Supersport riders are a special breed. Halfway to insanity and well past reason, the Supersport class is optimal for those seeking the thrill of the throttle in a lightweight, technologically advanced platform. Over the years, this class has been a proving ground for sportbike makers to flex their newest advancements and prove their ability to reach max speeds in small packages. This year's entries are no different, offering an adrenaline-inducing speed and the latest tech for your ride on the track or the side streets.
2022 Suzuki GSX-R1000R
The Suzuki GSX series is notorious for providing on-demand speed, acceleration, quality, reliability, and affordability. This supersport option offers the best in its 999cc inline-four engine delivering 200 horsepower to the rear wheel. The seating position is regarded as the farthest departure from the traditional tuck in this list. This beast of a machine comes at $17,899.
2022 Honda CBR600RR
Honda delivers quality and performance in this 600-class entry. The CBR600RR is an excellent option for those seeking reliability and technology but not interested in its liter-bike class. The Honda gets the new winglet upgrade for innovation in downforce mechanics, but the advancements and invention stop there.
2022 Ducati Panigale V2
Regarded as the Ferrari of the motorcycle world, the Panigale V2 is a step backward for the company. With the introduction of the superior V4 class, the Panigale V2 feels dated in its 955CC superquadro V-twin engine. Although producing less horsepower than most previous entries, a measly 155 horses to the rear wheel, the bike retains its classic styling and cultural appeal. The tuck position happily references the traditional stance of Rossi in the heat of a Grand Prix, establishing confidence in the rider. Although the budget option Ducati is at $18,095 MSRP, we suggest saving a bit longer, if possible, for the full upgraded Ducati experience in the new V4 opportunities.
2022 Yamaha YZF-R1 60th Anniversary
So, why didn't we choose the Carbon Fiber R1M? We see past the glitter and realize the 60th Anniversary Editions technology and engineering. Carbon fiber, like Ranch dressing in the Midwest, is now placed lovingly by vehicle designers on every possible part of the vehicle, inspiring futuristic technology and lightweight mechanics. The bike has a race-ready slipper clutch and a dynamite paint job taken from the Moto GP realm. With tuned-up front forks and adjustability on every nook and cranny, this is an excellent option for the premium track rider seeking heritage and technology. And, for $18,099, the bike packs a punch for those seeking the more custom approach to the supersport class.
2022 Yamaha YZF-R7
Although this entry appears to be a writer grasping at straws seeking another option to round out a solid ten bikes, this bike is indeed supersport in today's market. The R7 provides 106 horsepower to the rear wheel, and although a 749 cc CP2 crossplane parallel twin (an apparent disrespect to the classic supersport community), this bike has become the underdog in the racing community. The designers at Yamaha are gluttons for punishment, moving away from their R6 in-line class to an R7 parallel twin. With great brainstorming and intuitive technology, they emerged victorious with a lighter, quicker option that blew their standard R6 out of the water. At only $8,999, this is also an excellent option for those without the Ducati branded checkbook seeking the trills of track riding.
2022 Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100
Aprilia gives Ducati a run for its money, beating out the V2 Panigale in shocking fashion. The V4 Aprilia offers a 217 horsepower package within its 1099CC engine, inspired and applicable in the Moto GP world. Alike the Honda, this bike also includes the now stylish winglets, adding adequate downforce in high-speed scenarios. With an Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension, the designers at Aprilia offer premium upgrades upfront. As Aprilia is known, the idea for this bike was to allow for an easy transition for the rider from street legal to track-ready. The bike comes in at $25,999 (a lot, but just wait for the price on the V4 Ducati) and is begging for you to slide a knee at your nearest track!
2022 BMW M1000RR
Well regarded in the racing and street bike worlds, BMW sets the blueprint for those seeking to deliver quality options to their customers. The winglets are seen on the 2022 M1000RR once again, an upgrade from previous generations' S1000R models; the bike is inspired, but the World SBK competition bikes can almost be referred to as their replica in the public market. Fairings made from carbon fiber mock competitors in their quality and performance, along with carbon wheels, brakes, and aluminum swingarm, bringing down the ride's weight. With a symphony of options added to inspire quality in the customer and value to the market. The price of $32,495 matches the features and quality, but the consumer is rewarded heavily without the need for future upgrades or add-ons to this entry.
2022 Aprilia RS660
We love the idea of parallel twins disrupting the supersport market, and the RS660, similar to the Yamaha, is no different. With 660CCs and 100 horsepower to the rear wheel, this bike rejects the standard 600CC supersport notion and removes weight and extra parts to attract those seeking a barebones, torque-inducing riding experience. The RS 660 is a clear homage to its 600 older brothers, but a brave step forward with new technology and safety systems to allow a rider to learn skills on a detuned platform. This change can increase rider safety and transform the industry and its placement on our list. And so, the beginner track rider can pick theirs up for a measly $11,999 at their local Aprilia dealer.
2022 Ducati V4S
And, now for the top two. When Ducati introduced the newest V4 style engine, the change set the market ablaze, inspiring other manufacturers to return to the drawing board and recreate the engine's market appeal. The V4S' winglets, lengthened gears to allow for ultimate top speeds, premium Ohlins suspension, and a front fork designed by the gods boast the abilities of an already iconic design department at Ducati. At a mere $29,995, the Ducati offers the best technology and premium parts without requiring the owner to sell their soul. With that being said, the Ducati loses out to the Kawasaki ZX10-r due to the bang-for-your-buck factor and the questionable need for extra features.
2022 Kawasaki ZX-10R
As many of you know, I lean Kawasaki in most conversations, but this choice comes from an unbiased place of reason. The ZX-10R, like most Kawi models, provides the buyer with vast power and durability for this $16,399 model. Again, modeled after their World SBK bike, the ZX10R presents an Intelligent ABS, a premium quick-shifter, a launch control system, and a beautiful Race inspired livery. This bike takes clear notes from the world-renowned H2 class and presents a solid option for the buyer to enjoy its full potential on the road or the track.