Which sports motorcycle to choose?

A bike with a soul and a playful character - perhaps every first visitor to a car dealership dreams of this. But when it comes to buying, you should put the lyrics aside and understand whether you are ready to manage a unit with a power of about 100 horsepower. And if 125 cc and 250 cc units are quite obedient and obey the owner, then 600 cc motorcycles can already provoke feats. Therefore, the main requirement for the owner is good experience and confident driving technique.

List of the most powerful sportbikes

Even the most accurate measurements may contain hypothetical errors. It may be minuscule and, by its principle, in practical terms, it may not be so important technically, but its existence will nevertheless be known, which for, say, idealists themselves can become a serious obstacle.

We all understand that any technique loves precision. It is certainly required both in technical calculations of vehicles and in their specific production. No less important here is the accuracy in providing the technical characteristics of this vehicle, namely, what are the dimensions of the car, how much it weighs, what is its power and what is the torque. It is with the latter that problems most often arise.

Very often, if not almost always, the declared power by a car manufacturer differs strikingly from the real one (or, more precisely, from what is measured on a dyno stand), and in the direction of overestimating the former. It may initially seem that selfish manufacturers are trying to inflate these figures in order to increase the value of their equipment compared to the same competitors. But in reality this is far from the case. It’s just that when conducting factory testing, so many variable values ​​are taken into account that it is very, very difficult to track all of them on a regular dynamometer, or it (the dynamometer) is simply not able to show them.

One of the many American automobile sites conducted its research on a dynamometer, setting the power of motorcycles in 2015, on the basis of which it made conclusions about the approximate discrepancy between its measurements and factory power measurements. Next, they compiled a detailed report-rating of the ten most powerful bikes of the past 2015.

Before we dive into this definitive list, we want to make a quick footnote.

The presented figures are typical for motorcycle models created specifically for the American market. In European and even more so in Japanese bike models, this power may differ slightly.

Power was measured based on independently performed tests.

How to choose?

Purpose.
Before purchasing, you need to ask yourself what the purpose of the purchase is and where it will primarily be used. For daily movement in a densely populated city, you should give preference to something small. A chrome cruiser in such conditions is not the best purchase. Driving on bad roads will require long-travel suspension to smooth out bumps. The physical characteristics of the owner play a decisive role in the choice. Two-meter athletes need to look towards equipment of appropriate dimensions. It is important not to overestimate your capabilities by purchasing equipment that is too heavy or powerful. Easy to use. At the beginning of the journey, the spark plugs and carburetor will invariably be flooded, and difficulties will arise in understanding the gearbox

Solving problems will require contacting service centers or nearby workshops, since it is impossible to fix them yourself. Too high costs make you think about the appropriateness of the choice. An easy-to-use motorcycle will make it easier to learn the basics of maintenance. Controllability and cubic capacity. At first, the ideal option is equipment with a volume of 125, 250 and 300 cubic meters, the maximum allowable is 600. They have a smoother and softer ride. Ease of control will allow you to quickly gain the necessary experience and learn to better navigate the road situation. No one will forbid a self-confident beginner to take a liter bike, but the consequences can be sad. In certain situations, when it is necessary to pass, a large volume can help out, but this is only in the hands of an experienced driver. In the wrong hands, this will, at best, lead to a visit to the emergency room. Weight. The one who doesn't ride doesn't fall. In the process of mastering the iron horse, more than one fall of 300 kg is expected and it is quite difficult to lift the apparatus above. Pay attention to popular models. Even with the most careful care, there comes a time when a part fails. Components for popular devices are presented in a wide range in any store. In addition, such models sell faster. Price. You shouldn’t spend fabulous sums on your first motorcycle for training. As a rule, the greatest number of falls occurs when gaining the necessary experience. And during its operation, the driver begins to understand what exactly he needs. No need to take too old models. There is a wide range on the secondary market, but not all of them are worth attention. A low cost indicates that it will soon need major repairs. Bright and stands out on the road. Such motorcycles do not blend into the road surface and are easily visible in car mirrors. This attention will help avoid unnecessary accidents.

