The traditional 600 and 1000cc four-cylinder sportbikes are all but extinct. The few that still exist are loaded with technology, and while it helps keep the immense power under control, it also translates to a higher price tag.
Luckily, it’s possible to save a small fortune by opting for one of the many used sportbikes available out there, and in the right hands, these bikes are still extremely capable.
We’ve rounded up some used sportbikes that are worth every penny and ranked them by engine size. Prices may vary wildly, depending on season, location, mileage, year, etc., so we recommend checking out the classifieds for one that suits your budget. It should be possible to find all the bikes here for around the $10,000 mark, and some will only set you back a couple of grand.
2001-2006 Honda CBR600F4i
Honda produced the CBR600F4i between 2001 and 2006. It was based on the F4 but with numerous upgrades and modifications to the engine, chassis, and bodywork.
With 110 horsepower, it’s not powerful, especially when compared to the screaming, high-performance 600cc bikes from the mid-2000s, but the CBR600F4i may just be the world’s best all-round sportbike. It offers way more comfort and practicality than the all-out performance models, so you can easily tour on it, but it won’t shy away from a track day when the opportunity arises.
2006-2007 Suzuki GSX-R600
The mid-2000s were the golden era of the 600cc sportbikes. Multiple manufacturers were still making them, and buyers could choose between excellent all-rounders and hyper-focused track missiles.
Suzuki introduced a new GSX-R600 in 2006; when we say new, we mean new. It had a new frame, engine, and design, and today, nearly 20 years later, it’s still among the best 600cc bikes money can buy. On your favorite road or track, the 125-horsepower 06-07 GSX-R600 will have you laughing inside your helmet.
2008-2016 Yamaha R6
Yamaha had a small scandal on its hands after they’d lied about the then-new 2006 R6’s 17,500rpm redline, which in reality turned out to be more than 1000 rpm less. Undeterred, Yamaha went on to make the 2008 model better by putting it on a diet and introducing more electronic rider aids.
With the new improvements, the Yamaha R6 was nimbler and more agile than ever, making it the fastest 600 sportbike money could buy. It’s not a particularly comfortable road bike, but if you need something that’ll get you around the track at lightning speed, you should know the R6 was the go-to choice for racers.
2007-2012 Honda CBR600RR
The Honda CBR600RR is a decent all-rounder, but if you require a 600cc bike that can do it all, you’re better off looking at the CBR600F4i. However, if you’re willing to endure some discomfort on longer rides, and you enjoy attacking the twisties, the RR is an excellent choice. It’s certainly more comfortable than the Yamaha R6.
Honda introduced the all-new second-generation CBR600RR in 2007 and kept making adjustments and improvements over time. With around 120 horsepower, it’s certainly a capable bike. It also offers that legendary Honda reliability, and you can have one for very little money these days.
2011-2018 Suzuki GSX-R600
We’ve already mentioned the 06-07 GSX-R600, which was an excellent bike. That model was followed by the 2008-2010 model that couldn’t quite fill its predecessor’s shoes. However, in 2011, the Suzuki GSX-R600 we all know and love returned… but as an all-new bike.
Suzuki made the 2011 GSX-R600 lighter and more powerful, and it also saw significant suspension and brake upgrades. It still wasn’t the fastest bike in the segment, but unless you’re a professional racer, 125+ horsepower is more than enough for everyday riding.
2013-2018 Honda CBR600RR
Honda’s 600cc sports bike offerings are rarely the fastest, but they’re always among the best, and that’s true for the 2013-2018 model as well. With around 120 horsepower, it’s fast and powerful enough, and it’s one of the most comfortable bikes in this segment. While it’s a good all-rounder, its most significant selling point is its reliability.
The 2013 model came in guns blazing. It had MotoGP-inspired styling, lighter frame and wheels, improved suspension, and various other upgrades. It may just be the best 600cc supersport out there.
2013-2016 Kawasaki ZX-6R
When sportbikes are mentioned, Kawasaki’s Ninja models are usually among the first ones that come to mind. Perhaps it’s because of the iconic bright green paint? However, for various reasons, their 600cc supersport bikes are rarely among the best models you can buy.
