Since the introduction of the game-changing Suzuki GSX-R750 in the 1980s, the modern sportbike market has seen a steady stream of increasingly competent and high-performance motorcycles. Capable of delivering lightning-fast lap times, superb acceleration and cornering. Most new high-performance superbikes have an MSRP higher than the average sedan, but the used motorcycle market offers a much more affordable alternative to buying a new bike.
Modern sportbikes have been around for over three and a half decades. Therefore, there are a huge number of available makes, models and years to choose from, giving buyers an almost endless choice of motorcycles at different prices. The truth is that almost all modern sports bikes have pretty high performance. However, there are a few models that stand above the rest, offering better performance, specifications and technology. And it's this group of two-wheelers that we'll be focusing on today to bring you this guide to the best used superbikes and sportbikes for the money.
Types of Motorcycles – Road Motorcycles
Designed for movement on asphalt roads.
Naked
The term naked (from the English naked) is used for motorcycles without fairings that cover the engine and frame, and little plastic. Naked bikes aren't usually very fast - and if they are, it's extremely rare. This category includes both “naked” motorcycles with a sporty silhouette and modern classic-style cars.
The riding position on this type of motorcycle is comfortable and relaxed - quite upright, but at the same time slightly leaning forward - somewhere between the fully upright riding position of a cruiser and the riding position of a sports car.
These types of motorcycles, due to their versatility and flexibility, are often recommended for beginners - after all, these motorcycles, although little by little, have it all.
Examples:
Honda Hornet CB600F – motorcycle types
Ducati Monster S4 road bike
Yamaha FZ1 Fazer road motorcycle
Yamaha XTZ Tenere 700
Price: about 880,000 rubles
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Yamaha XTZ Tenere 700 . It feels like we've been waiting too long for this bike. The newest Tereska is equipped with a CP2 , that is, two direct engines with a volume of 689 cm 3, known from the MT-07.
In addition to the superb yet almost indestructible engine, there's plenty of room to show off the 240mm ground clearance . The thin plastic, narrow log and vertical display are a tribute to those who like to ride standing up. Off fans will also be pleased to have the option to turn off ABS . The front pivot has an inverted travel of 210 mm, and diameters are 21 and 18 inches with spokes
Power ► 73.4 hp at 9000 rpm. Torque ► 68 Nm at 6500 rpm. Weight with liquids ► rumored to be 205 kg
Sports
Sports motorcycles, popularly called simply “sports”, are distinguished by high-power engines that are capable of achieving high speeds in a short time and over short distances. Characteristic of sports motorcycles are aerodynamic fairings that tightly cover the engine and a streamlined silhouette that reduces air resistance. “Sports”, as a rule, have a rather aggressive and tough style.
The position of the driver of this type of motorcycle - almost lying down, sometimes, on the contrary, curled up - is uncomfortable and very tiring when riding on long routes. However, they are designed more for racing tracks than for tourist walks. Motorcycles are distinguished by disc suspension, very effective brakes and extremely low weight.
They are not recommended for beginner motorcyclists.
Examples:
Yamaha YZF-R1 sports motorcycle – types of motorcycles
sportbike Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – racing motorcycle
Honda CBR600RR sportbike – racing motorcycle
List of the best maintained sports motorcycles
Now that you know what to look for when shopping, let's turn our attention to our picks for over a dozen of the best used superbikes currently available at dealerships and online.
HONDA CBR600 F4
The CBR600 F4 is a true racing supersport that can also be purchased for next to nothing. Aesthetically, it may look a little long, although underneath its dated body is a thoroughly modern chassis and a 599cc inline-four engine. cm and a power of 110 hp. Which allows the F4 to accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of over 250 km/h. When it comes to affordable supersport, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better value bike than the F4.