Yamaha R1 and R1M - 186.4 hp at 12,000 thousand rpm

Just a few months ago, you only needed 179 hp to make this list. Then the 10th place in the ranking was occupied by the Motus MST-R model. Times have changed! Now the minimum for a bike top is 186 hp. and which the Yamaha R1 model motorcycle has, leaving behind the same Motus and thereby shifting down the 2015 specification, i.e. motorcycle models - Aprilia RSV4 and the old 1199 Ducati Panigale, in which tests showed 181 hp. The experienced fighter motorcycle model GSX-R1000 with its 182.4 hp could not withstand the competition.

Given such a huge investment in this Yamaha, the company could have hoped for a higher figure than what it turned out to be.

Japanese motorcycle Yamaha FZ 750

don't buy Yamaha FZ 750 motorcycles
This would be a great bike - it has excellent suspension, ride and ride - if it weren't for a defect that practically disqualifies it. This was the first time Yamaha used a 20-valve head. Each tank had two outlet valves and three suction valves to improve filling.

Biggest disadvantages

The spread in the initial period was greatly underdeveloped. The factory provided for adjusting the valve clearance (not very complicated) every 42,000 km, but models with support valves (i.e. without clearance) ended up with thirty and several thousand km. After adjusting the clearance, the gaps erased even faster. The only solution is to replace the valves and wait for the problem to reoccur.

But this is completely unprofitable - the cost of replacement is extremely expensive (12 suction valves, plus a cylinder head gasket). It's more than the price of a motorcycle. If you're a risk taker and want to buy a Yamaha FZ 750, first measure the compression pressure on site (especially if the engine has low mid-speed power and is emitting exhaust gases). You will immediately understand that repairs will come to you immediately after purchase.

Yamaha spare parts, online order

The 20-valve valve timing also has another important drawback. To adjust the valves, check the clearances, unscrew the camshaft caps (half-bushes) and remove the shafts. After replacing the plates and assembly, as well as control measurements, it may be necessary to correct the tiles and re-disassemble the nozzles, which may not work. Lack of factory materials.

Only with the injectors and the factory book in hand will you know which version of the motorcycle you are dealing with. And there were 12 of them. For example, the VN 750 for the Canadian market had 68 hp, for the European market 66 hp. and for the Swiss 37 hp. Without knowing the version, it is impossible to properly tune the motorcycle. After reassembly, shafts may not rotate in clamped half-shells despite being tightened in the correct sequence. It's just that the lids are too delicate.

If after the first adjustment of the valves the rollers rotate, they are secured on the second or third. Interestingly, the same flaws were found in the FZR and even in the first YZF 750. Only later did Yamaha deal with this problem.

BMW S1000RR - 190.4 hp at 12.500 thousand rpm

Just recently, the previous HP4 model (derived from the S1000RR) could only be content with the last place in the table. The new basic road version of 2015 has caught up, its capabilities have increased today, to the same 190 hp. It is noteworthy that the year before last, sportbikes with similar engine power could only count on sixth place in the ranking. What we mean is how quickly the technology of new generations of internal combustion engines is moving forward.

Chassis

Die-cast aluminum Mono-Backbone frame and suspension parts have been specially designed to increase ease of handling.

Die-Cast Aluminum Mono-Backbone Frame

The CBF600 is built around a cast aluminum Mono-Backbone frame that was first created for the CB600F Hornet in 2007. Assembled from three large cast sections, this simple structure holds the engine. The lightweight cast aluminum frame also provides a significant increase in rigidity for more precise handling and quick response to changes in direction.

The steel under-seat rail is robustly constructed for easy installation of the top and side panniers. To improve operating comfort, new shock-absorbing counterweights have been installed that effectively absorb vibration. Additionally, the lower center frame support has been moved and the footrests have been lengthened.

Suspension parts

The CBF600's suspension components have been specifically designed to increase ease of handling for less experienced riders. Up front, 41mm forks provide confident control. At the rear, the new CBF600 suspension system supports a 46mm steel swingarm.

