Superbikes have more in common with the prototype monsters of the top rung series than the street-legal sportbikes. There is even a world's global series, World Superbike Racing that features tuned vehicles based on the production bikes you can buy at a local dealership. This is one of the greatest racing series many people have never heard of. However, blood and sweat make World Superbike Racing such an interesting sport.
One of the easiest ways to spot the difference between a standard bike and a superbike is to check the baldness of the tires. If the tires have the distinctive grain of slicks, the model is probably a superbike. Exhaust is one of the major components of the superbike that can be completely unique in function and the choice of materials. It is often located under the seat. Here are brand new superbikes that are worth every penny.
15 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
With the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, Honda chased power figures and used every weapon to challenge its rivals. The new bike is a rev-monster with the 14,500 rpm redline and 214 horsepower. Throttle manners have been improved with less mid-corner snatch. The bike comes with the most sophisticated Honda's electronic package.
14 Ducati Panigale V4
There is a 1,101-cc four-cylinder V engine that delivers 214 hp at 13,000 rpm and 91 lb. ft. of torque at 10,000 rpm. At the core of the Ducati Panigale V4 is a revised frame. The company changed the bike structure to allow more torsional and lateral flex and provide more compliance in the corners.
13 BMW S 1000 RR M
The BMW S 1000 RR M is "a ground-up redesign of the Beemer superbike, replete with even greater power, finer-tuned electronics, and completely reworked chassis dynamics. For 2020, the S 1000 RR M has a claimed 205 horsepower at 13,500 rpm, and 83 lb. ft. of torque at 11,000 rpm."
12 Aprilia RSV4
The Aprilia RSV4 features an updated 1000cc V4 engine that produces 201 horsepower and has an official maximum speed of 300 km/h. This is a staple bike of many professional teams, including Speed Master Teams, Paul Bird Motorsport and Aspar Racing. It takes part in superbike racing and MotoGP racing.
11 Yamaha YZF-R1
For the new Yamaha YZF-R1, there is an updated chassis, a sharper front end, fuelling changes, new side fairings, a 5% improvement in aerodynamics, a smoother tank and new multi level ABS and EBC systems. Other improvements include better brake pads, more aggressive tail light design, updated tires and exhaust tweaks.
10 Suzuki GSX-R1000R
The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is one of the brand's sportiest bikes. It was created to be the best among superbikes. It features an inline four-cylinder 999.8cc engine that offers 199 hp and 87 lb. ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The same engine can be found in the GSX-R1000.
9 Suzuki GSX-R1000
In short, "Suzuki developed a new generation GSX-R1000 that has an unmatched combination of reliability, durability, usability, and overall performance with excellent racing potential in a package that works as well for street riders as it does for track-day riders and amateur or professional racers." The aerodynamics reduce drag at top speeds.
8 Kawasaki Ninja H2
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 is the result of the Built Beyond Belief concept. The bike benefits from an updated engine that increases maximum power to 231 hp, making it the most powerful Kawasaki motorcycle ever. According to brand representatives, it's also the most powerful mass-production model. It comes equipped with 15 smart systems.
7 Aprilia RS660
The Aprilia RS660 is "A new concept in sport bikes for a more exhilarating ride every day of the week. Aprilia RS 660 combines design and premium engine technical mastery with the outstanding performance of the new parallel twin-cylinder 660 cc of up to 100 HP. This is a bike true to the Aprilia tradition."
6 Ducati V4 Streetfighter
The Ducati V4 Streetfighter is something to behold. The redesigned frame is joined by a 200-plus horsepower engine and advanced electronics to deliver performance we expect from the brand. The instrumentation is concentrated on a 5-inch color TFT display. Biplane-style winglets project from the sides and provide 62 pounds of downforce at 168 mph.
5 Honda RC213v
Unveiled in February in Indonesia, the 2020 Honda RC213v has an updated design with two rectangular shaped configurations on each side. It features a V4 engine that delivers 260 hp. The entire bike weights only 160 kg. The bike was put through its paces at the Sepang by the Honda MotoGP team.
4 Ducati Desmosedici
Thanks to the liquid-cooled 90° V4, the Ducati Desmosedici delivers 235 horsepower. This bike is an advanced technological incubator. An engine features a spine and slice traction control, a counter-rotating crankshaft and a new aerodynamic fairing. The machine has been renovated for 2020 and now includes elements derived from the skillful work of brand engineers.
3 Avintia GP14
The Avintia GP14 was built by Akira Racing Corporation to be used by the Avintia Racing Team. The bike features an in-line 4 pneumatic valve 1000cc engine with a power output of 250 hp and a top speed of 327 km/h. Mike Di Meglio, the racer from the Avintia team, races on this bike.
2 Yamaha YZR-M1
The Yamaha YZR-M1 features an aluminum twin-tube Delta Box frame with an aluminum/CFRP swingarm and multi-adjustable steering geometry. The bike was revealed in the team's pit box garage at the Sepang circuit. The engine that makes 240 hp is connected to a 6-speed transmission. The ECU is made by Marelli.
1 Suzuki GSX-RR
The Suzuki GSX-RR is a technological marvel. "Ride-by-wire throttle control and electronic throttle bodies provide the basis of the engine control, but there are more moving parts than that, lots more. An automatic Idle Speed Control feature helps with cold starts and servo motors actuate the throttle plates for lightning-fast corrections."