TopSpeed - Sport Bikes

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR vs Yamaha R7 - Which Sports Bike Should You Buy?

Punya Sharma — Mon, 15 May 2023 13:45:18 GMT

Imagine you’re all set to upgrade from your entry-level sports bike. Your key requirements would be sexy looks, enjoyable but not too much horsepower, and modern components. Two motorcycles that fit this bill rather well are the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR (the only 400cc inline-four motorcycle on sale) and the Yamaha YZF-R7 (Team Blue’s latest entry in the much-contested mid-capacity sports bike class). Both promise a sub-80-horsepower peak output, similar underpinnings, and most importantly, a sub-$10,000 MSRP, all of which makes them uncanny contenders for your hard-earned money. But which one of these should you take home? Well, allow us to help with this quick comparison.

The Fastest Sports Bikes In The World

Harry Fisher — Sun, 14 May 2023 15:30:19 GMT

Speed in the 21st century is not necessarily something that manufacturers like to shout too loudly about. Back in the late 1990s, Japanese manufacturers signed a gentleman’s agreement to limit top speeds to 186mph (300km/h) to stave off any anti-sports bike legislation from the Europeans (because any accident at 186mph was going to be much more survivable than one at 195mph…!) Even today, top speeds are rarely quoted by either manufacturer or even independent media outlets and, let’s face it, they are largely irrelevant. Still, top speed is still a number that many owners are interested in, if only for bar-room bragging rights. The only semi-reliable way to calculate what is the fastest bike is to look at power-to-weight ratio and even this has its problems due to having to rely on manufacturers claimed power outputs (at the crank) and then using only the dry weights of models: whether these figures are also reliable is another matter, but we have to start somewhere.

10 Reasons Why Kawasaki Ninjas Are Best For Beginners

Andra DelMonico — Sun, 14 May 2023 15:00:18 GMT

Being a beginner rider means you have a whole world of motorcycles ready and waiting. This can mean limitless possibilities but also an overwhelming number of options. One of the biggest problems you will run in to is that every person will have their own opinions on what makes the perfect bike for a beginner. Some think it is a bike with some power, and others believe it should be a small bike that offers easier handling with less weight.

10 Reasons Why The Suzuki GSX-R750 Is The Best Supersport

Harry Fisher — Sun, 14 May 2023 14:00:19 GMT

Back in 1985, Suzuki changed the sport bike landscape for the better with the introduction of the GSX-R750, and amazingly, it is still with us today, albeit only in the U.S. market.

Why Sport Bike Riders Are Transitioning To Sport Touring Bikes

Anthony Capobianco — Sun, 14 May 2023 13:30:19 GMT

As the world of motorcycling grows and evolves over time, so do people's tastes in the kinds of motorcycles they ride. Sport touring motorcycles have grown to be increasingly popular in the last few years and many major manufacturers like BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, and Kawasaki have taken notice. Of course some may ask, "what is sport touring?" A sport touring motorcycle is designed to handle long-distance rides by providing comfort and performance. The main differences between a sport touring bike and a regular touring bike are the size, weight, design, and handling. While touring bikes are larger and bulkier, a sport touring bike retains the body of its cruiser/sporty siblings. But just like touring bikes, sport touring bikes share many similar features like a comfortable touring seat, hard saddlebags, improved suspension, a powerful engine, an interactive touchscreen infotainment system, and a protective fairing to shield the rider from wind and debris.

Kawasaki USA Teases 2024 Ninja ZX-6R And Eliminator Ahead Of Launch

Punya Sharma — Fri, 12 May 2023 13:30:17 GMT

A few days ago, we told you that Kawasaki is all set to debut a new Ninja ZX-6R for its MY2024 lineup. And before that, CARB filings revealed Team Green’s plan for a new Eliminator 450. Now, the latest update on the matter comes right from the horse’s mouth, as Kawasaki USA has set a date for its upcoming lineup. Plus, it’s officially teased the new Ninja and Eliminator to confirm both rumors.

5 Reasons Why We Love The New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR (And 5 Why The Old ZX-6R Is Better)

Noman Tariq — Fri, 12 May 2023 13:30:17 GMT

Smaller displacement four-cylinder motorcycles were almost extinct, but Kawasaki took a step back and launched a 399cc four-cylinder sport bike. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is capable of redlining at 16,000 rpm and its 16-valve engine produces 80 horsepower. It is a circuit-focused motorcycle that has a very specific class in its sights.

