Fastest Bikes You Can Buy in 2023

[Admin]

Kawasaki produces three of the speedsters on this list; the street-legal H2 is shown here. (Kawasaki/)

Any discussion of so-called fastest bikes is always going to be riddled with caveats, because the word “speed” means many different things to different riders. For example, are you talking the fastest 0-to-60 time? Or the absolute shortest time to cover a set distance? The quickest quarter-mile? Or maybe it’s the vehicle’s maximum velocity?

Fortunately there are plenty of current examples ready and waiting for the twist of a right wrist to propel them into the land of triple-digit speeds once thought unattainable. Of course, some of the claims made by manufacturers should be taken with a grain of salt, but all of the listed machines are production models, with the majority of them road-legal and generally acknowledged as the fastest on the market currently. Bear in mind that most of the performance numbers were gathered on closed courses with professional riders, so if you’re looking to test the limits of local law enforcement, that’s on you.

King of Speed, as it was once known, the Hayabusa topped most “fast bike” lists in years past. Shown is the 25th Anniversary livery. (Suzuki/)

2023 Suzuki Hayabusa | 187.7 hp | Starting at $18,799

It probably comes as no surprise to see Suzuki’s iconic Hayabusa at the top of the list, even though it’s no longer the King of Speed, at least in absolute terms. It’s the bike that dethroned Honda’s CBR1100XX as fastest production bike, egging on a top speed race among manufacturers, eventually leading to the so-called Gentlemen’s Agreement between the Japanese Big Four manufacturers that restricted road bikes to 186 mph back in 1999.

The latest-gen ‘Busa debuted in 2021 and continued the speed party with slick new electronics and an engine update, all while becoming Euro 5 compliant. In current form it is propelled by a muscular 1,340cc inline four-cylinder engine housed in a thoroughly updated chassis with excellent manners and top-shelf components, all managed by a formidable suite of electronic rider aids and covered in uniquely shaped bodywork that still screams Hayabusa. Last we checked, the engine was good for 187.74 hp at 9,700 rpm and 110.6 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm, and is electronically governed to the aforementioned 186 mph, but our test unit hit 60 mph in 2.85 seconds, which should be quick enough to satisfy even the most determined speed junkies.

The ZX-14R’s 1,441cc inline-four produces copious amounts of power and torque, making it a great alternative to Suzuki’s Hayabusa. (Kawasaki/)

2023 Kawasaki ZX-14R ABS | 192 hp | Starting at $16,599

Kawasaki originally rolled out the ZX-14 in 2006, after the aforementioned agreement went into effect, so it could “only” max out at 186 mph. But by 2012, Kawasaki took off the kid gloves, making massive upgrades to the engine and chassis to reclaim the ZX-14R’s place as the top dog of power and acceleration. Engine displacement increased to 1,441cc, and the mill received an all-new cylinder head with hotter cams, new forged pistons, and a higher 12.3:1 compression ratio. The chassis and suspension components likewise were substantially improved, making the ZX-14R Kawi’s biggest and baddest sportbike model—-at least until the supercharged H2 series came along. In its marketing materials Kawasaki still calls it the “Quarter-Mile King,” and the ZX-14R did in fact post uncorrected 9.7-second, 147 mph-plus passes on a bone-stock bike (piloted by dragstrip champ Ricky Gadson) at the intro back in 2011. On our dyno, we recorded 192 rear-wheel ponies and 113 lb.-ft. of torque.

Although the dated electronic rider aids aren’t quite on par with the rest of the class, the 14R’s fully adjustable suspension, excellent brakes and rock-solid chassis make for a more comfortable, easier-to-ride rocket than you might think.

The track-biased Panigale V4 SP2 brings the most premium race-ready components to the table. (Ducati/)

2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 | 210 hp | Starting at $39,500

You knew there’d be a Duc on this list, and the MotoGP-derived Panigale V4 R would certainly qualify; its optional race package is good for 237 hp and a top speed of 198 mph. But opt for the updated Panigale V4 SP2, and you’ll get Bologna’s top-of-the-range supersport made for the track. At CW’s testing airstrip, the SP2 covered the quarter-mile in 10.3 seconds at 149.68 mph.

