The rider community is a worldwide brotherhood. There is no status distinction between beginners and experts, or between those who traveled the most miles and those who traveled the least. We all belong to the same tribe. But when it comes to motorcycles, there is one important factor: the rider-machine relationship. This relationship grows stronger with experience. That’s why it is always advised for new riders to choose motorcycles which match their skill level. However, this party is for the big boys. Here we have selected Japanese motorcycles that perform the best when a seasoned rider is in the saddle. So, let's start the party and have a look at 10 great Japanese motorcycles for experienced riders.

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10 Kawasaki KLR650

MSRP: $6,899

Why is it for experienced riders? Because this adventure motorcycle is totally basic—just a powerful single cylinder engine, excellent suspension, and robust braking—there are no fancy electronic rider aids, even the ABS is optional. The only notable electronic features are fully digital multifunctional instrumentation and an LED headlamp. This machine is for adventure enthusiasts who like it raw and depend on their hard-earned riding skills. Powering this machine is Kawasaki's dependable 652 cc single-cylinder engine that produces 39 lb-ft of torque with sufficient mid-range grunt to conquer the most treacherous trails. The latest model comes with bigger discs front and rear to provide strong and consistent braking performance. The tubular, semi-double cradle frame is of high strength and rigidity, and the seat, handlebar, and footpegs are mounted on rubber dampers for enhanced rider comfort.

Specifications

9 Yamaha YZ450FX

MSRP: $10,199

See what we have here for off-road experts: the new Yamaha YZ450FX. This cross-country racer is a must-have for those who have enjoyed the exhilarating thrill of the previous 450 model because the freshly tuned engine has more power across the rev range and 500 extra rpm to increase the top-end power. The electric start system is also there to minimize restart delays in the competition scenario. The latest 2024 model has been thoroughly revised to dominate the cross-country segment with an all-new bilateral beam frame for agile handling, improved rider ergonomics, and an upgraded Yamaha Power Tuner App. The suspension setup of the bike is also tuned up with new KYB forks and shocks that feature tool-less adjustment.

Specification

8 Yamaha Niken GT

KBB Price: $13,075

The Niken is probably the only motorcycle on the market that was declared ‘pro-rider only’ by the manufacturer. And that makes sense because the three-wheel design with two wheels up front is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. The Leaning Multi Wheel Design (LMW) provides class-leading cornering performance with an unrivaled sense of stability. Niken features an adjustable front screen and a redesigned seat to accommodate diverse rider sizes. Power, acceleration, and torque—Niken tops in every category thanks to its 890 cc CP3 engine that produces smooth yet strong power delivery in every riding condition. For the 2023 model year, Yamaha featured Niken with a 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity and Garmin navigation. Like the Tracer 9, this bike also comes standard with two full-size side cases. Unfortunately, Yamaha discontinued Niken for the US market, but it is still available in some markets in Europe and Asia.

Specifications

7 Honda CBR1000RR

MSRP: $16,599

With the raw power of a 998 cc engine and a top speed of 186 mph, beginners should stay away; this machine is for those aces who know how to tame a beast when it goes wild. Nourished with the DNA of Honda’s MotoGP champion machines, the CBR1000RR has been the ultimate superbike since its launch. Featured with dual-stage fuel injection, the engine has two sets of fuel injectors per cylinder, which ensures a superior blast of power and high throttle response at any rpm. The maximum 184 horsepower is not easy to manage, hence Honda loaded this bike with an array of rider aids such as five power curves, ten torque-control levels, three engine braking levels, and the latest three levels of wheelie control.

Specifications

Related: 2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R: Everything We Know So Far

6 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES

MSRP: $17,299

The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is a top-level tourer that can happily travel two-up for long distances. It has a versatile 1084 cc parallel-twin engine, great electronic suspension, and plenty of tech gadgetry. The engine is easy to get along with and has a throaty growl. It also has plenty of power control options to fine-tune the output to your riding conditions. The Showa electronic suspension is great for both on-road and off-road riding. The bike also has Apple CarPlay functionality that allows you to access your phone on a 6.5-inch TFT multifunction display. The bike comes with several rider aids to make the journey more fun, such as heated grips, cruise control, and torque control.

