The World’s Fastest Motorcycles Leave The Competition In The Dust
If you own a motorcycle, chances are that you love speed and love going fast. Motorcycles offer all of the speed that you want as well as the exhilaration of feeling the wind on your face and the world behind you. But of course, not all motorcycles were made the same and there are going to be some that will outdo the others.
This list showcases some of the world's fastest bikes. Surprisingly not all of these bikes are from this time period; some of these bikes are over a decade old and are still fast enough to beat the likes of a new bike that came out this year. Whether the bike is new or old, here is a list of the world's fastest motorcycles.
Bimota YB8 Furano
A very rare and sought after bike in the USA is the Bimota YB8 Furano. We start off this list with an imported bike because of its impressive history and timeless status. It came out in the early 1990s and has 164 horsepower.
It has won races across the globe and though not easily accessible to many riders today, if you were ever able to get your hands on one of them it would be an experience for sure.
MV Agusta F4 RC
The MV Agusta F4 RC was only recently made a street-legal bike and made available for the public. Originally, the bike was used for racing purposes only and buyers now have the option to add on a race kit to the current model.
The street-legal version of the engine produces 205 horsepower. If you add on the extra racing kit, you will add a little more weight which will help with controlling. The MV Agusta F4 RC can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and has a 998 cc, Liquid-cooled, four-cylinder-engine.
CBR-1000 RR Fireblade
Considered a flagship sports bike made for the general masses, the CBR-1000 RR Fireblade brings the best and latest in bike racing technology to everyone who wants it. Some of the addons in the Fireblade include; wheelie control, rear lift control, engine braking, riding mode select system, power selection, and a new ABS gyroscopic mechanism.
The 2019 models weigh 195 kg making it lighter than the previous models released by Honda a few years ago but don't let the weight throw you off. The CBR-1000 RR Fireblade is still one of the fastest motorcycles you can get.
BMW K1300S
Launched by BMW in October 2008, the BMW K1300S was a substitute for the previous K1300 model. One of the best things about the BMW K1300s besides its speed is its throaty deep engine sound whenever you start it up.
Under the hood, it has a 1,293 cc (78.9 cu in) inline-four engine, a seat height of 820 mm (32.3 in) and a top speed of 174.5 mph (280.8 km/h). The BMW K1300S' 6-speed gearbox sends additional power to the wheels as well as your ride.
2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R
In 2012, the Kawasaki ZX-14R held the record for having the fastest 1/4 mile racing time on the track and it would be years before that time was beat. Though it doesn't fall under the same name, the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R falls under the same umbrella as the Kawasaki Ninja which is known for its lightning speed.
Though not a lot of upgrades have been made to the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R since its 2012 release, Kawasaki is planning on making an update soon. The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R 1/4 mile time is currently 9.47 seconds with a speed of 152.83.
MV Agusta F4 LH44
This Italian speed bike is a luxury that can cost an eager driver big. The MV Agusta F4 LH44 is not only beautiful on the outside but it is also is one of the fastest bikes that you can buy.
There are some models that cost under $40,000 but once you start adding on performance and/or appearance packages, you can easily add on another $20,000 to bring the total over $60,000.
2020 Yamaha VMAX
Known for its popularity in street racing is the 2020 Yamaha VMAX. Over the years, Yamaha has added more upgrades to the bike's engine to add more power to the wheels. It has a giant 1,679cc water-cooled V-4, that produces 174 hp and it gets 113 pound-feet torque.
A little heavier than some, the 2020 Yamaha VMAX comes in at 683 pounds but it has a power-to-weight figure of 0.25. Yamaha added some relaxed ergonomics to make the bike easier to control and more comfortable to ride.
2019 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
This is the first Hayabusa that will make this list, but the 2019 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa does deserve mentioning on a list where we are talking about fast motorcycles.
First released back in 1999, the Hayabusa has a long history of making fast bikes that are coveted by bikers of all levels and ages. The bike has a 1,340cc water-cooled inline-four engine and has 166 hp and 101 pound-feet torque.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
The 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is not only a very fast bike, but it is one of the most popular. It doesn't have the same forced-air induction like Kawasaki or bells and whistles as the RSV4 or S1000RR but is still just as fast
When tested at a Dyno, it topped out at 155 horsepower. The 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a 1,301cc liquid-cooled V-twin and 93 pound-feet peak torque while weighing 470 pounds and having a power-to-weight ratio of 0.33.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4
This won't be the last time that a Ducati will be on a fastest bike list. Let's talk about the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4. It can be considered an Italian space shuttle and has a MotoGP-derived 1,103cc V-4 engine and 80 pound-feet torque.