The “SP” specifications boost the racing chops of the Panigale V4 while adding to the improvements made on the 2022 version. As the highest-performing Panigale (Ducati’s words), the SP2 employs a 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine good for 210 hp at 12,500 rpm, with a torque peak of 90.6 lb.-ft. The rest of the components, of course, are top-shelf, with a more powerful Brembo braking system, final drive, and dry clutch inherited from the WorldSBK bikes, and a series of carbon components. The bike also comes with a kit for track use, but the real surprise is the weight: At just 381.4 pounds dry, it weighs the same as the original SP and 2.2 pounds lighter than the V4 S; in our first ride following 1,000cc racebikes with dedicated gearing, we said, “The Panigale SP2 has no problems keeping up.” Both the V4 S and the SP2 use the same engine, so the difference in lap times comes down solely to handling.

More than 200 hp for a roadster? BMW’s M 1000 R is by far Bavaria’s gnarliest naked to date. (BMW/)

2023 BMW M 1000 R | 205 hp | $21,345

The big news on BMW’s M 1000 R “hyper-roadster” is the bonkers power output of its liquid-cooled 999cc inline-four. The M version gets the same 13.3:1 compression ratio as the new S 1000 RR superbike and a redline of 14,600 rpm, which translates to 185 hp at 13,400 rpm and 76.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 10,300 rpm on the Cycle World dyno. To be clear, the M 1000 R is not BMW’s absolute speed meister; its top speed is limited to a claimed 174 mph, compared to the RR’s 188.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not wicked fast; that ShiftCam engine can still catapult you from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in 7.2 seconds, according to BMW.

In fact, BMW says it added those MotoGP-looking winglets up front to create more downforce; at 136.7 mph they’re said to increase front-wheel load by 24.3 pounds, for better stability and less likelihood of an errant wheelie spoiling your day. Other tasty bits include standard Standard Dynamic Damping Control suspension with a 45mm inverted fork and a linked monoshock, as well as fully adjustable suspension elements and an adjustable steering damper. Suspension settings are tied to the four ride modes: Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Race, and the M also gets the Race Pro modes as standard.

Related: 2023 BMW M 1000 R First Ride

Another perennial contender in the speed wars is Yamaha’s race-spec R1M. If it’s good enough for Valentino Rossi… (Yamaha/)

2023 Yamaha YZF-R1M | 198 hp | $26,999

The R1 badge has been a top contender in superbike circles since its debut in 1998, and as far as influential production sportbikes go, it continues to make the grade (and our Ten Best lists). The brilliant CP4 998cc inline-four engine continues to benefit from MotoGP and World Superbike campaigns and has proven to be a stout competitor over the years, as well as a popular choice for track or street riders looking for their apex fix.

The YZF-R1M is the track-dedicated version of the YZF-R1, bringing performance components such as a top-shelf, gas-charged Öhlins dynamic suspension system, carbon fiber and composite fairings, race-ready magnesium wheels, and a GPS Yamaha Communications Control Unit for logging your track/ride data. Speaking of MotoGP, the R1M’s 998cc liquid-cooled lump also benefits from a titanium exhaust system and high-performance intake—stuff pilfered from the brand’s MotoGP race program. The latest claims are an engine output of 198 peak horsepower and 83 lb.-ft. of torque, with a (still) 186 mph top speed.

But it’s the extensive electronics suite that continues to be a highlight of the R1/R1M, with a six-axis IMU enabling switchable aids like Power Delivery Modes, lean-sensitive Traction Control, Slide Control, Lift Control, and a bidirectional quickshifter. These were all updated last year, with all-new maps for the wheelie-, skid-, and stability-control systems.

