When it comes to speed, time moves quickly and doesn’t stop. In summary, a lot has changed in the globe since we last updated this list at the end of 2022. The amazing homologation-spec BMW S1000RR now comes in an improved form called the M1000RR. The evolution of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, with its new twin throttle bodies that delighted us greatly during testing, is comparable. Another example is the extreme, fire-breathing rotary Crighton CR700W. This implies that the issue, “What’s the fastest production bike in the world?”—one of the most frequently posed, fiercely argued, and discussed motorcycle questions of all time—emerges once again.
However, it’s still the most contentious and politically delicate one (as fewer independent media outlets measure top speed figures and fewer manufacturers make such claims).
What is the world’s fastest manufacturing bike, then?
Once more, let us begin with a disclaimer: With the introduction of the Suzuki Hayabusa in 1999, the Japanese “Big Four” have been bound by an unwritten “Gentlemen’s Agreement” to electronically limit the speed of their road bikes to 300 kph (186 mph), but some, like MV Agusta, do not. Therefore, stated top speeds would be erroneous and, for the most part, unimportant.
Rather, our “fastest Top 10” is based on road bikes that are in production and have the highest power-to-weight ratios. This is because, put simply, this is the best indicator of acceleration and, given all other factors being equal, top speed.
These Are The Top 10 Fastest Bikes In The World 2024
10. Energica Ego+ RS
Previously, we believed that it was appropriate to incorporate the increasingly popular electric bike category, if only because, as any rider can tell, these bikes speed like nothing else. The best of the lot is still unquestionably the top-spec model of Italian experts Energica’s Ego superbike; having ridden one, I can attest to its incredible single-speed warp drive, which is unmatched from 0-80. 2.6 seconds is the claimed 0-60 mph time of Energica. The problem is that the story doesn’t finish there. It’s essentially nothing extraordinary based on its weight and power numbers (the main cause of the celebration is its peak torque of 159 lb-ft). It’s also incredibly heavy, has a top speed limit of only 150 mph, and costs around £30,000. Therefore, perhaps electric bikes aren’t quite ready yet.
9. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
The highly anticipated GSX1300R Hayabusa, the hyperbike “king of speed,” was eventually unveiled by Suzuki in 2021, and the wait was well worth it. The new ‘Busa, now complying with Euro5, was a worthy successor to the 1999 model that was so quick it forced the end of the speed contest. It had a sleek, full suite of rider electronics, a sophisticated new TFT dash, and a large dose of extra build quality. The new model is actually not any faster and, because to its weight, it is not nearly up to par with the newest superbikes. However, the way it picks up speed and the exhilaration you get remain amazing.
8. Norton V4 SV
The all-new, Solihull-based, TVS-owned Norton V4 SV has completely redesigned the “old,” divisive, “Donington regime” Norton V4 RR. Actually, the new bike’s fundamental specs aren’t so great; it only has 185 horsepower and 193 kg of dry weight, compared to the old bike’s 200/179. Although it lags far behind the best from Europe and Japan, the new bike also doesn’t have the numerous faults that the original was widely known to have. In fact, Norton claims that their £44,000 range-topper is “the most luxurious British superbike ever created.” Overall though, it’s not the fastest.
7. MV Agusta Rush
Italian specialists in exotica The 300 limited edition, carbon-bedecked Rush, MV Agusta’s concept bike-styled roadster based on the Brutale 1000, is still available, and it’s so powerful and outrageous that it had to be included here once more. In addition to its peculiar appearance, MV now boasts dual pipes, 208 horsepower from its 998cc four (up to 212 with race kit), a dry weight of 186 kg, and a top speed of “over 300 kph” (if you can hang on).
