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- Sport bikes today are fast evolving. From having just one area of competence, manufacturers today are packing their motorcycles with more capabilities than ever. With a rapidly growing skill set on offer, these sport bikes from various manufacturers aim to give riders the best of both worlds: performance and comfort. This list has been updated to reflect more sport bikes that provide riders with an equal dose of speed and everyday usability.
There's no denying the appeal of a sport bike. While every manufacturer has their take on what they should look and feel like, they're typically characterized by traits that include a sleek, aerodynamic design, a powerful motorcycle engine, and physics-defying speed as standard. But much like anything in life, sport bikes are not without compromises. So, while a short blast around a racetrack would suit them just fine when you try to ride them for an extended period, they start moving out of their comfort zones.
UPDATE: 2023/12/08 11:49 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA
Sport bikes today are fast evolving. From having just one area of competence, manufacturers today are packing their motorcycles with more capabilities than ever. With a rapidly growing skill set on offer, these sport bikes from various manufacturers aim to give riders the best of both worlds: performance and comfort. This list has been updated to reflect more sport bikes that provide riders with an equal dose of speed and everyday usability.
The aggressive riding position, firm suspension, and the consequent toll it takes on your back, are all aspects that deter riders from riding sport bikes daily. But is that always the case? Not quite. There are a fair few motorcycles on the market today that balance comfort and performance quite well. The likes of Suzuki, BMW, Kawasaki, and Honda all make very competent sport bikes that offer the duality of comfort as well, as the following list goes to show.
How we got our model selections: To make this list as rounded and inclusive as possible, HotCars scoured every motorcycle manufacturer's portfolio thoroughly and selected the models that aimed to offer comfort and performance in equal measure. The former trait was recognized through multiple facets: riding aids, ergonomics, comfort features, and the like. In addition, the ones that made it to the final list include a mix of motorcycles currently in production and those that have been discontinued but can be bought on the used market.
Here's Why The Kawasaki Ninja 400 Is The Best Beginner Sports Bike
With superior power to weight ratio, versatility, and agile dynamics, the Ninja 400 leaves the competition in the dust.13 Ducati SuperSport 950 S
Comfort Highlight: Relaxed Ergonomics
Finding a Ducati on this list might be puzzling for those in the know. The Italian manufacturer isn't exactly known for producing some of the most comfortable motorcycles around. That said, the SuperSport 950 S stands out from Ducati's lineup as a shining exception.
This is not to say that it's down on performance. This is still a Ducati, mind. A 937cc, liquid-cooled L-twin puts out a commendable 110 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque, so performance isn't lacking. But allied to relatively high handlebars, a slightly relaxed riding posture, and a low seat, the SuperSport 950 S comes through as a great example of having your cake and eating it, too.
2023 Ducati SuperSport 950 S Engine Specs
Configuration |
L-Twin |
Displacement |
937cc |
Horsepower |
110 hp |
Torque |
69 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
149 mph |
12 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
Comfort Highlight: Non-Aggressive Riding Position
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is a bit of a rarity on this list. On the one hand, it sports a thoroughly competent and impressive inline-four engine that outputs some staggering numbers. On the other hand, you wouldn't think twice about heading out on a long, extended journey on it.
So, while the Ninja 1000SX might technically fall under the sports tourer category, there's absolutely no denying how well it manages the duality of comfort and performance. The riding position isn't aggressive, and the footpegs aren't far back enough to settle you into a typical 'crouch'.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Engine Specs
Configuration |
Inline-4 |
Displacement |
1,043cc |
Horsepower |
140 hp |
Torque |
82 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
155 mph |
11 Suzuki GSX-R600
Comfort Highlight: Adjustable Footpegs
A fair few motorcycles on this list sport some big displacement numbers, but that's not the case for the middleweight (and long-standing) Suzuki GSX-R600. This Japanese supersport is seemingly tailor-made for this list, as it fuses comfort and performance effortlessly.
One of its biggest highlights is that it gets three-way adjustable footpegs, allowing you to find the perfect riding triangle for your daily runs. There's even a Suzuki Drive Mode selector that allows you to toggle the bike's settings at the push of a button. It's not short on performance, either: a 599cc, liquid-cooled inline-four puts out 104 horsepower and 44 lb-ft, which will be adequate for most occasions.
2023 Suzuki GSX-R600 Engine Specs
Configuration |
Inline-4 |
Displacement |
599cc |
Horsepower |
104 hp |
Torque |
44 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
155 mph |
5 Best Yamaha Sports Bikes (5 Hondas We'd Rather Ride)
In this piece, we’ll look at five Yamaha sports bikes that triumph over the rest and 5 Hondas we'd still buy instead (and why).10 Suzuki GSX-R1000
Comfort Highlight: Electronic Aids
The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is arguably one of the best sports bikes on the market today. With a thumping 999.8cc engine powering it, the GSX-R1000 sure goes like hell, but its ergonomics help the rider remain comfortable as they blister at breakneck speeds. The engine's refinement is always a huge factor in eliminating harshness and vibrations. Of course, this is a department where Suzuki motorcycles shine bright, and the R1000 is simply no different.
