The Top 10 Best Superbikes of 2024: Last of the Breed?

On the face of it, these don't seem like particularly positive times for the superbike. These incredible machines have fallen out of favour with buyers increasingly seeking less uncomfortable bikes that aren't quite so likely to result in one's license disappearing for a bit, and in the context of more stringent emissions regulations, some manufacturers have decided it's simply not worth keeping their flagship litre wonders going.

But, let's not get too downbeat. There are, for now at least, plenty of options out there, particularly if you're willing to stretch the definition of 'superbike' a little, which we have here. What's more, advances in technology mean they're easier to ride than ever, despite being ballistically fast both in a straight line and around corners. 

Here are our picks:

10 - Norton V4 SV

Everyone loves a comeback story and the revival of Norton has all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster.

However, while the turnaround has already come a long way, Norton is still a little way off working towards its ambitious (electric) dreams for the future. It means the first model of ‘new Norton’- the Norton V4 SV - is more of a repackaged, rebooted update of its flagship sportbike, rather than a fresh entry.

This is both a good and a bad thing. On the plus side, the V4 SV remains a sleek, stylish and quintessential British sportbike with grandeur dialled up to 11, while underneath is still a meaty 1200cc V4 engine generating 185bhp.

As promised, it also feels far better screwed together and Norton has evidently gone to lengths to ensure the ownership experience matches the still rather extortionate £44,000 price tag. However, the V4 SV is feeling its age against more sophisticated competition, while the riding experience could use some polish to impress as much as that chromium dress.

Visordown Review | Norton V4 SV [2022]

9 - Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR

OK, so we’re stretching the definition of sportbike to include the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR but in the absence of any defined fully-faired model in the British firm’s current range, the RR will do fine.

Truthfully, the Speed Triple 1200 RR doesn’t know what it wants to be when it grows up, cramming influences of sportbikes, cafe racers and neo-retro into its distinctive, albeit rather divisive look. 

Like the STR 1200 RS stops just short of the ‘hypernaked’ tag, the RR isn’t quite as rorty as a full-fat sportbike, though at £17,950, it is certainly priced like one. With 178bhp on tap from the characterful 1160cc triple, the RR feels powerful without being intimidating and is easy to ride thanks to that generous three-pot pickup in the mid-range.

Think of it as the gentleman’s sportsbike… at least until Triumph gives us a proper one. One day (pleeeeeease…?).

Visordown Review | Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR

8 - Energica Ego +

The alt-sportsbike for a modern generation, the Energica Ego goes a long way to proving that electric power can be offer a very different, yet exhilarating experience.

A model that has evolved over the last few years as EV technology continues to take big strides quickly, the Ego will accelerate off the line quicker than any sportbike thanks to the 171bhp being generated from its 13.4kWh battery. 

At 260kg, the Ego - which was recently retired from use in the MotoE World Cup - is still more unwieldy to handle but it remains an involving riding experience, and though it doesn't quite have the elegance of Italian rivals Ducati and Aprilia, it feels special nonetheless.

You'll likely know you want to Ego before you buy it - rather than agonise between the choice of it and a Fireblade or BMW S1000 RR - because, at £28,389, you'll surely know you really, really want electric for that premium 

7 – MV Agusta F3

With the four-cylinder, 1000cc F4 no more, Italian legend MV Agusta’s top sports/superbike is the three-cylinder F3 800 but before you complain it’s not a true superbike remember that, at 798cc, it’s no middleweight supersports, either. It grew out of the old 675cc F3 (which was a true middleweight supersports) and, with 145bhp and a spec, especially in range-topping, £24,000 RC form, that beats most bikes here, it really is a match for most superbikes.

The spec, including single-sided swing arm, is exquisite, its build quality and three-cylinder soundtrack is second to none and, if you fancy a more neo-retro look, MV Agusta also offer the mouth-watering Superveloce which is based on the same mechanicals. Italian sporting thoroughbreds don’t get any more sexy. 

6 - Kawasaki ZX-10R

From motorsport minnow to a multiple title-winning powerhouse in Superbike series’ around the world, the Kawasaki ZX-10R is more of a sporting icon these days, than a mere super sportbike.

While dubbed as a ‘new generation’ model when it was launched in 2020, the ZX-10R is broadly an evolution of the existing model but draws on its WorldSBK title-winning success, especially with the more honed flagship track day special, the Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

With power clicking to just over 200bhp, the 998cc inline-four has a more refined power delivery than previous generations, making it more usable day-to-day, while a focus on front-end stability makes the ZX-10R feel more assured under braking.

