Performance
Sports bikes are designed to deliver strong acceleration, sharp response and a more focused ride.
Sports bike guide
Best Sports Bikes
Sports bikes are built for riders who want sharp handling, strong performance and a more focused riding experience. From litre-class superbikes to more everyday-friendly middleweights, here are some of the best used sports bikes to consider.
What makes a great sports bike?
A good sports bike should feel responsive, engaging and exciting to ride. Some riders want outright superbike performance, while others want something sporty but more manageable for regular road use.
Handling
Sharp steering and confident cornering are a big part of what makes sports bikes so appealing.
Riding position
Expect a more committed riding position than a naked, adventure or touring bike.
Experience level
Litre-class superbikes are best suited to experienced riders, while middleweights can feel more manageable.
Are sports bikes good for road riding?
Yes, but it depends on the bike. Some sports bikes are highly focused, while others are designed to give you sporty styling and performance in a more usable package. If you ride regularly, comfort, insurance, running costs and riding position are all worth thinking about.
Litre-class superbikes
Huge performance and strong road presence, best suited to experienced riders.
Middleweight sports bikes
A strong choice for riders who want sports bike excitement without going straight to a litre bike.
Everyday sports bikes
Sporty looks and handling with a more approachable feel for regular road use.
Best used sports bikes to consider
These used sports bikes cover a wide range of styles, from serious superbikes through to more road-friendly sports motorcycles.
BMW S1000RR
The BMW S1000RR is one of the most recognisable superbikes on the used market. It is a serious performance bike with sharp handling, strong road presence and plenty of appeal for experienced riders.
Shop BMW S1000RRHonda CBR1000RR Fireblade
The Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade has a long-standing reputation in the sports bike world. It is a strong option for riders who want a litre-class bike from one of the biggest names in motorcycling.
Shop Honda CBR1000RRYamaha R1
The Yamaha R1 is a focused sports bike with aggressive styling and serious performance. It is best suited to experienced riders who want a proper superbike feel.
Shop Yamaha R1Yamaha R6
The Yamaha R6 is a much-loved middleweight sports bike with a focused riding style. It is no longer in production as a road bike, which makes used examples especially popular.
Shop Yamaha R6Kawasaki ZX-6R
The Kawasaki ZX-6R is a sharp middleweight sports bike with classic Ninja styling. It is a great option for riders who want something focused without stepping into litre-bike territory.
Shop Kawasaki ZX-6RTriumph Daytona 660
The Triumph Daytona 660 brings sports bike styling with a more usable road-focused feel. It is a good choice for riders who want something sporty without going too extreme.
Shop Triumph Daytona 660Yamaha R7
The Yamaha R7 is a modern sports bike that works well for riders who want sharp looks, sporty handling and everyday usability. It is a strong alternative to older supersport machines.
Shop Yamaha R7Aprilia RS660
The Aprilia RS660 is a lightweight, modern sports bike with Italian styling and a more approachable feel than a full litre-class superbike.
Shop Aprilia RS660Compare popular sports bikes
The right sports bike depends on how much performance you want, how experienced you are and how often you plan to ride it.
| Bike | Style | Riding position | Best for | Experience level | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW S1000RR | High-performance road and track-style riding | Focused and sporty | Experienced riders wanting superbike performance | Experienced riders | Litre-class superbike |
| Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade | Superbike road riding | Focused sports position | Riders wanting a recognised litre-class sports bike | Experienced riders | Litre-class superbike |
| Yamaha R1 | Focused sports riding | Aggressive and sporty | Riders wanting a serious superbike feel | Experienced riders | Litre-class superbike |
| Yamaha R6 | Supersport riding | Focused and compact | Riders wanting a classic middleweight sports bike | Experienced riders | Middleweight sports bike |
| Kawasaki ZX-6R | Middleweight sports riding | Sporty and focused | Riders wanting Ninja styling and sharp handling | Experienced riders | Middleweight sports bike |
| Triumph Daytona 660 | Road-focused sports riding | Sporty but more usable | Riders wanting a modern sports bike for regular use | Confident riders | Road-friendly sports bike |
| Yamaha R7 | Modern road sports riding | Slim and sporty | Riders wanting sports styling with everyday usability | Confident riders | Modern sports bike |
| Aprilia RS660 | Lightweight sports riding | Sporty and manageable | Riders wanting Italian styling and lighter handling | Confident riders | Lightweight sports bike |
How to choose the right sports bike
Choosing a sports bike is not just about picking the most powerful option. Think about your riding experience, confidence, budget and how often you will actually use the bike.
Think about experience
If you are newer to riding, a litre-class superbike may be too much too soon. A more manageable sports bike can be a better starting point.
Consider comfort
Sports bikes usually have a more focused riding position, so think about whether you are commuting, touring or mainly riding for fun.
Check running costs
Insurance, tyres, servicing and maintenance can vary a lot between middleweight sports bikes and full superbikes.
Which sports bike is right for you?
If you want outright superbike performance, the BMW S1000RR, Honda CBR1000RR and Yamaha R1 are strong options. If you want a focused middleweight, the Yamaha R6 and Kawasaki ZX-6R are worth considering. For something more road-friendly, look at the Yamaha R7, Triumph Daytona 660 or Aprilia RS660.
Other motorcycle guides
Still comparing? These guides can help you find the right bike for your experience, riding style and budget.
Best Motorcycles For New Riders
Beginner-friendly bikes for riders building confidence on the road.
View new rider guideBest A2 Motorbikes
A2-friendly bikes for riders looking for their next step after CBT or direct access training.
View A2 bikesBest Naked Motorcycles
More upright road bikes for riders who want performance with a more relaxed riding position.
View naked bikesBrowse used sports bikes
At SuperBike Factory, stock changes daily. Browse over 2,000 used motorbikes and find the right sports bike for your riding style, budget and experience level.
Shop used motorcyclesBest Sports Bikes FAQs
What is the best used sports bike?
It depends what you want from the bike. The BMW S1000RR, Honda CBR1000RR and Yamaha R1 are strong superbike choices, while the Yamaha R7, Aprilia RS660 and Triumph Daytona 660 offer a more road-friendly sports bike experience.
Are sports bikes good for beginners?
Some smaller sports bikes can work for confident newer riders, but litre-class superbikes are best suited to experienced riders.
Are sports bikes comfortable?
Sports bikes usually have a more focused riding position than naked, touring or adventure bikes, so comfort depends on the model and how you plan to use it.
What is the difference between a sports bike and a superbike?
A sports bike is a broad category covering sporty motorcycles of different engine sizes. A superbike usually refers to a high-performance litre-class sports bike.
Can I finance a used sports bike?
Finance options may be available on selected used sports bikes, subject to status. You can get your personalised quote online.
Where can I buy used sports bikes?
You can browse used sports bikes at SuperBike Factory, with stock changing daily across a wide range of makes, models and engine sizes.
