10 Cheapest Superbikes On The Market in 2024
Before we start with the topic, let’s get our facts straight. Here we are going to talk about superbikes, which have a displacement of 950cc and more. No, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re focusing on just liter-class sports bikes. Instead, the list comprises some sports tourers, hyper bikes, and also full-fledged sports bikes. Also, since this engine capacity usually belongs to top-shelf products, by ‘cheapest’, we don’t mean “affordable”. Rather, we’re focusing on knowing how much power, style, and tech you can have by paying the least price.
Such bikes are always more expensive than the usual options you can consider. And for good reason, as manufacturers often put their most powerful and technologically advanced engines, together with premium underpinnings and high-tech electronics packages. At present, the minimum price baseline for an over-950cc superbike is at least $13K. With the pre-requisites out of the way, let’s get you an affordable superbike!
Looking at the data from OEM websites, and authoritative websites like cycleworld.com and motorcycle.com, we have created this list with the most authentic information. Motorcycles on this list are arranged in ascending order of price.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Track
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Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
Base MSRP: $13,699
Ninjas are expensive, right? But, what if we say that there is a fully-faired, 1000cc Ninja with all the electronic gizmos that’s less priced than every liter-class machine of every other Japanese manufacturer? Before you call us cuckoo, meet the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. Largely overshadowed by its ZX and H2 brothers, this motorcycle is loaded with all the electronics you can wish for. The list includes traction control, an intelligent anti-lock brake system, ride modes, power modes, cruise control, and, last but not least, smartphone connectivity via the Rideology app. Power comes from an inline-four cylinder 1,043cc engine tuned for strong mid-range performance, unlike the peaky output of its below-mentioned ZX sibling.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Kawasaki)
Model Highlights
- Features an advanced Kawasaki cornering management system.
- Comes standard with a clean-mount side case system (cases are separately sold).
- Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires offer enhanced grip in both dry and wet conditions.
Suzuki GSX-R1000
Base MSRP: $16,349
Currently, the GSX moniker is celebrating its 40th anniversary. So, if you are a Suzuki lover, then it is the perfect occasion to bring home the GSX-R1000, the most powerful Suzuki sports bike of the present time. Nourished by manufacturers’ long experience with MotoGP races, the R1000 is loaded with several advanced electronic rider assistance systems. For example, bi-directional quickshifter, inertia management, S-DMS adjustable engine output, and traction control.
Under the skin, a compact 999cc inline-four engine does the job of power production. The use of variable valve timing and dual fuel injectors for each cylinder ensures high peak power while maintaining low-to-mid range power. Lightweight materials like titanium valves and aluminum pistons enable the engine to spin at 14,500 RPM.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Suzuki)
Model Highlights
- The Idle speed control (ISC) feature helps with cold start and engine stability.
- A programmable shift light alerts the rider when a gear shift is required.
- Low RPM assist reduces the chance of stalling during the start of a complete stop.
Kawasak Ninja ZX-14R
Base MSRP: $16,599
The biggest engine bearer Kawi doesn’t have the heftiest price tag and that’s good news for us. For a long time, 14R was the fastest Ninja available, and it reminds us of the time when sports bikes were not supposed to be chiseled like gym rats. But having a brawny design doesn’t mean this bike is poor at handling. A lightweight monocoque aluminum frame and wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics, coupled with quality suspension, promise the opposite instead.
The 1,441cc inline-four engine with digital fuel injection delivers a ton of power and torque across a wide RPM range. As a fixed member, the engine is housed inside the monocoque frame, increasing structural stability and rigidity. Riders can adjust the power output, where full mode enables maximum power to the rear wheel, ideal for experienced riders and favorable riding circumstances. Whereas, the low mode reduces the maximum power output by 25 percent, suitable for riders with an intermediate skill level.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Kawasaki)
Model Highlights
- Featured with back torque-limiting slipper clutch.
- Economical riding indicator helps preserve fuel.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 USA Action
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Honda CBR1000RR
Base MSRP: $16,699
The Honda CBR1000RR is a stylish option for your daily riding needs, as well as occasional track days. This machine is crafted adhering to aerodynamic principles for superior performance, and several curves of its body get slimmer than the previous generation. You get standard all-LED lighting and a TFT instrument cluster, but dual-channel ABS comes in at $300 extra.
Powering this awesome machine is a proven liter-class inline-four-cylinder engine. This engine is equipped with two sets of fuel injection per cylinder for optimal high and low RPM performance. To manage the high output, Honda has equipped this bike with track-level electronic rider aids governed by a selectable torque control and throttle-by-wire system. This system allows you to choose from five power modes (two customizable), ten torque-control levels, three engine-braking levels, and three levels of wheelie control.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Honda)
Model Highlights
- Electronic steering damper detects vehicle speed and adjusts damping proportionately.
- Gyro-assisted ABS checks rear wheel lift during hard stopping.
