In July 2019, Chevrolet introduced its 2020 Corvette C8 to the world for the first time. The car has earned a host of favorable reviews since then and most of it is well deserved. One of the more notable changes is the shift from a traditional front-engine placement to a mid-engine setup. That move has enhanced the Corvette C8 acceleration capabilities and helped boost it into supercar territory. The sports car will launch from 0 to 60mph in an earth-shattering 2.8 seconds, making it by far the quickest 'Vette ever made.
That’s pretty impressive for a car that starts at about $60,000. Some people, particularly bikers, will, however, smother a giggle at the thought of a match-up between the Corvette C8 and a proper superbike.
The Corvette has a top speed of 196 mph and will eventually haul in and overtake most street superbikes if the race went on long enough. However, when it comes to acceleration, there are more than a few superbikes that will completely outpace the Corvette in a 60-mph dash. Here are some of the more prominent street-legal superbikes that will teach the new-fangled Corvette C8 a thing or two about acceleration.
15 2014 Triumph Speed Triple R – 2.7 Seconds
As the name implies, this power bike is all about speed and it scores top marks in this department. The 121hp bike could make do with a bit more power and it may not be the lightest bike out there but that 0-60 mph sprint time means this is one machine that you brush aside at your own peril.
14 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R – 2.6 Seconds
The V-Twin powerplant for this superbike does not disappoint; capable of 180hp when fully wound up. The bike uses that power and its light 200 kg (around 440 lbs) weight to maximum advantage whether it’s sweeping around curves or attacking the main straight. That 2.6-second 0-60 mph sprint time will ensure the Corvette C8 is staring at its tail lights all the way.
13 2012 Honda CB1000RR – 2.6 Seconds
The 2012 CB10000RR was released to mark the 20th anniversary of the CB-RR model line. It was equipped with an upgraded bodywork and chassis. The traditional 3-spoke wheels were also replaced by more rigid 12-spoke aluminum wheels. It is no slouch in the speed department too and offers a performance that a stock C8 will find impossible to match.
12 2007 Ducati 1098S – 2.6 Seconds
The 2007 1098S was a completely redesigned superbike that boasted sleek lines and subtle curves. The changes were not just aesthetic too; power output grew to 150 hp, representing a 29-hp increase over the previous generation. The induction and exhaust system had also been tweaked to boost performance. The result was a road rocket that’s will not be scared of the much newer Corvette C8.
11 2015 BMW S1000R – 2.6 Seconds
The S1000R is essentially the less powerful version of the S1000RR, but that should not make you discount the BMW S1000R. It still packs enough punch to knock out a lot of superbikes in its category and its wicked acceleration means it will also take out the Corvette C8.
10 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale – 2.7 Seconds
The Panigale is named after the town where the superbike is produced and the 1199 is one of the more special variants. The bike is one of the strongest machines produced by the company and it weighs less than 200 kg. That means its liquid-cooled L-Twin cylinder engine has very little weight to haul around and its 195 hp power output can be fully devoted to blistering speed performance.
9 2006 Kawasaki ZX-14 – 2.6 Seconds
It may not be a new model superbike, but it has a lot of attitude and speed to match. The Kawasaki ZX-14 boasts a massive 200bhp, more than most riders will ever need. That power enables the bike rocket to a limited top speed of 186 mph. Even better is that blistering 0-60mph acceleration that will put most supercars to shame.
8 2014 EBR 1190RX – 2.6 Seconds
Erik Buell stated that the 2014 EBR 1190RX represented, “decades of dedication, innovation, and teamwork.” You’d be hard-pressed to argue with that. The bike weighs a scant 190kg and is mainly built around a 72° V-Twin, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine. That engine will put out 185hp at 10,600rpm, good enough for its insane acceleration performance.
7 2002 Kawasaki ZX-12R – 2.59 Seconds
This bike was introduced about the time when Japanese manufacturers entered an informal agreement to limit top speeds on their superbikes to 186 mph. Consequently, Kawasaki decided to focus on acceleration instead and they nailed it to perfection. Strap on your helmet and hold on tight – this is one road experience unlike nothing else.
6 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 S – 2.5 Seconds
The Ducati Diavel debuted in 2010 and 10 years later the model is still going strong. The 2019 Diavel 1260S is not cheap at almost $23,000 but what you get is some fancy upgrades like clutchless shifting, Brembo brakes, machine-finished wheels, and state-of-the-art Ducati multimedia interface. You will not be disappointed by its performance too – especially that 0-60mph stat.
5 2010 Yamaha Vmax – 2.5 Seconds
Even after 10 years, the Yamaha Vmax still remains one of the fastest accelerating superbikes out there. Interestingly, its design and looks are quite deceiving and do not indicate what the Vmax is truly capable of. It is also not light; weighing in at over 650 lbs. All those deficiencies disappear, though, as soon as you fire up the engine and unleash its ‘vmax’ potential.
4 2015 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory – 2.5 Seconds
‘Tuono’ in Italian means, ‘thunder’ and it will be hard to find a superbike more aptly named. It weighs in at a very impressive 186 kg allowing it to go about its speed business extremely well. Top speed is rated at about 170mph but what is even more impressive is how it gets there; just check out that 0-60 mph sprint time.
3 2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS – 2.5 Seconds
The frame of the Kawasaki Ninja bike is made of lightweight aluminum that enhances its handling despite its not-insignificant 269kg overall weight. You won’t be thinking of that weight though when you unleash this beast. According to Top Speed, this bike is not for the faint-hearted and should not be handled by inexperienced riders.
2 2002 Suzuki Hayabusa – 2.47 Seconds
This bike has been around for almost 2 decades now but its acceleration will flatten all of the sports cars that debuted within the last 2 years, Corvette C8 inclusive. The Hayabusa does have its faults – there have been some complaints about its performance under hard braking – however, they don’t include its speed or acceleration. You have been warned.
1 2006 Suzuki GSXR 1000 - 2.35 Seconds
Yes, that is no mistake. The 2006 Suzuki GSXR 1000 will streak past the 60-mph point in just 2.35 seconds. That’s faster than a McLaren P1 or even a Bugatti Veyron. A drag race with the Corvette C8 would only amount to a casual walk in the park for this powerful bike; it’s a no-contest, really