks, there was only one bike more beautiful and desirable than the Ducati 916 — and that was the hotted-up SPS version of the Bologna brand’s V-twin masterpiece. Visually almost identical to the standard 916 that had been launched in 1994, the SPS — standing for Sport Production Special, latest in a line of homologation exotica dating back to the 888 — arrived two years later with even more speed, thunder and sex appeal.
This ’96-model SPS retained the eight-valve desmo unit’s standard 916cc capacity but produced an extra 20bhp, to 134bhp, thanks to mods including raised compression and Termignoni carbon cans, plus titanium conrods to help keep it together. Bigger Brembo discs and an Öhlins shock helped justify a price tag of over £20,000, almost twice that of the standard model. The following year’s SPS added a bigger, 996cc engine and extra carbon-fibre bits to the already mouthwatering package.
The Ducati’s outrageous performance came with typical problems. This immaculate SPS, owned from new by Cambridgeshire farmer Jamie Rule, broke a cam-belt and also had its rectifier catch fire. Luckily Jamie needed a piss anyway, so stopped, unclipped a fairing panel and doused the flames just in time. Red and so hot you can’t keep your strides on; that’s the 916SPS.

 

The 10 Best Buys in 2012 Motorcycles

New motorcycles are pricey investments. But that doesn't mean there aren't great affordable bikes out there; and as the riding season winds down in some parts of the country, you'll probably find some deals at your local motorcycle dealer. Here are our picks for ten great bikes that won't break your budget.

1. Ducati Monster 696

Price: $8495

The 696 might occupy the lowest rung on the Monster ladder, but it's a tremendous value for the rider who wants to swing a leg over a legendary Ducati for not a lot of dough. Just looking at this bike makes motorcycle geeks weak in the knees. The exposed trellis frame and the classic naked style of the Monster have inspired countless bikes.

The 696 produces 80 hp, and though it's the least expensive bike in the line, you still get Brembo brakes, Marzocchi forks, and that quintessential Ducati motor music. Newer riders won't fear this Monster; it rides smaller than it is and feels incredibly tight and nimble where others might seem cumbersome. Here is a great bike to slice through snarled traffic or the tightest canyon road you can find. Best of all, the list of accessories is long, so you upgrade your Monster 696 later and make it your own.

2. 2011 Aprilia Shiver 750

Price: $9499

If Ducati is the two-wheel equivalent of Ferrari, then Aprilia is Lamborghini's equivalent. For less than $10,000, the Shiver 750 delivers the Italian riding experience, and plenty of tech, too, like the multimode throttle-by-wire system so the rider can select varying performance levels from the 95-hp 750cc V-twin.

The Shiver 750 is a tyke compared to Aprilia's 1000cc superbikes. But it doesn't ride like one. And like its rival, the Ducati Monster, the Shiver has an upright riding position that makes it a great commuter bike, and a comfy one for even longer trips, too. The difference here is that taller riders will appreciate the Aprilia's roomier ergonomics. The downside? That size makes it a bit heavier. Still, this is a versatile machine—one that a newer rider can grow into and an experienced one will appreciate.

3. Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Price: $7999

Even for a manufacturer like Harley-Davidson, which trades on its old-fashioned reputation, the Dark Custom series is like a time machine back to when motorcycles were the transportation of rebels. Back then, custom bikes were more raw and less flashy than today's chrome-plated luxo-cruisers. These new bikes ape that look with bobbed fenders, a hunkered-down stance, and flat paint finish. They've got blacked-out trim and lots of retro touches, too. But if you want the top dog Blackline, which is based on the Softail, it'll run you close to $16,000. Woof.

Instead, try the Iron 883. It's got all the hooligan style of its bigger brothers, the 1200cc Nightster and Forty-Eight, but packs the standard Sportster's less potent 883cc V-twin. There's still enough power to have fun; there's just a little less punch off the line. After some time in the saddle, the old-school simplicity of this bike makes you feel tough riding it and forget about the smaller motor. Best of all, when gas prices spike, your mean two-wheel machine delivers a combined fuel economy of 51 mpg. Keep in mind, though, that this is a smaller Harley. Those over 6 feet might need a roomier bike.

4. Honda Shadow RS

Price: $8240

In recent years, Honda has launched an onslaught of cruisers that have probably caught the attention of the Harley-Davidson boys in Milwaukee. First came the Fury chopper, then the Stateline and Interstate custom cruisers—all 1300cc big boys. So what about something that takes on the smallest Harley, the Sportster?

The Shadow RS aims right for the 883-size Sportsters with its classic style and 745cc V-twin. On paper it's a clone of the rough-hewn Harley. But in practical use, the Honda is tailored more for twisty roads than solely for boulevard cruising. This would be an excellent bike for the beginner cruiser rider because it's one of the least intimidating bikes on the market, and yet large enough to accommodate taller riders. And the Shadow would make for a great commute, delivering 56 mpg.

