The 20 Best Sport Bikes Available Now

Msrp: $18,995
Key Specs: Electric engine capable of 100MPH speeds with a claimed 100-mile range before charge, 53 hp, dry weight of 420 lbs., fully adjustable Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock, Brembo radial-mounted calipers all around, Marchesini wheels

Although Oregon-based Brammo does have an Empulse that they take racing in the TTXGP series, this isn't it. Still, they've accomplished something special here: an electric bike that goes quickly, looks good, and has a decent range. Reviewers found that the claimed range is probably only doable at very moderate speeds; significant amounts of highway riding at 80 MPH will drag your range down to a little over 50 miles. Still, as a commuter bike that handles well, goes fast, and can be plugged in while you're at work, it's a winner. Add to that the fact that it costs mere pennies to operate -- not a small thing, considering gas prices -- and it's even more appealing.

Msrp: $11,490
Key Specs: 599cc four-stroke inline four engine, fully fueled weight of 410 lbs. with all fluids onboard, adjustable Showa Big Piston Fork and Unit Pro-Link HMAS shock, dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers, 12-spoke cast aluminum wheels, optional C-ABS

The Showa Big Piston Fork is great in general, but it makes the already solid CBR600RR even better. This is the kind of bike that lets you go fast and nip through curves without having to think about it. That's a good thing.

Msrp: $11,699 base; $12,699 with ABS
Key Specs: 636cc four-stroke inline four, fully fueled weight of 423 lbs. with all fluids onboard, slipper clutch, Kawasaki Traction Control, Power Mode selection, fully adjustable Showa Separate Function Fork - Big Piston suspension, dual Nissin radial-mounted monobloc calipers, optional ABS

You may not expect that a mere 36cc would make a huge difference, but you'd be wrong. The upgraded suspension, brakes, and electronics come together to make this Kaw rise to the cream of the crop of middleweight sportbikes.

Msrp: $13,499
Key Specs: 675cc four-stroke inline three engine, 128 hp, fully fueled weight of 405.7 lbs. with all fluids onboard, fully adjustable Ohlins TTX shock and NIX30 inverted fork, Brembo monobloc calipers, ABS, quickshifter

Maybe you don't want a liter-bike. That's OK. It's not the displacement; it's what you do with it that counts. Triumph knows this. That's why they built the Daytona 675R. While you can have a great time with it at the track, you'll probably be more comfortable using it every day on the street than you might be with a full-on superbike. That red subframe and sharp design don't hurt, either.

Msrp: $11,990
Key Specs: 675cc four-stroke inline three engine with counter-rotating crankshaft, 126 hp, dry weight of 381 lbs., fully adjustable Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock, front and rear Brembo calipers, MVICS, optional electronically assisted shifting/launch control/vehicle lean sensor/anti-wheelie control

Before Claudio Castiglioni (legendary former MV Agusta president) passed away, the F3 was one of the last bikes born under his watch. This bike accelerates very well, and packs some reasonably smoothly distributed power up to its 15,000 RPM redline. But the F3 will never let you forget the reason MV uses "Motorcycle Art" as its tagline -- no matter how fast you accelerate.

Msrp: $12,199
Key Specs: 750cc four-stroke inline four engine, fully fueled weight of 419 lbs. with all fluids onboard, electronically controlled steering damper, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector

Suzuki has continually evolved the GSX-R750 since 1986. If you're looking for something with the nimble, agile feel of bikes in the 650cc range, but with a bit more power, this is the bike for you. It's also for you if you like a modern retro-bike that's not too retro.

Msrp: $14,995
Key Specs: 849cc four-stroke V-twin engine, 138 hp, dry weight of 368 lbs., aluminum gas tank, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Quick Shift, fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, 330mm front brake rotors, dual radial-mounted Brembo four-piston calipers in front, Corse Test Team graphics

Looks good, sounds better, goes fast, stops well. What more could you ask for? The regular 848 EVO doesn't have traction control, a quick shifter, or that gorgeous paint job.

