10 Track-Ready Motorcycles That Marry High Performance With Street Legality

In recent times, track-ready sports bikes have taken a back seat to more versatile motorcycles. While consumer trends have certainly evolved, these high-performance motorcycles still serve as halo-models for their respective brands. Many of us aspire to own one of these bikes, but it is fair to say not many of us will ever actually take the plunge.

Compared to supercars, these machines are relatively accessible, but that is not the prohibitive factor. While street-legal, these bikes are all so focused on track performance that any form of real world practicality goes out the window. Even for those afforded the opportunity to own one of these bikes, it is highly unlikely that they will be using them as commuters!

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as Kawasaki USA, Suzuki Cycles, and Aprilia. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.

Suzuki GSX-R1000R

MSRP: TBA

Suzuki surprised us all by giving the venerable Gixxer a proper update. Out of all the more track-ready liter bikes, this has traditionally been the most affordable, but at the time of writing the price is still TBA. The only difference between this and the base model is its more track-oriented suspension. As much as it has been extensively updated, Suzuki is not going racing, and while the bike has race DNA baked into it, it is race DNA from almost a decade ago now.

Specifications

Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100

MSRP: $26,499

Aprilia, on the other hand, does go racing at several levels, including MotoGP. Those bikes are obviously completely different, but there is always a little trickle-down tech and all things considered, the RSV4 is a bit of a bargain. It offers a comprehensive electronics suite, and more power than any other bike on this list. Its V4 is truly a thing of beauty, but for those looking to take it to the track, its semi-active Öhlins suspension is what you will be paying extra for.

Specifications

Yamaha YZF-R1M

MSRP: $27,699

What you get with the R1M is the ultra-reliable CP4 engine, which has one of the most incredible soundtracks in the industry. Just like all the other track-ready superbikes on this list, it has a host of sophisticated electronic rider aids and almost 200 horses. It is, however, pretty expensive for what it is. Underscored by the fact that the objectively better RSV4 is cheaper.

Specifications

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

MSRP: $28,999

Honda updated the Fireblade with new bodywork, a revised chassis, and improved midrange performance. The engine has lighter internals, higher compression, and revised valve timing, and with 215 horsepower, it is the most powerful Fireblade ever. The HRC team were heavily involved in the development process of this model, and have a strong presence in the WorldSBK championship.

Specifications

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR

MSRP: $30,499

This year, the KRT World SBK team went with the Bimota KB998 Rimini, but you can still go out and buy this homologation bike. Its output is listed as 188 horsepower, but adding ram-air and the appropriate tune will get it up to 211 horsepower. It has been a little while since Kawasaki won the title, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a proven race winner.

Specifications

MV Agusta F3 Competizione

MSRP: $33,998

While MV Agusta doesn’t go racing anymore, the limited edition F3 Competizione might well give a few of the current race bikes a run for their money in the right hands. Öhlins suspension and carbon fiber certainly help out on track, but it is the chassis that makes all the difference. The F3 has what is arguably the best chassis (or at least chassis design) in the industry.

Specifications

BMW M 1000 RR

MSRP: $35,945

The latest iteration of the M 1000 RR is even lighter, and even more powerful. Unlike other manufacturers that have either given up on racing altogether or split their attention between different race series, BMW is fully invested in the WorldSBK championship. This commitment has certainly paid dividends with the team winning the 2024 title, giving customers the opportunity to own a genuine championship-winning motorcycle.

Specifications

Bimota KB998 Rimini

MSRP: N/A

Kawasaki bought Bimota a few years back, and we were all waiting to see if the famous frame builder would get a shot at racing glory once again. Bimota gets that chance this year, and brings an entirely different frame – not dissimilar to the aforementioned F3 Competizione – to the table. Pretty much everything else is straight off the aforementioned ZX-10RR, but given enough track time, this could be a winning combination. Pricing is still listed as TBD on the official site, but it can’t cost more than €44,000, because that’s the price cap. Unfortunately, this will not make it to the US. But we had to include it since this seems better than the ZX-10RR in every way possible.

Specifications

Ducati Panigale V4 R

MSRP: $45,495

This is arguably as you can get to a full-on race bike. In race-ready form, the V4 R will make as much as 240 horsepower. But, that will confine it to the track. If you want to retain its road-legal status, you will have to make do with 207 horses. Which, when you realize just how light this motorcycle really is, might actually be too much power for most of us.

Specifications

MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Ago

MSRP: TBD

If you are willing to spend around $80k on a limited-edition motorcycle, this certainly isn’t a bad way to spend it. Only 83 of these bikes will be built to honor Giacomo Agostini’s 83rd birthday, but if you thought this was just an exercise in design, you would be mistaken. Underneath the gorgeous – mostly carbon fiber – bodywork lies the beating heart of the old F4 superbike.

Specifications