The 10 Fastest Motorcycles in the World
The Kawasaki H2R, Yamaha TMAX, and Suzuki GSX-R1000 are the fastest motorcycles currently in production as of April 2018, as they all have an officially recorded top speed of 199 mph. However, there are faster bikes that have not been certified yet. For example, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and Honda CBR1100XX both have unofficial top speeds of about 210 mph. Although these bikes are fast, they’re not street legal and can only be driven on closed roads with special permission from the owner of the track or from a local law enforcement agency.
1) Kawasaki H2R
With a V-twin engine and over 300 hp, it’s no surprise that there are few bikes faster than Kawasaki H2R. The company originally released its ultra-luxury cruiser with a maximum speed of 199 mph. However, Kawasaki later revealed a new design that increased power output to 310 hp and added an optional limiter for 220 mph. In 2011, Yamaha unveiled its own redesigned sport bike based on its 1000cc R1 model: The Yamaha YZF-R1M GP Limited Edition (pictured below). The R1M is electronically limited to 205 mph, but with its light weight of just 489 pounds, cyclists easily get into triple digits.
2) Yamaha R1M
The R1M is a motorcycle produced by Yamaha since 2016. It’s made to compete with the H2R Kawasaki and Suzuki Hayabusa, as well as other top of line bikes. It’s also an expensive bike, making it an attractive option for riders who want to get ahead without trying. The bike makes 200 horsepower and comes equipped with super sticky tires so you don’t have to worry about skidding or falling off while going fast.
3) Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa
Whether you call it the ultimate sport bike or the world’s fastest production motorcycle, there’s no denying that Suzuki’s GSX-1300R Hayabusa is one of a kind. With a ridiculously high top speed of 199 mph, a claimed quarter-mile time of 9.99 seconds and performance-tuned components, it will deliver unforgettable acceleration and straight-line speed.
4) KTM RC8 R
The KTM RC8 R is powered by a supercharged 990 cc 75° V-twin engine that delivers 175 hp at 11,000 rpm and 118 Nm at 9,750 rpm. With all that power and torque, riders are able to reach 200 km/h (124 mph) from a standstill in less than four seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h (174 mph). The 2013 model features Brembo brakes with 320 mm discs and six-piston calipers.
5) Honda CBR1000RR SP Fireblade
The Fireblade is one of Honda’s most iconic motorcycles, and is still a powerful force to be reckoned with even after over 20 years on the market. It boasts an 898 cc inline-four engine that produces 160 hp at 15,000 rpm and 86 lb.-ft. of torque at 11,500 rpm. The RR SP (racer replica sport) version packs an extra punch thanks to its super-premium upgrade package.
6) Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS is an exclusive version of their race-winning super bike that has been modified to offer a more comfortable ride while still packing a punch. With an amazing 162bhp and an incredible 170Nm, it goes from 0–62mph in 3.3 seconds, making it faster than all but one of its competitors—the Kawasaki H2R which boasts 200bhp.
7) Ducati 1299 Panigale S
The BMW S1000R might not be as flashy as other bikes on our list, but it is one of those bikes that deserves its spot. It’s blazingly fast with a top speed of 193 mph, which makes it one of BMW’s fastest motorcycles to date. Just don’t expect to stop because you probably won’t want to at that speed. The bike costs about $17,000 for a new model.
8) KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Unveiled at EICMA 2015, KTM’s 1290 Super Duke GT made its debut as a sport-touring model with performance and agility never before seen on a naked bike. Sporting a 1,301cc V-twin engine with 75 lb-ft of torque and 140 horsepower, it has an estimated top speed of 165 mph.
9) Triumph Rocket III Touring ABS
The BMW S1000R and Triumph Rocket III Touring ABS are both fast bikes designed for speed and performance. Both can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, with top speeds reaching around 190 mph. In terms of price, both are similar at around $14,000 each. However, BMW comes with a lot more features included, like an electronic suspension and traction control system. These features make it worth its higher price tag.
10) BMW S1000R
The BMW S1000R is a motorcycle produced by BMW, first introduced at International Motorcycle Exhibition (EICMA) 2011. It has a displacement of 999 cc and maximum power of 199.8 kW (270 PS; 267 bhp) at 11,100 rpm and peak torque of 115 N⋅m (85 lb⋅ft) at 9500 rpm. The engine weighs only 193 kg (422 lb). It uses electronic fuel injection and produces approximately 76 hp/L.
