Sportsbike buyer’s guide, litre-class

Aprilia RSV4

Engine: 1099cc V4
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 216.9hp (159.5kW) at 13,000rpm/125Nm at 10,500rpm
Weight: 202kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Engine maps, engine brake control, cornering traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, launch control, cruise control, speed limiter, six riding modes
Fork: Sachs 43mm upside-down, fully adjustable, 127mm travel
Shock: Sachs monoshock, fully adjustable, 130mm travel
Seat height: 845mm
Wheels: Three-spoke aluminium alloy
Fuel tank: 17.9L
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $31,530 (ride away)
Notes: Aprilia also offers a 999.6cc version called the RSV4 RR, which produces 201.2hp (148kW) and 115Nm and is homologated for most domestic and international superbike championships. Aprilia withdrew from WorldSBK in 2019 after notching up two rider’s world titles with Max Biaggi (2012) and Sylvain Guintoli (2014).
Related reading: New Aprilia RSV4 and Tuono V4 revealed for 2021

Aprilia RSV4 Factory

Engine: 1099cc V4
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 216.9hp (159.5kW) at 13,000rpm/125Nm at 10,500rpm
Weight: 177kg (dry)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Engine maps, engine brake control, corning traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, launch control, cruise control, speed limiter, six riding modes.
Fork: 43mm Öhlins Smart EC 2.0, fully adjustable, 125mm travel
Shock: Smart EC 2.0 monoshock, fully adjustable, 115mm travel
Seat height: 851mm
Wheels: Forged aluminium
Fuel tank: 17.9LWarranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $38,730 (ride away)
Notes: Powered by the same Euro5-compliant 1099cc V4 engine as the base model, the up-spec Factory version gets Öhlins’ electronic Smart EC 2.0 suspension complete with three pre-set ‘active’ modes, adjustable headstock, rake and swingarm pivot, as well as lighter, forged aluminium wheels.
Related reading: 2019 EICMA: Aprilia Factory-spec RSV4 and Tuono

BMW S 1000 RR

Engine: 999cc inline four-cylinder ShiftCam
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 206.7hp (152kW) at 13,500rpm/113Nm at 11,000rpm
Weight: 197kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Cornering traction control, switchable ‘race’ cornering ABS, wheelie control, switchable engine maps and rear-lift control
Fork: 45mm Marzocchi upside-down, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Shock: Marzocchi, fully adjustable, 117mm travel
Seat height: 824mm
Wheels: Cast aluminium
Fuel tank: 16.5L
Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $25,680 (ride away)
Notes: The base-model S 1000 RR comes in five variants. The S 1000 RR Sport adds Riding Modes Pro and a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The S 1000 RR Race gets a lighter battery, TPMS, a GPS lap-trigger and forged wheels. The S 1000 RR M Sport has no passenger hardware and TPMS while the S 1000 RR Clubsport is the same as the M Sport but with lighter battery, GPS lap-trigger, carbon wheels, racing chain, the firm’s carbon and billet package and an alarm system.
Related reading: New colours, options for 2021 BMW range
New Bike Showroom: BMW S 1000 RR

BMW M 1000 RR

Engine: 999cc inline-four-cylinder ShiftCam
Transmission: six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 212.1hp (156kW) at 14,500rpm/113Nm at 11,000rpm
Weight: 192kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Cornering traction control, switchable ‘race’ cornering ABS, wheelie control, switchable engine maps and rear-lift control
Fork: 45mm Marzocchi upside-down, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Shock: Marzocchi, fully adjustable, 117mm travel
Seat height: 832mm
Wheels: M Carbon
Fuel tank: 16.5L
Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $54,105 (ride away)
Notes: The first two-wheeled BMW to carry the firm’s famed M badge and with a price tag to match. Essentially a homologation special with which Scott Redding and Michel van der Mark are campaigning in this year’s WorldSBK championship, as well as a performance hike and aerodynamics package, it gets all the bells and whistle of the S 1000 RR Clubsport as well as a host of lightweight milled and carbon race parts.
Related reading: New BMW M 1000 RR for 2021
New Bike Showroom: BMW M 1000 RR