10 Reasons Why The BMW S 1000 RR is the Ultimate Superbike

Harry Fisher — Tue, 09 May 2023 14:00:18 GMT

While most motorcycle manufacturers in the early 20th century were only dreaming of their high performance machines, BMW was busy winning races. So it's no surprise that the German motorcycle-maker had aspirations of podium glory going way back to the 30s when they were winning titles all over the world. And even though their machines were plenty fast, it wasn't until 1997 that you could say they'd finally released their first, prototypical superbike, in the form of the K1200RS. It was a machine that did away with the self-imposed 100 horsepower limit, producing, instead, 130 hp, generating 87 lbs of torque and topping out at 152 mph. And you can see every bit of that DNA in the S 1000 RR, albeit in an extraordinarily different package.

What Made The Honda CBR250RR So Special

Jonathan Hayner — Mon, 08 May 2023 13:00:16 GMT

There are a lot of different motorcycles from different eras that have become legends for different reasons. The thing that sets the Honda CBR250RR apart from other bikes is that even though it’s a classic bike dating back to the 90s it still has performance that is hard to beat today.

Ready Your Wallet, The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Is Coming

Punya Sharma — Sun, 07 May 2023 19:45:18 GMT

In the past decade or so, most leading manufacturers have neglected the once-dominant supersport segment, with the Suzuki GSX-R600, Honda CBR600RR, and Yamaha YZF-R6 all being prime examples. But there’s an exception - the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. Team Green has given the inline-four screamer regular updates–the latest one came in 2019–and it’s about to do the same once again for the upcoming 2024 model year. Plus, this won’t be another color update (like the MY2023 announcement), instead a heavily revised 600cc Kwacker.

13 Reasons Why The Kawasaki Ninja H2R Is The Craziest Motrocycle In the World

Harry Fisher — Thu, 04 May 2023 14:00:17 GMT

Kawasaki created the proverbial lightning in a bottle, when they released the GPZ900 upon an unsuspecting world, back in 1984. You could say that it ushered in the dawn of the modern sport bike. Everything was supremely extra on it, from its modern looks, to the high-end specs, to that memorable name. And though Kawasaki wasn't too keen on it originally, its American branch was utterly convinced that calling the GPZ900 "Ninja" would pay major dividends down the line. Now, with over 10 different Ninjas in their lineup, Kawasaki clearly knows what it has on its hands. And even though each of those variants has a special place in some rider's heart, there's only one that could leave them all behind in one twist of a wrist.

The 10 Most Powerful Superbikes In The World

Andra DelMonico — Tue, 02 May 2023 14:01:17 GMT

Ever since the first superbike rolled off the assembly line, and virtually destroyed an entire motorcycle industry, we've been obsessed with them. By today's standards, the venerable Honda CB750 isn't all that fancy. Because these days, superbikes have grown a reputation worldwide for their track-derived tech, speed and an overwhelming amount of power.

10 Reasons Why You Need The Buell Hammerhead 1190

Joseph Adebisi — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:00:17 GMT

For a long time, the Buell brand stood for innovation until the company was shut down by Harley-Davidson in 2009 due to financial pressures caused by the global recession. Now, the brand has been revived by new investors. The all-star team is made up of heavyweights from Bombardier, Lotus Engineering, General Motors, and even Toyota. The Hammerhead is the very first new Buell motorbike dreamed up by that team, and it didn't disappoint. Its design retains several elements that made Buell bikes special, while including new innovations that will help it stand out in a vastly more competitive market. Here's why we think this machine more than lives up to the great legacy of the Buell brand.

Looking Back At The Original Yamaha YZF-R7

Jonathan Hayner — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:30:16 GMT

Motorcycles go down in history because they’re famous, infamous, or just plain weird, and the Yamaha YZF-R7 is now highly sought after because it borrows a bit from each category. The YZF-R7 doesn’t have many wins on the track to establish itself as a racing legend even though it was a homologation special. So what makes this bike so famous, and why does it command such high prices in today’s market? Here’s some insight into the strange legend of the original YZF-R7 and how it came to be the highly collectible modern classic that it is today.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Just Went Faster Than A Yamaha R7!