It’s up to you if you appreciate the Darth Vader helmet-esque front end - especially when it’s been dipped in Kawasaki’s lime green hues - but so long as you don’t mind your Ninja to be very un-Ninja like and turn heads, then enjoy the attention.

Visordown Review | Kawasaki ZX-10R & Kawasaki ZX-10RR [2021]

5 - Aprilia RSV4

The thinking man’s sportbike, the Aprilia RSV4 hasn’t changed too much since it was first launched back in 2010 but the Italian firm’s stallion remains a class act among the freshest competition.

Boasting smart, albeit understated looks, the RSV4 was recently brought close into line with the styling direction debuted with the RS 600, though it doesn’t stir the soul quite like its key Italian rival, the Panigale V4.

On the road and track, however, the Aprilia remains a force to be reckoned with the 1099cc V4 engine now generating 217bhp, while it also benefits from a host of electronic gadgets trickling down from the manufacturer’s race-winning RS-GP MotoGP effort.

Refined, sophisticated and premium, the RSV4 is arguably the sportbike of choice for track day enthusiasts

Visordown Specs & Details | Aprilia RSV4 [2022]

4 - Yamaha R1

The Yamaha R1 is beginning to feel its age in its current guise compared with the competition but regular updates ensure the latest generation of the firm's venerable flagship sportsbike remains competitive.

Distilling all of Yamaha's sportsbike know-how over the years into arguably its most rounded iteration yet, the R1 may not have the headline power figures of its long-time Honda Fireblade rival right now, but the 999cc inline-four remains flexible and syncs up perfectly with the nimble chassis. 

Easy-to-ride day-to-day, the R1M retains that mid-corner stability of the old model, the is less demanding than its rivals, is well built and comes with a host of electronic gadgets to keep you shiny side up, including Launch Control System (LCS), Engine Brake Management (EBM) as well as Brake Control (BC).

Buy one while you still can - the R1 isn't being updated to the new Euro5+ emissions regulations, so its days are numbered. 

Visordown Review | Yamaha R1 [2020]

3 - BMW S 1000 RR

Just over a decade on from the original, the third generation BMW S1000 RR landed in 2019 with more power (210bhp), new looks including MotoGP style aerio winglets and improved electronics.

It’s also inherited some of the technical wizardry that originated on the ‘hyper’ BMW M1000 RR, which sharpened the riding experience, while the ‘M Chassis Kit’ - which features an adjustable swingarm, revised rear shock and Dynamic Damping Control - is now standard rather than an option.

Arguably the most practical superbike to live with, the S 1000 RR isn’t intimidating at high speeds and is smooth at the lower end, so while the S 1000 RR perhaps won’t stir your soul as a Ducati would, your rational self will appreciate its more understated nature as a day-to-day superbike. Besides, if you want even more, the £30,940 M 1000 RR gained even more extra aero, a more tunable engine, lots of carbon and race-spec suspension and brakes.

2 - Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade

Arguably the most iconic sportsbike of them all, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade has evolved its traits over 30 years  as the ‘everyman’ superbike designed to be as adept popping down the shops for a pint of walk as it is shaving those hundredths off your lap time.

However, the latest generation CBR1000RR-R - for all of its Rs - is the biggest step yet into ‘hyper’ territory with a big hike in performance over its predecessor to 215bhp, all of which feels manageable with its nine-level HTSC electronics package designed to give a smoother throttle response and better mid-range punch.

With a ‘base’ version no longer available, the uprated CBR1000RR-R SP at £23,499 lives on with slight engine tweaks, uprated aero, more real-world-friendly gearbox ratios and, thankfully, a roomier riding position.

Visordown Review | Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

1 - Ducati Panigale V4

With a significant update for 2024, Ducati’s iconic Panigale V4 has more than enough improvements to remain the benchmark superbike on road and track.

Although peak power is unchanged, a host of internal engine mods ensures it now gets through Euro5+. The new bike is also a significant 14kg lighter than the old thanks to a variety of changes, the most conspicuous being a new twin arm swing arm in place of the old single-sided swinger.

There is new, smoother, more aerodynamic bodywork, a ‘face’ partly inspired by the historic 916, a new, wider TFT dash, electronics upgrades and also the first appearance of Brembo’s new brake calipers.

As before, there is also a new ‘S’ version, starting at £29,995, with semi-active Ohlins suspension, further improved electronics and more. We haven't ridden it yet (press rides were yet to happen at the time of writing), but based on what we know about the outgoing model the new bike uses as a starting point, it'll be a fabulous motorcycle. 

Visordown Preview | 2024 Ducati Panigale V4