Imagine the rush of adrenaline and the shivers that run down your spine as you accelerate to a breakneck speed of 200 mph on two wheels. Just as the experience itself, pushing past performance limits to reach legendary status is not for the faint of heart. Here are the 15 bikes that have earned their spot as the fastest motorcycles in the world.
15. Kawasaki ZZR1400 — 186 mph (299 km/h)
The ZZR1400, known as the Ninja ZX-14R, is a high-speed sport-touring motorcycle. Its comfortable riding position, coupled with insane acceleration, makes it the ideal long-distance bike. Despite a top speed of 186 mph, its excellent handling allows riders to navigate corners easily.
14. Yamaha YZF R1 — 186 mph (300 km/h)
When Yamaha released the YZF R1, it came with features such as rider aids, quick shifters, and selectable power modes that pushed the boundaries of performance at the time. The R1 has advanced electronics with a 998cc inline-four engine and lightweight chassis that make it a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts.
13. BMW S1000RR — 188 mph (303 km/h)
The BMW S1000RR is a high-performance sport bike that can reach up to 188 mph (303 km/h). Its sharp design, precise handling, and powerful inline-four engine stand out. The S1000RR balances speed with comfort because of top features like dynamic traction control and race ABS.
12. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade — 190 mph (310 km/h)
The Fireblade is Honda’s flagship sportbike designed to balance performance with acceleration. It is a popular choice among riders who prefer fast and sturdy bikes. This sleek model has a powerful engine and excellent handling, making touring a comfortable experience.
11. Suzuki Hayabusa — 194 mph (312 km/h)
From the year it was released until now, racers and motorcycle enthusiasts have regarded the Hayabusa as a symbol of speed. Thanks to its sleek, aerodynamic design and powerful engine, this machine can reach 194 miles in 1 hour.
10. MV Agusta’s F4 R 312 — 194 mph (312 km/h)
This motorcycle earned its name after racing 312 km/h at Italy’s Nardo Speed Bowl to become the world’s fastest-production superbike at the time. With this humbling top speed, the F4 R deserves a spot on this list. This bike is a limited edition because the company only produced a few units.
9. MV Agusta F4CC — 195 mph (315 km/h)
You can’t expect less from a company like MV Agusta; good isn’t good enough for them, and perfection is the goal. In addition to its speed, only 100 units of this model were produced, and each came with carbon fiber fairings, titanium exhaust, and more than 90% tailored components.
8. Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory — 199 mph (307 km/h)
The market went wild when Aprilia released the RSV4 1100 because of its novel build. This motorcycle is regarded as one of the fastest sports bikes on the planet. Its V4 engine delivers 217 horsepower and allows it to go from 0 to 100 within 5.55 seconds.
7. Ducati Panigale V4 R — 199 mph (320 km/h)
Ducati’s flagship superbike, the Panigale V4 R, is built to outperform other motorcycles on the track. The company combined a sleek Italian design with the latest aerodynamics to give riders an exhilarating experience. Thanks to a unique desmodromic valve system, which eliminates valve springs and uses a mechanical system to close the valves, riders have more precise control and speed.
6. Damon Hypersport Premier — 200 mph (323 km/h)
Besides its speed, this daredevil comes with innovative safety measures, including predictive artificial intelligence, to help anticipate and evade trouble. In its first public ride, the bike covered a whopping 200 miles in one hour. By the end of the show, Damon had hundreds of preorders for the $39,995 electric motorcycle.
5. Lightning LS-218 — 218 mph (350 km/h)
The Lightning LS-218 is a super fast bike with a powertrain that distinguishes it from traditional gasoline-powered bikes. This electric motorcycle delivers instant power, allowing it to take on the world’s best petrol bikes and beat them wheels down. Its powerful motor and lightweight design mean it can reach an incredible top speed of 218 mph.
4. Kawasaki Ninja H2R — 240 mph (400 km/h)
The Ninja H2R is another masterpiece from the Kawasaki factory. This powerhouse bike’s features are so enhanced that it is no longer street-legal. It has a 998cc inline-four engine and a supercharger which makes it one of the best racing motorcycles ever produced.
3. MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K — 250 mph (402 km/h)
You’d not be wrong if you called the MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K a rocket on wheels. For context on how it covers 402 km/h, the jet turbine engine in this bike is similar to the ones used by aircraft. Racers love it for its distinct sound and incredible handling, and not just because it’s one of the fastest production motorcycles ever built.
2. MTT 420-RR — 275 mph (442.57 km/h)
Marine Turbine Technologies is best known for aiming for the top speed on a motorcycle. One of their most famous designs, the 420-RR, has a 420-horsepower Rolls Royce Allison turbine engine. Even MTT said this model is ‘faster than you will ever dare to go!’ No wonder only five bikes are produced yearly.
1. Dodge Tomahawk — 350 mph (560 km/h)
Although the Dodge Tomahawk’s top speed is rated at 420 mph, no rider has ever risked their life trying to confirm. This bike is powered by a V10 SRT 10 Dodge Viper engine, far superior to the average motorcycle, allowing it to cover 350 miles within one hour.