The Best Superbikes

Superbikes are the sharpest, fastest road bikes money can buy: litre-class engines, race-bred chassis, and electronics to keep it all in check. We ranked the full-fat flagships on outright ability and how usable they remain on the road.

1. 01
   01© Wikisympathisant
   BMW · sport

   BMW S 1000 RR

   9.3

   The benchmark literbike: 210 hp, sharper aero and class-leading electronics in a usable, fast-everywhere package that rewards road and track alike.

   Consensus from 1000PS · MCN · Cycle News

   Price

   $17,895

   Engine

   999cc

   Power

   210hp

   Seat

   832mm

2. 02
   02© Honda
   Honda · sport

   Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

   9.1

   An RC213V-derived screamer with Öhlins smart suspension and serious aero that comes alive on track, though its high price and narrow ergonomics demand commitment.

   Consensus from 1000PS · Motorcycle.com · Cycle World

   Price

   $28,999

   Engine

   1000cc

   Power

   217hp

   Seat

   830mm

3. 03
   03© Yamaha
   Yamaha · sport

   Yamaha YZF-R1

   8.7

   The crossplane CP4 still sings and new Brembo stoppers sharpen it, but a frozen 200 hp and track-only EU status leave it trailing fresher rivals.

   Consensus from 1000PS · Cycle World · Motorcycle.com

   Price

   $18,999

   Engine

   998cc

   Power

   200hp

   Seat

   855mm

4. 04
   04© Kawasaki
   Kawasaki · sport

   Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

   8.5

   A WorldSBK-bred chassis and proven engine keep it competitive, but added weight and aging electronics make it the value pick rather than the outright leader.

   Consensus from 1000PS · Cycle World · Motorcycle.com

   Price

   $17,799

   Engine

   998cc

   Power

   203hp

   Seat

   835mm