The Fastest Production Motorcycles in the World

Since the release of the Suzuki Hayabusa in 1999, the Japanese "Big Four" has adhered to an unwritten "gentleman's agreement" to electronically limit their street motorcycles to 300 km/h (186 mph). At the same time, other manufacturers, such as MV Agusta, do not follow this restriction. As a result, the claimed top speed figures can be misleading and, for the most part, irrelevant.

In this context, the "Top 10 Fastest" is based on production street motorcycles with the highest power-to-weight ratio. This is a simple indicator of acceleration and, under equal conditions, top speed. Although this is not an ideal criterion, without comprehensive, independently verified power figures, one has to rely on the data claimed by manufacturers, which should be approached with caution. Claimed dry weight figures are also used, as there are no universal maximum weight figures. This complicates matters, as motorcycles do not operate without fuel, oil, and water. Additional complications arise from the use of race kits, track exhaust systems, etc.

However, with all this, and with the new batch of "hyperbikes," this exciting reading provides a fairly accurate picture of the current "speed hierarchy" and throws in a few surprises.

1. Energica Ego+ RS

Price: $25,000

This electric bike represents a new breed of motorcycles that accelerate like nothing else. The best version among them is the Energica Ego, which demonstrates impressive figures. The claimed time to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) is just 2.6 seconds. However, considering its power and weight, it is not particularly special, as it has a peak torque of 159 lb-ft, weighs 260 kg, and has a top speed limited to 241 km/h (150 mph).

Claimed Peak Power: 171 hp
Estimated Weight: 260 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.656 hp/kg
Top Speed: 241 km/h (150 mph)

2. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa

Price: $18,000

In 2021, Suzuki introduced an entirely new version of its hyperbike Hayabusa. This model complies with Euro5 standards and features a full suite of rider electronics. The new Hayabusa has become a worthy successor to the original from 1999, although its speed does not exceed that of its predecessors. However, the sensation of acceleration remains impressive.

Claimed Peak Power: 187.4 hp
Claimed Dry Weight: 221 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.874 hp/kg
Top Speed: Limited to 299 km/h (186 mph) due to the gentleman's agreement.

3. Norton V4 SV

Price: $44,000

The controversial Norton V4 RR has been replaced by the new V4 SV, which has a power output of 185 hp and a dry weight of 193 kg. Despite the decrease in power, the new motorcycle showcases better handling and reliability, although it still cannot compete with the best models from Europe and Japan.

Claimed Peak Power: 185 hp
Claimed Dry Weight: 193 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.958 hp/kg
Top Speed: Not specified, but expected to exceed 290 km/h (180 mph)

4. MV Agusta Rush

Price: $34,000

MV Agusta offers a limited edition 300-unit Rush, which has a power output of 212 hp and a dry weight of 186 kg. This motorcycle can achieve a top speed of "over 300 km/h."

Claimed Peak Power: 212 hp
Claimed Dry Weight: 186 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 1.140 hp/kg
Top Speed: Over 300 km/h (186 mph)

5. Honda Fireblade SP

Price: $28,000

Honda has updated its flagship superbike for 2024, with new components that improve track performance. The peak power remains at 214.6 hp, while the weight is estimated at approximately 180 kg.

Claimed Peak Power: 214.6 hp
Estimated Dry Weight: 180 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 1.192 hp/kg
Top Speed: Limited to 299 km/h (186 mph) due to the gentleman's agreement.

6. BMW M1000RR

Price: $36,000

In 2021, BMW introduced the M1000RR, a special version of its superbike S1000RR. It has a peak power of 212 hp and a weight of 175 kg, providing high performance.

Claimed Peak Power: 212 hp
Estimated Dry Weight: 175 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 1.211 hp/kg
Top Speed: Limited to 299 km/h (186 mph) due to the gentleman's agreement.

7. Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory

Price: $27,000

Aprilia has updated its RSV4 motorcycle to an 1100 cc version, with a peak power of 217 hp and a weight of 177 kg. This motorcycle demonstrates impressive performance.

Claimed Peak Power: 217 hp
Estimated Dry Weight: 177 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 1.226 hp/kg
Top Speed: Approximately 305 km/h (190 mph)

8. Ducati Panigale V4 R

Price: $40,000

Ducati has introduced a special version of the Panigale V4 R, which has a peak power of 237 hp and a weight of 172 kg. This motorcycle is continuously updated and demonstrates impressive performance.

Claimed Peak Power: 237 hp
Estimated Dry Weight: 172 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 1.378 hp/kg
Top Speed: Over 300 km/h (186 mph)

9. Kawasaki Ninja H2/R

Price: $30,000

Kawasaki has introduced the super-powered Ninja H2/R, which has a peak power of 322 hp and a top speed exceeding 320 km/h. This motorcycle remains one of the fastest in the world.

Claimed Peak Power: 322 hp
Estimated Dry Weight: 193 kg
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 1.585 hp/kg
Top Speed: Over 320 km/h (200 mph)

10. Crighton CR700W

Price: $100,000

Crighton CR700W is a track motorcycle with a rotary engine, which has a peak power of 220 hp and a weight of 129.5 kg. This provides the highest power-to-weight ratio among all production motorcycles.