Punya Sharma — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:30:17 GMT

Not long ago, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR shocked us all with its insane top speed in the fifth gear. It breached 200kmph (120mph) with ease, only to make us wonder just how much faster it can go from there. And if you’ve been wondering the same, we’ve now sourced a top-speed video of the ZX-4RR (via Over Ride Magazine) where it has not only gone much faster, but even faster than Yamaha’s mid-capacity sports bike, the YZF-R7!

10 Best Sport Bikes For Tall Riders

Andra DelMonico — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 14:00:17 GMT

When you see lists of motorcycles for tall riders, they're almost always consist of adventure touring or dual sport bikes. But not all tall riders want to ride these types of motorcycles. Just like not all short riders want to ride tiny cruisers like the Honda Rebel 300.

This Exhilarating Ducati Sport Bike Flexes Ferrari Roots

Punya Sharma — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:30:18 GMT

All good things come to an end, and Ducati faced this realization as soon as it entered the 21st century. After eight WSBK world titles between 1990 and 1999, Honda (with Colin Edwards at the helm) dethroned Team Red in the 2000 championship did no good to the latter’s reputation as a specialist in world-class race machinery. To no one’s surprise, the Bolognese engineers wasted no time and went back to the sketch board, only to birth one of the most exhilarating (and rare) Ducatis - the 996R.

The 10 Best Versions Of The Suzuki GSX-R750

Harry Fisher — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:00:18 GMT

For a particular model to remain in production in largely the same form for over 30 years is virtually unique in modern motorcycling. Introduced in 1985, the Suzuki GSX-R750 has undergone hundreds of detail changes but the essential and underlying concept remains exactly the same in 2023 as it was at the beginning: 750cc four-cylinder engine, light, compact, powerful and nimble.

Special Edition Aprilia RSV4 And Tuono V4 1100 Launched Exclusively For America

Punya Sharma — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 11:45:17 GMT

The Aprilia RSV4 and Tuono V4 1100 are two of the finest sports bikes and streetfighters money can buy. But the Italian bikemaker has made them even finer for 2023 with a special edition variant exclusive to the American market. The motorcycles broke cover at the MotoGP’s American round, held at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), in the presence of factory Aprilia riders - Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales.

Meet The World’s Most Beautiful Sports Bike (From Five Years Ago)

Punya Sharma — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 13:15:18 GMT

When it comes to gorgeous motorcycle designs, there are very few bikemakers that hit the spot every single time. And MV Agusta ranks pretty high on this list. In its 78-year life, the Italian manufacturer has given us some scintillating motorcycles, one of which was the 2018 Superveloce concept. It took inspiration from 70s race bikes and earned the “Most Beautiful Bike of the Show” title at the ‘18 EICMA. Not only this, the sports bike became an instant hit amongst the public, ultimately leading to the production-spec Superveloce 800.

2023 Ducati Panigale V2: Performance, Price, And Photos

TJ Hinton — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 12:00:18 GMT

Ducati released its “new” Panigale V2 as a major upgrade for the 2020 model year. The list of improvements to the exotic Italian sport bike is extensive, starting with a new overall design to visually set it apart from its forebears.

2023 Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo Enters America To Help You Obliterate Race Tracks

Punya Sharma — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:45:17 GMT

The Aprilia RS 660 is arguably the finest middleweight sports bike you can buy. It has a punchy engine, an electronics package no less than flagship sports bikes, and a gorgeous mini-RSV4-like design. But things can always get better, and they just did because the uber-limited RS 660 Trofeo has set foot in America. Only a handful of these will go on sale (the Italian bikemaker hasn’t revealed the actual number), each one loaded with top-shelf components to obliterate racetracks.

The Suzuki GSX-8R Could Be The Yamaha YZF-R7's Biggest Nightmare

Punya Sharma — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 16:30:17 GMT

The supersport segment has transformed quite a bit in the last five years. Screaming inline-four motorcycles have made way for more versatile, mostly twin-cylinder offerings and the new segment’s roped in plenty of fans too. Hence, nearly all bikemakers have jumped aboard the trend—Honda with the CBR650R, Kawasaki with the Ninja 650R, Yamaha with the R7—leaving us with just Suzuki. However, the company's all-new 776cc engine looks like the perfect platform for a new sports bike - likely called the GSX-8R - to take on its contemporaries. And here's how it could pan out in real life, as imagined by designer/YouTuber Miche Superbike.

