13 New Sports Bikes That Look Fast… But Aren’t
Sports bikes have gotten a bad rep over the years, and while some of it is deserved, it’s mostly due to inconsiderate riders treating public roads as their personal racetrack.
However, not all sports bikes are created equal, and the road-going missiles are now mostly a thing of the past, as most manufacturers are concentrating on road-focused full-fairing models.
These new sports bikes may look as fast as ever, but with 40 to 100 hp, pack a much lighter punch than their thoroughbred siblings with around 200 wild stallions.
KTM RC390
KTM’s RC390 is almost a road-legal Moto3 bike. It’s light, highly maneuverable, features some excellent componentry, and the 373cc single-cylinder mill churns out 43 hp, proving you don’t need a ton of power to have fun.
Since the RC390 has a fairly aggressive riding position, it’s not the ideal bike for your daily commute. However, it’s the perfect weekend toy on twisty roads.
Yamaha R3
The Yamaha R3’s design was clearly inspired by its bigger siblings, and it looks like a slightly scaled-down version of a “proper” sports bike.
Packing a 321cc parallel-twin engine with 42 hp and 21.8 lb-ft of torque, it’s not fast by any standards, but still fun to ride on the right roads. Larger riders may want to look elsewhere, as the R3’s riding position is even more cramped than what you get on the infamous R6.
Kawasaki Ninja 500
For decades, Kawasaki’s entry-level Ninja sports bike was the yardstick of the beginner bike segment. The latest incarnation is powered by a 451cc parallel-twin engine said to produce 51 hp on the American market.
As always, the little Ninja is nimble and comfortable during the daily commute, and it’ll even handle some trackday action on the weekend. Looks-wise, it uses the same design language as the rest of Kawasaki’s Ninja lineup, and to the uninitiated, it’s easily mistaken for a bigger bike.
Honda CBR500R
Some riders will claim the Honda CBR500R is the most boring motorcycle on this list. It’s true that it’s not as light, nimble, and aggressive as most of the competition, but the Honda is perfect for those who want a sensible everyday bike rather than an exciting track tool.
It looks like a proper, full-size sports bike, and even shares the same dimensions as its more powerful siblings, but riding it is a much more relaxed affair. Powered by a 471cc mill generating 47 hp and 31.7 lb-ft of torque, it’s more powerful than most of the competition, but it also weighs a hefty 423 lbs.
CF Moto 450SS / SR
A few years ago, nobody would’ve considered a Chinese sports bike, but then CF Moto came along with its game-changing 450SS (SR outside the North American market). This easily offers the best value of the entire beginner sports bike segment.
It’s not only the best value for money, but even performance-wise, its 50 hp is marginally better than the new Aprilia RS 457.
Aprilia RS 457
The Aprilia RS 457 has an aggressive riding position, so it’s not the best commuter bike. However, those looking for an entry-level sports bike that’s loaded with features and packing razor-sharp handling will find a lot to like here.
This is the only bike in the segment with a cast aluminum frame, and the 457cc parallel-twin produces 48 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque. Since it uses a 270-degree crank, it also has a great soundtrack, unlike bikes like the CBR500 and Ninja 500. While it’s debatable whether it really needs it, the three riding modes and three levels of traction control help make it easier to keep the rubber side down.
Kawasaki ZX-4RR
Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers produced a variety of fun, 400cc, four-cylinder sports bikes. Eventually, they were replaced by parallel-twin models, but Kawasaki has now decided to bring sexy back in the form of the Ninja ZX-4RR.
This is the ultimate 400cc performance bike, and it’s nothing like the Ninja 400, or even the 650. Its lime green fairings hide a screaming engine that pumps out 76 hp and 29 lb-ft of torque. Sure, it won’t keep up with a 600cc supersport, but it has enough power to make you giggle inside your helmet when riding on a twisty road or track.
Fantic Imola 500
The Fantic Imola 500 has yet to be unleashed upon the public, but this all-new entry to the beginner sports bike segment certainly looks interesting, with styling reminiscent of a Moto2 bike — completed by a pair of subtle front winglets.
Nestled in its frame is a new 460cc single-cylinder engine made by Motori Minarelli, producing a claimed 45 hp. While the Imola may not be as fast as it looks, it’s the perfect option for younger riders. Fantic knows this, so they’ve loaded it up with a full-color five-inch TFT dash with Bluetooth mobile connectivity, multiple riding modes, traction control, and cornering ABS to sweeten the deal.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Kawasaki’s latest Ninja 650 may have a larger engine displacement than the aforementioned ZX-4RR, but this twin-cylinder bike produces 8 hp less. That said, with 47 lb-ft, it does beat its smaller sibling in terms of torque.
The Ninja 650 isn’t really a proper sports bike, it’s more of an entry-level sports tourer, but that’s not a bad thing, as it means it’s less aggressive and more comfortable, with riding ergonomics closer to a naked bike than a superbike.
Yamaha R7
Yamaha’s R7 is an excellent option if you want a middleweight sports bike, but feel the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is too laid back. The R7 isn’t just an MT-07 with fairings; the chassis, suspension, brakes, etc, were revised specifically for this model.
Its rider triangle is close to that of the legendary R6, which means this isn’t a comfortable bike to ride over longer distances. However, when ridden like Yamaha intended, the R7 is more fun than bikes packing triple its power for twice the price. Honestly, we like its aggressive and highly focused demeanor, as it squeezes out the best possible performance from its 73 horsepower.
Suzuki GSX-8R
Suzuki’s new GSX-8R is nothing like its bigger, more powerful sibling, the GSX-R1000, but that’s great news if you’re looking for a real-world bike, and not a track weapon.
While the GSX-8R’s ergonomics are geared more towards comfort, that doesn’t mean it’s boring. The 800cc parallel-twin engine pumps out 82 hp, which is more than enough to attract some unwanted attention from the law.
CFMoto 675 SR-R
I love the CFMoto 675 SR-R’s MotoGP-inspired styling. CFMoto has a strong relationship with KTM, and some are surprised that the Chinese didn’t build this bike around one of the Austrian company’s existing motors.
We’re not complaining, though, as this new 675cc triple-cylinder unit generates a healthy 100 hp and 52 lb-ft of torque. We suspect it’ll have an agile chassis and plenty of tech, making it one of the strongest contenders in the middleweight sports bike segment.
Aprilia RS 660
While the CFMoto is a serious contender, for now, Aprilia’s excellent RS 660 remains the king of the segment. In fact, it’s Europe’s best-selling sports bike. Its parallel-twin engine pumps out roughly 100 hp, and the chassis is extremely agile.
All of that is nicely wrapped in a stunning set of fairings, making the RS 660 the perfect sports bike for everyday use.