The ZX-10RR brings a bit more horsepower than its ZX-10R brother, and feels lighter and quicker. (Kawasaki/)

2023 Kawasaki ZX-10RR | 214 hp | $30,499 (2024 model)

Race-ready? Of course, the ZX-10RR is bringing over 200 hp from its 998cc liquid-cooled inline-four along with 82.5 lb.-ft. of torque (claimed). And while keen eyes examining the spec sheet might say that’s not substantially better than the $10,000-cheaper standard 10R, we felt the clear differences on the track during our first ride (prior to the 2023 updates).

Even if outward appearances are nearly identical, the limited-edition RR trumps the straight R thanks to a new update late last year that gave it an additional 10 hp, with different valve springs, camshafts, a titanium connecting rod, and lighter pistons. The limited-edition RR also gains a Variable Air Intake system to boost on-track performance, and rolls on lighter, model-specific Marchesini wheels. Three power modes are also available on the RR, which simply serve to enhance the already robust electronics/suspension/braking package found on both models. That tech, by the way, includes an Öhlins Electronic Steering Damper, Kawasaki Launch Control Mode, ABS (standard on the RR), traction control, engine-braking control, a quickshifter (upshift and downshift), and a Kawasaki Corner Management Function. Does all that justify an extra $10K for Kawasaki’s homologation-special superbike?

Although it’s getting a bit long in the tooth, there’s still plenty of performance to be had from the GSX-R1000. (Suzuki/)

2023 Suzuki GSX-R1000R | 199 hp | $18,199

Yet another legendary nameplate from the Hamamatsu factory, the GSX-R1000 has long been lauded for its pure superbike gnarliness. The 2023 model continues to impress with its most powerful and technologically advanced engine to date, pumping out a claimed 199 hp and 86 lb.-ft. of torque.

The standard GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R share the same liquid-cooled 999c inline-four DOHC engine, which was heavily revised in 2017 to employ variable valve timing, improved fueling, and other tweaks, allowing for the power gains. Meanwhile more recent updates included the addition of new lighter weight suspension components, and a new twin-spar aluminum perimeter frame. The 2023 GSX-Rs are both equipped with a six-axis inertial measurement unit supporting cornering ABS, and a Motion Track Brake System to minimize rear-wheel lift during hard braking.

The differences? The R-model is equipped with Showa’s more premium and fully adjustable Balance Free Front Fork (BFF) and Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-Lite), a bidirectional quickshifter, launch control and “auto-blipper,” cornering ABS, and steel-braided brake lines. So if your main goal for a Gixxer is the racetrack, the R-model is the clear choice, and for the price, it’s plenty competitive.

Related: Updated Suzuki GSX-R1000 Coming

MotoGP performance with classic Honda lines, the CBR1000RR-R brings plenty of quickness to the table. (Honda/)

2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP | 214 hp | $28,900

Thirty years ago, the Fireblade was also a top speed-getter, and the latest iteration is no joke either, with its 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four getting a massive overhaul in 2022 to maximize velocity as well as midrange performance. You can thank the engineers at HRC race team (and MotoGP experience) for the trickle-down performance, which comes as the result of heavy tweaks to the intake ports, a new airbox, and increased compression ratio, among other major revisions. In fact, most of the bike was revised last year, though at the end of the day, the triple R’s peak power output stays at a nearly unchanged 214 hp. We’ve also heard reports of a 0–60 run of just 3.13 seconds and a top speed of—you guessed it—186 mph.

The MotoGP racing connection also means you’ll see other top-line race components on the RR-R, with a lightweight aluminum frame, aero winglets, electronically controlled adjustable Öhlins suspension, titanium muffler, and beefy Brembo brakes, along with a full array of IMU-controlled rider aids like cornering ABS and wheelie control, power modes, an electronic steering damper, and more. Superbike royalty? You’re looking at it.

