In this article, we’re diving deeper into the different categories of motorcycles. This time, after explaining what a super sports bike is, we’ll try to show you why they’re the best motorcycles out there.
In previous articles, we focused on adventure bikes first, and then naked bikes. So, this new article is going to be totally objective subjective again, and of course, taken with a grain of salt.
Let’s put aside any hint of bad faith and get straight to the point.
What exactly is a super-sport bike?
Just like a supercar compared to a sports car, there are a few key differences between sports bikes and super-sport bikes that are worth mentioning. First, super-sport bikes generally have more powerful engines than their sporty counterparts. This extra power makes them better suited for racing and other high-performance activities.
Additionally, super-sport bikes are more technologically advanced than regular sports bikes, often featuring race-derived technologies. More on that later.
Some Examples of Super-Sport Bikes
Aprilia RS V4 and RS V4 Factory
BMW S1000RR and M1000RR
Ducati Panigale V2 and V4
Honda CBR1000 RR-R Fireblade
Kawasaki ZX-10RR and Z H2, of course
KTM RC 8C
MV Agusta F3 R, RC, and RR
Suzuki GSX-1300RR Hayabusa
Triumph Daytona
Yamaha R1 and R1 GYTR
It’s worth noting that manufacturers also offer more equipped versions beyond the basic models. For example, Ducati’s V4 comes in variants like the V4S, V4 SP, V4 SP anniversario, V4R, and so on.
Ducati Panigale V4
You’ll notice a common thread among most manufacturers: the more Rs in the bike’s name, the more race-oriented it is 😉
super sports best motorcycles
Why Super-Sport Bikes Are the Best?
1. Performance
Super-sport bike is like a Formula 1 car on two wheels.
Derived from racing models, they often pack the latest technologies that haven’t yet trickled down to more standard models. Some tech that’s now common on road-oriented bikes and even some adventure bikes first appeared on hyper-sport models. Think quickshifters, anti-wheeling systems, etc.
So, if you want the latest tech without getting into Moto GP with its massive budget, you’ll need to go for a road-legal model.
Many super-sport bike owners chose these models specifically for track use. Sure, sporty naked bikes like the Triumph Street Triple can handle the track just fine and won’t be embarrassed next to their fully-faired counterparts. But nothing beats a super-sport bike on the track.
It’s worth noting that some manufacturers offer competition models to wealthy customers. Ducati’s Desmosedici limited to 1500 units and sold for nearly €60,000 in 2007-2008 is one example. Another is Honda’s RC-213-V-S, sharing 80% of its DNA with the GP model, which sells for €188,000/CHF200,000. A bargain!
super sports best motorcycles
2. The thrill
For those craving intense sensations and wanting to feel like they’re rocketing into space, a super-sport bike is the way to go.
These bikes represent the pinnacle of motorcycling and offer a unique riding experience to those who can harness it.
Not for the inexperienced, they come loaded with electronics: electronic suspension, anti-wheeling, anti-drifting, or torque control, etc.
This bike delivers power progressively and offers more tolerance for less experienced riders.
However, to fully exploit their potential, you’ll likely need to hit the track, as public roads aren’t really suitable for this kind of performance. More on that later.
Triumph Daytona 675R
super sports best motorcycles
3. A Formula 1 for daily use?
Thanks to all these electronic aids that help tame the power, super-sport bikes can be used almost as a daily.
Social media is full of stories of riders taking their super-sport bikes to unexpected places, like Dutch rider Sjaak Lucassen, who traveled around the world on a Yamaha YZF-R1 in the early 2000s.
Of course, these bikes are modified to improve their touring capabilities, but it shows they can be reliable for long-distance travel.
4. The look
Obviously, looks are a matter of taste. But no one can ignore a passing super-sport bike. Proudly displaying the colors of their Moto GP big sisters, super-sport bike owners often like to personalize their rides to make them unique.
BMW S1000RR Custom
These bikes also feature plenty of high-end materials: carbon fiber, titanium for the exhaust, etc.
In short, riding a super-sport bike, you’re bound to turn heads.
Are there any flaws?
Yes, definitely, and these might be the flip side of all their advantages.
First, they can be uncomfortable.
With a forward-leaning riding position, stiff suspensions, and engines lacking torque, especially the four-cylinder ones that deliver power higher in the rev range, it’s clear you don’t choose a super-sport bike for heated seats and air-cushioned suspensions.
A super-sport bike is a radical machine aiming at performance. Period.
But in an increasingly safety-conscious society with stricter penalties for speeding, especially around here, riding a bike with over 200 horsepower might be at odds with the times.
Yamaha YZF-R6
And it’s no surprise that, in terms of sales, super-sport bikes don’t represent the bulk of manufacturers’ revenue.
They keep producing them for prestige, especially those involved in competition, but they don’t make their money from these models.
Looking at the top 20 best-selling bikes in Switzerland in the first quarter of 2024, there’s no super-sport bike. At most, there are two sporty models: the Aprilia RS660 and the Suzuki GSX8S.
KTM R8C: n/a (no longer in the catalog, we’re waiting for the new model announcement)
MV Agusta F3: 4 units
Suzuki GSX-1300 Hayabusa: 8 units
Triumph Daytona: 0 units
Yamaha R1: 135 units
Total: 609 units
Sometimes Astronomical Prices…
All this technology and performance come at a cost. A Ducati Panigale V4 starts at CHF 27,290, its smaller sister the Panigale V2 at CHF 21,090 (2024 pricing). A Yamaha R1 at CHF 21,990. That’s just the starting price. But if you want to add a new exhaust, some carbon parts, tweak the mapping, etc., it’s easy to go over CHF 30,000.
This also means more expensive maintenance, as high-end machinery requires more frequent and pricier servicing.
Plus, for those who hit the track, there’s the crash budget, which varies depending on each rider’s skills.
Insurancepremiums will also be higher, as will vehicle taxes calculated based on power.
Finally, there’s the risk of depreciation when selling. Since many of these bikes are used on the track, with significant accident risks, many riders hesitate to buy used.
And as mentioned earlier, in an increasingly repressive society, many riders are hesitant to buy overpowered bikes, as the risk of losing your license is much higher.
Sure, the problem is the rider, not the bike.
But you must admit that when you can easily exceed 100 km/h in first gear, the temptation to break the law is higher.
This is evident in sales, as large displacement bikes over 1000 cc have been losing popularity for the third consecutive year.
Did you know we have super-sport bikes available for rent on our platform?
Browse our catalogue and book in a few clicks.
So much for the trails, in this other article, we will convince you that roadsters are the best (road) motorcycles.
Hey, I'm the founder and Chief Biker Officer of Cruizador. I've been a motorcyclist and travel enthusiast for a long time, and it was in 2018 that I decided to launch this new service, hoping that it would speak to as many bikers as possible who share the same philosophy and the same thirst for the great outdoors. I'd be delighted to take note of your comments, ideas for improvement, etc. Ride on!