In our modern era, perhaps one of the best ways to get your adrenaline pumping is by driving a motorcycle really fast. However, there are certain bikes emerging on today’s market that completely redefine what we mean by “fast”. In 1980, the world’s fastest production bikes were maxing out around 125 mph. Some of the sport bikes of today have nearly doubled that top speed. Here four of the fastest sport bikes available:
Kawasaki Ninja H2R
This sport bike is so fast, it can only legally be driven on a closed course. With its 300 horsepower, 998 CC supercharged inline engine, this monster is capable of reaching top speeds over 249 mph. It features a patented quick-shift system that lets riders upshift without clutching, so the bike can accelerate to its top speed even quicker. It also features an intelligent anti-lock brake system that reduces rear wheel lift in heavy braking situations, and accounts for downshifting when braking, making heavy braking situations feel natural and stress-free. This is truly Kawasaki’s greatest creation to date. The Ninja’s starting price is $55,000.
Lightning LS-218
Who would have thought that a fully electric motorcycle would rank among the fastest sport bikes in the world? But the Lightning LS-218 defies all logic. This street legal bike can reach a top speed of 218 mph. It features a 150 kW liquid-cooled motor, the equivalent of 200 horsepower. This little speed demon is capable of going 0 to 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds and from 0 to 100 mph in 5.5 seconds. It may seem counterintuitive, but many believe that the fact that this bike is electrically-powered is precisely what gives it a performance advantage over its gas-engine competitors. The starting retail price for this bike is $38,888.
MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K
This bike, from Marine Turbine Technologies, features a Rolls-Royce turboshaft engine, and has been designed to use heat from the exhaust to generate even more engine power. It’s top speed is reportedly 227 mph, which makes sense once you see its 320 horsepower engine, making it the “most powerful production motorcycle” according to the Guinness Book of World Records. These bikes are not mass-produced, but rather each model is hand-made to the specifications of the buyer.
Dodge Tomahawk
This sport bike is undoubtedly the fastest ever made. This is a concept bike that was unveiled by Dodge at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, and it looks like something that Batman might ride. It’s not street legal, probably because of its unbelievable 500 horsepower engine or the fact that it can reach a top speed as high as 420 mph. Unlike what we would traditionally consider a motorcycle, this vehicle has four wheels, which are probably necessary to have any control over a vehicle going that fast. The body of the bike is made of lightweight billet aluminum and it has been given a retro art-deco design that really makes it look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Staring price is $555,000.