5. Triumph Bonneville

Price: $7699

The Triumph Bonneville is the classic British motorcycle. It looks just like the machines the coolest Brits were riding way back in the 1960s. Often, classically styled retro bikes are hideously expensive. Not the Bonnie. Here's all the old-school style for less than eight grand.

Despite its large size, don't expect the air-cooled 865cc twin to rocket the Bonneville off the line. This is a more relaxed motorcycle with just 67 hp. The Bonneville's suspension is soft and comfortable, as is the seat.

Those riders looking for some serious nostalgia can opt for the matte-green Steve McQueen Bonneville SE, a bike that takes for its inspiration the Triumph Trophy TR6 that the king of cool rode in the classic film The Great Escape.

6. Star Stryker

Price: $11,090

The Star Stryker is the most expensive bike on this list, but when it comes to long and low chopper-style cruisers, this one is a bargain. It undercuts Honda's Fury by more than two grand and competitive Harley-Davidsons by thousands more. The Stryker's big torque, which comes courtesy of its potent 1304cc, liquid-cooled V-twin, allows it to lope easily away from the line. And though it has some serious rake (40 degrees), the Stryker feels better connected to the road than most in the class.

With only a few inches of suspension travel at each end, the ride won't be cushy. But hey, bikes like the Stryker don't entice buyers because of their smooth ride quality. You buy them because they look tough. This Star looks mean and has the power to back up the looks. And shorter riders will have an easy time maneuvering this big guy, because the seat is less than 27 inches off the ground.

7. Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS

Price: $8299

Motorcyclists who pile on the miles, either on a daily slog to the office or a blast through the mountains on a weekend tour, appreciate a more upright riding position. There's less pressure on your tailbone, you've got better visibility, and it's easier to thread the bike around tight corners—or a pesky taxicab.

The V-Strom 650 has been the bargain-priced adventure touring bike since it launched in 2003. We were smitten then. For 2012 it's been updated with an improved 645cc V-twin, with more low-end and midrange torque. It's more comfy thanks to a revised windscreen, slimmer fuel tank, and a seat that has "high" and "low" positions. Smart. The bike has also dropped some weight and wears much more stylish bodywork. Best of all, antilock brakes are part of the package, so less experienced riders will have more confidence if their commute typically includes some rain. That's a lot of bike for barely more than eight grand.

8. Kawasaki Ninja 250

Price: $3999

In terms of thrills per dollar, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R is one of the best bargains of them all. This little guy is really fun to ride. The tiny 250cc parallel twin spins to a ludicrous 10,000 rpm and sounds sweet doing it.

Okay, so it's not fast. But it will hit 60 mph in about 7 seconds, so it's not exactly slow either. On the twisty roads, this bike handles beautifully—it's willing to play hard just like larger sportbikes. But beware; it's not a relaxing ride. The pocketsize Ninja is buzzy on the freeway.

Unlike most beginner bikes, the Ninja is a lot of fun, and you'd want to keep it in your stable even after you buy a bigger bike. And like all small bikes, it's tremendously efficient. In a PM mileage test we saw a Ninja 250R average nearly 60 mpg.

9. Yamaha FZ8

Price: $8690

Last year, with the launch of the FZ8, Yamaha put the established players in the naked-bike (sportbikes without bodywork) field on notice. The FZ8 was originally designed as a motorcycle for the European market, where riders prefer sporty handling dynamics. So this one will happily loaf along a backcountry road or flick its way up a tight canyon at speed. Basically, you're riding a Yamaha sportbike chassis with less bodywork and more upright handlebars.

The 779cc four-cylinder makes over 100 hp and provides plenty of grunt to move the 467-pound machine. This is one reasonably priced bike that looks cool, too. It's even tough enough to make Ducati and Aprilia owners take notice.

10. Zero XU

Price: $7695

Electric bikes provide all the benefits of electric cars, are much more fun to ride, and don't have to be excessively expensive. Zero's XU, for example, is the least expensive street bike in its lineup. The bike has a redesigned powertrain for 2012, with an extended range of 42 miles, and quicker charging, too.

Now, don't expect this bike to perform like a traditional gas-powered bike. It's obviously not meant for the long trips. But the battery is said to last for more than 3000 charges, or around 100,000 miles. Speaking of charging, the XU's 2.6-kwh pack is removable, so you can charge it in your office if you can't park near a plug. This feathery 221-pound bike isn't a rocket, but it will let you hit 65 mph. And if you cruise at 55 mph, that battery charge will last for 28 miles. Not too shabby.