A performance motorcycle is assumed to be a sport bike, with a full fairing, a screaming high-power engine, and an arse-over-elbows riding position that makes chiropractors cringe. However, these motorcycles only work well at a racetrack, where you can be truly committed. In the real world, you’ll want to get from point A to point B as soon as you can, and with a minimum level of comfort.
That’s what the practical performance bike is. You get all the thrills, but it can still be used on a daily basis. It doesn’t have the service intervals or costs of a high-strung machine, but it will always put a smile on your face. Which ones are the best, though? We’ve got ten practical performance bikes that everyone is sleeping on below to help you choose.
Honda CB750 Hornet E-Clutch
Price: $7,999
The CB750 Hornet is a lot more fun than you’d think it would be. It also offers a lot more equipment than you’d imagine a Honda would. For instance, the E-Clutch is standard at the same price as the older model, which had a two-way quickshifter as an optional extra. The 91 horsepower and 55.3 pound-feet are a great combination with its 432-pound curb weight, too. Showa suspension, Nissin brakes, wave discs, radial front calipers, a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation, ride modes, HSTC, wheelie control, power modes, and adjustable engine braking sweeten the pot.
|
Engine Type |
270° I2 |
|
Displacement |
755 cc |
|
Max Power |
91 HP @ 9,500 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
55.3 LB-FT @ 7,250 RPM |
Triumph Trident 800
Price: $9,995
If you like the Yamaha XSR900 but don’t like the MSRP, then the Trident 800 is a good alternative. It appeals to the same consumer by following the same formula: a retro design on a modern streetfighter. It even follows the same layout, with an inline three engine making nearly as much power as the Yamaha. The Trident 800 differs in some other aspects, like the part-TFT, part-analog instrument cluster, and its uniquely British positioning. Consider it a performance motorcycle at a reasonable cost.
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Engine Type |
I3 |
|
Displacement |
798 cc |
|
Max Power |
113 HP @ 10,750 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
70 LB-FT @ 8,250 RPM |
Yamaha XSR900
Price: $10,599
Speaking of the Yamaha, the XSR900 is difficult to beat because it is the MT-09 underneath. And that is one of the most exciting yet usable motorcycles you could have. The XSR900 now gets a TFT display as well, so you can enjoy modern conveniences like Bluetooth and navigation along with the neo-retro design. It’s a pity that the racer kit isn’t available here, because it truly elevates its looks to a whole new level.
|
Engine Type |
Crossplane I3 |
|
Displacement |
889 cc |
|
Max Power |
117 HP @ 10,000 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
69 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM |
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KTM 890 SMT
Price: $13,949
The 890 SMT is a curious mix of travel motorcycle and supermoto. It has the legs to run on the highway all day, but should you want to pop the front wheel, the 890 SMT is only very happy to oblige. The LC8c engine is never short of power and torque, the weight is low, and a six-axis IMU takes care of safety. There are good luggage mounting options as well, which make it a good travel bike.
|
Engine Type |
270° I2 |
|
Displacement |
889 cc |
|
Max Power |
104 HP @ 8,000 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
73 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
BMW S 1000 R
Price: $14,745
The S 1000 R often gets overshadowed by the other two BMWs powered by this engine – the S 100 RR and the S/M 1000 XR. This is a pity, because the S 1000 R is a worthy addition to any garage looking for a practical motorcycle with a manic edge to it. 170 horsepower, a full electronics suite, and enough options to keep you happy for a long time are always a recipe for a great practical performance bike.
|
Engine Type |
I4 |
|
Displacement |
999 cc |
|
Max Power |
170 HP @ 11,000 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
84 LB-FT @ 9,250 RPM |
Yamaha MT-10
Price: $14,999
The MT-10 has been largely unchanged for a decade, which is not good news for a flagship naked. However, if you are of a practical bent of mind, it is a very good thing because a mature platform will be reliable and economical to own. 160+ horsepower is more than enough to have a good time. If you want some more goodies, an extra $2,000 will net you the MT-10 SP with electronic suspension from Ohlins.
|
Engine Type |
Crossplane I4 |
|
Displacement |
998 cc |
|
Max Power |
163 HP @ 11,500 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
82.6 LB-FT @ 9,000 RPM |
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Aprilia Tuono V4 1100
Price: $16,399
The Tuono is the original streetfighter. Aprilia has barely turned the wick down for this one compared to the RSV4, and the Tuono V4 1100 has a full electronics suite as well. This is one of the few nakeds that is truly comfortable riding around with sports bikes at a racetrack. The APRC electronics offer eight-level cornering traction control, predictive wheelie control, three engine maps, and three-level adjustable engine brake control as standard.
|
Engine Type |
65° V4 |
|
Displacement |
1,099 cc |
|
Max Power |
180 HP @ 11,800 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
89.2 LB-FT @ 9,650 RPM |
Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS
Price: $16,995
The Thruxton might be dead, but its spirit lives on in the Speed Twin 1200 RS. This is a proper retro-style street bike that can put a big smile on your face with its performance. The key is the torque here – it is as much as a liter naked, but it peaks at a lowly 4,250 RPM from its parallel twin engine. Triumph uses aluminum for the swingarm and wheels to keep the weight down. Marzocchi inverted forks and Ohlins twin rear shocks are combined with Brembo Stylema front brake calipers and a Nissin rear caliper for further sportiness.
|
Engine Type |
270° I2 |
|
Displacement |
1,200 cc |
|
Max Power |
103.5 HP @ 7,750 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
83 LB-FT @ 4,250 RPM |
BMW R 1300 RS
Price: $17,095
The R 1300 RS is the R 1300 RT minus the luggage, and with a sportier intent. It has the same hardware, including the boxer engine, shaft drive, and single-sided swingarm. The R 1300 RS offers a lot of options that can make it either a better tourer, like luggage, TPMS, and the automatic gearbox, or you can make it sportier. The latter means upgrades like better front brake calipers, a two-way quickshifter, and sportier seats for both rider and passenger.
|
Engine Type |
Longitudinal boxer twin |
|
Displacement |
1,300 cc |
|
Max Power |
145 HP @ 7,750 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
110 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
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Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Price: $18,749
The GSX-S1000GX is quite a complete tourer, because not only is it powered by a 150+ horsepower inline four engine, it also has a twin spar aluminum chassis derived from a sport bike. It features a six-axis IMU and electronic suspension on top, with a great seating position and all-day comfort. Other features include a 6.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation, and smart cruise control that allows you to change gears without canceling itself.
|
Engine Type |
I4 |
|
Displacement |
999 cc |
|
Max Power |
152 HP @ 11,000 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
78.2 LB-FT @ 9,250 RPM |
Sources: BMW USA, Triumph Motorcycles