There's good reason why there's a general tendency to equate speed with expense. In the case of motorcycles, traditionally speaking, bolting on more performance would mean getting higher quality, lighter, and stronger parts. It would imply more complicated and bigger engines, stronger brakes, grippier tires, and rider aids to help access that ultimate speed... the list could go on. And all of this is directly proportional to how much you'd have to spend to get one of these fast motorcycles home.

UPDATE: 2023/12/15 01:53 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

A lot of motorcycle manufacturers today are focusing on smaller-displacement motorcycles that deliver big-bike thrills, and given the demand for such bikes that don't break the bank, it's no surprise that there's an influx of affordable sport bikes in the market. Keeping that in mind, we have updated this article to include a few more entries on cheap sport bikes that are currently on sale.

That said, we live in a time when the luxury of options has forced manufacturers to dig deep and provide buyers with accessible performance. More buyers want to access the thrill of speed on two wheels without having to take out a second mortgage, and the good bit of news is that manufacturers are responding to this demand. The following is a list of sport bikes from manufacturers like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and more that are on sale right now that give you a very respectable amount of performance for what you're paying. As the saying goes, it's time to have your cake and eat it, too.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars scanned the product portfolios of all major motorcycle manufacturers that currently have sport bike offerings. Once we had that list in place, we filtered them solely based on price. There wasn't a price cut-off, but we have restricted them to motorcycles that don't have large displacements. It's also worth noting that all the motorcycles on this list are currently in production.

11 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

Starting MSRP: $11,399

One could be forgiven for assuming that the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the Ninja 650 share the same engine, but they do not. While these two bikes share the Ninja nameplate, the ZX-6R has a 636cc four-cylinder engine that churns out to 130 hp.

The ZX-6R is also a lot sharper than its Ninja sibling, and with an electronic quick-shifter, LED lights, and a TFT display as standard, it is also one of the best-equipped bikes you could get. Traction control, too, is standard, and the Showa suspension on the ZX-6R is also completely adjustable.

While the bike is most certainly a phenomenal track toy to play around with, it also rides remarkably well, and on-road behavior and comfort in the ZX-6R are great enough that it could even be a commuter with the right suspension adjustment. One of the best-priced middleweight bikes, the Ninja ZX-6R should be on every biker's list.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Engine Specs

Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld

10 Honda CBR 650R

Starting MSRP: $9,899

Honda's CBR650R is definitely a lot different from its younger sibling, the CBR500R. A supersport bike, the CBR650R has a four-cylinder 649cc engine, which delivers 93.8 horsepower with 46.4 lb-ft of torque. The CBR650R, especially in comparison to the CBR500R, is a noticeably sporty bike with a distinctive GT design.

In its latest avatar, the Honda CBR650R has a refreshed design, great new suspension, and chassis components, which make this bike's handling and riding dynamics better than ever. One of the most agile bikes in its class, the CBR650R is definitely a lot more expensive than the other bikes of its class at $9,899. But it manages to take the fight to bigger bikes with ease, thanks to great riding dynamics and a track-friendly body.

2023 Honda CBR 650R Engine Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

9 Yamaha YZF-R7

Starting MSRP: $9,199

The Yamaha R7 is genuinely an iconic motorcycle. It is among the best bikes for those trying to tread the middle ground between uncompromising liter-class and beginner-friendly sport bikes. The new Yamaha R7 shares its engine with the MT-07, and the parallel-twin engine makes 74.8 horsepower with 50 lb-ft of torque.

The R7's chassis ensures that it remains comfortable no matter how fast or slow you go on the bike. The bike itself looks remarkably stylish in its new and refreshed avatar, and most importantly, sitting a peg below the liter-class bikes, the Yamaha R7 is also quite relatively affordable with its $9,199 price tag. Quite an accessible bike thanks to its relaxed riding position, the R7 is a phenomenal track toy as well as an obedient highway rider.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Engine Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

8 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Starting MSRP: $8,299

In the supersports segment, especially the 600cc segment, perhaps no bike is as popular worldwide as the Kawasaki Ninja 650. A 67-horsepower two-cylinder engine develops 48.4 lb-ft of torque in the Ninja 650 and fantastically blends comfort and great performance. The chassis and riding dynamics make it a great track toy while also ensuring that the Ninja 650 remains a commendable tourer as well.

With tech like Bluetooth connectivity and a configurable TFT screen, the Ninja 650 also offers an upgraded suspension for those looking to take it to the track. At $8,299, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is perhaps one of the most well-rounded supersport bikes in the market, which offers a refined ride, great track dynamics, and plenty of punch and performance.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Engine Specs

Specs sourced from Bikez

7 Honda CBR 500R

Starting MSRP: $7,299

The Japanese have entered the chat, and Honda's CBR 500R is a great sport bike that is also a lot better suited to long highway rides than some of its competitors. While heavier than its immediate rival, the Ninja 400, the CBR 500R's 471cc two-cylinder engine also makes a little more horsepower than the Kawasaki.

