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. Even today, top speeds are rarely quoted by either manufacturer or even independent media outlets, such as MV Agusta simply listing their bikes as faster than 186 mph.
Regardless, a bike's top speed is still something that 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. This has its own 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 it's a good start in objectively finding the fastest bike in the world.
Update August 2023: The fight for the fastest production motorcycle title is hotter than ever, with manufacturers incorporating all the latest tech and innovations to make bikes more powerful and lighter than ever. While brands continue to update their lineups and revamp their existing bikes, we're here to keep you looped in on the developments and improvements!
10 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa - 186 mph
Starting MSRP: $18,799
Despite being the very reason of the gentlemen's agreement's existence, the Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa has the lowest power-to-weight ratio of all the bikes on this list. While still a fast bike in its own right, the third generation Hayabusas have been a divisive figure within the motorcycling community due to its styling.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 1,340cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline-four DOHC |
| Peak Power | 190 horsepower |
| Torque | 110 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 485 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.392 horsepower/pound |
Despite being fully modernized in the electronics department, the third generation is still slower compared to the 1999 original. Compared to the first generation, the latest Hayabusa is heavier and bulkier compared to more "refined" superbikes in this list. Regardless of this, the bike's acceleration is nothing short of warp speed coupled with comfort, stability, and smoothness in the ride.
9 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - 186 mph
Starting MSRP: $17,799
Kawasaki’s recent run of World Superbike success has certainly helped to put the ZX-10R into the limelight, with reality living up to the racing hype. An update in 2021 saw it sprouting aerodynamic winglets and tweaks to the engine, chassis, geometry and suspension.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 998cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline-four DOHC |
| Peak Power | 200 horsepower |
| Torque | 84.75 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 455 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.439 horsepower/pound |
What the updates didn’t address was the ultra-cramped riding position, which also became much more race-focused, meaning more weight over the front end. Mind-blowing on track but also remarkably tractable on the road, even if it will break every speed limit in first gear! There is even cruise control should you ever need it for some reason.
8 Suzuki GSX-R1000R - 186 mph
Starting MSRP: $18,199
The GSX-R series is one of the most popular sport bikes in the world, thanks to its approachable power and accessible price point. It's a track bike that you can essentially take to the streets.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 999cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline-four DOHC |
| Peak Power | 199 horsepower |
| Torque | 86.7 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 405 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.491 horsepower/pound |
Suzuki even claims that the GSX-R1000R is their lightest and best performing bike today, aided by upgraded Showa suspension parts and Brembo T-Drive brake rotors. The bike benefited a lot from the developments made by the now-defunct Suzuki MotoGP team, and the Gixxer continues to deliver with its simple yet effective approach to performance.
7 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP - 186 mph
Starting MSRP: $28,500
Having invented the modern concept of the sports bike, Honda for a long time lagged far behind in the power stakes to its rivals. The Fireblade SP changed it all up back in 2020, coming in with 215 hot horses that gave Honda a seat at the top table. The Fireblade remains one of the most accessible superbikes and the SP’s power output has done nothing to alter that fact, despite it being the most powerful and uncompromising track-oriented Fireblade ever.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 999cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline-four DOHC |
| Peak Power | 215 horsepower |
| Torque | 84 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 396 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.543 horsepower/pound |
As with so many super bikes today, the Fireblade SP was developed to win in WSBK, the premier production-based series on the planet. The fact that it hasn’t returned Honda to the winners’ circle doesn’t detract from its efficacy as a light-speed sports bike.
6 BMW M1000RR - 195 mph
Starting MSRP: $33,345
Prior to 2021, the ‘M-Sport’ tag was reserved for BMW’s four-wheeled creations. Then, BMW applied the ‘M’ thinking to the S 1000 RR super bike with predictably exotic results. Power is up to 212 horsepower from the 205 horsepower of the S 1000 RR. What you also get is less weight thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber - and lots of aerodynamic add-ons to keep the front end down when accelerating and improve braking stability.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 999cc |
| Engine Type | Water/Oil-cooled inline-four |
| Peak Power | 212 horsepower |
| Torque | 83 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 375 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.565 horsepower/pound |
As with the Honda Fireblade SP, the M 1000 RR is a limited edition homologation special for WSBK, even though a true World Superbike motorcycle would still need lots of work to prepare it for competition. In reality, the standard S 1000 RR is just as fast, not to mention a lot cheaper - $17,895 for the ’S’ against $33,345 for the ‘M’.
