Throughout the 20th century the world’s premiere motorcycle makers contested a fierce battle of speed and power. Each and every year, manufacturers would try to outdo each other with a more streamlined design, a more powerful engine and a few extra digits added to their maximum top speed.
After the release of the Suzuki Hayabusa in 1999 however, there was widespread fear of excessive risk as these two-wheel machines started to flirt with the 200mph barrier. As a result of this, an agreement was made between manufacturers to limit all future releases to 186mph, with the idea being that it would improve safety and stop the speed-race from getting out of hand. This hasn’t stopped some brands from breaking the agreement however and we thought we’d round up the world’s fastest street-legal motorbikes.
1996 HONDA CBR1100XX SUPER BLACKBIRD – 180MPH
A 1990s superbike demon, the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird held the title as the fastest road bike in the world for two years, just before the turn of the century.
2006 KAWASAKI ZZR1400 – 186MPH
Although it doesn’t have the superbike credentials of other bikes in the list, this Kawasaki is one of their most powerful ever, boasting 163bhp. It offers incredible comfort as well as speed, making it a great choice as a long distance cruiser.
2013 DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE R – 186MPH
For many, Ducati represent the pinnacle of superbike design and performance. The 1199 Panigale R is one of their finest machines, boasting a neck-straining 195bhp Superquandro L-Twin engine, which powers it from 0-60mph in around 2.5 seconds.
2007 MV AGUSTA F4 R 312 – 193MPH
The MV Agusta F4 series has done wonders for the Italian marque. They’re renowned for their dramatic styling, pin-sharp handling and striking road presence and the R 312 is the most impressive of the lot. Its 183bhp engine propels it all the way up to 193mph, making it the fastest bike since the Hayabusa, although it remains controversial, since it broke the top-speed agreement.
1999 SUZUKI HAYABUSA – 194MPH
The Hayabusa holds a somewhat legendary status in the motorcycling world. Released in 1999, it smashed the top speed record, previously held by the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. Still the fastest bike on the road today, its 150bhp+ engine and superior reliability and handling make it more of an all-rounder than many people might think.
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