Related: 2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R Updates Rumored

Sexy, smooth, and speedy, Aprilia’s RSV4 borrows liberally from its MotoGP race efforts to create a road-legal rocket. (Aprilia/)

2023 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory | 217 hp | $25,999

The RSV4 has earned its place in the ranks of iconic superbikes thanks not only to its success on the track but the evolution of its distinctive (and beloved) V-4 engine.

Thanks to its Italian pedigree, the RSV4 is probably one of the more stylish entries on the list, but make no mistake about its brute power; the 1,099cc liquid-cooled V-4 from the 1100 Tuono has six ride modes (three for street, three for track) and all manner of electronic fandanglery ranging from traction control, wheelie control, and brake control, and semi-active suspension. The unique engine geometry with a longitudinal Vee engine gives off a unique soundtrack and an impressive 217 hp—and we’ve heard it’s good for a top speed of 199 mph. On our dyno we confirmed 189.7 hp and 84.9 lb.-ft. of torque, which is plenty impressive.

The RSV4 can be had in two flavors, the base model 1100 or the Factory edition. The base RSV4 1100 keeps its Sachs suspenders, nonadjustable steering damper, and cast alloy wheels, while the Factory ups the ante with semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically adjustable suspension, forged wheels, Öhlins electronic adjustable steering damper, and a choice of two Factory edition paint schemes.

Lightning’s LS-218 still holds the title of world’s fastest electric motorcycle. (Lightning/)

2023 Lightning LS-218 | 244 hp | Starting at $38,988

It’s not often that you see a vehicle’s top-line number displayed right there on the fuel tank, but since Lightning’s LS-218 superbike has held the title of the world’s fastest street-legal production electric motorcycle since 2014, it seems justified. The top speed of 218 mph was achieved via calculations of power and wind resistance, and then validated at Bonneville Speedway using a modified LS-218, so in stock form the bike won’t bear the same numbers, but they’re close; on its website, Lightning quotes the LS-218 as outputting 244 hp, courtesy of an IPM liquid-cooled 150kW-plus 10,500 rpm electric motor, with 220 lb.-ft. of torque at the ready. What’s more, it also says the LS-218 can go from 0 to 60 in less than two seconds; so if you’re a prospective customer, it’s probably best that you hit the gym to work on your neck muscles first.

The LS-218′s not a one-trick pony either, having also won the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in open competition against both gasoline and electric motorcycles in race-modified form. That victory was especially sweet, as it was the first time an electric motorcycle beat internal-combustion rivals in a professional roadrace.

<i>Sport Rider</i> magazine’s Brock’s Performance Ninja H2 project bike hit 197.7 mph in the standing half-mile, 220.4 mph in the mile, and a top speed of 226.9 mph at 1.5 miles! (Kawasaki/)

2023 Kawasaki H2R | 300 hp | $57,500 ($31,500 for the H2)

The fastest bike on Kawasaki’s 2023 docket? You’re looking at the absolutely bonkers H2R, which currently holds the title of the fastest production motorcycle on the market. That’s mainly because it’s a track-only bike—a description you would expect from a machine rated to hit top speeds of between 206 and 249 mph. The blistering claimed (approximate) 300 hp and 121 lb.-ft. of torque comes courtesy of a 998cc supercharged engine stuffed into a lightweight tube steel trellis frame. The centrifugal-type supercharger is so efficient at compressing air, no heavy intercooler is required to cool that compressed air. Of course, at more than $57,000 and available in limited numbers, this bike is not for everyone, but if you’ve got deep pockets and are interested in screaming, track-dominating performance (gleaned from Kawasaki’s WSBK experience), state-of-the-art electronics and race-spec components—or just insanely fast speeds—then the H2R just might get your attention.

Of course, if your wallet just ain’t that fat and you’re looking for more around-town type forays (but still have a trackday option), there’s always the H2R’s street-legal Ninja H2 brother, priced at just $31,500.

Related: Video: High Speed – Running Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 to 226.9 mph

View the full article