Some riders don’t give a damn about anything other than raw power. So whether you’re a power freak, or someone in search of the pinnacle of performance, an aficionado, or a poseur with a fragile ego, it really doesn’t matter.
Here are the top 10 most powerful motorcycles that you can buy in 2024.
Introduction:
To start with, lets establish the criteria for this list.
But first, what exactly do we mean by ‘power’? If we were to only consider out-and-out BHP, the list would consist solely of sports bikes - which would be rather dull. Therefore, to make this more interesting, we have also considered other factors to extend the overall scope of the bikes on this list. For example, some bikes possess monumental torque but modest BHP, while others actually capture the essence of ‘power’ in more subtle, psychological or cultural ways.
Now that’s out of the way, what other criteria should we include. For starters, all bikes have to be completely standard production models. In short, the bikes must be road-legal models that have rolled off the factory floor. What this means is that no ‘track-only’ machines can appear on this list.
Next, no ’customized’ or ‘modified’ bikes. However, if the manufacturer has a special ‘performance kit’ for a bike that qualifies for inclusion on the list. This means we are allowing factory-approved modifications that are directly available to order from the manufacturer.
With that let’s dive into the list.
1. BMW M1000XR - “MOST Powerful Sports/Tourer!”:
BMW’s fastest, most powerful cars come from their motorsport division and are designated with an ‘M’ badge. For 2024, BMW’s performance whizz-kids have turned their attention to motorbikes. This has resulted in the development of no less than three ‘M’ series bikes. These are the M1000RR, the M1000R and the M1000XR. The first of M bike we’ll look at is the M1000XR.
The M1000XR is the upgraded version of the S1000XR that combines superbike performance with the practicality of a sports/tourer.
By giving this bike the ‘M’ treatment, BMW have equipped the M1000XR with plenty of high-end components, aerodynamic winglets, upgraded brakes and lots of light-weight carbon fibre. This means that the M1000XR weighs 223kg - some 4kg less than the standard S1000XR.
The M1000XR’s engine - derived from the S1000RR - has also been given a notable power increase. In the S1000XR, the 999cc inline four-cylinder engine produces 168bhp and 114Nm of peak torque. In the M1000XR the peak torque remains the same, but the horsepower has been increased by 33bhp to 201bhp. This gives it a top speed of over 275km/h. 2. Yamaha YZF-R1M - “The Track day weapon!”:
This list would not be complete without the inclusion of Yamaha’s iconic superbike, the YZF-R1M.
Remarkably, this ballistic missile of a bike has been around since 1998 and has continued to evolve ever since.
The YZF-R1M is Yamaha’s top line superbike and incorporates a great deal of the technology that’s been derived directly from their exploits in MotoGP.
The heart of this bike is the magnificent 998cc in-line four cylinder engine that produces 197bhp and 114Nm of peak torque. This means that it will comfortably reach a top speed of over 300km/h (186mph) and does 0-100km/h in just 2.56 seconds. The YZF-R1M also weighs a mere 202kg and is (arguably) one of the best handling sports bikes that you can buy.
3. KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10r:
Sticking with Japanese superbikes, next up there’s Kawasaki’s top model - namely the ZX-10R.
This somewhat overlooked bike is equipped with a 998cc inline four cylinder engine that produces a whopping 213bhp and 115Nm of peak torque. This propels the bike from 0-100km/h in under 3.5 seconds and goes on to a top speed of over 300km/h. Finally, it only weighs 207kg which makes the brake horsepower per tonne quite simply immense.
Kawasaki also produces a super-exclusive version of this Ninja called the ZX-10RR. That extra ’R’ in the name denotes its track-oriented intent and its increased acceleration.
The ZX-10RR isn’t really meant for the road, as its a homologation version of the bike that’s used for racing in World Superbike.
4. HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP: “Still Brilliant!”
The final Japanese superbike for this list is Honda’s amazing CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. That’s a lot of name for a lot of bike.
The original Fireblade was first introduced over 30 years ago in 1992 and, right for the start, it totally revolutionized the motorcycle market. Just like the other Japanese superbikes, the Fireblade SP also has an inline four cylinder engine. From its 1,000cc, it produces 215bhp and 113Nm of peak torque. It also tips the scales at only 201kg.
There’s a great deal of advanced technology on tap here and the suspension, chassis and brakes are amongst the best available. It goes without saying that the Fireblade SP offers exceptional handling, stunning acceleration and it’s easily capable of over 300km/h. In short, this is Honda performance engineering at its absolute finest.
5. SUZUKI HAYABUSA - “The Legend!”
Next we have a bike that requires virtually no introduction. It is, of course, the iconic and legendary Suzuki Hayabusa.
The Hayabusa made its debut on the world stage in 1999 and has been dominating discussions about fast motorcycles ever since. Its introduction also sparked a speed war among the major motorcycle manufacturers, which ultimately resulted in a “gentleman’s agreement” that limited top speeds to 186mph (300km/h).
The latest model is the third generation of the Hayabusa and, unlike the previous generations, this one is a very classy an elegant machine. It’s equipped with a 1,340cc 4-cylinder engine that produces 187bhp and an enormous 150Nm of peak torque.