Well, that certainly changed with the 2013 model. Like previous models, Kawasaki cheated a bit, as its 600-class bike is actually a 636cc four-cylinder unit. What made this bike better than ever was the new chassis and styling, combined with lots of tech and high-end components.
2012-2021 MV Agusta F3 675
MV Agusta makes some of the most beautiful motorcycles, but swinging a leg over an Italian exotic comes at a price. They tend to hold their value well, so even the earliest models can cost more than a brand-new Yamaha R7. We strongly suggest getting the newest bike you can afford, as MV Agusta has ironed out a few issues over the years.
Its gorgeous styling, fancy technology, and excellent three-cylinder engine are all worth the price of admission, though. If 130-ish horsepower isn’t enough for you, there’s always the more muscular F3 800, or maybe you can check out the older MV Agusta F4.
2006-2018 Triumph Daytona 675
MV Agusta isn’t the only manufacturer with a 675cc motorcycle. In 2006, Triumph introduced the Daytona 675, attempting to compete with the magnificent Japanese supersports bikes. Remember, this was at the height of the 600cc class, so Triumph would have to bring its A-game – which was exactly what they did.
Whereas the Japanese 600cc bikes were all powered by four-cylinder engines, the Triumph Daytona 675 has a three-cylinder unit. Reducing the cylinder count meant the engine capacity could be increased, resulting in more torque while keeping power on par with the four-cylinder rivals. The Daytona 675 is one of the best in its class and relatively affordable, too.
2003-2007 Ducati 749
The Ducati 749 has a design that people either love or hate. It’s the 748’s successor, and seeing as it followed what is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made, the 749 was always going to fight an uphill battle in terms of looks.
Mechanically, the 749 was a significant improvement over its better-looking sibling. Even the 749’s riding dynamics were a big step up from the 748. If you want one, it’s imperative to ensure the bike has been properly maintained and serviced. Get a good one, and the L-twin engine is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
2013-2015 Ducati Panigale 899
A brand-new Ducati Panigale will set you back a small fortune, but we have the perfect solution: the 2013 Ducati 899 Panigale. It’s a bargain compared to a brand-new Panigale! While it doesn’t have the power of its bigger siblings, the 899 Panigale’s Superquadro engine produces 148 Italian stallions, which is plenty for road use.
The 899 comes packed with tech, including a quickshifter, traction control, electronically adjustable ABS, etc. Everything you need to stay safe while having fun.
2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000
Suzuki hit a home run with the 2005 GSX-R1000, also known as the K5 Gixxer. It may be over 20 years old, but it’s still one of the best superbikes money can buy. In fact, many riders want the K5 over many newer bikes.
It packs a 180-horsepower 1,000cc engine, which was a ridiculous amount of power back then, and the chassis was lighter and more compact than before. Right out of the gate, it went ahead and won the World Superbike Championship, which gives you a clue as to how good it is. The one downside is that these bikes are old and have had multiple owners who’ve thrashed them within an inch of their lives. If you want one, it needs to be properly inspected before handing over your hard-earned cash.
2010-2018 MV Agusta F4
The MV Agusta F4 is the work of legendary motorcycle designer Massimo Tamburini, the man behind the Ducati 916, and is commonly referred to as the world’s most beautiful motorcycle.
The F4 was around for a long time, and the second-generation F4 that arrived in 2010 received plenty of engine and chassis updates. It may not be a match for the BMW S1000RR or Yamaha R1 around a track, but with 200-ish horsepower to play with, the F4 is no slouch. If you’re on a strict budget but want an MV, the first-gen F4 is a bargain. It may cause some headaches, but just look at how stunning it is.
2008-2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
Honda introduced the all-new, ninth-generation Fireblade in 2008. The new styling didn’t appeal to everyone, but if you can get past that, there’s a truly amazing machine hiding under the fairings.