Engine: 599 cc cm, four-cylinder engine with liquid cooling Power: 110 hp and 66 Nm Top speed: 250 km/h New price: $7,899 Used price: $2,600 Origin: Japan
HONDA VFR800
Considering the typical asking price on the used car market, the VFR800 is undoubtedly one of the best bargains around. For around $2,500 you can get a Japanese motorcycle with a liquid-cooled V4 engine, a full body kit and a single-sided swingarm. Which is really good for everything from track days to commuting and long trips. This exotic and extremely affordable sport tourer also features distinctive side-mounted radiators and a comfortable, upright riding position that allows you to corner with confidence.
Engine: 782 cc cm, 90° V4 liquid cooled Power: 108 HP and 82 Nm Maximum speed: 230 km/h New price: $9,500 Used price: $3,000 Origin: Japan
KAWASAKI NINJA 300
Thanks to the popularity and success of the Ninja 400, Kawasaki's older Ninja 300 and Ninja 250 models are now available. For first-time riders who want a handling bike that can tear up the supersport, the Ninja 300 is a stellar choice with its surprisingly powerful engine for its size. What's more, in addition to having a huge amount of parts and upgrades available for the little ninjas, there are also a decent number of racing leagues that campaign friendly Kawasakis.
Engine: 296 cc liquid cooled Power: 39 hp and 23 Nm Maximum speed: 190 km per hour New price: $4,799 Used price: $3,100 Origin: Japan
SUZUKI GSX-R750
While it may seem a little dated to some, for those who appreciate the styling of the endurance racers of the 80s and 90s, the 1996 Gixxer 750 is a stellar motorcycle with old-school looks and a modern inline-four engine. New for 1996, a GP-style twin-spar alloy frame, the 1996 GSX-R750, commonly referred to as SRAD, also featured Suzuki's advanced Ram Air Direct intake system. This pre-millennium Gixxer is also a stellar candidate at an affordable price.
Engine: 749cc inline 4-cylinder engine cm with liquid cooling Power: 128 hp and 80 Nm Maximum speed: 275 km per hour New price: 8999 US dollars Used price: 3100 dollars Country of origin: Japan
KTM RC390
The KTM RC390 offers slightly more power and displacement than the average quarter-litre supersport engine. Thus giving riders more time to learn and progress before they outgrow the bike. And while you can't go wrong with any model year of the RC390, the 2021 version receives several key upgrades, including redesigned bodywork, a slipper clutch, a racing light shifter, and adjustable rear kits. Which together improve the bike both on the street and on the local race track. If you only plan to track your RC390, you might want to consider trying to find a competition-ready option.
Engine: Single cylinder 373 cc liquid cooled Power: 44 hp and 35 Nm Maximum speed: 180 km per hour New price: $5499 Used price: $4000 Country of origin: Austria
YAMAHA YZF-R6
In 2006, Yamaha completely redesigned the R6, and it has remained virtually unchanged since then. Except for the addition of a newly redesigned body for 2021 and the addition of some electronic driver aids in the same year. The engine and chassis are practically untouched and almost completely finished to perfection. While it's not as comfortable or practical as a daily commuter or street bike as the GSX-R600 or CBR600RR, the YZF is easily the most powerful 600 in its class, with multiple titles to prove it.
Engine: 599.4 cc cm, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled Power: 127 hp and 66 Nm Top speed: 255 km/h New price: $8,299 Used price: $4,500 Origin: Japan
TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675
While i4 racing replicas provide a thrilling ride, they aren't exactly suited to street driving as most of the engine's power is extracted near its rev ceiling. And while they don't offer the fastest top speeds, bikes like Triumph's Daytona 675 deliver noticeably more torque due to a much lower powerband, resulting in a badass sportbike. In addition to being an insanely powerful three-cylinder motorcycle, the aluminum twin-spar chassis and razor-sharp suspension make this British supersport an extremely popular race bike.