Specifications

5 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE Adventure

MSRP: $17,799

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure is the top-spec member of the V-Strom family. It is designed to take on a variety of road and off-road conditions. It features a 1037 cc V-twin engine, a chassis with significant ground clearance, 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke-style wheels with Dunlop Adventure tires, and long-travel suspension. The V-Strom 1050DE Adventure also comes standard with a variety of features to improve rider comfort and safety, such as a hand-adjustable windshield, cruise control, and traction control. Like every other top-spec model of Suzuki, the 1050 DE too has the S.I.R.S. electronic rider aid suite; besides, it has an interconnected information network (CAN) instead of conventional wiring, which facilitates faster data transmission across various electronic systems.

Specifications

4 Suzuki Hayabusa

MSRP: $19,099

Nobody knows exactly how fast a Hayabusa can be. Recently, a turbocharged Busa clocked 272 mph, breaking the record set by the legendary Guy Martin. This fastest sport bike of the 2000s is still an unbeatable challenge for every other sports bike out there, be it Japanese, American, or European. This rocket on two wheels features the Peregrine Falcon body design, which gives this bike outstanding aerodynamic capabilities. With the help of dual fuel injectors per cylinder, Hayabusa’s legendary 1340 cc, four-cylinder DOHC engine produces a staggering 190 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque. The latest model of the Hayabusa comes with a suite of electronic features in the package of Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.). This package includes the Drive Mode Selector, Motion Track Control System, Engine Brake Control, Cruise Control, Combined Brake System, and many others.

Specifications

3 Honda Gold Wing

MSRP: $25,600

The Honda Gold Wing is the undisputed big daddy of luxury touring. This flagship tourer from the Japanese manufacturer is powered by a massive 1833 cc six-cylinder engine spewing 125 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. It also weighs 805 pounds with all standard equipment and a full tank of fuel, so only a seasoned rider can handle this beast on the road. The Gold Wing is studded with some awesome features to make the ride smooth and fun. For example, it comes standard with ‘Walking Mode', which helps the rider move the fully loaded bike in tight parking spots or very slow-moving traffic. Besides, there is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a TFT LCD screen to access all riding information, smartphone applications, and notifications. Besides adding more color to its luxury touring nature, it has a 55-watt sound system with automatic volume adjustment.

Specifications

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2 Yamaha YZF-R1M

MSRP: $26,999

The YZF-R1M is actually a street-legal version of Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP racing bike. Though the manufacturer has not said it out loud, if you check the features and components of the bike, you will understand. The crossplane crankshaft technology of the bike is straight from the M1, and there is more. The R1 features the Slide Control System (SCS) from the M1 that regulates power delivery and the bike's cornering attitude under hard cornering acceleration. Also, there is an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), another feature from M1, that works in tandem with a gyro sensor and G-sensor accelerometer to calculate the movement in all six axes. This data is then fed to the rider assistance package for superb controllability.

Specifications

1 Kawasaki Ninja H2

MSRP: $31,500

The Ninja H2 is an impressive street-legal hypersport motorcycle, but it is not for everyone. It is expensive, and it requires a skilled rider to handle its power. If you are a skilled rider with long experience with sports bikes, and you are looking for a high-performance motorcycle that will turn heads, the H2 is a great option. It is powered by a supercharged 998-cc inline-four engine. It produces 207 horsepower and 104.9 lb-ft of torque and can reach speeds of up to 240 mph. The H2 Carbon is equipped with a variety of electronic rider aids, including traction control, ABS, and launch control. The rider aid systems are powered by Bosch IMU and Kawasaki’s dynamic modeling software for precise chassis orientation awareness. The dash is featured with a fully digital TFT color screen, which connects with your smartphone via Rideology the app.

Specifications