Version with integral ABS

The CBF600's ABS component operates much the same as all other ABS-equipped Honda models. When braking on uneven and slippery road surfaces, this highly precise system instantly reacts to the latest changes in the relative speed of both wheels, predicting and counteracting wheel slip before it happens. Thanks to precise control, the system maintains the correct brake pressure for smooth and even braking, which significantly increases the ability to stop quickly and confidently.

The Braking System links the rear brake pedal to the center piston of the right front brake caliper to provide adjustable front brake control balance when the rear brake is firmly applied.

Firm pressure applied to the rear brake pedal causes just enough front brake application to provide an excellent balance of front and rear braking forces for precise control. The remaining five pistons on the front brake calipers are conveniently operated by the handbrake lever, providing reliable braking control that matches the sporty credentials of the CBF600.

Confident riding also requires trouble-free brake performance, and the CBF600's advanced Combined ABS system provides an exceptional level of smooth, confident braking control for both expert and less experienced riders in situations where optimal braking is critical.

Suzuki Hayabusa - 194.4 hp at 9.500 thousand rpm

Just as the Americans themselves are accustomed to powerful V8 engines in their cars, so it has become common for the Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle to extract its horsepower from a 1,300 cc engine. “An old horse will not spoil the furrow,” says one old saying. This saying can be applied to the Hayabusa sportsbike model this time too. This old man is still giving off heat! His measurements on the dino showed a result very close to 200 hp, which was only 5.6 “horses” short of that.

Such power of the bike directly indicates that the technologies that were originally used on Hayabusa motorcycle models were long ahead of their time. Without any major modifications, Japanese engineers today manage to steadily increase the power of their superbike.

The fastest motorcycle in the world – Dodge Tomahawk

Theoretically, this monster, presented to the general public back in 2003, accelerates to 613 km/h. Until now, there has not been an extreme sports enthusiast willing to prove this on the track; his passport contains a record of 468 km/h. But all experts believe that the Dodge Tomahawk, with its dual wheelbase and independent suspension, is capable of achieving the stated figures.

The price for the fastest motorcycle in the world starts at $555,000 (or 35,500,000 rubles), so so far only 9 copies have been sold, which are parked in the private collections of millionaires.

Of course, in the article we looked at record holders intended for highly experienced drivers; regular bikes are much easier to control

But even when riding a motorcycle that is not the fastest in the world, whose speed does not exceed 180 km/h, it is important to remember your safety and not neglect your protective equipment. You can order all the necessary equipment at a profit from the TvoyMoto store - call and we will answer all your questions.

Ducati 1199 Panigale R and Superleggera - 194.4 hp at 11.250 thousand rpm

The old 1199 Panigale may have left our ranking list, but the homologation R version of it still remains on the list, along with another super-expensive model like the Superleggera, which shares the same engine spec. The same power as the V-Twin Hayabusa sportbike, which at the same time has 100 hp. less than a remarkable achievement to say the least.

Japanese motorcycle Suzuki TL 1000

do not buy Suzuki TL 1000 motorcycles

The sporting success of the V2 Ducati Superbos forced the Japanese to act. In 1997 they introduced two V-twins - the successful Honda VTR 1000 liter motorcycle and the troublesome Suzuki TL 1000 S liter motorcycle (which was joined a year later by the same-flawed TL 1000 R).

Biggest Disadvantages

The TL was scary - it had a tendency to vibrate, which even caused fatal accidents. Therefore, a year after the premiere, the company installed steering shock absorbers not only for new, but also for sold motorcycles. Unfortunately, the tendency for the steering wheel to turn over continued; the shock absorber only extinguished it.

Result? On rough roads it is scary to exceed 140 km/h.

The engine also had shortcomings - through leaking pistons/rings, it pumped oil into the air filter - under warranty there was a replacement (depending on the mileage) either on the piston rings themselves or on the pistons.

Another problem was the electronics. The engine could jerk and stall at idle. It was necessary to ensure that the idle speed was set correctly (1300–1400 rpm), after which the ECM was modified.

Oil dilution by fuel is another disadvantage. The thermostat was replaced under warranty. The engine was “too cold” and was trying to take too long to suck. This condition also caused high fuel consumption.