Engine: 675 cc cm, three-cylinder in-line with liquid cooling Power: 125 hp and 72 Nm Maximum speed: 250 km per hour New price: $8,999 Used price: $4,600 Origin: England
KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-6R
In 2007, Kawasaki switched back to the 599cc version of the ZX-6R. cm, in accordance with competition requirements. Which makes the 2006 model year variant the best choice for Ninja buyers. The 2006 version also received updates to its already excellent suspension package, plus a race-style torque limiter. Four-piston radial calipers bite 300mm brake discs, LCD display and GP-style lower fascia and tail exhaust. The 2005/2006 generation ZX-6 is also more similar to its 1000cc sibling. See than any other production version of the motorcycle.
Engine: 636 cc, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled Power: 130 hp and 70 Nm Top speed: 255 km/h New price: $8,699 Used price: $4,700 Origin: Japan
SUZUKI GSX-R1300 HAYABUSA
The Suzuki Hayabusa is an iconic motorcycle that emerged from the motorcycle speed wars of the 1990s. It was first released in 1999 and then underwent a major overhaul in 2008. For this reason, we recommend choosing the 2008 Busa model. Which offers next-gen mechanical and engineering benefits and boasts an updated body design, while being available at the lowest price of all the second-gen Gixxer 1300. The recent introduction of an even newer, more high-tech generation of Blackbird Eater from Suzuki is likely to reduce prices of older models even further.
Engine: 1340 cc cm, four-cylinder with liquid cooling Power: 197 hp and 132 Nm Top speed: 300 km/h New price: $14,799 Used price: $6,800 Origin: Japan
APRILIA RSV4-R
In 2009, Aprilia replaced its V-Twin-powered RSV 1000 superbike with an all-new flagship model, the RSV4. Along with the base models, the Italian brand also produced a top-spec R-spec homologation special that won the WSBK championship in 2010. For a used price of under $10K, the RSV4-R gives you a staggering amount of ultra-premium parts. Chassis with anodized aluminum swing arm and variable geometry frame, slipper clutch, Aprilia MotoGP by wire, Magnetti Marelli ECU, Brembo monobloc radial brakes with steel braid, inverted fork, monobloc - Ohlins shock absorber and steering damper, forged aluminum wheels and numerous carbon fiber attachments.
Engine: 999.6 cc cm, 65° V-4 liquid cooled Power: 180 hp and 115 Nm Top speed: 286 km/h New price: $20,999 Used price: $6,800 Origin: Italy
KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10R
Kawasaki's ZX-10R superbike received a major model update in 2011, and although it took the green team a few years to iron out the kinks in its factory racing program, the 1000cc Ninja eventually became the most competitive superbike in the world. Winning the WSBK title in 2013 before repeating the feat in 2015 and every season since. The ZX-10R's enormous success on the track is due to a completely redesigned engine, equipped with a completely modern suite of electronic driver controls from the Japanese brand. Featuring a 43mm Showa Big Piston Fork, an improved frame design, three-spoke gravity-cast wheels and Tokico four-piston radial-mount calipers paired with 310mm petal discs.
Engine: 998cc inline four-cylinder. cm liquid-cooled Power: 176.7 hp and 111 Nm Maximum speed: 334 km per hour New price: $13,799 Used price: $7,200 Country of origin: Japan
DUCATI 899 PANIGALE
The 899 is the most affordable version of Ducati's current styling and still features plenty of advanced technology, high-quality components and unmistakably Italian exotic bodywork. Apart from its smaller displacement and the use of an ambidextrous swing arm, the 899 features the same range of premium features as its 1199 counterpart, including Ducati's state-of-the-art die-cast aluminum monocoque frame and airbox design. 43mm Showa Big fork, Sachs monoshock, Brembo Monobloc M4 32 four-piston radial-mount calipers, dual 320mm discs and a whopping 15,000km service intervals.
