For a large portion of car enthusiasts, the greatest barrier to entry is the price-tag. A worthwhile car isn't exactly cheap, especially if it's name brand or top-of-the-line. The same, however, isn't so applicable when discussing motorcycles/sportbikes.
Though the brand new, high-powered models can still cost a pretty penny, their value isn't held for that long afterward. As a result, you can find a ton of beautiful, quick motorcycles that are only a few years old. If we were to set our budget to, let's say, $5,000, we'd still have tons of options, even at that low of an entry fee.
So, in an effort to do exactly that, we've gathered a list of fifteen of the fastest motorcycles that $5,000 will buy you...
2019 BMW G310R HP
Typically, when you hear "BMW" and "affordable" in the same sentence, it seems a little hard to believe. That may be the case for most BMW cars/motorcycles, except for the latest G310R HP. As the name suggests, it comes with around 300 ccs of displacement (0.31 L), which is plenty for its size. At a starting M.S.R.P. of around $4,999, the BMW G310R will be the nicest and quickest naked bike in that price range.
2020 Yamaha YZF-R3
For those of you who want something fresh and unmolested, it's going to be hard to find a brand new bike that's under $5K. Nevertheless, there are examples, yet, none are going to be race-winning liter bikes. Case and point, the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3. The R3 features a 300-cc engine, a similar body style to the R6/R1, and a small frame that's great for beginners (but still fast enough).
2015 KTM 390 Duke
Competing with the BMW G310R is another European bike manufacturer: KTM. Their fighter is the 390 Duke, a fellow naked bike with similar engine size and power output. The difference, however, is that the Dukes are often pricier than BMW's, which is why we've recommended a 2015 version. If a used bike isn't an issue, then the 390 Duke is a wonderful bike for under $5,000.
2020 Kawasaki Ninja 400
Although 300 ccs may be enough for beginners, a little extra is always better. Naturally, the next choice would be to get a bigger one; maybe the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 400. The name's straightforward - 400 cc's with the classic Ninja styling. Yes, it's faster than the 300s, but it's not going to be beating 600s anytime soon. Regardless, it's a quick toy for less than $5,000.
2016 Honda CBR500R
Finally, we have a Honda making an appearance, and it's a great one, too! Introducing the 2016 Honda CBR500R; a bike that's not like its "RR" alternatives. Equipped with an almost entirely redone exterior and engine, the newer CBR500R is (more than likely) the cheapest of the newer CBR's on the market.
2012 Yamaha WR450F Supermoto
What happens when you mix dirt bikes with on-road systems and upgrades? You get a 'supermoto,' of course! A result can be this Yamaha WR450F pictured above; refitted with street-legal tires, a new suspension, etc. When deciding between a dirt bike or a street bike gets too hard, just pick both! Depending on the model/year, they range anywhere from $2,500 to ~$5,000.
2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750
Now, we're getting into the real 'heavy hitters.' To really get things going, we've got the '07 Suzuki GSX-R (gixxer) 750. The 750 is a step above the GSX-R 600 and just shy of the GSX-R 1000. Normally, we'd say to go with one or the other, not a middle ground. However, the GSX-R 750 is an exception, since it's so well crafted, incredibly quick, and stunning to see.
If you're gonna get a gixxer, though, be ready for the stigma surrounding them. As long as you don't act like a squid, you'll be A O.K.
2012 Ducati Monster 696 ABS
Only in the world of motorcycles can you get 'the Ferrari of sports bikes' for less than $5,000. Obviously, we're talking about the 2012 Ducati Monster 696 ABS, not the Panigale's. The Monster 696 is another naked bike, but this one is nearly 700 cc's. As a result, it gets almost 80 hp at 9500 RPM. Though its no V4 or 1099, it's still a Ducati, and a pretty one at that!
2004 Honda CBR600 F4i
Since the Honda "CBR RRs" are such outstanding motorcycles, they often overshadow some of the other great Honda sportbikes. Perhaps, the best example is the early-2000s Honda CBR 600F4i. The RR's are more aggressive, whilst the F4i is better for cruising and comfort. Some argue that the F4i is slower (because of the seating position and lower price), but there's still debate about that. Personally, we here at HotCars think the F4i is a "Top 10" contender...
2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R
The same year Honda was revolutionizing the '600 cc' category, Kawasaki was doing the same for lighter bikes. It's no surprise that the ZX-10R lasted so long in Kawasaki's lineup when you take into account what makes it great. It isn't the so much the 1,000 ccs, rather, everything else: reliability, appearance, comfort, and more.
2004 Honda CBR 954RR ‘Fireblade’
When the first Honda CBR Fireblade was released in 1992, it topped its respective class in almost all areas. Then, in 2002, Honda did it again with the same model, the Fireblade. The new one would have a bigger 954 cc engine, improved suspension, redesigned body, new chassis, etc. The '90s ones are a classic, but the early-2000's versions are where it's really at! Plus, who wouldn't want a bike named 'Fireblade'?
2007 Yamaha FZ1
The speed associated with sportbikes comes with a caveat; you get speed, yet, sacrifice comfort/longevity. Yamaha's FZ series aims to remedy this by having the same engine as an R1 put into a cruiser/naked body style. The result is the 2007 Yamaha FZ1, an R1 that doesn't hurt to ride for longer than 30-minutes. The only real complaints are the difference in handling, but that's expected with a raised seating position.
2006 Suzuki Hayabusa
Oh Lord, here we go, the Suzuki Hayabusa: a bike that attracts as many fools as it does adrenaline junkies. Sitting on top of a 1.3-liter engine (1,300 ccs), the Hayabusa is still one of the fastest street-legal bikes that you can get on a budget. They're particularly great for drag racing (since the swing-arm is so long, etc.), making a ruthless display of power on and off-road.
You need to really know what you're doing if you get one of these, because (if you don't) it'll make you regret it...
2006 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja 636
Of all those on this list, the '06 Ninja 636 holds a special place in our hearts. That's not just because we've owned one before, but because of the unorthodox engine displacement. The extra 36 ccs make a world of a difference in terms of acceleration and top end. Other than that, the 636s are rarer when compared to the standard ZX-6R. So, if you're not quite ready for the power of a liter bike, the Ninja 636 may be the answer.
2009 Yamaha YZF-R1
We'd be remiss if we didn't include the Yamaha YZF-R1 in here somewhere, especially somewhere at the top. Aside from the alluring looks of the R1 (don't even tempt us with that Toce exhaust upgrade!), the R1 is the best that Yamaha has to offer. After the body style changed in 2015, the classic styles decreased in value. Sucks for the owners/dealers, but it's great for a would-be buyer.