10 Fastest Motorcycles Under $15,000
For those who crave speed, nothing compares to the exhilaration of slicing through the air on a fast motorcycle. Whether it’s a powerful supersport, a raw hypernaked, or a sleek racing machine, these motorcycles offer thrilling speed. But like all things in life, there’s a price to pay for the experience, often too much for middle-class folks like you and us.
Lucky for us, times are evolving fast. Manufacturing costs are going down, technologies are becoming more accessible, and as a result, we have more options for a set budget. So with $15,000 in your pocket, the current market is brimming with high-performance bikes that can fulfill your desire for speed without breaking the bank. From agile sports bikes that excel in cornering to robust nakeds that straddle the line between a streetfighter and a supersport, we’ve curated a list of 10 fast motorcycles that offer blistering performance. All under $15,000!
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and authoritative sources such as hotcars.com. Motorcycles on this list have been ranked on the basis of their top speeds, from the slowest to the fastest.
2023 Suzuki SV650
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Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
Top Speed: 150 MPH
The Street Triple has long been celebrated for its nimble handling and responsive performance among middleweight naked motorcycles. The new Street Triple 765 RS elevates this reputation, standing as the most powerful Street Triple from Triumph to date. It owes much of its prowess to the 128 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of torque produced by the 765cc inline-three engine. The bike is a true track marvel, sporting a lightweight aluminum frame, a fully adjustable Showa fork in the front, an Ohlins mono-shock in the rear, and Brembo Stylema brakes. Priced starting at $12,795, it slots neatly between the base R model, which boasts 118.4 horsepower, and the exclusive Moto2 Edition variant.
Performance Specification
Source: Triumph
Suzuki GSX-S1000
Top Speed: 150 MPH
While many Suzuki motorcycles are often overlooked, the GSX-S1000 stands out as a particularly underrated model in the liter-class naked segment. It’s not just a head-turner with its muscular design and comfortable ergonomics; it’s also practical and affordable, starting at only $11,699. The absence of fairing keeps its weight at a mere 472 pounds, which contributes to its exceptionally nimble handling, allowing riders to navigate winding paths with ease. The bike boasts an inline-four engine derived from the GSX-R1000, delivering 150 horsepower and 79.6 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to reach a top speed of 150 mph effortlessly. For those looking to step up from a middleweight motorcycle and seeking great value on a naked sports bike, the GSX-S1000 is an attractive option.
Performance Specification
Source: Suzuki
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR ABS
Top Speed: 151 MPH
When Kawasaki unveiled the Ninja ZX-4RR, it stood out in the sub-400 supersport category. Despite being the least powerful motorcycle on the list, it impressively claims a top speed of 151 mph. The compact Ninja is powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, delivering 76 horsepower and 28.7 pound-feet of torque, which allows it to compete with larger motorcycles on the road. It’s equipped with advanced technology, including a fully adjustable race-spec Showa suspension and the Kawasaki Quick Shifter (Dual-Direction). Priced at $9,899, it’s on the pricier side for supersports, but the ZX-4RR targets serious riders who can tap into the full potential on the racetrack to achieve remarkable lap times. Just be wary of the de-tuned nature of the American-spec ZX-4RR, thanks to the norms here.
Performance Specification
Source: Kawasaki Europe
2024 Suzuki GSX-R600 supersport
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Kawasaki Z900 SE ABS
Top Speed: 152 MPH
The Z900 is the definition of a capable middleweight super naked, with an aggressive unique Sugomi-inspired styling and a commanding riding position. Kawasaki offers the naked in two versions: the basic model, which starts at $9,899, and the top-tier Special Edition (SE) model, which adds extra features for an additional $1,500. Both models include an ultra-lightweight frame, ABS as standard, and a powerful 948cc inline-four engine that produces 125 horsepower and 73.1 pound-feet of torque. As a result, you get a versatile motorcycle with great handling, improved comfort, blistering performance, and a top speed of 152 mph. The SE variant, on the other hand, boasts sophisticated Ohlins suspension, expensive Brembo brakes, and gold-plated forks.