Experience The CFMoto 450SR At These Places [For Free]

Punya Sharma — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 14:00:17 GMT

The CFMoto 450SR is arguably one of the most exciting 400-500cc sports bikes out there. It has plenty of oomph, decent features, and sharp looks to make its Japanese counterparts sweat. Given the potential, CFMoto recently launched the 450SS (renamed 450SR) in America to take on the beloved Kawasaki Ninja 400. But with its Chinese origin, there’s plenty of conjecture around the motorcycle, which is what the bikemaker wants to address. How? Well, by allowing you to check the sports bike in the flesh.

This Bimota Is The World's First Production Sports Bike With Carbon Chassis!

Punya Sharma — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:00:17 GMT

Carbon fiber has become a staple for modern-day sports bikes, and you can find it in a number of applications (fenders, wheels, exhausts). Where it remains uncommon, however, is in the chassis department, thanks to the expensive production process. In fact, the only carbon-chassised road-legal sports bikes we can think of is the Ducati Panigale Superleggera series. But what if we told you another Italian bikemaker beat Ducati to this feat, that too, by upwards of a decade? Before you gasp for air, meet the Bimota SB8R - the world’s first production sports bike with a carbon-infused chassis!

10 Things You Need To Know About The Ducati Panigale V2

Harry Fisher — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:00:17 GMT

When Ducati announced its new V4 engine that would power its top-of-the-range sports and other road bikes, there was general dismay that the V-Twin engine that had characterized every Ducati since the early 1970s would disappear and a lot of heritage would be lost.

10 Things We Love About The New Honda CBR600RR

Noman Tariq — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 14:00:17 GMT

Engineered with MotoGP expertise and MotoGP-inspired bodywork, this bike is a true reflection of Honda's technical prowess. It’s light, compact, nimble, and perfectly balanced with a four-cylinder engine that revs like nothing you've ever experienced before.

This 1-in-200 Aprilia RSV4 RF Will Help You Realize Your Wildest Superbike Dream

Punya Sharma — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 11:31:17 GMT

When you think of the best European superbikes, the Aprilia RSV4 is a sure-shot emergence. It has been impressive ever since its first-ever reveal in 2009 and has made plenty of fans worldwide. Along the way, Aprilia has also treated us with some ravishing limited editions, one of which was the RSV4 RF. Debuted in 2016, this beast made the moniker even special with top-shelf components, in addition to its uber-limited production of 500 units for all 800 crore of us. And even after seven years, the RF can still help you realize your wildest superbike dream.

TTS' Supercharged Suzuki Hayabusa Breaks Its Own Top Speed Record

Punya Sharma — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:31:17 GMT

Back in 2022, supercharger-specialist TTS Performance made headlines with its Suzuki SuperBusa. It was based on the third-generation Hayabusa and boasted a plethora of upgrades, all topped by a mighty supercharger. With 370 horsepower, everyone expected it to be a missile, which it proved with a 194mph top speed on a runway. At the time, however, the motorcycle was in its “drag” trim with shorter gear ratios and hit the limiter–a subtle indicator that there was more in the tank. And TTS recently returned to the runway to prove just that and broke the SuperBusa’s previous record, that too, by a sizable chunk.

Five Motorcycles With Sexiest Under-Tail Exhausts

Punya Sharma — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 14:16:17 GMT

With new emission norms strangling the engines, motorcycle exhaust systems have become a big problem for bikemakers. They’re bulkier than ever and require tonnes of R&D to limit the emissions/decibel levels, while somehow not playing spoilsport for the power output. In fact, many bikemakers have even hired exhaust companies to do the work for them; for instance, the Honda CBR1000RR-R comes with an Akrapovic exhaust as standard.

10 Things That Make The Suzuki Hayabusa An Iconic Motorcycle

Harry Fisher — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:00:17 GMT

For over two decades, the Suzuki Hayabusa has been polarizing opinions, not only for its outlandish appearance but also for its incredible performance: ‘too ugly, too fast,’ say some: ‘distinctive and breathtakingly fast,’ say others.