5 Ducati Panigale V4 R - 198 mph
Starting MSRP: $44,995
With the arrival of the V4 engine, Ducati moved into it’s first new phase since 1970, when the original V-Twin was introduced. If Ducati purists were alarmed, then it certainly did nothing to harm sales, which were more buoyant than ever. With a displacement of 1103cc, it was no good for WSBK racing, so Ducati revealed the 998cc V4 R, with a claimed 240.5 horsepower when correctly set up while weighing three pounds less.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 998cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 |
| Peak Power | 240.5 horsepower |
| Torque | 87 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 379 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.635 horsepower/pound |
Even the non-WSBK versions have an ultra-lightweight monocoque chassis, while the suspension and brakes are the best that money can buy. Of course, there are plenty of aerodynamic add-ons with the V4 R and has any motorcycle ever looked better than a Ducati sports bike finished in Italian racing red? $44,995 is the cost but, despite being a thinly-disguised race bike, it is fully road legal.
4 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory - 199 mph
Starting MSRP: $25,999
It's amazing how a small factory such as that of Aprilia in Noale, Italy can compete with the likes of Ducati, Honda, and BMW no one has ever managed to explain why. The RSV4 Factory is one of the finest sports bikes money can buy. Previously 1,000cc, the engine has been enlarged to 1,099cc, while the suspension has been uprated to semi-active electronic suspension, and the rest of the electronics package is similarly sophisticated.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 1,099cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 65° V4 DOHC |
| Peak Power | 217 horsepower |
| Torque | 92 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 390 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.556 horsepower/pound |
The RSV4 1100 Factory is super-compact and certainly not for tall riders but for those who can fold themselves into it, you’re in for a treat, with brilliant handling, huge power and better build-quality than you might expect from a small Italian manufacturer.
3 Ducati Superleggera V4 - 200 mph
Starting MSRP: $100,000
The Ducati Superleggera V4 is the brand's most potent offering, with a plethora of carbon fiber parts attached for weight savings coupled with advanced riding aids, and arguably the best V4 on the market.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 998cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 |
| Peak Power | 234 horsepower |
| Torque | 88 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 335 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.699 horsepower/pound |
When the racing kit is installed, the bike turns into something else, as the carbon winglets at the front provide unparalleled stability at speed for the rider. If that wasn't enough, cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control, and a whole suite of electronic aids make the ride worthy of the premium price.
2 Norton V4 SV - 200 mph
Starting MSRP: $54,000
‘Modern’ Norton has struggled to be taken seriously, a process not helped by the financial shenanigans of owner Stuart Garner. Despite this, the company succeeded in producing the UK’s first superbike, the V4 RR, which is not only one of the best Norton Motorcycles ever made but has also morphed into the V4 SV following the takeover by Indian company TVS.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 1,200cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 72° V4 |
| Peak Power | 185 horsepower |
| Torque | 92.2 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 424.6 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.434 horsepower/pound |
If the SV is less powerful and heavier than the old V4 RR, at least it should be reliable. The stunning good looks have fortunately remained, as it's not cheap and Norton claims it to be the most ‘luxurious’ British superbike ever, despite being the only British superbike ever! As ultimate top speed is academic, having something so rare and beautiful in your garage will make up for its relative lack of speed!
1 Kawasaki H2R - 240 mph
Starting MSRP: $57,500
The ultimate and, so far, the fastest production motorcycle ever built. World Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoğlu rode a stock example over a bridge in Turkey to a straight-line production bike speed record of 400km/h (240mph)! In essence, it is the road-legal H2 but de-restricted, with a race exhaust system and without lights: it even comes with racing slick tires as standard just to emphasize the fact that it’s really too fast for normal road use.
Performance Specs
| Displacement | 998cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled supercharged inline-four DOHC |
| Peak Power | 326 horsepower |
| Torque | 121 pound-feet |
| Dry Weight | 424 pounds |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.769 horsepower/pound |
The supercharger injects 31 psi worth of boost into the engine, pushing it to the boundaries of what's possible with motorcycle engineering. Actually, it’s too heavy to beat a well-ridden liter sports bike around a track but, when a bike looks this good and is this fast in a straight line, who needs to go fast around corners?