Anything that gets your heart racing is probably worth doing. For many motorcyclists, riding a bike is more than a hobby, it is a passion. They want to travel to the edge of the world and achieve impossible terrains, paths, and miles. Bikers won't mind devoting a big chunk of time and income for their motorcycles. In the hierarchy of needs, it's motorcycling that stays on top. This passion turned into a profession for champions like Giacomo Agostini, Joey Dunlop, and John McGuinness.
Motorcycle racing appeared the moment the first bike was made. Today, it is about the madness of driving the quickest machine and being the fastest motorcyclist. Setting records has become a passion, and people invest all their time into the pursuit of speed. These machines have blazed the streets of the world where straight-line speed and horsepower hold the stage. Here are the fastest motorcycles in a straight line.
15 Yamaha YZF-R1 M
With a top speed of 186 mph, the Yamaha YZF-R1 M is one of the most sought-after performance bikes designed to deliver unmatched straight-line performance. Known as the sharpest Yamaha's street-legal model, it comes with a four-cylinder engine that delivers 197 hp. The engine is paired with a 6-speed transmission.
14 Suzuki Hayabusa
Jay Koblenz of Motorcycle Consumer News commented, "If you think the ability of a motorcycle to approach 190 mph or reach the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds is frivolous, this still remains a motorcycle worthy of just consideration. The Hayabusa is Speed in all its glory. But Speed is not all the Hayabusa is."
13 PGM 2.0-Liter V8
The PGM 2.0-liter V8 is one of the most powerful production motorcycles in the world. At its heart is an engine that has been created by wedging two mid-2000s’ Yamaha R1 mills. Pumping out 334 hp and 158 lb. ft. of torque, it makes other performance bikes look like little playmates.
12 BMW HP4
The powertrain of the BMW HP4 was handcrafted by the same engineers who worked on the WSBK motorcycle. The machine uses Titanium Ohlins and Brembos to offer a sensual experience only a select few can afford. With a top speed of 215 mph, this is the most exclusive BMW bike of all time.
11 Kawasaki Ninja H2R
The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is the fastest non-street legal motorcycle in the world. At 249 mph, the bike sounds fantastic. This is also the fastest accelerating two-wheeled vehicle. It is powered by the H2R’s supercharged motor that produces 326 hp. Co-developed by Kawasaki's aerospace division, it comes with Race ECU.
10 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL
The 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL offers straight-line performance and comfort. Positioned as a sportbike, it's the highest-performance touring model made today. It's powered by a 1,649 inline-six unit that delivers 126 hp and 106 lb. ft. of torque. The torque does the heavy lifting, pushing the bike to speeds few models can match.
9 2020 Yamaha VMAX
Bikers who like to race from stoplight to stoplight will love the 2020 Yamaha VMAX. As a cruiser, the model is powered by a 1,679 cc water-cooled V4 engine that delivers 174 hp and incredible 113 lb. ft. of torque. The cruiser boogies in a straight line like no other.
8 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is the fastest sports tourer made by Honda. It comes with a powerful 1,137 CC engine that delivers 152 hp. The dual counter balancer shaft provides incredible straight-line performance and smoothness. The engine is paired with a 6-speed transmission to offer a maximum speed of 190 mph.
7 Aprilia RSV 1000 R
The Aprilia RSV 1000 R is an ultra-exotic V-twin motorcycle that rocks in a straight line but is a handful on the road. This is not a machine for the inexperienced. It comes with magnesium wheels, carbon fiber body panels and full titanium exhaust. The bike is powered by a V-twin engine delivering 139 hp.
6 2019 Ducati Panigale V4
The list of the fastest bikes in a straight-line wouldn't be complete without a Ducati. The Italian machine is powered by a MotoGP-derived 1,103cc V4 that delivers 186 hp and 80 lb. ft. of torque. This gives a ridiculous 0.43 power-to-weight ratio. The bike isn't just powerful, it has a look to back the muscle.
5 MTT 420RR
The MTT 420RR was made by Marine Turbine Technologies that wanted to create a lethal machine. The result is a beast delivering 420 hp through the gas turbine engine and making 500 lb. ft. of torque. RR in the name stands for Race Ready, and we wouldn't expect anything less from a bike with a turbine engine.
4 Lightning LS-218
With a top speed of 218 mph, the Lightning LS-218 is faster than any other street-legal motorcycle, and it offers one of the best straight-line performances in the world. The speed was proven at Bonneville Speedway. Weighing only 495 lbs and equipped with the latest technologies, the bike is powered by a 10,500rpm electric motor.
3 Aprilia RSV4 FW-GP
The Aprilia RSV4 FW-GP features light pistons, a quick shifter, and a hi-spec APRC package that takes care of cruise control, traction control, launch control, and pit limiter. Thanks to this technology, the machine reaches 211 mph without a fuss. With this bike, customers can get as close as possible to the MotoGP experience.
2 MV Agusta F4 LH44
The MV Agusta F4 LH44 comes with the 998 cc, four-cylinder engine with titanium connecting rods and billet pistons that deliver 212 hp. The bike has all it takes to get to a top speed of 194 mph. This machine lets you taste the spirit of speed with the technology that thrives on pure emotions.
1 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 brings insane straight-line performance to the table along with safety systems and amazing ride quality. This is a mighty bike made for experienced riders. It features a 1,441 cc engine with a ram air intake good for 208 horsepower. This is enough to reach a top speed of 190 mph.