Performance Specification
Source: Kawasaki
Suzuki GSX-R600
Top Speed: 155 MPH
As other manufacturers shift away from the 600cc supersport category, Suzuki remains committed to its highly popular GSX-R600. It boasts a 599cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine that delivers 125 horsepower and 51.3 pound-feet of torque, propelling the bike to reach a top speed of 155 mph. The real ace up its sleeve, meanwhile, is its unmatched handling precision. With a lightweight frame that responds instantly to direction, the bike moves as one with the rider. If you prefer the classic supersport characteristics of agility, track-readiness, and a high-revving inline-four engine, the GSX-R600, with a starting price of $11,899, is a compelling option.
Performance Specification
Source: Suzuki
Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX
Top Speed: 155 MPH
Departing from the realm of naked and supersport motorcycles, the Ninja 1000 SX stands out as the only sport-touring bike on the list, boasting an impressive top speed of 155 mph, all starting at $13,699. Kawasaki has cleverly designed this model with a full fairing, making it suitable for providing the comfort needed for high-speed touring, complete with advanced rider support electronics. The motorcycle is powered by a 1,043cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine that produces a remarkable 140 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque, allowing for effortless cruising at high speeds on the highway. For those seeking a lightning-fast sport-touring motorcycle under $15,000, the Ninja 1000 SX is an ideal choice, offering the perfect blend of sports bike thrills and touring comfort.
Performance Specification
Source: Kawasaki
Two-up riding on a gray 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX shown with accessory Touring package
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Yamaha MT-10
Top Speed: 160 MPH
With the hyper-naked superbike MT-10, we’re now approaching the top speed of 160 mph. Yamaha presents the MT-10 in two thrilling versions: the standard model at $14,499 and the high-performance SP variant at $16,999, which includes a range of performance-focused enhancements. The latter, with its superior performance, braking, suspension, and extensive rider-aid package, stands out as our top pick for the best Japanese motorcycle of 2024. Both models boast a 998cc liquid-cooled CP4 inline-four engine, delivering 165 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. If you think you’ve heard 998cc and CP4 before, that’s because this is the same engine from the YZF-R1.
Performance Specification
Source: Yamaha
Honda CBR600RR ABS
Top Speed: 160 MPH
The Honda CBR600RR stands as another few remaining 600cc supersport motorcycles in its segment, capable of reaching a top speed of 160 mph. Since its debut in 2003 and significantly updated in 2013, it boasts one of the most well-balanced chassis, contributing to its stability and smooth cornering prowess. Renowned for its razor-sharp handling, it makes for an ideal machine to refine riding skills before graduating to larger bikes. It boasts the most refined 599cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, delivering 119.3 horsepower and 47.8 pound-feet of torque for seamless power delivery. With a starting price of $13,199 for the ABS model, this ‘baby Fireblade’ offers the most comparable MotoGP track day within this price range.
Performance Specification
Source: Honda
BMW S 1000 R
Top Speed: 164 MPH
Not only is the BMW S 1000 R the most powerful naked sports bike at under $15,000, but it is also the fastest, topping out at 164 mph. This hyper-naked bike seamlessly combines the dynamism of a roadster with the superbike capabilities derived from the S 1000 RR. It shares the chassis and the 999cc inline-four engine with the RR, delivering 165 horsepower and 84 pound-feet of torque. However, it sheds all fairing weight, giving it remarkable agility and precision cornering ability. With a starting price of $14,295, the S 1000 R offers super smooth power delivery for city rides and sporty performance for occasional racetrack stints.
Performance Specification
Source: BMW
Action shot of the Husqvarna 701 Enduro
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Suzuki GSX-R750
Top Speed: 167 MPH
For those who crave speed and have a budget of $15,000, the GSX-R750 stands out as the ultimate machine. It boasts an exhilarating top speed of 167 mph, and you’ll still have $2,001 left for extras. Since its debut in 1985, this model has been a game-changer in the sports bike category, offering a highly competitive edge and becoming the most successful model for Suzuki. Its agility and cornering joy stem from a lightweight twin-spar aluminum alloy frame, with the bike weighing in at just 419 pounds. The 750cc inline-four engine delivers a robust 150 horsepower and 63 pound-feet of torque, making it a powerhouse on the road and the racetrack.
Performance Specification
Source: Suzuki