Engine: 898cc 90° L-Twin liquid cooled Power: 148 HP and 98 Nm Maximum speed: 260 km/h New price: $14,995 Used price: $9,000 Origin: Italy
BMW S 1000RR
BMW has significantly raised the bar in the superbike class with the introduction of the German S 1000 RR. Giving racers the most advanced electronics and driver assistance systems the world has ever seen. However, for 2012 the double R received an unexpectedly significant model update with an even more sophisticated electronics package with improved throttle response in four power modes (Race, Rain, Sport and Slick), as well as BMW Motorrad Race ABS and Dynamic traction control. Instead of BMW's signature boxer engine, this Ola Stenegård-designed superbike is powered by a liter inline-four engine designed in Germany.
Engine: 999 cc cm, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled Power: 193 hp and 112 Nm Maximum speed: 300 km per hour New price: $15,050 Used price: $9,700 Manufacturer: Germany
Touring motorcycles
Designed for long-distance expeditions and covering long routes. These are some of the largest motorcycles in size and have large displacement engines. These types of motorcycles are characterized by a large trunk (the ability to carry large and heavy bags), a large tank (which allows for greater riding range), and a comfortable, relaxed, upright riding position for the rider as well as his passenger. Equipped with deflectors that provide protection from the wind. Designed to cover a large number of kilometers.
Some “tourists” are equipped with a reverse gear, due to their large size and difficulty in maneuvering.
In addition to typical highway “tourists” (as in the examples and photographs below), touring motorcycles are very popular for riding both on highways and in rural areas - we will talk about them in the later part of the article.
Large motorcycles examples:
Honda Goldwing GL1200
Yamaha Royal Star Venture
BMW K1200LT
What can a beginner choose from 600cc bikes?
Specialist instructors and experienced motorcycle racers believe that 600 cc bikes are a borderline and risky segment for beginners. They strongly recommend starting with some, not the most “charged” and aggressive models:
Honda Hornet CB 600 is one of them. It is equipped with a derated CBR 600 engine, very comfortable and easy to drive. The model is equipped with a 6-speed transmission and has 102 hp. to its credit, which is more than enough for the city. While inferior in agility to the sports version, this motorcycle confidently listens to not the most experienced rider.
An alternative purchase would be the Yamaha FZ6. Here, too, the model is based on a derated engine from the YZF-R6. The bike will be an excellent compromise for both sporting events and tourist outings. The design of the model will pleasantly please you with its brevity and increased ergonomics.
Sports and touring motorcycles
A compromise between sports and touring motorcycles.
Compared to sports motorcycles, the riding position is less reclined and more comfortable, resulting in greater comfort when riding long distances. The passenger position is also more comfortable. Sports and touring motorcycles are also characterized by the possibility of a large load capacity.
Compared to purely touring motorcycles, sport touring motorcycles are lighter and easier to ride, and their components are more suitable for racing riding.
In short, these are motorcycles that combine sporting capabilities, a fast, comfortable ride and the practical advantages of “tourers”.
Sport-touring motorcycles, like naked bikes, have the most variety when it comes to engine design - there are motorcycles with inline, V-twin, two-, three- or four-cylinder engines.
Motorcycles of this class are often found in versions without fairings, for example:
Yamaha XJ600S (with fairing) has its analogue in the naked class - XJ600N,
Honda CB600S Hornet (with fairing) and its naked counterpart - Hornet CB600F.
Examples:
Suzuki Hayabusa
Suzuki GSX650F
Honda VFR1200F
Yamaha XJ600S Diversion
Learning to make the right choice
Buying motorcycles is always a responsible step that does not tolerate haste and fuss. If you already firmly know for what purpose you are making a purchase, then you should choose a class of motorcycles.
For maneuverable, safe, predictable driving, low-power vehicles are better suited. If you are focused on high-speed riding and drive, then your choice is sports and sport-touring bikes. Each manufacturer is good at something, but there is no absolute best model. There is nothing more practical than getting behind the wheel and doing a test, because each bike is designed for a specific type of riding and is full of nuances in handling.
All Japanese and Chinese models combined into a sports class differ:
- by configuration and tuning;
- by design and power;
- for the implementation of materials and engineering solutions.