Suzuki spare parts (Suzuki), online order

Cracks in a tank that was not properly secured.

The frame of the eye, which protrudes from the vane damper due to the non-standard shock absorber (such were, for example, on GAZ cars) with which the TL was equipped. The quality of its damping, despite the possibility of adjustment, was not the best.

Cracked frames on the head. At first they argued that this was due to frequent driving, but then it turned out that this was not the case - the frames were breaking.

So you will never know which bike you will get or how many defects have been fixed on it, because all the improvements and repairs were done on a regular basis. Which doesn't change the fact that some of them are indelible.

Ducati 1299 Panigale and Panigale S - 194.4 hp at 10.500 thousand rpm

Look, friends, what some 100 cubes can do. The previous base model 1199 Panigale developed and carried “only” 181 hp, and in 2015 several additional cubes raise its power to 194.4 hp. With the increased volume, the revolutions themselves decreased, at which the peak power of 750 rpm was reached, when compared with similar indicators of the Superleggera model motorbikes or the R version.

MV Agusta F4, F4R, F4RR and F4RC - 197.1 hp at 13.600 thousand rpm

You and I must admire the achievement of the motorcycle company with the MV Agusta bike in creating the F4 engine, which turned out to be so powerful and amazing. Without some 3 (three) horses, almost 200 horsepower! And all this despite the fact that we have before us a simple 998 cc basic design, which, by the way, at the present time can hardly be called the latest. In 2016, it should be replaced by a completely new four-cylinder engine. What does it mean ? We are confident that Agusta will be able to break the 200 hp mark. in its sports line of motorcycles.

The best Chinese 250cc motorcycles

Chinese motorcycles are a whole layer of the market, very unique and specific. In some circles they are met with sidelong glances and disdain, in others they are popular. The level of their quality can raise many questions; the desire of developers to give a more powerful appearance than it really is makes some people laugh and annoys others. But one thing cannot be taken away from them: a Chinese motorcycle is a very affordable piece of equipment.

The cheapness of bikes from China captivates many people. It’s not a shame to actively use them every day; you can learn to ride them and comprehend the intricacies of the technical structure of a motorcycle in practice. Just as some motorists are confident that they need to learn to drive some kind of Zhiguli, and a person who has mastered an old VAZ will not experience difficulties with more serious cars, the same can be said about motorcycles from China.

Engines with a volume of 250 cubic centimeters are the golden mean for a beginner. Although serious motorcyclists disparagingly call them “chekushki” (by analogy with a 0.25 liter bottle of vodka), this is no longer a “buzzer” of 72-125 cm³, and not yet a liter “death machine”. With a power of about 20 hp, such bikes are suitable for beginners, as well as those who do not require outstanding capabilities from a motorcycle.

There are many budget motorcycles from China and India on the market. Not all of them are equally good; it’s not easy to find even the basic minimum of information and reviews about some brands. Therefore, the selection of the best Chinese 250cc motorcycles includes those models for which there are quite positive reviews, and the brand has been on the market for several days.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 - 197.1 hp at 11,000 thousand rpm

The power of the Kawasaki H2 sportbike, as it turned out, exactly corresponded to what was declared by the manufacturer - 197 hp. The H2R track model showed how the performance of the same engine can vary when it does not have to meet emission control guidelines. However, such a motorcycle will not be released on the road. But the H2 model is environmentally friendly; it is one of the greenest sports bikes on the market. And at the same time one of the most powerful.

Kawasaki GPZ 600R

do not buy Kawasaki GPZ 600 R motorcycles
One of the first super sports motorcycles and the first Ninja, introduced in 1984, had many defects that arose over long-term use. When production began, it was a sports bike, but when they tried to sell it in the early 90s, it no longer deserved such a title.

Yamaha V-Max - 197.4 hp at 9,000 thousand rpm

Another motorcycle legend, the V-Max model. Despite its very strange roots in the intricacies of which obvious signs of incest are visible, this model of a sportbike shows quite good results time after time. Its huge 1.679 cc engine easily produces 197.4 hp. at 9,000 thousand rpm. The Americans received such indicators during their measurement tests. In terms of torque, this 1.6 liter engine was head and shoulders above all other competitors.

