So you want to go fast, but you don't have a lot of money to burn. Well, you are in luck; you don't have to empty your bank account to buy a fast bike. All you need is to know what bikes to look for. There are plenty of new bikes out there that have a price point well below $10,000.

You also don't need a bike with a large displacement engine. Plenty of small-capacity bikes offer the punchy power and speed that you crave. These 10 dirt cheap but fast motorcycles on the market today are sure to scratch your speed itch without emptying your wallet.

Pulling data directly from manufacturers, government agencies, reputable news sources and reviewers, we've put together a list of the fastest, inexpensive motorcycles on the market.

Updated August 2023: No one has ever said that a fast motorcycle also must be an expensive one. There are plenty of thrilling bikes out there that show this to be true. And to keep our readers up to speed on all the latest releases, this article will be updated periodically.

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13 Yamaha MT-03

MSRP: $4,999

The Yamaha MT-03 is an approachable alternative to the MT-07. It is smaller and more affordable, making it the perfect bike for city commuting or weekend racing. Your senses will come alive with the spunky handling. The seat is narrow through the front and wide at the back, giving you a supportive base for the upright ride position the bike puts you in.

Expect to do a lot of shifting at the low end as the power spreads out through the upper gears. The power delivery is smooth and steady, making it an excellent bike for learning throttle control and power delivery. You don't have to worry about hiccups and delays.

Pros

• Plenty of technology
• Bright LED lighting
• Smooth-shifting gears

Cons

• Stiff ride
• No long high-end torque
• Passenger seat uncomfortable

RELATED: New KTM 390 Duke vs Yamaha MT-03 - Battle Of The Sub-400cc Streetfighters

12 Kawasaki Ninja 400

MSRP: $5,299

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the brand's solution to needing a small displacement bike to attract beginners while also wanting to stay competitive in the middle-weight sports bike category. This small bike replaces the 250 and 300cc bikes that were once part of the Kawasaki lineup. This was smart because the Ninja 400 is ergonomically comfortable and fun to ride.

The sporty ride position is similar to the bigger Ninjas but not so aggressive that it gives you a sore back. The smooth torque curve shows a level of power that makes the bike approachable for beginners. However, someone experienced can take it out on the track and have some fun.

Pros

• Great handling
• Good power
• Easy to ride

Cons

• Passenger seat uncomfortable
• Mirrors are just out of reach
• Suspension is a little soft

11 Yamaha YZF-R3

MSRP: $5,499

This spunky little motorcycle may only have a 321cc engine, but that doesn't mean it is slow. Technically, the Yamaha YZF-R3 is on the low-weight end of the middle-weight bikes. Take it out on the street as a beginner rider or put it through its paces on the track. Because the bike is so light, you can do mid-corner corrections and more aggressively lean to the side.

What makes the Yamaha YZF-R3 different is the inverted fork and shock. They let you ride more aggressively, which is why this bike works so well for beginners and experienced riders. However, you will notice the suspension is stiffer than other bikes, making it less comfortable on city streets.

Pros

• Low seat height
• Great handling
• Good rev curve

Cons

• Brakes are lacking
• No ABS
• Vibrations at mid revs

RELATED: 10 Great Yamaha Motorcycles Every Enthusiast Should Know

10 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

MSRP: $5,649

The urban scrambler style of this bike makes it perfect for the city rider looking for a bit more performance power. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 has an excellent suspension that smooths out the bumpiest roads. However, it is the 373cc single-cylinder engine that helps this bike shine.

Thanks to the ride-by-wire system, the lightweight engine has a punchy feel with a refined touch. Factor in the bike's low overall weight, and you have an impressive power-to-weight ratio. To top it off, the aggressive performance of this bike is the easy shift sensor that aids in seamless up or downshifts.

Pros

• Great for beginners
• Easy Shift function
• Comfortable seats for two

Cons

• Vibrations at high RPMs
• Overheats easily
• Second seat area small

9 KTM RC 390

MSRP: $5,899

The KTM RC 390 may be the most advanced beginner bike out there. Despite its 390cc engine, it is ready to race on a track near you. It comes loaded with throttle maintenance, multiple modes, engine mapping, a ride-by-wire system, and traction control. These are all rider-assist features you typically see on the bigger displacement superbikes.

The core of this bike is racing, and you see it in its overall design. It has a compact rider position, a firm seat, and stiff suspension. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't ride the bike on the street. You'll find the KTM 390 packs plenty of power to keep up with highway traffic.

Pros

• Plenty of power
• Great handling
• Lots of technology

Cons

• Small gas tank
• No hazard lights
• Uncomfortable second seat

8 KTM Duke 390

MSRP: $5,899

Unlike the RC 390, the KTM Duke 390 has a more relaxed riding position that puts your upper body more upright. It may not have the aggressive track heritage of the RC, but that doesn't mean it can't get up and go.

The bike is lightweight and compact, giving it plenty of agility. Combine that with the 373cc engine, and you have a bike ready to kick up the dust. Do not assume that the low displacement of this bike means it is a beginner-only bike. Experienced riders will find joy in flinging it around the curves.

Pros

• Great handling
• Good power
• Great maneuverability

Cons

• Stiff ride
• Small gas tank
• Low ground clearance

7 Honda Rebel 500

MSRP: $6,499

The Honda Rebel 500 has not changed much over the last couple of years, but that does not mean that riders have shied away from it. Quite the opposite, in fact. The Rebel is one of the biggest sellers for Honda because it is designed for cruising through the city streets or on the open roads, whichever suits your soul the best.