It has a peak of 186 horsepower and weighs 436 pounds with a 0.43 power-to-weight ratio. Ducati has teased some special additions coming out in the future including a Streetfighter V4 version that will sit more upright.
2019 BMW K 1600 GTL
Just because you are wanting to go fast doesn't necessarily mean that you don't also want to be comfortable and enjoy your ride as well. The 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL is the perfect bike for those riders who want the best of both worlds.
The 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL gets 126 hp and 106 pound-feet peak torque. It is heavier at 772 pounds but is worth the extra weight to carry all of the soft comforts that you need. The 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL also has a 0.16 power-to-weight ratio.
Lightning LS-218
The Lightning LS-218 in some aspects can be considered one of the fastest production motorcycles on the road. It isn't called lightning for any reason although some motorcycle enthusiasts don't care for the bike at all because it is electric.
The Lightning LS-218 has a top speed of 218 mph; the number that comes after the name. Some of the specs on the Lightning LS-218 include having 200 horsepower, 168 lb-ft of torque, and it goes 0-60mph in 2 seconds flat.
BMW S1000RR HP4
Another great bike from BMW, the BMW S1000RR HP4 is a frequent placer for fastest bike lists. Though the BMW S1000RR HP4 has a factory limit of 190 mph, it can reach speeds of 196 and beyond thanks to its equipped racing technology from BMW.
It comes equipped with a 999cc transverse four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine and has 83 lb-ft of torque as well. You can easily mod the bike if you are looking for even more horsepower or if you want to change the look.
Ducati Panigale 1199R
The Ducati Panigale 1199R is one of the motorcycles that can just tick off all of the boxes. It's not only impressive on the outside but it is also agile, powerful and extremely fast. The Ducati Panigale 1199R is expensive as well but full of character and worth every penny that it will cost.
It has an 1199cc engine that cranks out 205 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque and it also has a top speed of 186 mph. You can swap it to race settings for an even faster ride.
MV Agusta F4 RR
Though the MV Agusta F4 RR is not a production model, it is still one of the best bikes to add to this list. It performs like a custom made motorcycle although it isn't and all of the MV Agusta F4 RR's were made special.
It has an all-powerful 998cc, 16 valve engine that gets 201 horsepower at 13,600 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 9,600 rpm. It has a lightweight engine and the whole thing weighs 418 pounds. It is claimed to have a top speed of 185 mph.
Yamaha YZF-R1M
This top spec'd out Yamaha YZF-R1M is next on this list of fastest motorcycles. It is more track-focused than the other standard R1 packages that are available. This Yamaha YZF-R1M is more lightweight and has a power increase to help get the driver an extra boost.
It has a 998cc inline-four cross-plane engine that has 200 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque; the Yamaha YZF-R1M can also exceed speeds of 186 mph. It is lightweight at 438 lbs and also has MotoGP derived electronics to help with control.
Aprilia RSV4 RF
This is the force that will never let up with the Aprilia RSV4 RF. If you were ever in doubt about the Aprilia RSV4 RF's speeding capabilities then you can just check out its racing history and the fact that it has won over 5 World Championships.
It has 201 horsepower at 13,000 rpm and 84.8 lb-ft of torque at 10,500 rpm. The whole bike is powered by a 999.6cc, 65 degree V4 engine and it has a dry weight of 397 pounds.
Suzuki GSX-R1000R
Though the Suzuki GSX-R1000R may not be as expensive or luxurious as some of its competition, it is one of the fastest bikes you can get. It is oftentimes compared to the Honda CBR1000RR SP and the Kawasaki ZX10RR.
Its newer models come with 199 horsepower and a slimmer engine to help with acceleration. It has a base MSRP of $17,199 which is a lot cheaper than some of its slower counterparts.
Dodge Tomahawk
The Dodge Tomahawk is the world's fastest motorcycle ever produced and has a top speed of 420 mph. It was unveiled in 2003 with only 9 motorcycles sold since then.
The specs on the Dodge Tomahawk include its V-10 SRT Dodge Viper engine that has 8.3 liters. It can go from 0 to 60 in just 1.5 seconds and has a maximum horsepower of 500. One of the biggest differences in the Dodge Tomahawk is its wheel structure where it has two front and two back wheels.
Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Considered a hyper sports motorcycle, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R is also one of the fastest superbikes ever driven to date. The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is a track-only motorcycle and isn't street legal because of its dangerous high speeds.