However, this Suzuki sports bike's comfort doesn't end there, as the bevy of electronic aids and assisted features make life a lot easier as you make a daily driver (or rider) out of this liter-class machine. A bidirectional quick shifter makes shifting down and up a breezy affair, while Suzuki's low-RPM Assist System helps you glide through traffic without worrying about the motorcycle's weight. Everything comes together on this beautiful Japanese sports bike to make the rider as comfortable as possible atop it while being armed with an engine that can take the Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a 180 mph top speed.
2023 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Engine Specs
Configuration |
Inline-4 |
Displacement |
999.8cc |
Horsepower |
199 hp |
Torque |
86.7 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
180 mph |
9 BMW R 1250 RS
Comfort Highlight: 'Comfort Package'
BMW's R 1250 RS is one sports bike you could never stop falling in love with. After eight successful years of production, this powerful motorcycle, in its 2024 model year, is armed with a capable 1,254cc engine. Sure, many would call it a sports tourer, but this tourer is enough to gap even the most capable 600cc sports bikes out there while giving many liter-class sports bikes a run for their money.
Comfort is supreme in the 2024 BMW R1250 RS, and not only would you be comfortable riding it daily, but you'd feel at home while crossing continents. There's no denying how sporty this BMW motorcycle looks from every angle. Add to that BMW's comfort package for the 1250 RS, and you'll have the time of your life with heated grips and keyless ignition.
2024 BMW R 1250 RS Engine Specs
Configuration |
Boxer Twin |
Displacement |
1,254 cc |
Horsepower |
136 hp |
Torque |
105 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
N/A |
8 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Comfort Highlight: Assist-And-Slipper Clutch, Intelligent ABS
For a specced-out sports bike, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is known worldwide to be surprisingly comfortable. Kawasaki's Ninja motorcycles are some of the most famous sports bikes in the world, whether you're a beginner considering the Ninja 400 or a veteran who rides in the liter class with the ZX-10R.
The ZX-6R, then, rides the middle ground with its 636cc engine, where it is fast enough to keep up with the big bikes on the interstate and the track while still being a friendly daily motorcycle you can ride around the block. The ZX-6R's assist-and-slipper clutch, traction control, quick-shifter, and intelligent ABS all come together to further enhance ride comfort for its riders.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Engine Specs
Configuration |
Inline-4 |
Displacement |
636cc |
Power |
127 hp |
Torque |
52 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
164 mph |
10 Best Sports Bikes To Buy For Less Than $10,000
Based on their build quality, handling, and the insane power-to-weight ratios, these 10 sports bikes are the best you'll get on a $10,000 budget.7 Suzuki Hayabusa
Comfort Highlight: Riding Ergonomics
How could the Suzuki Hayabusa not have been on this list? One of the biggest household names in the world of motorcycles and inarguably one of the most proven sports motorcycles, the Hayabusa has now completed a quarter-century. Heavy, low, and super fast, the 'Busa runs on a torque-heavy 1,340cc four-pot that churns out massive power, all while ensuring that the rider remains comfortable and always in control.
What might take many riders by surprise is the 'Busa's agility in corners, along with all the additions Suzuki has made for added comfort, which includes a massively comfortable seat, comfortably-positioned handlebars and foot pegs, and one of the lowest drag coefficients.
2023 Suzuki Hayabusa Engine Specs
Configuration |
Inline-4 |
Displacement |
1,340cc |
Power |
187.7 hp |
Torque |
110.6 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
N/A |
6 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX
Comfort Highlight: Riding Comfort
We've had the Kawasaki H2 SX on this list for a long time, and that isn't changing any time soon. After all, Kawasakis are some of the most popular motorcycles globally, and the H2 SX is right near the top of the brand's lineup, blending luxury, performance, and the utmost comfort. The Japanese brand calls the H2 SX their most advanced tourer, and its 998cc four-cylinder supercharged is one of the best engines on the market today.
If you want to be fast all the time, wherever you go, whether it's a commute, a weekend trip, or the track, the H2 SX is the bike for you since it's much more comfortable than the hypersport H2. HotCars contributor Guy Pickrell reviewed the 2022 Kawasaki H2 SX and was impressed with the bike's mild manners and fantastic acceleration.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Engine Specs
Configuration |
Supercharged Inline-4 |
Displacement |
998cc |
Power (With Ram Air) |
197.3 hp (206.5 hp) |
Torque |
101.3 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
185 mph |
5 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Comfort Highlight: Rider Aids
The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a high-tech hooligan bike that is excellent at both daily riding duties and long road trips. KTM quite literally created a sports tourer by bolting a fairing onto the super naked 1290 Super Duke. The bike has also been loaded with some serious high-end components, such as WP semi-active suspension, a plethora of rider aids and riding modes, cornering ABS, you name it.