The 10 Coolest Bikes Designed By Pierre Terblanche

Harry Fisher — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:00:17 GMT

Growing up in South Africa, Pierre Terblanche was fascinated by motorcycle engineering and styling from an early age, particularly those produced by Ducati. A spell at Volkswagen was good grounding, but then he made the dream move to Ducati, just in time to re-style the 907 Paso and work on the 888 from start to finish.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR’s Top Speed Will Leave You Spell-Bound

Punya Sharma — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:00:17 GMT

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is one of the craziest reveals of 2023 so far. It has re-ignited the much-hyped entry-level, inline-four segment and promises to be the world’s most powerful 400cc motorcycle. However, claimed horsepower numbers are just half the picture, and we know you’d more proof of just how capable the new Ninja is. Lucky for you, Kawasaki has posted a top-speed video of the ZX-4RR which shows its true mettle in a straight line.

Top 10 Cheapest Sport Bikes Money Can Buy

Harry Fisher — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:01:17 GMT

More than any other category of motorcycle, the sport bike is the one that has undergone the most change in the past 50 years. In the early 70s, a sport bike was relatively unknown as a model in its own right. Bikes such as the Triumph Trident 750 or the Honda CB750 were certainly ‘sporty,’ but no manufacturer was making a motorcycle in the manner of today’s race-replica superbikes. By the 80s, things were changing and fairings were becoming the defining element of a sport bike, along with increased performance from 1000cc+ engines and improved chassis technology. In the 90s, Honda redefined the sport bike with the first of the CBR900RR FireBlade models, a recipe that every other Japanese manufacturer followed.

10 Things You Need To Know About The Triumph Daytona Moto2 765

Harry Fisher — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 16:01:17 GMT

Traditionally, Triumph has always shied away from building dedicated racing models, arguing that it has little to do with production models and it diverts important finances away from models that actually make money for the company. That philosophy lasted throughout the glory years of the British motorcycle industry from the 1930s through to the 1970s, and then in the modern era from 1990 onwards. Then, in 2018, Triumph announced it would be the engine supplier for the Moto2 World Championship from 2019 onwards. While this stopped short of producing an actual racing motorcycle, it signalled a shift in policy for Triumph and, luckily for the man in the street, gave rise to the glorious Daytona Moto2 765 limited edition road motorcycle.

Here's What Makes The Aging Suzuki GSX-R750 An Iconic Sport Bike

Bruno Maia — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 19:00:17 GMT

There are many reasons why Suzuki’s GSX-R750 is such an iconic Sport bike. Suzuki first introduced the now legendary GSX-R750 back in 1985, and this original model is considered the first ‘racer-replica’ presented by a Japanese manufacturer. A ‘racer-replica’ is basically a street-legal version of the bike the brand uses in racing. Even way back in 1985, the bike was already very light, with the use of magnesium, and it had an oil-cooled engine that was built to rev high.

Why Sport Bike Riders Are Transitioning To Cruisers

Anthony Capobianco — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 14:00:17 GMT

In the wide and diverse world of motorcycling, everyone starts off on something different. Some of us start out young on dirt bikes tearing it up in the suburbs and trails. Some of us wait until later in life to ride off into the sunset on a chromed-out Harley-Davidson. Then there are some of us who take the "wild and free" lifestyle in the prime years of our youth seriously on some of the fastest motorcycles on the market. Brands like Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Ducati, and BMW produce some of the most popular sport bikes in the world, and they've provided millions of miles of excitement for past, present, and future generations.

The New Voge 525RR Is A CFMoto 450SS Nightmare From China

Punya Sharma — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:31:17 GMT

The Chinese motorcycle market might not match up to Japan, Europe, or America in the big bike space, but entry-level motorcycles? They’re China’s specialty. From punchy 250cc cruisers (like the Hysoung QH250) to mini sports bikes (like the CFMoto 300SS), there are plenty of examples, and the newest addition to this list is the 2023 Voge 525RR. The entry-level sports bike comes laden with quality components, sufficient to frighten the CFMoto 450SR.