The 45.9 horsepower is about the same as the other options on this list, while the 29.9 pound-feet of torque is a little on the low side. That is to be expected of a small cruiser, though, because they are not designed for upfront power, which can be shown by the 0 to 60 times of over 10 seconds. On the flip side, though, the Honda Rebel 500 has a top speed of around 100 MPH, which it can hold for extreme lengths of time without faltering.

Pros

• Great low-end torque
• Good cornering clearance
• Relaxed riding position

Cons

• Not for tall riders
• Small gas tank
• Uncomfortable seats

6 Honda CBR500R

MSRP: $7,299

The affordable yet sporty Honda CBR500R is a fun yet practical bike. It mirrors the full fairing look of the larger displacement bikes. The difference is that it is much more fuel efficient, making it a perfect bike for commuting or riding all day. It is more expensive, but you get performance features you would expect to see on a bigger displacement bike.

For example, it comes with Showa BP-SFF inverted fork, double disk front brakes, and ABS. The first gear is a bit short, but the power curve through the rest is nice, so you aren't constantly shifting when riding in traffic. Get it out on the backroads, and you will really have some fun.

Pros

• Great suspension
• Good handling
• Lots of legroom

Cons

• Horn hard to reach
• Suspension is soft
• Uncomfortable seat

5 Suzuki SV650

MSRP: $7,299

The Suzuki SV650 is another bike that is great for beginning riders because the advanced fuel injection system adjusts the engine speed automatically when driving at slower speeds. This helps you keep control of the bike better, so you can concentrate on other things, such as the road. The great thing about the SV650 is that it is not produced just for new bikers; mid and experienced riders can also get a good thrill while riding it.

The 90-degree twin-V 645cc engine produces up to 75 horsepower and 47 pound-feet of torque, which can get you from 0 to 60 in just over 3 seconds. If you are in Canada or want to take a quick trip, another trim level, the SV650XA, is available since they only sell the ABS model. The cost for that will be around $9,299, depending on where you go.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Easy clutch
• Responsive

Cons

• Burns oil
• Can corrode easily
• Lacking technology

4 Kawasaki Z650

MSRP: $7,749

The Kawasaki Ninja is the premier sport bike for the company, but let's not forget about the Z-series bikes, such as the Z650, that come at a lower price but still have excellent performance. In fact, you will find that some of the components, such as the traction control system, are exactly the same on both bikes.

The Kawasaki Z650 gives you a lightweight chassis that helps bring the weight down to 412 pounds or so when ABS is installed, and that is full of fluids, including gas. The 649cc engine can put out 48.5 pound-feet of torque and offers up to 67.3 horses. Nothing like the top offering, the Z H2 gives 197 horsepower, but for the money paid, it is what can be expected.

Pros

• Smooth-shifting
• Great acceleration
• Light clutch

Cons

• Poor mileage
• Low ground clearance
• Uncomfortable seat

3 Kawasaki Ninja 650

MSRP: $8,299

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is one of the more expensive bikes on this list. However, you get much more power and performance for a couple extra thousand. This makes it a great buy with a lot of value for the money. Beginner riders who feel cramped on the smaller displacement bikes should consider the 650. It has a low seat height and forgiving throttle.

You can also choose between ABS or non-ABS options. The performance and handling of the 650 are more subdued than comparable bikes, making it perfect for the more laid-back bike rider that wants speed, but isn't looking to aggressively weave through traffic or push the limits in the twisties.

Pros

• Traction control
• Comfortable riding position
• Easy-to-read display

Cons

• No rider modes
• Uncomfortable seat cushion
• Stiff suspension

2 Triumph Trident 660

MSRP: $8,595

The Triumph Trident 660 roadster is one of those bikes that are so easy to ride that you may forget what you are doing when cruising down the road. Obviously, that is not a suggested state of mind to be in, but it goes to show just how simple this bike is to learn how to operate, especially for beginners. This is not to say that experienced riders will not enjoy the smooth, easy way in which the Trident 660 cruises because you will.

The liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder engine pumps out up to 81 horses and 47 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty on a bike that only has a wet weight of around 416 pounds. The bike features a wet clutch, sequential multiport fuel injection, and enough leg room for those of you with longer legs than the rest of the motorcycle-riding population.

Pros

• Great steering response
• Comfortable
• Good handling

Cons

• Stiff ride
• Brakes are a little lacking
• Little tech

1 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR

MSRP: $9,699

If you are truly looking for something fast that is under $10,000, nothing can compare to a bike that is already race-ready, which is what the RR at the end is all about. The Ninja ZXRR only offers a 400cc engine that can put 26.5 pound-feet to the ground, but along with the 80 horses that the Ram Air system adds, the bike can shoot from 0 to 60 in just over 4 seconds, with a top speed of 131 MPH.

If you wanted to compare those times with the base level Ninja 400, you would find that the 0 to 60 is about the same, but the top speed is more with the ZXRR. The reason is simple; it is designed to be on the track with the throttle wide open. Of course, that will not be the case for most of you, but it can still give you some serious fun on the highway.

Pros

• Modern technology
• Powerful engine
• Adjustable suspension

Cons

• Steel frame
• Transmission shifts rough
• Borderline expensive