With 175 hp, this bike will get you to your destination in no time, whether it's the office or across a continent. While it doesn't have huge fairings to protect the rider from the elements, it's still surprisingly comfortable and practical.
2024 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Engine Specs
Configuration |
V-Twin |
Displacement |
1,301cc |
Horsepower |
175 hp |
Torque |
104 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
180 mph |
4 Honda VFR800
Comfort Highlight: Relaxed Ergonomics
The Honda VFR800F is the textbook definition of a user-friendly sport-touring motorcycle. It's been around for decades, and Honda has perfected the formula by now. It's a great daily rider, the perfect touring companion, and sporty enough to be a hoot in the twisty sections.
Being a Honda, it's also virtually bulletproof, and the 782cc V4 engine delivers impressive performance with 105 hp and 55 lb-ft of torque. The VFR might look sporty, but the real trick up its sleeve is that it's extremely comfortable to ride and supports good body posture. On the used sports bike market, a VFR 800 from its last generation, which ended in 2013, would set you back by around $8,000, but it remains a solid deal, especially with its Honda VFR800 top speed of 150 mph.
2014 Honda VFR800F Engine Specs
Configuration |
V4 |
Displacement |
781cc |
Horsepower |
104.5 hp |
Torque |
55.3 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
150 mph |
These Are The Most Underrated Sports Bikes Ever Made
Despite offering surprising amounts of power and technology for their time, these sports bikes have always been severely underlooked.3 Kawasaki Ninja 400
Comfort Highlight: Relaxed Riding Position
The Ninja 400 offers fantastic power from its 399cc engine in the beginner sports bike segment. Inarguably one of the best sports bikes for beginners who are looking to get a feel of what it's like to be riding atop a powerful sports bike but also don't want to torture their back, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 boasts a refined twin-cylinder engine that makes harsh vibrations a thing of the past.
Of course, going for the $5,699 ABS variant is recommended for beginners. The Ninja 400 is as great a track toy as a daily driver, with a riding position that you can fully commit to while racing on the track, but it also allows a more relaxed riding experience should you choose to lay back a bit. If you go full throttle, the Kawasaki Ninja's top speed is a solid 116 mph. HotCars contributor Michael Van Runkle reviewed the 2022 Ninja 400 and appreciated its welcoming nature for new riders while still armed with respectable power.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Engine Specs
Configuration |
Parallel-Twin |
Displacement |
399cc |
Horsepower |
44.8 hp |
Torque |
27 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
116 mph |
2 Honda CBR 500R
Comfort Highlight: Riding Position
One of the best beginner motorcycles in the modern world, the Honda CBR 500R took everyone by storm in 2013, deservedly so. A decade ago, the CBR 500R became the perfect entrant bike for anyone who wanted to feel proper Japanese sports bike power while also riding comfortably when they felt like it.
Today, the CBR 500R remains just as powerful and more refined than ever in its engine and electronics. The Honda CBR 500R's top speed is 115 mph, enough to make you feel like you're blazing through everything else when going full throttle and subtle enough to ensure ample riding comfort when you're in the mood for a more relaxed riding experience.
2023 Honda CBR 500R Engine Specs
Configuration |
Parallel-Twin |
Displacement |
471cc |
Horsepower |
46.9 hp |
Torque |
31.7 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
115 mph |
1 Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Comfort Highlight: Pillion-Friendly
Since the Triumph Sprint ST was released, it has slowly but surely chipped away at the Honda VFR800's market share. And for good reason — it's fast, practical, reliable, and comfortable. We should perhaps also mention that it's a genuine bargain when considering what you get for your money. Fast and inexpensive, thanks to its great prices on the used motorcycle market, this Triumph is hard not to recommend.
Unfortunately, the Sprint ST disappeared from the market in 2011, but if one comes up for sale, you might seriously consider snatching it up. Those who need more convincing might be more inclined to buy one when they learn that it's powered by Triumph's 1050cc three-cylinder engine, which also happens to be the unit that powers the iconic Speed Triple and Tiger. In 2010, there was also a Sprint GT 1050 version, which was more pillion-friendly and slightly better at long-distance touring.
2010 Triumph Sprint GT 1050 Engine Specs
Configuration |
Inline-3 |
Displacement |
1,050cc |
Horsepower |
128 hp |
Torque |
80 lb-ft |
Top Speed |
160 mph |
Sources for engine specs: FastestLaps, WebBikeworld, and MotoStatz