The only negative about this V-Max model, which is logical, is that it is excessively heavy.

BMW K1300S

Even the German that opens the ranking of the fastest motorcycles in the world is already designed for an experienced driver, because it accelerates to hundreds of kilometers per hour in 2.9 seconds. It is good for its low center of gravity, which provides a safer landing and is possible thanks to the side-mounted engine.

The advantage of the model is its rich equipment: quickshifter, traction control, electronic suspension adjustment and Motorrad ABS greatly simplify control. Also interesting is the ultra-sporty design, built on the ever-stylish contrast of black and white.

The price starts from 1,100,000 rubles.

Aprilia RSV4 RR, RSV4 RF (model 2016) - 198.5 hp. at 13,000 thousand rpm

Second place in the ranking. The compiled list clearly shows how difficult it is for motorcycle manufacturers today to cross the threshold of 200 hp. What a difficult task this is.

More recently, the Aprilia model had a “modest” 181 hp engine, but the latest tweaks for the 2016 model year motorcycle have made a serious improvement in it. The result is obvious - 198.5 hp, the most powerful production liter bike currently sold in America.

It’s surprising but true why so few people buy such a technological masterpiece.(?)

Road

You can often hear the contemptuous “less than a liter is not a chopper” from chopper drivers, and this point of view can be understood. This class of steel horses almost always uses deformed V-shaped 2-cylinder engines, low-speed and high-torque, so they need a large volume to achieve sane power. For this reason, bikes with engines of one and a half liters or more are popular, and “six hundred” are considered equipment for beginners. The most popular common representatives of this category are the Honda Steed 600 and Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star. The Suzuki LS650 Savage is much less popular, and Kawasaki has never had a cruiser in this segment. It is worth noting that the above-mentioned Hondas and Yamahas are built on the same platform as their 400 cc counterparts, and differ from them mainly only by the CPG. Suzuki Savage, on the other hand, stands somewhat apart, and differs from its 400 cc counterpart not only in its engine, but also in its belt drive instead of a chain drive.

Kawasaki ZX-14R (ZZR1400) - 207.9 hp. at 10,000 thousand rpm

It was number one last time and remains so to this day. This did not cause any particular problems for the ZX-14R sportbike; 2016 will further show whether the hegemony of this sportbike will continue in the future.

The ZX-14R sportbike model, known in Europe as the ZZR1400 model, may be an atavism from the point of view of thinking of the ongoing “battles” of the maximum speeds of the Blackbird/Busa/ZX-12R model motorbike, the turn of the current millennium, but no one has any doubts about its effectiveness No.

Power is not the most important thing in a motorcycle. So, it is quite possible that the most powerful sportbike of all may not show the most impressive results on the motorcycle track. But nevertheless, an additional 10 horses can always be useful on straight sections, where it would be difficult to find an equal to the ZX-14R sports bike.

Well, it goes without saying that the owners of Kawasaki motorcycles are the only ones who can officially say or declare today that they own a production bike with more than 200 hp. As they say, it’s a small thing, but it’s nice! See you later, friends.

Advantages and disadvantages

If we talk about sportbikes and classics, then we can highlight a number of noticeable features characteristic of forced in-line engines of this cubic capacity. All of them are to one degree or another similar to each other, despite their individuality. The Yamaha YZF-R6, for example, has several dips and catches in the torque curve, while some Honda CB600F Hornet, on the contrary, has an easy-going character. However, let’s compare “six hundred” with “liters”, without going into details, and consider their strengths and weaknesses:

pros

• Lower purchase cost;
• Less weight;
• Not so much power that some 600cc models are considered a suitable motorcycle for a beginner.

Minuses

• The maintenance cost is similar to that of a “liter”;
• The 600 has to be turned more actively to high speeds in order to achieve good dynamics;
• Fuel consumption in some cases can exceed that of a liter engine, since the engine has to work harder;
• Many 600cc sportbikes are characterized by very nervous behavior at low speeds , which creates inconvenience when driving around the city.