It has 300 horsepower and can go over 249 mph. It comes with a 998 CC supercharged inline 4 engine. Kawasaki included a dog-ring transmission on the Kawasaki Ninja H2R to improve faster and smoother shifting.
MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K
The MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K was considered to be the "the most powerful production motorcycle" by the Guinness Book of World Records. It is a non-production motorcycle that is out of reach for most drivers.
It features the Rolls-Royce 250 C18 turboshaft engine and has a maximum power of 320 horsepower at 52,000 rpm. The MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K has an impressive top speed of 227 mph and was manufactured from 2000-2005.
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird hits the mark as the fastest sports tourer motorcycle to come from the mega motorcycle brand Honda.
The Super Blackbird Series was manufactured specifically between 1996 and 2007 and in 1997, the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird clutched the title of fastest production motorcycle by winning a race against the Kawasaki ZX-11. The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird has a top speed of 190 mph and has 152 horsepower that is produced from its 1137cc engine.
MV Agusta F4 1000R
The MV Agusta F4 1000R comes in as part of the second series of F4 1000 motorcycles from the Italian brand and manufacturing company Agusta. Though it is a limited quantity bike, the MV Agusta F4 1000R still holds a place on this list because it is deadly fast.
It has a 1000cc 16 radical valves liquid-cooled engine and a max speed of 184 horsepower. The MV Agusta F4 1000R can go from 0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds.
Aprilia RSV 1000R
One of the most recent and fastest superbikes to be manufactured and marketed out of Aprilia is the Aprilia RSV 1000R. It has a 998cc V-twin engine and produces 141 horsepower at 10,000 rpm.
In a straight line, the Aprilia RSV 1000R can go from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds and has a top speed of 175 mph. Aprilia didn't want to make a bike that was just fast but they also wanted to make one that was comfortable as well and they added a quality seat for comfort.
BMW K 1200S
Another hyper sport touring motorcycle to come out of BMW is the BMW K 1200S. Every year BMW outdoes itself by making faster and more beautiful bikes for people to enjoy.
The BMW K 1200S specs include 1157cc, a 16 valve 4-cylinder engine and revolutionary suspension with top of the line braking technology to stop on a dime. The BMW K 1200S has a horsepower of 164 at 10,250 rpm and a top speed of 174 mph.
Ducati 1098S
Another Ducati on this list, the Ducati 1098S is not only one of the fastest bikes in the world but it is also one of the best selling. Its speed and overall looks contribute to its popularity among buyers and its no wonder.
The Ducati 1098S has a 1099cc engine and an extremely high torque to weight ratio. It has 160 horsepower and a top speed of 169 mph. Ducati includes weight saving technology in the bike to help with keeping it light and agile.
2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR
Good luck saying the name of this entry three times fast, the 2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR is one of the older Ducati models on this list but is just as fast as the newest bikes. The 2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR is one of the only bikes in history at the time of this writing to crack the 9.5-second mark in the quarter-mile run.
It came in second only behind the ZX-14R which was .02 seconds faster. Though the RR in the name stands for "Racing Replica", the 2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR has a street-legal version available now.
2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2
One of many Kawasaki Ninja models to make the world's fastest motorcycle list is the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2. Considered a supercharged supersport motorcycle, the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 ran the 1/4 mile in just 9.62 seconds at 152.01 mph.
The super-powerful engine gets 310 horsepower and with modifications and the right environment can get almost up to 326 horsepower. The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2's engine also comes equipped with a variable-speed centrifugal supercharger.
2008 Suzuki Hayabusa
Suzuki has been producing the Hayabusa since the late 1990s and though this isn't the latest model, the 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa still deserves to be on this list. Back in 1999 when the first Hayabusa was released it was labeled the fastest street-legal motorcycle in the world.
Years later, Suzuki is still making headlines with their bikes and 2008 was a landmark year for them. The 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa has a 1/4 mile time of 9.70 seconds at 148.48 mph.
2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R
Released originally in 2004, the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R was an improvement to the Kawasaki ZX-9R which was its first generation. The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R went on to win the Cycle World's Best Superbike two years in a row between 2004 and 2005.
In 2008, Kawasaki made a change to the engine with an increased compression ration and single side exhaust. The next year would bring shift shaft upgrades and changes to design including recessed headlights. The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R had a 9.72 second 1/4 mile time at 150 mph.
2008 Ducati 1098R
The year 2008 was a great one for the Ducati 1098R because it was the year that some of the biggest updates and upgrades Ducati came up with were able to be culminated into one singular bike.
