10 Liter Class Superbikes That Make Everything Else Seem Like A Waste Of Money
The 2000s proved to be the golden age of liter class sport bikes. We got one sensational motorcycle after another, and as power figures climbed, technology was also introduced to help harness the power. Several innovative features we largely take for granted these days were introduced on these bikes.
Today, these bikes offer exceptional value on the used market. While all is certainly not equal in terms of longevity, the Japanese bikes in particular have stood the test of time. That said, due diligence is required, and with these bikes all making well in excess of 150 horsepower from the factory, paying more for a bike in better condition makes a degree of sense as the law of diminishing returns comes into effect.
Buying a used motorcycle always has an element of risk attached, so please do your research, and proceed with caution.
10
2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 (K5)
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
In the right hands, the K5 GSX-R1000 is still a mighty effective analog superbike. It has an excellent chassis, and more power than most of us would ever be able to use. Today, you will see several of these bikes pop up selling for far less than the price indicated here. Almost all of those bikes will have either seen regular track use, or will be modified beyond recognition, and are generally not worth the risk.
9
2006 Yamaha YZF-R1
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
The original YZF-R1 got the liter class ball rolling in 1999, and this 2006 model would prove to be the swansong for its famed 20-valve Genesis engine. With ram air fitted, it was able to produce a scarcely believable 180 horsepower, four more than the aforementioned GSX-R. Just like the GSX-R, it is a pure analog machine and most certainly will need an experienced hand at the helm.
8
2008 Suzuki Hayabusa (Second Generation)
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
The original Hayabusa is pretty cheap these days, but the slightly more refined second generation offers more value. Not only is it a little newer, it has more power, and looks far better, even though it only had a minor facelift. Relatively speaking. The original bike is an iconically ugly motorcycle, after all, so it isn’t as though the second generation will be winning any beauty contests. But, when a bike has 194 horsepower, looks are not much of an issue.
7
2010 Ducati 1198
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
If you are after a bike that has some level of visual appeal, you can’t really go wrong with something Italian. Unfortunately, while these old Ducatis certainly look amazing, aging Italian wiring can transform them into beautiful pieces of yard art. The good thing about these bikes is that owners tend to take care of them, and you really can find bikes in this price range that are in fantastic condition. But, to keep them in fantastic condition requires a fairly sizable budget, and an open mind when it comes to Italian quirks.
6
2010 BMW S 1000 RR
Price Range: $8,000 – $10,000
When BMW introduced the S 1000 RR in 2009, it looked like a spaceship compared to all the superbikes from the established sport bike manufacturers. In the past, BMW had tried and failed to break into the sport bike market, but this proved to be a genuine game changer. It ushered in the digital age with a host of electronics that helped harness its 193 horsepower. It made superbikes more accessible than ever before. While it isn’t exactly cheap, it will still make light work of the similarly priced new middleweight bikes.
5
2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000
After being introduced in 2004, the Ninja ZX-10R was revised and refined several times up until 2010. This would be the final iteration of the analog model before electronic rider aids would be added the following year, and in most respects the high water mark for all analog superbikes. With ram air, this is a 200 horsepower motorcycle, without rider aids. Suffice to say this is not for the uninitiated.
4
2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000
If straight line speed is all you are really after, it is pretty hard to look past the undisputed “quarter-mile king.” Ever since top speed became less of a selling point, speed queens like the Ninja ZX-14R have gone out of fashion, but you can still walk into a Kawasaki dealership and buy a 2025 model for around $18k. It is more or less the same as this 2012 model, which you can get for $10k less. In the right condition, this is an incredible performance bargain.
3
2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory
Price Range: $8,000 – $10,000
The risk versus reward factor involved in purchasing an RSV4 of this ilk is arguably the highest out of all the bikes on this list. With a modern electronics suite, a razor-shape chassis, and that 180 horsepower V4, it really is the complete package. The only problem is that its aging Italian wiring can transform this “complete superbike” into a “complete nightmare” at a moment’s notice.
2
2014 EBR 1190RX
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
This all-American superbike is essentially the product of Erik Buell’s life’s work. He poured his heart and soul into this one motorcycle, and it shows. Its monstrous V-twin, which Rotax helped develop, is a peach, its chassis is agile, and it offers a riding experience which is very hard to beat. Unfortunately, unlike the Italian bikes on this list that usually develop problems over time, these bikes had wiring issues straight from the factory. The fact that this bike recently got relaunched as the Buell Hammerhead underscores just how good it is, and well worth considering at this price, as long as you are willing to put up with the odd quirk.
1
2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
Price Range: $9,000 – $11,000
A bike which is bereft of quirks comes in the form of the previous generation Fireblade. Still sold as the CBR1000RR, you can save around $5k if you are willing to consider a used option. With 189 horsepower, it is not the most powerful liter class superbike, but it doesn’t need to be, because it only weighs 432 pounds. That is less than most modern middleweight sport bikes.
Source: KBB
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