Much like other objects of individualism, motorcycles are tools of self-expression. Everyone's personality is unique, which is why manufacturers cater to their buyers' diverse personas by offering a wide range of motorcycles.
Motorcycles symbolize freedom and stand for one’s desire to be in harmony with the machine in pursuit of speed. These characteristics remain common throughout the entire motorcycling community. Sportbikes are designed with a primary focus on speed and that is why they have high top-end power whereas naked sportbike examples are designed to offer more torque and comfort, but both categories offer some of the most exciting rides
10 Will Annihilate Anything: Kawasaki Ninja H2R
In the upcoming action movie Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise will be seen reprising the titular role of the beloved nonconforming naval aviator, and he will also be seen riding a Kawasaki Ninja H2 - which is one of the most popular modern superbikes.
The bike is the fully-faired sibling of the Kawasaki Z H2 and currently holds multiple world speed records. The supercharged sportbike has a 998cc motor that is fitted with a two-speed centrifugal supercharger which produces 228 BHP and 98.5 lb-ft of torque.
9 Naked Bike We'd Rather Ride: Kawasaki Z H2
The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 is one of the fastest naked sport motorcycles you can buy right now. The bike shares its powertrain with the popular Ninja H2 SX supersport and gets the same supercharged inline 4-cylinder motor.
The peak power output of Kawasaki Z H2 is lower than that of the supersport version as the 998cc engine produces 200 BHP and 101 lb-ft of torque in the Z bike. The motorcycle has been styled with Kawasaki’s Sugomi design language and features a completely redesigned chassis that offers a more comfortable riding position.
8 Will Annihilate Anything: BMW S1000RR
The Bavarian automotive giant did not rush its motorcycle division during the development of the 2020 BMW S1000RR. Every component on the latest model S1000RR is brand new, and the 2020 model of the German superbike legend makes for a much more attractive offering than its predecessor thanks to its symmetrical design.
The bike offers compact dimensions thanks to the all-new chassis and subframe. The motor is a 999cc 4-cylinder engine that produces 207 BHP and around 82.6 lb-ft of torque.
7 Naked Bike We'd Rather Ride: Ducati Streetfighter V4 S
Superbikes are attractive rides, but every so often, a naked sport manages to blow them out of the water. The Ducati Streetfighter V4 S is a gorgeous naked sportbike that was met with widespread adoration throughout the motorcycle community.
The motorcycle shares a bulk of its components with the Panigale V4 S and ditches the beautiful fairings that adorn its superbike sibling. The motorcycle’s curb weight is rated at 443 lbs and its 1,103cc V4 engine produces a peak power output of 208 BHP and 90.4 lb-ft of torque.
6 Will Annihilate Anything: Suzuki Hayabusa
Suzuki Hayabusa is one of the most recognizable sportbikes in the world. When it was first introduced, the Hayabusa managed to secure the title of the fastest production motorcycle at the time. The bike also managed to retain its title for several years to follow thanks to its top speed which was estimated at 194 MPH.
Its iconic styling will grab the attention of everyone on the road, and the Hayabusa will also offer performance that will live up to its striking aesthetics. The most powerful version of used a 1299cc motor that produced 173 BHP.
5 Naked Bike We'd Rather Ride: MV Brutale 1000 Serie Oro
With the Brutale 1000 Serie Pro, MV Agusta managed to create another breath-taking Italian streetfighter. Not only is the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro one of the most attractive bikes of all time, it also happens to be the most powerful naked sportbike in production.
The Brutale shares its inline 4-cylinder motor with the F4 RC superbike, and the 998cc engine produces 208 BHP. The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Series Oro exudes an intimidating appeal, thanks to its muscular design that emulates a futuristic café racer.
4 Will Annihilate Anything: Yamaha YZF R1
The Yamaha R1 is one of the most famous superbikes in the world and the current model of this legendary nameplate is an exhilarating ride. The motorcycle’s predecessor was a formidable contender in the segment, and Yamaha improved it with the 2020 YZF-R1 by making minor - albeit significant - modifications.
Both the standard R1 and the race-tuned R1M are powered by the same cross-plane straight-four motor that produces a peak power output of 200 BHP and 78.6 lb-ft of torque. Yamaha also offers an engine brake management system to improve the bike's handling.
3 Naked Bike We'd Rather Ride: KTM 1290 Super Duke R
The current generation of KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a completely new outfit down to the bike’s chassis design. The space frame that offers the foundation of Super Duke R has been designed to be stiffer than its predecessors and the WP suspension and USD forks are also fresh components.
The versatile motorcycle is powered by a 1,301cc LC8 75-degree V-twin engine that also powers its sport-touring model, and its dry weight is rated at 430 lbs. The 1.3-liter motor produces a peak power output of 177 BHP and 106.20 lb-ft of maximum torque.
2 Will Annihilate Anything: Lightning Motorcycles LS-218
The LS-218 battery-only superbike by Lightning Motorcycles holds the land speed record for the fastest electric bike in the world. It managed to clock an average two-way speed of 215.96 MPH at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats.
Depending on its state of tune, the lithium superbike weighs anywhere between 492 and 500 lbs. The electric motorcycle uses an air-cooled battery pack that works in tandem with oil-cooled electronics to generate 200 BHP and 168 lb-ft of torque. This allows the bike to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 2.2 seconds.
1 Naked Bike We'd Rather Ride: FGR Midalu 2500 V6
The Czech motorcycle manufacturer decided to install a compact V6 motor capable of powering a sports car into a lightweight naked motorcycle. The result of this experiment was the FGR Midalu 2500 V6.
FGR Midalu V6 is an icon in the sportbike world. The monstrous 2,442cc V6 engine produces a peak power output of 240 BHP and the entire bike’s dry weight measures at just 577 lbs. Prices for this bike start north of $130K, which makes Midalu 2500 V6 one of the most expensive bikes in the world.