Between 2007 and 2009 when the 2008 Ducati 1098R was sold, there would be three trim levels of this bike available; the 1098, the 1098S, and the 1098R which was the fastest. The 1098R model had a 1/4 mile time of 9.75 seconds at 148.6 mph.
2013 BMW HP4
2013 marked the year that BMW made impressive leaps to the technology that it was putting into its motorcycles and the 2013 BMW HP4 got to see all of those positive changes.
Included in some of those upgrades was the Dynamic Damping Control system that communicates with the suspension through sensors and throttle input to alter the bike's suspension every 11 milliseconds. While that did help with performance, it also helped with the bike's 1/4 mile time which was 9.76 seconds at 152.4 mph.
2006 Kawasaki ZX-10R
Another Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle on this list, the 2006 Kawasaki ZX-10R was a stand out motorcycle for the brand.
Kawasaki made tweaks to the engine that resulted in a higher horsepower count, better control for the driver and a more efficient distribution of weight for an overall better ride. The 2006 Kawasaki ZX-10R has impressive 1/4 mile times as well getting through a 1/4 mile in 9.76 seconds at a speed of 149.08 mph.
2015 Yamaha YZF-R1
A part of the 8th generation of the R1 series motorcycles, the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 is a must-have for anyone looking for a motorcycle that is fast and affordable.
Yamaha made some electronics upgrades to the R1 Series including a Traction Control System and a Slide Control System which allowed the most updated racing technology to be used in a street-legal bike environment without causing harm or risk to the driver. The 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 has a 1/4 mile time of 9.83 seconds at 149.91 mph which got it in the top ten of the fastest bikes in 2015.
2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale
The 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale is one of the world's fastest motorcycles even over 5 years later because of Ducati's efficient build design and engineering.
Some of the 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale's specs include a 1,198cc 4-valve L-twin engine. Ducati also started including cutting edge technology of the time such as electronically adjustable suspension and an updated and redesigned exhaust system. The 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale had a 1/4 mile time of 9.84 seconds at 145.68 mph.
2002 Kawasaki ZX-12R
Another Kawasaki Ninja on the list is the 2002 Kawasaki ZX-12R. Over a decade a half old at the time of this article, the 2002 Kawasaki ZX-12R is still competitive against even some of the fastest bikes today
At the time of its release, the 2002 Kawasaki ZX-12R was the fastest production bike on the market and held that title for over 10 years before it was successfully beat out. The 2002 Kawasaki ZX-12R has a 1/4 mile time of 9.87 seconds at 146.29 mph.
2004 Yamaha YZF-R1S
Almost any year that you buy the Yamaha YZF-R1S you will get a motorcycle that is fast and powerful but the 2004 model year is one that deserves a spot on this list. Originally designed and manufactured in 1998, several generations of the R1 evolved, with the most drastic changes occurring in 2002.
By 2004, the Yamaha YZF-R1S had altered its style, its exhaust, and its brakes, while also introducing the R1 Ram-air intake. 2004 saw upgrades in the brake calipers and a quarter-mile time of 9.90 seconds at 144.98 mph (233.32 km/h).
2011 Ducati 1199 Panigale S
Ducati is responsible for a lot of fast motorcycles on this list and the 2011 Ducati 1199 Panigale S is just another one of their amazing creations. The Ducati 1199 Panigale S gets its name from Borgo Panigale, which is a district of Bologna in northern Italy where Ducati is made.
At the 2011 Panigale's peak, it had the 10th highest speed and 5th highest rear wheel horsepower of any production motorcycle at the time. The 2011 Ducati 1199 Panigale S took the quarter-mile in 9.91 seconds at 145.95 mph (234.88 km/h).
2011 BMW S1000RR
The 2011 BMW S1000RR originally debuted and was designed solely to be a racing bike in the Superbike World Championship in 2009. After BMW received a lot of popular demand for a street-legal adaption a production version of the BMW S1000RR was available for commercial sale.
Though it was dialed down slightly to accommodate driving laws on the road, the 2011 BMW S1000RR still has a 9.93 1/4 time at 149.8 mph (241.1 km/h).
2014 BMW S1000R
The 2014 BMW S1000R is last but not least on this list and it shares many similarities with the BMW S1000RR. BMW modeled a lot of the S1000R's designs for the engine, gearbox, frame, and suspension after the S1000RR.
Another similarity between the BMW S1000R ad the S1000RR is their 1/4 time, with only 1/100 of a second difference between the two. The 2014 BMW S1000R can go a quarter-mile in 9.94 seconds at 141.74 mph.