VIDEO: Turbo 370-HP Suzuki Hayabusa Sets A Baffling Quarter-Mile Time

Punya Sharma — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 16:00:17 GMT

If you’re a regular here (thank you!), you’d know how much we love souped-up motorcycles on a drag strip. And the adrenaline reaches a new high when it's an uber-fast example like Moore Mafia’s 372-HP Suzuki HyperBusa. Yes, you read that right, the YouTuber (and experienced drag racer) has finally taken his turbocharged third-gen Hayabusa to the drag strip, and to no one’s surprise, set a baffling quarter-mile time.

10 Reasons Why The Ducati Panigale V4 Is The Best Sport Bike

Harry Fisher — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 15:30:17 GMT

The Ducati V-Twin (or L-Twin, if you want to be pedantic) engine must go down in history as one of the great motorcycle engines, powering every Ducati since 1971 and becoming a defining element of the motorcycles from Bologna. By the time of the 1299 Panigale, however, the development potential of the engine was coming to an end, and a decision was made to build a V4 as a replacement. While this may have alienated some customers, there can be no doubt that it has given the Ducati Panigale a new lease on life and provided a link to the Ducati race bikes raced in both MotoGP and World Superbikes.

The Ducati Leggero Proves That Beauty And Performance Can Go Hand In Hand

Dane Maricic — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 11:00:17 GMT

Yes, there are hundreds of customized Ducatis out there for you to choose from. But some of those customized bikes got extra attention during fabrication and a few more hand-built parts that set them apart and puts them in a different league. It is a perfect love letter to the bygone era of air-cooled Ducatis and their 1000cc Desmo engines. Design-wise, you can see Siegl’s (well-deserved) fascination with the legendary 750/900 Supersport from the mid-70s.

Ten Reasons Why We Love The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R

Harry Fisher — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 17:00:17 GMT

In the 1990s, the Japanese manufacturers engaged in a power and speed war that resulted in some of the most insanely fast motorcycles ever produced. This threatened backlash from legislators in Europe so much that, in an unprecedented move, the Japanese agreed to a voluntary top speed limit of 300 km/h or 186mph. Despite this, it didn’t stop the likes of Kawasaki from creating ever more powerful models and, between 2000 and 2006, the Ninja ZX-12R was the most powerful motorcycle in the world, with 190 horsepower (with ram air effect). Of course, power is nothing without control, and the Kawasaki ZX-12R featured an aluminum monocoque frame - a first on a mass-produced motorcycle - for increased strength and stiffness. The ZX-12R was replaced by the even more powerful ZX-14R in 2006.

History Of The Honda CBR600RR

Harry Fisher — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 15:29:20 GMT

There was a time when the 600cc super sport class was an important one for the Japanese manufacturers but, gradually, the class has lost its importance to the point where new models are few and far between. One that has survived is the Honda CBR600RR, which enters its 20th year of production in 2023. It was preceded by the CBR600F4i, which possessed a mixture of practicality and performance, more docile and comfortable than rivals such as the Yamaha YZF-R6, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Suzuki GSX-R600. To compete with these, Honda announced the CBR600RR (Race Replica), a more track-focussed version of the CBR600F.

10 Reasons Why The Kawasaki Ninja 400 Is The Best Entry Level Sports Bike

Harry Fisher — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 14:00:17 GMT

Prevailing wisdom claims that there is no substitute for cubic inches when talking about sports cars and motorcycles, and certainly, nothing will give you a thrill like a liter sport bike with over 200 horsepower.

Here's Why Your Sport Bike Is Restricted To 186 MPH

Punya Sharma — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:00:17 GMT

Motorcycles, particularly sport bikes, are the fastest they’ve ever been. 200 horsepower has become the new normal, electronics are the smartest yet, and the materials used are exotic as ever to keep the weight down. But what’s remained unchanged for 23 years is their top speed, because no matter what’s your poison, production sport bikes - even the supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 - max out at 299 kph (or 186 mph). Now, this isn’t slow by any measure (and we don’t recommend it on public roads), but if you’ve ever wondered why your speedo stops at ‘186,’ you’re in the right place. This is exactly what we’ll unravel here, and to start off, let’s travel back in time to see how motorcycles crept up to within touching distance of the magic 300 kph mark.

The 10 Best Sport Bikes To Buy, Ranked

Harry Fisher — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:01:17 GMT

Motorcyclists have always loved chasing speed and the manufacturers have done their best to deliver. In decades gone by, it was enough to simply put a larger and more powerful engine in an existing chassis that might also be used for more mundane models.