The Honda CBR 500R is also one of the most refined sub-600cc bikes out there, thanks to great craft skills and the two-cylinder setup. A smoother suspension also makes the CBR vibrate considerably less when trying to push the speedometer to its max. At $7,299, the Honda CBR500R might be expensive, but its refinement and GT-esque look to make it worth the price tag.

2023 Honda CBR 500R Engine Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

6 KTM RC 390

Starting MSRP: $5,899

KTM is not just a great off-road and adventure bike manufacturer; they also know how to craft some truly phenomenal road-going sport bikes. The RC8 and 1290 Super Duke R are some pretty great testaments to that. Furthermore, the brand did manage to win the MotoGP in just their fourth season as an entrant. The RC 390, then, like the Yamaha R3, is one of the best starter bikes, and its performance reaches close to that of bigger bikes as well.

Thanks to a great power-to-weight ratio and a 43 hp engine, the bike looks the part as well, with great looks fused onto an excellent chassis and suspension combo. This makes the KTM RC 390 handle sharp, and it is a great track toy to have. Electronics make the RC 390 even better, with cornering traction control and ABS making the entire package more well-rounded. At $5,899, the RC 390 is a great sub-$ 6000 sport bike to bring home.

2023 KTM RC 390 Engine Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

5 Yamaha YZF-R3

Starting MSRP: $5,499

A miniature clone of its top-of-the-line sibling, the YZF-R1, the Yamaha YZF-R3 does possess enough DNA from the liter-class R1 to make this bike a remarkable starter sport bike. A brilliant bike, the R3 has a great chassis and suspension, which enhances the sport bike feel of this vehicle and makes it quite a ride on the highway as well as the track.

Fitted with a parallel twin engine that produces 41.4 horsepower, the R3 has enough performance to keep any rider happy, and even for a beginner, it doesn't feel too underpowered even after they have mastered the craft. The Yamaha R3, at $5,499, is a great bike, especially because it can go head-to-head with bigger bikes and punches above its weight, thanks to the great engineering of this motorcycle.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 Engine Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

4 CFMOTO 450SS

Starting MSRP: $5,499

The CFMOTO 450SS has one clear aim: to rival the likes of the Yamaha R3, the Kawasaki Ninja 400, and the KTM RC 390. Its price certainly indicates as much, but that's not to say that it doesn't pack in some decent performance, too.

It gets a liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine that puts out 50 horsepower and 28.8 lb-ft of torque, which certainly aren't figures to scoff at in this segment. Over and above that, there are Brembo brakes, upside-down forks, a TFT instrument cluster, all-LED lights, and a lot more. For the money, it's definitely worthwhile considering the 450SS.

2023 CFMOTO 450SS Engine Specs

Specs sourced from CFMOTO

3 Kawasaki Ninja 400

Starting MSRP: $5,299

The segment of baby superbikes ends with the Kawasaki Ninja 400, which is perhaps the best option out there, for it blends the best parts of the Yamaha R3 and the KTM RC 390 quite beautifully. Riding on a 399cc parallel-twin engine, the Ninja 400 cranks out close to 45 hp, but its biggest pull factor, by far, is the excellent build quality and reliability.

Easy to live with, the Ninja 400 also looks the most like a big bike compared to its two formerly-mentioned competitors. The parallel-twin brings a level of refinement and character to the bike that feels missing in the KTM, and a 117 mph top speed is great for a starter bike. Brilliant handling rounds out the package, and the Ninja 400 also proves itself a remarkable tourer, thanks to a suspension that soaks up bumps easily.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Engine Specs

Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld

2 Honda CB300R

Starting MSRP: $5,149

What's odd about the KTM-rivalling Honda CB300R is that it doesn't get half the attention it deserves. It's got the perfect proportions for someone relatively inexperienced, has a nimble and flickable chassis, and at a starting price of $5,149, it's great in the performance-to-price equation.

It features a four-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC engine that puts out 31 horsepower and 20.2 lb-ft of torque, which is none too shabby once you consider the 317 lbs curb weight. Some could argue that the CB300R isn't exactly a sport bike. Still, for those looking for accessible, affordable performance in an easy-to-digest package, the Honda CB300R should be high up on your consideration list.

2023 Honda CB300R Engine Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

1 Suzuki GSX-250R

Starting MSRP: $5,099

And finally, the most affordable sport bike on this list is the Suzuki GSX-250R. Yes, it's down on displacement and has a starting price of under $5,000, but don't mistake it for compromising performance.

Keep in mind that the GSX-250R will have benefitted from a long line of Gixxer models that have come before it. Given that, this should be the ideal place for beginners to hone their skills. It features a 249cc parallel-twin engine that makes only 24 horsepower and just over 16 lb-ft, but with a curb weight close to 400 lbs, it should translate to a lively experience on the move.

2023 Suzuki GSX-250R Engine Specs

Specs sourced from Bikez

Source for starting prices: Respective manufacturers' websites

Sources for technical data: Motorcycle Specs, Bikez, WebBikeWorld