Msrp: $14,490
Key Specs: 998cc four-stroke inline four engine with crossplane crankshaft, fully fueled weight of 454 lbs. with all fluids onboard, fully adjustable suspension and steering damper, dual radial-mounted six-piston calipers, traction control, forced air intake system, Yamaha D-Mode (electronic throttle control system)

The R1 itself has won three straight AMA championships (thanks in no small part to Josh Hayes). The crossplane crankshaft is direct and tangible evidence of Yamaha's involvement in MotoGP. The R1 is a solid contender for your liter-bike dollar.

Msrp: $13,799 base; $13,999 for the 1 Million commemorative edition
Key Specs: 999cc four-stroke inline four,182 hp, fully fueled weight of 447 lbs. with all fluids onboard, front Brembo radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers, Sunstar Engineering brake discs

The GSX-R1000 is known for its nimble handling. If you like powering through twisties and scrubbing off those chicken strips on your tires when you corner, this is still a bike to consider -- despite the age of the design. The special 1 Million commemorative edition adds $200 to the price tag, and is limited to only 1,985 units. For that $200, you get a really cool paint job with a red nose, white wheels, a special numbered placque, and membership in a club with only 1,984 other members worldwide. Not bad.

Msrp: $24,998
Key Specs: 998cc four-stroke inline four engine with radial valves, 195 hp., dry weight of 418.9 lbs., Ohlins electronically adjustable suspension, Brembo M50 monobloc radial-mounted four-piston calipers, MVICS, ELDOR, traction control, electronically-assisted shift (EAS)

The F4 is beautiful and fast. The F4RR is beautiful, fast, and contains several component upgrades, plus a raft of electronic rider assists that are de rigeur in the superbike world these days. Its power delivery is smooth, but riding it fast is the only way you're going to experience the RR's full potential.

Msrp: $13,699
Key Specs: 998cc four-stroke inline four engine, 162 hp, fully fueled weight of 436 lbs with all fluids onboard, adjustable Showa BPF and lay-down shock, Ohlins electronic steering damper, dual four-piston radial-mounted calipers, slipper clutch, traction control, titanium exhaust, cast aluminum wheels

The ZX-10R is very smooth -- so smooth, in fact, that it's deceptive about your speed. Handling and braking are good as well. Which Japanese liter-bike would you prefer? You'll have to ride them all and find out.

Msrp: $13,800 base; $14,800 with C-ABS
Key Specs: 999cc four-cylinder inline four engine, 175 hp, fully fueled weight of 439 lbs. with all fluids onboard, dual Brembo radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers, fully adjustable Showa suspension components, optional C-ABS

The 2013 CBR1000RR has the best stock suspension of any of its Japanese rivals. That's an important thing to consider, because it means you don't need to throw money at your suspension right away after taking this home from the dealership. It's also the originator of the current mass centralization trend in its competitors.

Msrp: $20,525
Key Specs: Same 999cc engine as in the S1000RR, 193 hp, weight of 439 lb. fully fueled and with all fluids onboard, Dynamic Traction and Launch Control, Dynamic Damping Control, Gear Shift Assist, ABS, Akrapovic titanium exhaust, Brembo monobloc caliper on the front, forged aluminum wheels

The 2013 HP4 has improved integration of all its race-bred electronics to offer you, the rider, an infinitely pleasing package for both road and track. With BMW's Dynamic Damping Control system, you don't need to be a suspension setup expert to get the most out of your bike, or to set it up for different conditions. The HP4 does it for you, and does it well. The fitment of the Akrapovic titanium exhaust is at least 10 pounds lighter than the standard S1000RR exhaust. As any racing enthusiast can tell you, that's a big deal.

Msrp: $18,999
Key Specs: 999cc V4 four-stroke engine, 181 hp, dry weight of 399 lbs., APRC package, 3 point adjustable chassis, ergonomically reshaped and capacity-increased 4.9 gallon fuel tank, Ohlins fully adjustable front fork & rear shock, Ohlins adjustable steering damper, Brembo radial-mounted brake calipers, forged aluminum wheels, Ride By Wire, optional ABS (which can be turned off if installed) for $1000 more

The Aprilia RSV4 Factory has won two WSBK titles within its first four years of production. It consistently places high in the WSBK standings at every race. If that isn't cred, we don't know what is. APRC stands for "Aprilia Performance Ride Control," which is their name for a package that includes traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and a quick shifter.

