When it comes to motorcycles, there are some largely reputed names in the game who have created some of the best two-wheelers in all of motorcycling history. Two amongst these are Kawasaki and Honda, both Japanese auto-manufacturers, and they can be regarded as mammoths in the industry given the vast number of bikes they have produced over the years. Their intricate knowledge regarding the process and their rich racing history make them quite competent in the field.
While Honda also produces other vehicles, Kawasaki's sole focus has remained motorcycles for many years now. Both these companies are reputed for the sportbikes they create, having won numerous World Racing Championships between themselves. Honda and Kawasaki have produced some of the best two-wheelers in the sportbike segment, which has thwarted competition over and over again.
10 Honda Super Blackbird CBR 1100XX
One of the most famous sportbikes from Honda's arsenal has to be the CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird. Designed with the intention to create a motorcycle that exceeded all other motorcycles in its segment, the Super Blackbird sports a powerful 1,137 cc engine. Capable of a stellar top speed of 178.5 mph, this motorcycle became the fastest production bike in 1997 and retained the same for the upcoming two years.
Being extremely practical in its make, the Honda Super Blackbird was not just a bike that could rip forward on the track, but also provide the rider with a comfortable biking experience when on the road or when traveling long distances.
9 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14
The most important thing in any sportbike is the performance it delivers and with most modern bikes running after speed, it is quite obvious why companies tend to manufacture speedier models year after year. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 is one such motorcycle that not only looks intimidating but provides a performance that is equally daunting.
Powered by a 1,441cc engine, it is capable of producing a top speed of 186 mph and is one of the fastest motorcycles that Kawasaki has ever produced. Revving the motorcycle past the 5,000rpm mark tends to make it accelerate devastatingly fast, allowing it to cover the quarter-mile in less than 10 seconds.
8 Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblade
Released in 2004, Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblade is one of the most iconic sportbikes by the Japanese auto-manufacturers and is known for its incredible design and performance abilities. Having undergone myriad changes throughout its history with three redesigns in the years 2008, 2017, and 2020 respectively, the present CBR 1000RR is a refined beast that can claim the title of being one of the best two-wheelers that Honda has ever created.
Being extremely popular owing to its abilities on the racetrack and comfort on regular roads, Honda has continued producing this gem of a bike for almost 16 years and will probably continue doing the same for many years in the future.
7 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-1000R SE
The ZX-10R is one of the most famous bikes in Kawasaki's arsenal and in order to further the appeal this series held, the company decided to create an upgraded version of the same, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-1000R SE. While using the same liquid-cooled, inline-four, four-stroke, 998cc engine of the ZX-10R, the SE models further have the option of raising the power from 197 hp to 204 hp with the help of the innovative ram-air input system.
Riders can also have the option of selecting their preferred mode for power delivery and their optimal choice of suspension, with the push of a button. This has been done to allow riders to choose their optimal riding combination depending on the type of road they are riding on. With a classy design, the Ninja ZX-1000R SE is undoubtedly one of the most modern sportbikes that Kawasaki has ever designed and also one of the best that they have.
6 Honda RC213V-S
Popular due to its rarity and the mythical status it has achieved, given that many people have claimed that this bike can be made into one of the fastest that there is, Honda's RC213V-S is a bike that although seems ordinary on paper, cannot be overlooked owing to the hype surrounding it.
Honda itself has asked people to only buy this bike if they plan to use it on the racetrack, as it is not one that has been made keeping daily use in mind. This sportbike packs a four-cylinder 999cc engine that is capable of producing a top speed exceeding 299 km/h and derives its exotica from its exorbitant $184,000 price tag for the 2016 model.
5 Kawasaki Ninja H2
Part of Kawasaki's 'supercharged supersport' segment, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 is a superbike that can claim to be one amongst the fastest production bikes that exist in the modern era. Powered by a supercharged, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder, 998cc engine, the Ninja H2 is capable of producing a massive torque of 134 Nm at 10,500 rpm, as well as a staggering power output of 197bhp at 11,000 rpm.
People do know a lot about the track-only version of this model, which is the Kawasaki Ninja H2R, and while the H2 seems a bit restrained compared to the former, it should not be confused with being a flimsy motorcycle. It is extremely powerful and showcases the value and integrity that any Kawasaki product symbolizes.
4 Honda NR750
Released in the year 1992, the Honda NR750 is a luxurious sportbike that provides the rider with multiple facilities making him/her fawn over this powerful beast. Powered by a water-cooled, four-stroke, V-type, four-cylinder, DOHC 747cc engine, the NR750 is capable of reaching speeds of 160 mph.
Furthermore, it can reach a speed of 0-60 m/h in less than four seconds, while providing the rider with exceptional handling that is unparalleled in any sportbike that competes with the NR750 in its own segment. An extremely thick tube-frame made of aluminum, magnesium wheels, inverted forks, pro-link pro-arm, and carbon-fiber cowls are other additional features that make this sportbike a complete delight.
3 Kawasaki ZX7R
Although it might not be the fastest sportbike on the market, it has not stopped the Kawasaki ZX-7R from becoming one of the most popular that there is. Launched in 1996, the ZX-7R was discontinued after 2003 and has not received any major upgrades as such during its production run.
Regardless, people flocked to buy this 748cc beast owing to the impressive looks it displayed and the stability it provided to bikers. It is truly one exceptional bike from Kawasaki that has remained relevant despite the tough competition it has faced, and that is commendable in itself.
2 Honda CBR 600RR
If a complete bike ever existed in the 600cc category, the Honda CBR 600RR has to be that bike. Perfect in terms of handling, on-road capabilities, off-road capabilities, weight-ratio, size, and revving capacity.
This beast of a sportbike is capable of keeping most of its competitors eating the dust in a real race, courtesy its powerful engine - making it one of the best sportbike series that the company has ever released.
1 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Released back in 1995, the ZX-6R from Kawasaki's arsenal of incredible sports bikes is one that has remained relevant through all these years and plans on doing the same for many years to come. Despite not being the fastest motorcycle that exists, the Kawasaki ZX-6R provides riders with a lot more in terms of handling, stability, and on-road comfort.
It also won 2015's World Supersport Championship. The Ninja ZX-6R has undergone numerous updates throughout the years, thereby being able to retain its position as a popular sportbike even today