Even though it weighs 264kg, acceleration is awesome - propelling the bike from 0-100km/h in under 3 seconds. Oh yes, it’s top speed is over 300km/h.
In the context of the motorcycle landscape, the Hayabusa is now categorized as a sports/tourer rather than a superbike. That may sound like an oxymoron, but this just shows how much has changed in 25 years.
6. MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR - “The Extreme Hyper-Naked”
MV Agusta are renowned for their racing pedigree, their exclusivity and their unique designs. They specialize in high performance road bikes and adventure/tourers. It’s no exaggeration to state that MV Agusta produce some of the world’s most beautiful motorcycles.
For this list, we’ve picked the Brutale 1000RR, but we could also have selected the Rush 1000 - a bike that’s even more exclusive.
Every component of the Brutale 1000RR is special. The top-line brakes, the ‘trick’ suspension, the electronics, the four exhaust pipes and, above all, the fabulous design, makes this an Italian supermodel that’s totally deserving of its aspirational reputation.
The Brutale 1000RR features a 998cc inline four cylinder engine that produces 208bhp and 116.5Nm of peak torque. What makes this beauty so fast is that it only weighs a mere 186kg.
The claimed top speed is in excess of 300km/h, but don’t get too excited by that. This is a naked bike so the absence of a front fairing makes it incredibly difficult to reach that top speed - well, for all but the total daredevils and nutcases. This gives it the title of ‘The Extreme Hyper-Naked.’
7. Aprilia RSV4 Factory: “street legal Race bike!”
From Aprilia we have an Italian superbike that’s loaded with technology from both World Superbike (WSBK) and MotoGP.
The RSV4 Factory SE-09 SBK 1100 is a numbered special edition that combines the speed of Aprilia’s most advanced factory-derived supersports bike ever with iconic livery that celebrates the RSV4’s first WSBK triumph with Max Biaggi in Brno in 2009.
Featuring prestigious lines, the Aprilia RSV4 comes kitted out to deliver maximum performance on the track, while each unit’s unique sequence number is emblazoned on the fuel tank for a truly exclusive touch. This is about as close as most riders are ever going to get to an authentic superbike experience.
The RSV4 has a 1,099 cc, 65° V4 engine that produces an incredible 217bhp and 125Nm torque. It’s also a real lightweight at a mere 202kg. This means its capable of 0-100km/h is just 3 seconds and a top speed of 314km/h (195mph).
To top it all off, there’s plenty of advanced tech, carbon fibre and the very best suspension and braking systems.
8. BMW M1000RR: “The Evolving Genius!”
BMW makes a second appearance on this list with the M1000RR superbike. The Germans have thrown all of their knowhow into this to produces one of the fastest bikes on this list.
The M1000RR is based upon BMW’s S1000RR but its been taken to a whole new level. In short, the M1000RR is basically an S1000RR on steroids. Joking aside, this is BMW’s ‘homologation special’ that forms the basis of their factory WSB racer with a race-ready engine ripe for tuning.
In standard form, the 999cc inline 4 engine produces 209bhp and 112Nm of peak torque. This bike weighs just 193kg and has a top speed of 312km/h.
The most noticeable visual aspect of the M1000RR is the aero package. There’s a sizeable windscreen and the winglets make the bike look somewhat mean and moody. However, those winglets do serve a practical purpose. They generate additional downforce and improve the bike’s overall handling. Let’s not kid ourselves though, none of this is really that noticeable at legal highway speeds. The M1000RR is more for race teams than track day riders.
Despite all of its racetrack intent, the M1000RR isn’t too extreme on the road - thanks to the roomy riding position, variable valve timing, heated grips and cruise control.
9. DAMON HYPERSPORT PREMIER: “Future Shock!”
As Monty Python would put it … “And now for something completely different!”
If you though that electric motorcycles were boring, or nothing more than scooters for the city, its time to think again.
The specs on the Hypersport are impressive. There’s 200bhp, 200Nm, a top speed of 200mph (322km/h) and a battery range of 200 miles. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is also claimed as less than 3 seconds.
The Hypersport also introduces the motorcycle world to some advanced technology. For example, ‘CoPilot’ is an AI-based situational awareness system which enhances rider safety by monitoring potential hazards. There’s also a riding position adjustment system that enhances rider comfort.
Whilst Damon have taken what seems like an excessive amount of time to bring the Hypersport to market, advanced orders are being taken and there’s no shortage of uptake.
10. Ducati panigale superleggera V4: “the ultimate Superbike!”
Of course there’s a Ducati on this list. It comes in the form of the super-exclusive Panigale SuperLeggera V4. This is the Italian manufacturer’s flagship superbike. Like most of the superbikes on this list, the SuperLeggera is derived from Ducati’s racing programmes in both MotoGP and World Superbike.
The full specifications for the SuperLeggera are simply astonishing. It has a dry weight of just 152.2kg - which makes it around 40kg lighter than any of the other superbikes available. Just think about that for a moment. That’s actually lighter than any of the 600cc supersport bikes.