Almost all 600cc bikes today have a lightweight frame and swingarm. They have a more finely tuned transmission and improved brakes. A novice motorcyclist cannot handle such a motorcycle. To drive a sports bike you need to have some experience. That's why beginners should take a closer look at the younger models, without chasing speed, to get used to driving 250 cc versions.
And only after you learn how to control the first, lighter and less powerful motorcycle, it makes sense to take a closer look at the sports options, which we will talk about later.
Cruisers
Cruisers, popularly called cruisers, are motorcycles styled after legendary American cars such as Harley-Davidson or Indian. They are characterized by a low driver's seat and an elongated steering wheel - which forces the driver to sit strictly vertically or, conversely, slightly at an angle, leaning back slightly. The driver's legs are pushed forward - in a word, everything in these motorcycles is done to make the driver comfortable.
Cruisers are usually chrome-plated, V-powered, and have leather saddles and backrests. We can say that cruisers are touring motorcycles with a certain classic appearance.
Cruisers tend to be quite bulky and more difficult to handle than the average motorcycle, so they are not recommended for beginners.
Examples:
Suzuki Intruder CS1400
BMW R1200C
Honda Shadow VT125C
Choppers
Choppers are a smaller version of cruisers. Compared to cruisers, they do not have, for example, fairings, sometimes a front wing, they have fewer seats and tanks. Most often these are cars with an individual design and appearance (so-called customs).
In addition to the features typical of cruisers (classic appearance, many chrome elements, low seats, elongated, high-raised steering wheel), choppers are distinguished by a large wheelbase and a long front fork.
Classic motorcycles
Motorcycles with the most classic silhouettes and simple designs are like modern cars, made in retro style, like vintage bikes. Mostly they have a round headlight and no fairings, sometimes with a sidecar.
Examples:
classic motorcycles Triumph Bonneville T100
classic motorcycle Yamaha SR500
classic motorcycles WFM M06
Husqvarna Svartpilen 701
Price: about 880,000 rubles
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Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 . Like the Vitpilen 701, it is based on the KTM Duke 690, and its heart is a powerful 693 cc single. This futuristic scrambler's 18-inch wheels are wrapped in Pirelli MT60 RS rubber, and it also features adjustable WP , removable ABS and quickshifter, and, befitting a scrambler, a wide steering wheel.
Characteristics:
Power ►75 hp at 8500 rpm Torque ►72 Nm at 6750 rpm Weight with fluids ► 167 kg
Customs
Custom, that is, motorcycles created to order, include, among other things:
- Streetfighters are sports motorcycles without fairings, designed for city riding.
- Bobbers are motorcycles stylized as cars from the Second World War. They were redesigned from serial motorcycles in such a way as to “lose weight” considerably - getting rid of unnecessary parts not needed for movement, thereby striving for maximum weight reduction.
- Cafe racers are lightweight motorcycles optimized for fast short-distance riding, hinting at the style of racing cars of the 60s. Distinctive features are m. in. engines, a “thin” fuel tank and a low-mounted steering wheel. The term café racer comes from the 60s and comes from racing that was common among British motorcycle enthusiasts - from café to café.
Suzuki Katana
Price: about 1,100,000 rubles
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Suzuki Katana . By presenting a katana, the Japanese made a beautiful bow to lovers of retro style. The new model references the legendary 1981 Katana GSX 1100 . The work is made of plastic, a square headlight with a characteristic fairing, logo and lettering in an old school style. Since the Katana's engine comes from the well-known GSX-Sa 1000, it's hard to complain about the lack of emotion.
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Power ► 150 hp at 10,000 rpm. Torque ► 108 N m at 9500 rpm. Weight with liquids ► 215 kg
Off-road motorcycles
Designed for off-road driving. Compared to road motorcycles, the design is simplified, lighter weight, high mobility and powerful wheels. The frame is lightweight, has no fairings and is characterized by high ground clearance. SUVs are equipped with all-terrain tires to provide greater traction on unpaved surfaces. As a rule, SUVs have single-cylinder engines taken from cross-country vehicles, which reduces their service life.