Msrp: $36,995
Key Specs: 1079cc four-stroke L-twin engine, dry weight of 370 lbs., carbon fiber everywhere, top-shelf components on machines that are hand-built to order

The first thing you'll notice upon looking at the Tesi 3D E is that it doesn't have a traditional front fork. Instead, it's hub-steered, and has swingarms in both the front and the rear. This means the handling takes some getting used to, but you don't experience the same sort of diving that you get with bikes with conventional front forks. Powered by an air-cooled Ducati DS1100 L-Twin engine, it sounds great and has loads of torque and power. More than that, the Tesi 3D E is just a master class in the marvels of modern engineering. There's honestly nothing else like it. If you're lucky enough to get one, it's pretty likely you'll be the only one on a Tesi 3D at your local bike night.

Msrp: $39,995
Key Specs: 1193cc four-stroke V-twin engine, 175 hp, dry weight of 369 lbs., Ohlins fully adjustable suspension, magnesium wheels

This is a superbike that's U.S. born and raised -- a feat in itself. The EBR team reworked a Rotax Helicon 1125cc engine, which they bumped up by adding high-compression forged pistons, forged connecting rods, a lightened crankshaft, larger valves and race cams -- race technology at work. The company only plans to make 100 of them in total, so you'd better order while you can.

Msrp: $16,499
Key Specs: 1195cc V-twin engine, 175 hp, dry weight of 410 lbs., fully adjustable WP suspension front and rear, front Brembo radial-mounted monobloc calipers

The KTM 1190 RC8R doesn't look like anything else -- on the road or at the track. That may be putting it mildly, but rest assured - we think that's a good thing. If you want superbike looks and performance but don't want a ton of electronics onboard, this may be the bike for you. If you're only going to take it to the track, KTM also sells a race-ready version for a little more cash.

Msrp: $29,995
Key Specs: 1198cc V-twin four-stroke Superquadro engine, 195 hp, weight of 419 lb. fully fueled and with all fluids onboard, slipper clutch, 43mm Ohlins NIX30 front fork, Ohlins TTX36 rear suspension, Brembo four-piston M50 monobloc radial-mounted front calipers, titanium connecting rods, lightened flywheel, four-position swingarm pivot, Termignoni exhaust, forged Marchesini wheels, ABS, Ohlins/Ducati Electronic Suspension System, Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Traction Control, GPS Ducati Data Acquisition System

Race homologation rules exist for the FIM World Superbike (WSBK) series, in which Ducati currently races the Panigale. For that reason, if you like the 1199 Panigale R, you should really thank 2011 WSBK championship winner Carlos Checa. Ducati gave the 2013 Panigale more torque lower down in the rev range. According to Ducati-provided dyno charts, there is 18% more torque at 125 mph in sixth gear as compared to the standard and S versions. The speedometer stops at the universally-agreed-upon 186 mph, but the limiter doesn't kick in until you hit 202 mph -- and yes, that is an achievable number on a track, which is where the R belongs. Only 250 of these will make it to U.S. shores, though.

Msrp: $14,399 for the base model; $14,599 for the limited edition which comes in Marble Daytona Yellow
Key Specs: 1340cc four-stroke inline four engine, fully fueled weight of 581 lbs. with all fluids onboard, front Brembo radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers, ABS

Suzuki's Hayabusa design hasn't changed much in the past few years. It's no longer the fastest, biggest, meanest kid on the block, either. But it's an eye-catching bike, and it's certainly no drag at the dragstrip. Who buys a bike based solely on performance numbers, anyway? Buying a bike is at least partially an emotional choice. If the looks of the Hayabusa move you, head to a Suzuki dealer right now.

Msrp: $14,999-$15,299
Key Specs: 1,441 cc four-stroke inline-four engine, 200 hp, wet weight of 584.3 lbs., traction control (which you can turn off), slipper clutch, optional ABS, adjustable suspension, dual radial-mounted four-piston Nissin calipers

Kawasaki introduced the ZX-14R in 2008 with one purpose: to beat the Suzuki Hayabusa at its own game. Did it? Not immediately, but with its 2012 redesign, it finally toppled the former king of the mountain. It's currently the most powerful and fastest mass-produced motorcycle in the world. If you're headed to the dragstrip, this may be the bike for you.