2011 Best Performance Sports Bikes

Of the Ten Best Sports Bikes for 2009, first 6 have near equal performance making the selection process more difficult. Our top 10 list is based on styling, engineering, control, price, availability but mostly acceleration, top speed and thrill of riding.

1.    Suzuki Hayabusa GSX 1300R
The GSX1300R is our number one sports bike. It was designed to be the fastest despite equal performance to the next 2 bikes on our list. We felt that its potential is slightly ahead of its competitors due to acceleration, potential unrestricted top speed and ride quality. In 2009 the Hayabusa features the best power-to-weight ratio and presents as one of the sharpest looking motorcycles ever made.  The revised engine has a claimed 12% increase in power to 194hp / 145 kW. This bird is said to be capable of speeds of over 303km/h electronically restricted with 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 2.47 seconds. The 2009 model has a MSRP of $11,999USD and dry weight 220kg / 485 lbs.

2.    Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Monster Energy
This king of the Ninjas offers massive torque, effortless power, agile handling and a comfortable ride to keep itself at the head of the pack in the superbike class at only $12,399USD. This Ninja is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 299 km/h making it one of the fastest bikes for 2009. It is powered by 203 hp/ 151kW engine.

3.    MV Agusta F4 RR 312 1078
The RR 312 is not a machine to be bothered with limits or weak points and for this reason, only the best components that money could buy have been used. The 2009 MV Agusta F4RR 312 1078 is more affordable with the estimated price of $28,000USD. The peak horsepower is in black and white: 190hp / 142kW. Top speed is a scary 299 km/h with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just under 3 seconds, but equally disconcerting is its dry weight 192kg / 423lbs.

4.   Ducati 1198
The 1198 is a race bike, pure and simple. It is estimated price will be $20,995USD. While this engine makes 170bhp / 127kW and with dry weight of 171 kilos.   The ‘R’ model will have 10 extra hp but not rated on the track yet.  The 0-60 mph time is less than 2.5 seconds and top speed is estimated at 299 km/h for none ‘R’ version.

5.    Yamaha YZF-R1
The 2009 R1 is the most confidence-inspiring bike on this list offering performance and equipment worthy of a really modern racing bike for a very reasonable MSRP of $12,500USD. Power is marginally up at a claimed 182hp / 136kW. R1 is expected to reach 100km/h from standstill in about 2.7 seconds with top speed of 299km/h.  Due to its dry weight of 190kg / 419lb this R1 has been one of the quickest sports bikes on the market.

6.   Bimota DB7 Oronero
Bimota is the first production bike in the world with a carbon fiber frame and swingarm. Oronero stands at a sizzling 164Kg / 362lbs. DB7 is taking power to a claimed 164bhp, giving one horsepower per kilo power to weight ratio. The bike is available to anyone with $52,000USD asking price. With top speed of 295km/h this bike certainly deserves to be in sixth place.

7.   Honda CBR 1000RR
The CBR 1000RR is the lightest at 199kg / 440lb, most compact, and best performing motorcycle in its class, making it the standard against which all other lighter bikes are measured. With 178hp / 133 kW this new 1000RR will provide delicate balance at MSRP of $12,999USD. The CBR 1000RR will do 0 to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds and has top speed of 290km/h.

8.   Aprilia RSV 1000
Over the last few years, Aprilia has joined the ranks of Italian motorcycle manufacturers who are giving the Japanese a run for their money with a base price of $17,999.00 US. The new engine is more powerful pushing 143bhp / 106.7kW. A considerable weight reduction to 185kg / 408lb for 2009 has been achieved by using a magnesium cylinder head cover and clutch cover. This bikes top speed is rated at 280km/h with 0 to 100km/h in 2.65 seconds.

9.   BMW K 1300 S
The new K 1300 S, the most powerful and fastest BMW the world has ever seen. Engine output 175hp / 129kW combined with overall weight of 254kg / 560lb including fuel. This truly supreme motorcycle offers the utmost in dynamic performance and German engineering. With base price of only $16,650USD this bike will do 0 to 100km/h in less than 2.8 seconds and has top speed of 250km/h.

10.    Buell 1125CR
At just 170kg /375 lbs dry, the 1125CR is the lightest street fighter in its class. The 1125cc’s displacement gives this engine the right bore and stroke combination to deliver superbike power:  146hp / 109kW. This Buell sells for around $14,995USD. With top speed of 251km/h (est) this bikes deserves its place on the top ten list of super bikes.