Ducati Panigale V2

Engine: 955cc V-twin
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 155hp (114kW) at 10,750rpm/104Nm at 9000rpm
Weight: 200kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Switchable riding and power modes, cornering ABS and traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control and auto tyre calibration
Fork: 43mm Showa BPF upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Shock: Sachs monoshock, fully adjustable, 130mm travel
Seat height: 840mm
Wheels: Five-spoke alloy
Fuel tank: 17L
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $23,900 (ride away)
Notes: The twin-cylinder Panigale V2 was renamed and given sharper styling to not only fall into line with the increasingly popular V4 range, but to give purist Ducati fans a viable V-twin powered ‘superbike’ option. Despite its capacity, it actually falls within the WorldSSP regulations for 2022 and will be ridden by Oli Bayliss, the son of three-time WorldSBK Champ Troy, in this year’s new-look WorldSSP Championship.
Related reading: 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 Review
New Bike Showroom: Ducati Panigale V2

Ducati Panigale V4

Engine: 1103cc 90-degree V4
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 215.5hp (158.5kW) at 13,000rpm/123.6Nm at 9500rpm
Weight: 198.5kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Riding and power modes, cornering ABS and traction control, wheelie control, slide control, brake control and auto tyre calibration
Fork: 43mm Showa upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Shock: Sachs monoshock, fully adjustable, 130mm travel
Seat height: 850mm
Wheels: five-spoke alloy
Fuel tank: 17 litres
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $34,000 (ride away)
Notes: For a little under $10K more, there’s an S version of the base-model V4 which buys you Öhlins’ Smart EC 2.0 electronic suspension at both ends, lighter forged Marchesini wheels, a lithium-ion battery and racing grips. It’ll set you back $43,600 (ride away).
Related reading: Fresh changes for 2022 Ducati Panigale V4
New Bike Showroom: Ducati Panigale V4

Ducati Panigale V4 SP2

Engine: 1103cc 90-degree V4
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 215.5hp (158.5kW) at 13,000rpm/123.6Nm at 9500rpm
Weight: 194kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Riding and power modes, cornering ABS and traction control, wheelie control, slide control, brake control, auto tyre calibration and power launch
Fork: 43mm Öhlins NPX25/30 shock with Smart EC 2.0 electronic actuation, fully adjustable, 125mm travel
Shock: Öhlins TTX35 monoshock with Smart EC 2.0 electronic actuation, 130mm travel
Seat height: 850mm
Wheels: Carbon fibre
Fuel tank: 17L
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $56,900 (ride away)
Notes: Marketed as the ultimate track tool, the SP2 version comes with parts to blank out all mounting points once the road-going gear has been removed. As well as a data analyser, the wheels, aerodynamic wings and front guard are all made from carbon-fibre, along with adjustable rear sets, billet steering stem, machined levers, and racing-style grips, while each bike is individually numbered.
Related reading: Ducati Panigale V4 SP launched

Honda CB1000RR-R SP

Engine: 1000cc inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 217.5hp (160kW) at 14,500rpm/112Nm at 12,500rpm
Weight: 201kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Three riding modes, adjustable power, engine brake control, wheelie control and HSTC
Fork: 43mm Öhlins Smart EC NPX, fully adjustable, 125mm travel
Shock: Öhlins Smart EC TTX36 monoshock, fully adjustable, 143mm travel
Seat height: 830mm
Wheels: Cast aluminium
Fuel tank: 16.1L
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $49,999 (plus on-road costs)
Notes: The cheaper, base model isn’t imported to Australia, leaving the $50K version the only option for Aussie buyers. A 30th Anniversary edition was announced recently which pays homage to the firm’s original 1992 Fireblade with its red, white and blue brush-style tricolour graphics.
Related reading: EICMA 2021: Honda CBR1000RR, CBR1000RR-R SP
New Bike Showroom: Honda CBR1000RR-R SP