Kawasaki ZX-10R
Base MSRP: $17,799
A $17K price tag doesn’t feel expensive when you are getting WorldSBK racing-derived engine technology, suspension, aerodynamics, and rider assistance technology package with the ZX-10R. This machine boasts a screaming inline-four engine, featuring finger-follower valve actuation for unparalleled high RPM power. High-performance components elevate the ZX-10R to another level. They comprise Showa suspension and premium Brembo brakes to deliver exceptional handling and stopping power you can trust on the track or the street. A sophisticated electronics package with a six-axis IMU ensures smooth operation and precise control by seamlessly integrating rider aids.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Kawasaki)
Model Highlights
- 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster with ample riding aids.
- Kawasaki’s intelligent braking system modulates brake pressure during sporty riding.
BMW S 1000 RR
Base MSRP: $18,295
BMW is not known for making cheap sports bikes. But if you compare the base S 1000 RR with its closest European competitors, you may find it to be a much better value-for-the-money option. While the Panigale V4 and RSV4 have slightly higher horsepower (210 HP and 217 HP, respectively) than the RR, the latter excels with its pure-bred inline-four character. The S 1000 RR stands as a reasonable choice because of the array of standard rider assistance features it offers, alongside a powerful engine. You will get four riding modes, dynamic traction control, hill start control, wheelie control, and ABS Pro, alongside excellent accessory options to further elevate the experience. The M chassis kit is also a standard feature of this bike. This kit includes a raised rear end and adjustable swingarm pivot.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from BMW)
Model Highlights
- Standard GPS-Lap trigger automatically records lap time and riding data.
- Shift Assist Pro enables the rider to shift gear without using the clutch.
- A wide range of optional equipment and accessories are available.
Yamaha YZF-R1
Base MSRP: $18,399
Yamaha certainly knows how to make a sports bike that not only looks great but performs as well. To make the R1, Yamaha’s engineers didn’t restrict their efforts to the level of their engineering prowess but took feedback from experienced riders to make the bike perfect in terms of performance and rider confidence. The bike’s aggressively aerodynamic profile is complemented by an equally potent CP4 engine.
This is designed using MotoGP-derived cross-plane crankshaft technology which delivers a sharp throttle response because of the short firing interval. MotoGP-level technology is also used to develop the inertial management unit of the R1, which unlocks all the rider aids you can ask for. That cracking exhaust note deserves a special mention, too!
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Yamaha)
Model Highlights
- Engine brake management allows the rider to adjust engine braking as per preference and track condition.
- Slide control system prevents lateral slides during high-speed cornering.
- Unique cross-plane crankshaft setup with inline-four layout
Ducati Panigale V2
Base MSRP: $18,595
The V2 may be smaller and lighter than the V4, but it has everything the Panigale family is known for. Visually, it resembles the V4 and retains the flowing Italian design aesthetic. A menacing black-on-black livery enhances its aggressive road presence for 2024, but it will cost you an extra $300. Anyway, under the skin lies Ducati’s Superquadro engine, which produces an impressive 155 horsepower. This allows for punchy straight-line performance and a top speed of more than 150 mph. Aside from this, Ducati has equipped the V2 with a V4-derived electronics package and the same TFT display. Bringing all of it together is a monocoque frame that works in conjunction with fully adjustable front and rear suspension and sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tire.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Ducati)
Model Highlights
- Stunning design inspired by Panigale V4.
- Class-leading rider aids.
Aprilia RSV4
Base MSRP: $18,999
There is no need to introduce the Aprilia RSV4, as racing aficionados consider it to be a top-tier sports bike. Aprilia has used state-of-the-art aerodynamics testing in wind tunnels to come up with an utterly gorgeous design. The outcome is an integrated double fairing that significantly improves high-speed stability and performance. The manufacturer also incorporates technological advancements from their MotoGP machine, the RSGP.
For instance, the bike’s swing arm has been made lighter and is combined with a stronger lower brace to decrease total weight. This also improves stability when accelerating. The footpegs and seat height have also been lowered by 9mm for improved ergonomics and a relaxed riding position over the previous version. Finally, there’s the 1099cc narrow V4 high-performance engine–the most powerful Aprilia has ever produced.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Aprilia)
Model Highlights
- Powerful 1,099cc V4 engine.
- Aerodynamic fairings for extra downforce.
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Suzuki Hayabusa
Base MSRP: $19,099
The Suzuki Hayabusa was unveiled way back in 1998. After that, several sports bikes came on the market from various manufacturers, but the legacy and fan following of the Busa remains enviable. Launched with a superbly aerodynamic body design (and perfected over the years), the Hayabusa has held the record for the world’s fastest sports bike for many years in the past. That might not be the case today, but the third-gen Busa is still might impressive.
Its 1340cc, four-cylinder engine, equipped with dual fuel injectors and electronic throttle bodies, produces an enormous blast of power and torque enabling an easy sprint to 186 MPH. Since that’s stupid fast, a suite of electronic features helps tame this beast. This package includes the Drive Mode Selector, Motion Track Control System, Engine Brake Control, Cruise Control, and Combined Brake System.
Engine Specification
(Sourced from Suzuki)
Model Highlights
- The bike uses computer area network (CAN) style wire harness instead of conventional wiring for faster information transfer across electronic components.
- Slope dependent control system prevents rear wheel lift when braking while traveling downhill.
- The active speed limiter allows rider to set a preferred speed to prevent overspeeding.