The 10 Best Yamaha Sports Bikes Ever

Harry Fisher — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:01:17 GMT

If the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers only came online after the second world war, they more than made up for lost time and, in very short order, they were dominating markets all over the world as well as taking the racing world by storm.

The 10 Best Honda Sport Bikes

Harry Fisher — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:00:17 GMT

If Honda was built on the premise of cheap transport for everyone, a necessity after the ravages of the second world war, they soon realized that performance was as much a draw as practicality.

10 Best Buell Motorcycles Ever Made

Dmitry Pavlovsky — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 15:00:17 GMT

Over the past forty years, Erik Buell, and his namesake motorcycle company, have become the stuff of legends. If you haven't heard of him, his biggest claim to fame was getting Harley-Davidson to produce sport bikes.

This 20-Year-Old Kawasaki Can Kick The New Suzuki Hayabusa's Butt

Punya Sharma — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 12:00:16 GMT

The Suzuki Hayabusa was the world’s first production motorcycle to break the 300 kph barrier. This not only gave Suzuki ultimate bragging rights but made the ‘Busa an instant hit among motorcyclists, regardless of their preference. Little did the Hamamatsu factory know, though, Team Green was all set to one-up them big time. Enter, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R - the motorcycle that beat the Hayabusa in more ways than one, and even does so after 20 long years. How? Well, here’s the answer.

10 Things That Made The Honda NR500 And NR750 The Most Advanced Motorcycles Of Their Time

Harry Fisher — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 16:00:16 GMT

Given Honda’s domination of two-stroke Grand Prix racing in the 1990s, it is ironic that, for about 14 years, the company resisted building two-stroke racing machines, believing that the technology had little relevance to road bike production. The company withdrew from racing in 1967, having won everything (bar the premier 500cc title) and seeing that the future of racing, as demonstrated by Yamaha and Suzuki, was two-stroke engineering.

All Future Ducatis With Over 150 Horsepower Will Get A V4

Dane Maricic — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:00:18 GMT

This not-so-shocking news comes from Ducati’s project manager for the Diavel V4, Stefano Tarabusi and Ducati’s VP of global sales, Francesco Milicia. In a recent interview, both Tarabusi and Milicia confirmed the company’s dedication to further improving its V4 engine as well as using it as a base for all its future top-of-the-line models.

2023 Honda CB300R: Performance, Price, And Photos

TJ Hinton — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 13:00:17 GMT

After a hiatus from the European markets due to emissions concerns, the MY2023 CB300R might finally land on both sides of the pond with this handful of drivetrain and suspension improvements over the 2022 model. This includes improvements to the emissions output, making it a possible candidate for the Euro market once more.

A Closer Look At The Buell 1190SX

Haris Amer — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:00:17 GMT

Roll into the future with EBR's all-new Buell 1190 SX motorcycle. This powerful motorcycle from Buell is both a work of art and a performance monster. The sleek curves of this model will have you standing out among the crowd as it rumbles down the street.

10 Reasons Why We Want The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition

Harry Fisher — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 15:00:17 GMT

Think of any motorcycle under 500cc and the chances are you are looking at a single cylinder engine or, at best, a twin-cylinder. When talking about inline four-cylinder engines, you’re looking at least at a 600cc, and more likely, 1000cc.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R3: Performance, Price, And Photos

TJ Hinton — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 13:00:17 GMT

Yamaha Motor Corp. rolls its little supersport that could over into the 2023 model year with all the delightfulness that held it in good stead over the recent years. The Tuning Fork Company adds another colorway to the existing paint selection, plus the MY22 World GP 60th Anniversary Edition from last year is still up for grabs with its racing livery for riders looking to own a little chunk of history.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650: Performance, Price, And Photos

TJ Hinton — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:00:16 GMT

Kawasaki boosted its Ninja 650's electronic chops with the addition of traction control. The rest is a generational carryover of all the goodies of the previous model year including its powerful parallel-twin engine, slipper clutch, and bodywork made more glorious by the KRT, race-livery version.