Kawasaki ZX-10R

Engine: 998cc inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed with quickshifter
Output: 203hp (149.3kW) at 13,200rpm/114.9kW at 11,400rpm
Weight: 207kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Switchable power modes, engine brake control, launch control, cornering management function, cornering ABS and traction control and cruise control
Fork: 43mm Showa BFF fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Shock: Horizontal back-link gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable, 115mm travel
Seat height: 835mm
Wheels: Three-spoke cast aluminium
Fuel tank: 17 litres
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $26,160 (plus on-road costs)
Notes: There’s a higher-spec ZX-10RR which is homologated to race in Superbike championships all over the world. As well as an all-green livery, it boasts lighter pistons, titanium conrods, forged Marchesini wheels and more adjustability. With its extra performance, the RR will set you back $42,160 (plus on-road costs).
Related reading: New Kawasaki ZX-10R, ZX-10RR announced
New Bike Showroom: Kawasaki ZX-10R

Kawasaki H2

Engine: Supercharged 998cc inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 231.1hp (170kW) at 11,500rpm/141.7Nm at 11,000rpm
Weight: 238kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Engine brake control, launch control, cornering management function, cornering ABS and traction control
Fork: 43mm USD fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Shock: Öhlins TTX36 gas-charged monoshock with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable, 135mm travel
Seat height: 825mm
Wheels: Five-spoke cast aluminium
Fuel tank: 17L
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $37,160 (plus on-road costs)
Notes: Despite many patents and rumours, Kawasaki is still the only mainstream manufacturer offering supercharged engine technology. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 2.6sec, its ‘Mirror-coated Spark Black’ paint is said to be ‘self-healing’, while the unmistakable ‘chirp’ from the supercharger makes it one of the most unique sportsbikes on the market.
New Bike Showroom: Kawasaki H2

Suzuki GSX-R1000

Engine: 999cc inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 202hp (148.6kW) at 13,200rpm/117.6Nm at 10,800rpm
Weight: 202kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Suzuki drive mode selector, launch control, cornering ABS and traction control
Fork: 43mm Showa BPF upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 125mm travel
Shock: Showa BFRC monoshock, fully adjustable, 130mm travel
Seat height: 825mm
Wheels: Sis-spoke cast aluminium
Fuel tank: 16L
Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $24,490 (ride away)
Notes: For an additional $3500, Suzuki has the up-spec GSX-R1000R on offer. The extra coin buys you higher-spec suspension, though it’s not electronic, a bit more adjustability within the electronic rider aids, and a few extras such as a braided brake lines. It boasts a sportier colour scheme and is priced at $27,990 (ride away).
Related reading: 2020 Suzuki GSX-R1000 now available
New Bike Showroom: Suzuki GSX-R1000

Yamaha YZF-R1

Engine: 998cc inline four-cylinder engine
Transmission: Six-speed with two-way quickshifter
Output: 198.5hp (146kW) at 13,5000rpm/112.4Nm at11,5000rpm
Weight: 201kg (wet)
IMU: Six-axis
Electronics: Selectable ride modes, cornering ABS and traction control, brake control and engine brake management
Fork: 43mm KYB upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Shock: KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Seat height: 860mm
Wheels: Cast aluminium
Fuel tank: 17L
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $28,190 (ride away)
Notes: Yamaha also offers the higher-spec YZF-R1M, which for $37,099 (ride away) comes with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension, carbon-fibre bodywork and Yamaha’s GPS datalogging system. And for 2022, there’s a red-and-white Heritage version which pays homage to the brand’s 60-year involvement in grand prix racing.
Related reading: Yamaha unveils 2020 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M
New Bike Showroom: Yamaha YZF-R1

The bikesales top five

While all of these bikes are flagship models showcasing the very best of each manufacturers’ capabilities, your intended use, your budget and your brand alliance will more or less make your decision for you. However, and in no particular order, here are our five favourite superbike models on the market today…

When it comes to bang for buck, it’s neck and neck between the GSX-R1000 and the Ducati V-twin. Suzuki gets our vote for the addictive induction howl and screaming inline-four, top-end performance.

One of the most engaging and usable engines on the market, this is a whole lot of motorcycle jammed into a compact and top-handing package.

An affordable entry into Ducati superbike ownership. You get the rich V-twin heritage, usable every-day performance and a high level of tech.

An amazingly unique bike in terms of both its looks and how it makes it power. It’s in this list because of the bragging rights.

Because if you’ve got $54K to throw at a motorcycle, and you’ve got the courage to throw it at a racetrack, it’s the closest you’ll get to feeling like a factory WorldSBK racer.