What to consider when buying a used superbike
Buying a used superbike isn't much different from buying any other genre of motorcycle, although there are a few areas to pay particular attention to when looking at this segment. Below we touch on the seven most important elements to consider when purchasing a used supersport.
Additional Costs: When purchasing a used motorcycle, you need to create a budget that takes into account much more than just the cost of the used motorcycle itself. Along with registration and insurance, you also need to set aside money for a quality helmet and all the necessary safety gear. Plus bags and other motorcycle accessories you might need. We also advise new riders to save money to take a safety course or spend a day with a qualified instructor at the track to properly learn the ropes in a safe, enclosed and controlled environment.
Aftermarket Parts Availability: Even in bone stock form, every car on this list is an excellent weapon on the road. That being said, more than any other genre of two-wheeler, supersports and superbikes can become even more powerful by adding updated parts. If you're planning on upgrading your bike - or building a full-fledged track day machine - then you'll need to look into the availability of aftermarket parts that exist for whatever model you're considering.
Engine Size, Type and Power: The high speed and acceleration performance of sports bikes is directly related to their engines and for this reason, the transmission is one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing. You'll want to examine the engine's cylinder count and configuration, displacement, cooling, and fuel delivery systems. And also check if they have any modern electronic features, such as multiple fuel maps or variable engine braking. It's also worth delving into how much horsepower and torque the engine produces.
Reliability: One very obvious disadvantage of buying a used motorcycle is the diminished reliability factor as the simple wear and tear that comes from riding overtime will eventually start to affect the health of the machine. The good news is that most modern motorcycles are largely very reliable as long as they are looked after properly. One surefire way to ensure that the bike is being properly cared for is to ask the owner to provide him with maintenance records, invoices, and the like. When buying a used bike, it's also worth checking to see if there have been any factory parts recalls for the particular make, model and year you're considering. And if so, was the recalled part replaced in the example you are looking at.
Running Costs: Used and pre-owned sport bikes can be purchased at huge discounts from their original MSRP. However, while a used motorcycle can be relatively cheap, the same cannot be said for their running costs. Used superbikes and super sports motorcycles can be expensive when purchasing parts that mechanics have worked on. Be sure to do your homework and look up the average running costs of a motorcycle before you pull the trigger on your purchase.
Chassis: Because sport bikes have such powerful engines and are largely designed to be competitive on the track, manufacturers tend to equip these performance-oriented models with high-quality chassis. Suspension and brakes should be examined at the time of purchase, but sport bikes are often modified and upgraded, so it's not uncommon to see used examples fitted with tuning equipment.
Technology and Rider Aids: Over the past decade, motorcycles have been equipped with an increasing number of innovative, electronically adjustable rider assistance systems. Helping to control the ever-increasing power of modern sports motorcycles. Systems include features such as electronic throttle, ABS, traction control, skid control, wheelie control, variable engine braking, multiple fuel maps and launch control, to name a few.
Cross motorcycles
Typically racing motorcycles, designed for off-road travel and motocross racing. They are free of unnecessary parts that increase the weight of the car, such as, for example, headlights, turn signals, mirrors (not approved by the design).
Examples:
Husqvarna CR 125
Gas Gas MC50
Enduro
They are also designed for off-road driving and have proven themselves best in field conditions, but, unlike “cross bikes,” they are also allowed for street driving and have the components necessary for such driving.
Examples:
Yamaha WR250X
Honda XRE300
Tourist (so-called adventure touring) motorcycles
Touring motorcycles designed for long trips, both off-road and on-road. These vehicles have high durability, large fuel tanks and large luggage compartments. However, their off-road capabilities are a bit limited due to their heavy weight, size and sometimes tires.
Examples:
BMW 1200GS
Suzuki V-strom 650
Kawasaki KLR650
These are the most popular types of motorcycles, although there are others. However, in my opinion, people who just want to “get into” the topic may well limit themselves to the list above.