Top 10 Sport Bikes Under 800cc

Alex Sheets — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 15:00:16 GMT

When it comes to sport bikes, the holy grails of course are generally the big four brands' liter bikes: the Yamaha R1, Honda CBR1000RR-R, Suzuki GSX-R1000, or one of Kawasaki's many options.

Everything We Know About Kawasaki's New And Updated Models For 2023

Anthony Capobianco — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 14:00:16 GMT

Kawasaki, like many other motorcycle brands introduced a series of new models sharing a common theme. Some brands aim for comfort, style, advanced technology, and high-performance. For Kawasaki, its motorcycle lineup is probably one of the most diverse on the market. Producing bikes for cruising, speed, and fun, literally every kind of riding style is covered.

10 Reasons Sport Bikes Are Better Than Cruisers

Andra DelMonico — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 00:00:16 GMT

Before getting started, it is important to recognize that cruisers have their place in the motorcycle world. For some people, they are the ideal bike. This isn't to say that sport bikes are better than cruisers in every way, so everyone should ride one. Instead, it is about recognizing what sportbikes do better than cruisers. Some people want a bike that can meet specific needs. If those needs align with what a sportbike offers, then it is the ideal bike for them. So without further ado, these are the 10 reasons why sport bikes are better than cruisers.

10 Best Kawasaki Motorcycles On Sale In 2023

Alex Sheets — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 20:00:16 GMT

Kawasaki is one of the best-known names in the business, for good reason. Kawasaki motorcycles set the standard and offers a healthy variety of well-made and consumer-friendly bikes, as well as leading race bikes. With plentiful spare parts, Kawasaki bikes can be relatively cheap to maintain, especially if you're mechanically inclined. Their reliability rivals and beats the likes of Suzuki, and customers have consistently had good things to say about their performance and longevity. Kawasaki rolls into 2023 with a diverse lineup of updated bikes for every taste. Whether you're a thrill-seeker seeking to dominate the track on Kawasaki's fastest and most powerful bike, the H2R, or looking to cruise in comfort on the Vulcan Voyager 1700 ABS, or commute in style on the W800 cafe-style bike, there's a variety of options to suit every purpose.

10 Middle-Weight Sport Bikes For The Casual Rider

Andra DelMonico — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:01:16 GMT

The once-loved 600cc sport bike class is no longer the powerhouse it once was. However, that doesn’t mean middleweight bikes are extinct. Instead, rider buying trends and the Euro5 have influenced an evolution in the middleweight class. Gone are the basic and boring 600cc bikes that tend to blend together no matter what manufacturer they come from. In its place are modern designs, new engines, and a ton of new technology. So, if you are ready to step up your ride game but aren’t interested in a 1,000ccc liter bike, consider one of these middle-weight sport bikes for the casual rider.

These 10 Sport Bikes Laid The Foundation For The Ducati Panigale V4

Harry Fisher — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:00:16 GMT

Since 1971, Ducati has been defined by one element: its V-Twin engine. This bellowing piece of engineering grew from the initial 750cc version all the way up to the 1299 of 2014, at which point Ducati’s engineers realized that they had taken the concept as far as it could go. Some commentators saw the introduction of the V4 engine in the Panigale as heresy, but there is no doubt that the configuration is the future of the Ducati sports bike. But it couldn’t exist without what came before, so to fully appreciate the Panigale V4, here is every Ducati sports bike that added its own DNA to the line.

Top 10 Sports Bikes For Under $10,000

Andra DelMonico — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 11:00:14 GMT

There was a time when motorcycles were an affordable transportation alternative. These days, not so much. Bikes on the market can cost as much as a car. The bigger the engine and the more technology a bike has, the more expensive it becomes. All is not lost if you don’t have 20, 30, or 40 thousand to spend on a bike. There are some great affordable bikes that you can buy for less than $10,000. They may not have the biggest engines and might not be the fastest bikes on the road. However, they are still fun and get you where you need to go.

Top 10 Sports Bikes for the Track

Andra DelMonico — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:00:15 GMT

As a sport bike rider, you want to push your bike to the limit and find out what it can really do. There’s just one small problem. You can’t legally do that on public roads. This is one of the reasons why track days are so popular. Become one with your bike as you lean into the corners and find out what your bike can really do. To make the most of your day at the track, you need a bike that’s built for it. These are the top 10 bikes that consistently perform well on the track.