Power comes from a 998cc V4 and, with the race kit and exhaust, it produces 237bhp and 119Nm of peak torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is 2.9 seconds and the top speed is over 200mph.
Basically, both speed and acceleration are nothing short of arm-wrenching.
Ducati were one of the pioneers of aerodynamic winglets and the resulting downforce produced by the Superleggera (at high speeds) is in excess of GP race bikes.
The advanced technology is stunning. The SuperLeggera is equipped with everything you can think of … and quite a bit more besides.
11. Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon: “The Technical Marvel!”
The track-only version of the Kawasaki Ninja H2 - the H2R - holds the record for the world’s most powerful production motorcycle. However, as the H2R isn’t road legal, we have to turn to its ‘detuned’ sibling - the Ninja H2 Carbon - for inclusion on this list.
The Ninja H2 is a technical marvel and comes equipped with some amazing functionality - including radar cruise control and blind spot monitoring. With its futuristic looks and blistering performance, this road bike is virtually unparalleled.
At the heart of the Ninja H2 is a supercharged 999cc inline 4-cylinder engine that effortlessly pumps out 207bhp and 127Nm of torque. Despite its 238kg weight, its still capable of 300km/h (186mph). By anybody’s standards the Ninja H2 is very fast, even though Kawasaki ironically classifies this bike as a sports tourer.
The Ninja H2 is on this list primarily for its outright performance, but it could just as easily make the list because it is such a powerful statement. A statement that serves to showcase the full extent of the latest in motorcycle technology.
12. TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 Storm R: “The torque monster!”
The Triumph Rocket 3 boasts the largest capacity engine in any production motorcycle. It has a 2,458cc inline 3-cylinder motor that produces 180bhp and an incredible 225Nm of peak torque.
The Rocket 3 is perhaps the ultimate ‘bad boy’ motorcycle. In Storm trim, the blacked-out finishes give the bike a mean and moody look. It’s also a sizeable machine that weighs in at a not unsubstantial 317kg. Everything about this bike screams ‘wanton excess’ and yet it manages to be slightly understated at the same time. It’s quite hard to categorize the Rocket 3 as there’s simply nothing else quite like it on the market.
Finally, the Rocket 3 makes a huge statement in support of raw power in a world that’s increasingly gaining an ecological consciousness.
13. Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST: “The mightiest Bagger!”
When it comes to a desire to announce your arrival, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST is just about as ostentatious as it gets. It’s big and its brash and not exactly at the pinnacle of modern motorcycle technology. But its probably this old fashioned formula that somehow still manages to capture the hearts and minds of the great unwashed.
This CVO ST is the most powerful production bike that Harley-Davidson has ever made. It sports a massive 121cu (1,977cc) v-twin motor that produces 127bhp and 197Nm of peak torque. On this particular list, that monumental level of torque is only surpassed by the Triumph Rocket 3.
Even allowing for the fact that this is a Harley-Davidson, the CVO ST is pretty quick and handles quite well. That’s not a surprise though, as it was derived from Harley’s exploits on the track in the ‘Battle of the Baggers’ race series.
The CVO ST is also unexpectedly well equipped. It has Brembo brakes, Showa suspension, a huge 312mm TFT and there’s even a few rider modes thrown in for good measure. Despite the fact that the CVO ST uses light weight materials, this thing still tips the scales at a whopping 380kg. That makes it the over 60kg heavier than anything else on this list. Ouch!
Ultimately, this particular Harley-Davidson makes a very powerful statement. It says that the owner is craving attention and that they have plenty of money to splash out on an American cruiser.
14. NORTON V4 SV: “The Coolest Kid on the block!”
Last, but by no means least, there’s the ‘coolest’ bike on the entire list. This accolade probably belongs to the Norton V4 SV.
If you want the ultimate statement of presence and power the Norton overshadows everything else here. It’s got it all! The legendary name, the pedigree, the heritage, the looks and it just oozes class and sophistication.
The Norton V4SV may not be the fastest bike on this list, but it combines all of the elements of ‘power’ into one almighty and impressive package.
At the heart is the glorious 1,200cc V4 engine that produces 185bhp and 125Nm of peak torque. It weighs a modest 193kg and this gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 0.958 bhp/kg.
The built quality is stunning and the attention to detail even more so. Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension and Carbon Fibre bodywork just add to the allure of this exclusive machine.
SUMMARY:
Power is a somewhat subjective concept. It can mean different things to different people.
What we have done here is to embrace the subjectivity of the notion. We’ve done this in order to explore how modern motorcycles express the whole concept of power. After all, when it comes to motorcycles, power is a central theme - whether we choose to openly admit it or not.
Motorcycles communicate their message of power in various different ways. Some do it with pure numbers, while others proclaim their power in far more subtle ways. This list was designed to consider all aspects of motorcycle power - be it blatant or subliminal.
Regardless of how the definition of power is interpreted, this list highlights just how many incredible bikes are out there. Bike that genuinely exude an aura of power in unique and unexpected ways.
Amongst this list of bikes we will all have our favourites. You may not agree with all of the bikes that we’ve selected, or you may think that there are bikes that we should have also included on this list. If so, we’d love to hear from you with any (and all) of your suggestions.
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