Superbikes offer unparalleled performance, thrill, and exhilaration. Other machines much like hypercars can try as hard as they want but will barely come close to the kind of freedom one experiences as he/she becomes one with the machine.
This experience is no longer limited to rides with exorbitant price tags and unreasonable maintenance prerequisites. Can you imagine how John Britten would have reacted if he could see these motorcycles perform today, using parts that are being produced at mass volume, after having spent years handcrafting each bespoke component that went into the Britten V1000!
In today’s market, bike manufacturers have fine-tuned their offerings and introduced state of the art equipment in sportbikes that come with competitive price tags. With the affordable cost of ownership, these toys go on to become part of the family in the long run. So, we have compiled our picks of the top 10 superbikes that deliver jaw-dropping performance and can be yours without breaking the bank. Let’s check them out.
15 KTM RC 390
This Austrian contraption is one of the finest machines to have been introduced in the small-bike segment and understandably so. KTM has several motorsport victories under its belt and has brought its winning tech into their offering. As an entry-level sportbike, this single-cylinder beast will make your R3 feel like a ricer.
14 Honda CBR500R
It is quite rare that one finds a substitute for a trusty old Honda. The bike is not exactly fancy; it even comes with standard telescopic forks at the front but it manages to strike an eloquent balance between sporty performance and comfortable ergonomics. The fairing treatment on the new model is also much more aggressive than those offered in previous models.
13 Honda CB650R ABS
Even though styling is a matter of personal preference, we can all agree that unlike other offerings in this displacement category, the Honda CB650R is one of the most attractive sport naked contenders out there. Honda equips the CB650R with a plethora of state of the art features like LED DRLs, USDs, and a grunty powerplant.
12 Suzuki SV650
After discontinuing the nameplate back in 2009, Suzuki has brought back the SV650 and we can't get enough of it. The Suzuki SV 650 embodies a classic café racer-inspired sport naked styling and the engine has been retuned to produce 75 BHP of peak power output. Think of it as a small displacement Ducati monster with Suzuki reliability.
11 Yamaha MT-07
The 2020 Yamaha MT-07 is powered by a 689cc crossplane engine which produces 73.8 bhp of power. Not only is the 8-valve parallel-twin engine one of the most capable units in the segment but once you strap on an aftermarket exhaust it is also one of the meanest sounding motors in the market.
10 Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 nameplate recently received a 2020 update. The motorcycle has been completely redesigned and now features how much sharper origami-Esque fascia. One look at the motorcycle and it is obvious that Ninja 650 treads the line between a tourer and a sportbike; perfect for when you want to hit the track as well as when you want to slow down on the back roads.
9 Yamaha XSR700
Sharing its chassis and engine with the FZ-07 it is no surprise that the 2020 Yamaha XSR700 gets formidable foundations. Speaking of the engine, this powerplant is forgiving enough for the new rider to take on this machine easily at the same time a more experienced rider can push its limit. The motorcycle comes with impressive throttle response and retro styling.
8 Honda CBR 650R ABS
Honda introduced the CBR 650R as a replacement for the outgoing 650F model. The updated 2020 model has been designed to be more responsive and rider-friendly. The new bike now offers a sportier riding position as the clip-on handlebars have been lowered and the footpegs been moved towards the back of the bike.
7 Suzuki GSX- S750Z ABS
This middleweight naked sportbike comes with 114 horses under its tank and can take on any challenge the road and indeed the rider can throw at it. Handling characteristics are some of the best in the business, thanks to its large four-piston brakes at the front. The bike also sits higher than its predecessor and is therefore ideal for taller riders.
6 KTM Duke 790
The 2020 Duke 790 gets a digital instrument cluster and multiple riding modes but it is not a traditional KTM. The 790 gets a longer wheelbase, upright handlebars, and a bigger seat. It becomes obvious that KTM designed Duke 790 to be more comfortable but with its 6-speed gearbox mated to a 105 BHP motor, this bike can obliterate the racing circuit just as easy.
5 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
Powered by an inline 4-cylinder motor, the 2020 Kawasaki Z900 distinguishes itself from the rest of the competition courtesy of its shorter gear ratios. With 123.3 BHP on the tap, you will only find the Yamaha R6 in your rearview mirrors as this beast keeps propelling you till its 11,500 RPM redline.
4 Yamaha MT-09
Styling of the MT-09 drew its inspiration from ancient Samurai warriors but has a love or hate appeal to it. However, the performance of MT-09 is as unquestionably impressive. The handlebars are wide and upright which means that it is quite easy to chuck this ride around the corners. The performance remains unadulterated courtesy of the bike’s cast aluminum frame.
3 BMW F 900 R
After its 11 year run, the F800 R has bid us adieu and in comes the F900 R with its 895cc, parallel-twin motor which feels more like a V-twin than any other motorcycle in the segment. The 2020 F900 R offers plenty of torque and weighing at just 465 lbs this bike banks like a dream thanks to its updated sidearm and chassis.
2 Husqvarna Motorcycles SVARTPILEN 701
When KTM introduced its 690 series, the motoring world could not fathom a more precise track fighter; enter SVARTPILEN 701. This highly tuned lightweight sportbike features futuristic styling all the while carrying out weight-saving measures in the most ingenious ways. With almost 73.75 BHP at the throttle, this Swedish contraption can take on offering from more premium and higher displacement categories.
1 Ducati Monster 797
As cliché, as it may be, topping our list, is this sub-$10,000 Italian stallion. The Monster is Ducati’s best selling nameplate around the world. The 797 is powered by the bike manufacturer’s much renowned 73 BHP, Desmodue twin-cylinder motor and flaunts a timeless but muscular styling that makes it unmistakably a Ducati.