The Fireblade’s engine had plenty of power and torque from as low as 2,000rpm, all the way to the redline, making it very usable for daily riding. A slipper clutch and electronic steering damper also helped make it easier to ride. It’s also very agile thanks to the light chassis, yet much more forgiving than other 1,000cc superbikes.
2009-2014 Yamaha YZF-R1
In 2009, Yamaha released a new R1 that used engine technology from its M1 MotoGP bike. It was the first production sports bike with a crossplane crankshaft, and its power delivery is the same as on a 90° V4 with a 180° crank.
While racers love that it allows them to get on the throttle earlier in a corner, we love it for its unique exhaust sound. Fit an aftermarket exhaust, and the R1 will keep you entertained for years to come. In 2012, Yamaha updated the R1 with traction control – a necessity as it had over 180 horsepower.
2012-2016 Suzuki GSX-R1000
The 2012-2016 Suzuki GSX-R1000 was practically the same bike as previous years, but with some minor updates to keep it somewhat relevant. Evil tongues will tell you it’s the least advanced superbike of this era, but purists argue that it’s a proper old-school analog machine.
Whether you should buy one depends on how confident you are in your riding skills. You won’t find traction control here, so the 185 horsepower is only kept in check by your right wrist. No complex technology also means it’s a bargain to buy, and there’s a lot less that can break, so it’s ideal if you’re on a strict budget.
2009-2011 BMW S1000RR
Initially, the BMW S1000RR was built as a homologation special, but BMW soon realized its commercial potential, so it went into mass production in 2010. The S1000RR was a total game-changer when it first hit the market, making other superbikes look antiquated thanks to its superior power, handling, and electronics.
New, the S1000RR can be eye-wateringly expensive, but a first-gen model will provide 90% of the performance for less than half the price. Just make sure it doesn’t have any accident damage.
2011-2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R
When BMW’s S1000RR stunned the whole superbike world, the German manufacturer was pretty much allowed to run unopposed until Kawasaki brought out the 2011 ZX-10R. With 200 horsepower and more electronics and rider assists than any other Japanese bike, the ZX-10R was the new king of the hill.
The Kawasaki has all the performance you’ll ever want and need. However, it’s more of a fine-tuned, highly focused track weapon rather than a well-rounded everyday bike. If you’re taller than average, you should only ride it to work if there’s a chiropractor’s office next door.
2009-Present Aprilia RSV4
So far, we’ve covered bikes with L-twins, three-cylinder units, and inline-fours. Here’s another variety: the Aprilia RSV4 is powered by a V4 engine. Like a true Italian exotic, it packs a serious punch, and it can also be very costly to maintain.
The RSV4 is Aprilia’s flagship bike, and if you go for one of the top-spec versions, you’ll notice that they pulled out all the stops. It also offers exclusivity, excellent handling, ridiculous speed, and glorious sound. The bike has seen a few updates during its production, and from 2019 onwards, many RSV4 models adopted a larger 1,077cc engine, with the platform fully moving to 1100cc by 2021.
2007-2009 Ducati 1098
After people complained about the Ducati 999’s design, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer went back to the drawing board and came up with the Ducati 1098 in 2007. Its design was more like that of the 916-996-998 generation than the 999, and motorcyclists loved it.
There really was a lot to love about the 1098, as it came jam-packed with industry-first tech, and an L-twin engine producing between 160 and 180 horsepower, depending on spec. As with any Ducati, maintenance is key, and it’s best to walk away from a bike that hasn’t been looked after.
2012-2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale
We’ve already mentioned the 899 Panigale, but if that’s not powerful enough for you, there’s another solution in the form of the 1199 Panigale from 2012. You can find one of these for less than half the price of a brand-new Panigale V4 base model.
With 195 claimed horsepower, it’ll leave proper supercars to eat its dust, and it’s as nimble and agile as a 600cc supersport bike. The best part of Ducati ownership is the sound, and we highly recommend installing a Termignoni exhaust. As is the case with any Italian exotica, be prepared to pay through the nose for servicing and maintenance.
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