6. Honda Fireblade SP
The 2024 update to Honda’s flagship superbike includes new winglets, a redesigned engine, a changed frame, new suspension, and new brakes, all of which are intended to increase track performance and make the bike a significant improvement over the previous version. Its rating is unaltered despite this, as its peak power and weight are practically unchanged. Again, it’s difficult to be certain about this one because we’ve had to estimate the weight as no official dry weight figures have been made public. The dry weight of the SP will not exceed 180kg, based on a stated curb weight of 201kg and a fuel tank capacity of 16 liters weighing approximately 12kg. When you consider that this is the most powerful, extreme, and track-focused Fireblade ever, and that it has been further upgraded expressly to win WSB and BSB, and possibly even the TT, then that, along with its output of 214.6 horsepower, puts it in the realm of the M1000RR.
5. The BMW M1000RR
In 2021, BMW officially launched the ‘M’ performance brand into its Motorrad company, putting it on this limited edition, homologation-special (for BSB and WSB, etc.) version of their already incredible S1000RR superbike. It was tweaked, lighter, and aero-equipped. However, in 2023, it was made even wilder thanks to new, bigger fairings and more severe aerodynamics. For the average person, the S1000RR is already the fastest and most impressive race bike available, so aside from aerodynamics, this bike isn’t much faster or better than the S1000RR. However, at over £30,000, it is the best the Bavarian brand has to offer.
4. Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
One more bike from our earlier inspection remained. Since Aprilia’s first RSV4 1000, which debuted in 2010 and was revolutionary, powerful, small, and loaded with electronics, hasn’t been competitive at the world superbike level for a while, they upgraded it to 1100cc in 2019 using the larger engine from the 1100 Tuono. In 2021, it had another modification with a new semi-active electronic suspension, but its overall functionality remained the same. Though not WSB-compliant, the outcome is amazing. The engine is strong and grunty, and the elegant cycle parts and small chassis combine with excellent handling and advanced electronics. There aren’t many better road sportsters if it fits, but its dimensions mean that it won’t fit larger riders.
3. Ducati Panigale V4 R
After being introduced in 2019 and undergoing continuous updates, Ducati’s incredible V4 superbike was homologated for the World Superbike Championship, which Alvaro Bautista won in 2022 and repeated last year. It has everything, really: an ultra-lightweight monocoque chassis, world-first “aero” aids, massive power (up from the S’s 214 and, in race trim, now a full 237bhp) from the MotoGP-inspired V4, the best cycle parts, exotic Italian styling and poster appeal, and now a price tag of £38K+.
2. Kawasaki Ninja H2/R
The monarch is no more—may he live in peace. The incredible, now £50,000 supercharged H2/R won last time out. The incredibly light Crighton has edged it this time around, but it’s still quite close. Kawasaki still aspires to create the most potent industrial machine in the world. The Kawasaki is said to generate a staggering 306 horsepower in full bore, track-only ‘R’ trim, and 322 horsepower when the ram air effect is applied. the keeps it clean at the top, along with a lightweight, tubular steel trellis chassis (though the 193 kg dry figure is an estimate based on its official 216 kg wet value). If you want to argue about its legality, you have a point: while the 200 horsepower Ninja H2 SX SE and Z H2 super naked are still available, the 240 horsepower road legal H2 Carbon variant is no longer offered. Nevertheless, it is still among the fastest production motorcycles in the world.
1. Crighton CR700W
You may debate the legality of Crighton’s appearance here, which is astounding. Not only is it not road legal, but it’s also not exactly a mass-production machine—just a mere 25 are expected to be produced. However, since they are available for purchase, the product is now in production, and we had no reason not to add the track “only H2 R.” Regarding its outstanding performance, there is absolutely no disagreement. Brian Crighton, the master of rotary engines who led the dominant Norton and Roton racers in the 1990s, created a track bike that is bursting with speed and performance. It is ranked #1 because of its remarkable 220 horsepower 690cc twin rotor motor, which is housed in an incredibly light race frame and results in the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production bike. But if you want the quickest, most extreme, it always costs! The drawbacks are that it’s incredibly demanding to ride, takes a year to deliver (they’re made by hand, to order), and costs a whooping ninety-five grand! Peruse our Crighton
