‘Fast’ might be a word that physicists like to debate the nuances of, but in the world of motorcycles, we generally agree on what constitutes speed. It’s that adrenaline-pumping acceleration and a top speed that makes your eyes widen, combined with the agility to handle corners with precision. True speed on two wheels is a blend of raw power and refined handling.
This list isn’t for cruisers or adventure tourers. While we respect their capabilities, these bikes are built for outright speed and agility, leaving behind the bulkier categories. We’ve curated a selection that might have some expected names, but hopefully, a few surprises too. Buckle up as we count down the top 10 fastest street-legal motorcycles you can purchase in 2024.
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For those with an insatiable need for speed, these are the ultimate machines engineered to push the boundaries of velocity.
To ensure the accuracy of this ranking, information has been gathered from manufacturers’ specifications and reputable sources including Visordown.com, Motorcycle.com, Motorcyclenews.com, and Cycleworld.com. The motorcycles are presented in ascending order of their reported top speeds.
10. MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR
Top speed: 186 mph
MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR
Many naked bikes boast about redefining two-wheeled possibilities, but the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR truly delivers. Often compared to the Ducati Streetfighter V4, the Brutale lives up to its name with ferocious acceleration, especially in the higher rev ranges. Its rapid pace rivals that of many dedicated race bikes. Packing 208 horsepower, it hits a top speed of 186 mph – or until the rider’s grip gives way, whichever comes first. This Italian masterpiece is a fast street legal bike that perfectly blends aggression and agility.
| Engine Type | Liquid cooled inline 4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 208 HP @ 13,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 85.5 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM |
9. Yamaha YZF-R1/R1M
Top Speed: 186 mph (limited)
2024 Yamaha YZF-R1M front 3/4 action shot
The Yamaha R1 is a legend in the sportbike world, and the current iteration continues this legacy. Its significance is amplified by Yamaha’s pioneering adoption of the ‘big bang’ firing order, a technology now widespread in MotoGP. Associated with racing icon Valentino Rossi, the R1 is inherently a formidable machine, capable of speeds exceeding 186 mph. However, like many in this class, its top speed is electronically limited due to a gentlemen’s agreement among manufacturers. On the track, especially with the upgraded R1M, its potential is virtually limitless, constrained only by rider skill and track length. This is a prime example of a fast street legal bike born from racing pedigree.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline 4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 200 HP @ 13,500 RPM |
| Max Torque | 82.9 LB-FT @ 11,500 RPM |
8. Ducati V4 Superleggera
Top speed: 186 mph (limited)
2021 Ducati V4 Superleggera leaning hard on a test track
186 mph might seem modest for a bike of this caliber, but the V4 Superleggera is the pinnacle of the Panigale V4 lineage. Sharing its engine with the track-focused Panigale V4 R (distinct from the standard Panigale V4 with its larger displacement), the Superleggera is built for ultimate performance. The V4 R itself is capable of nearly 200 mph, suggesting the Superleggera’s true potential is significantly higher once unrestricted. Like the BMW M1000 RR, it’s engineered for blistering track times, but with unmistakable Italian style. The Panigale’s design influence is evident in supersport bikes across the board, a testament to its groundbreaking design. This Ducati is a fast street legal bike that’s as much a work of art as it is a performance machine.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 90-degree V4, Desmodromic valves |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 224 HP @ 15,250 RPM |
| Max Torque | 85.5 LB-FT @ 11,750 RPM |
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2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R front 3/4 shot showcasing its aggressive fairings and aerodynamic design for high-speed performance.
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7. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
Top speed: 186 mph (limited)
2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary action street shot with city skyline backdrop highlighting its iconic silhouette and road presence.
The Suzuki Hayabusa is synonymous with top speed. It’s the bike that ignited the hyperbike top speed wars and inadvertently led to the 186 mph (300 km/h) gentlemen’s agreement, a limit it can effortlessly exceed if unleashed. The ‘Hayabusa’ name origin is legendary, and its distinctive styling remains polarizing yet iconic. Uniquely among bikes on this list, the ‘Busa is also a comfortable all-day grand tourer. Its core appeal lies in its unwavering focus on top speed, around which all other features are built. This motorcycle is a fast street legal bike that represents the heritage of speed and touring capability.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline 4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 205 HP @ 13,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM |
6. BMW M1000 RR
Top speed: 195 mph
Static shot of the BMW M 1000 RR from the rear showcasing its aerodynamic wings and M-series branding, emphasizing its track-focused design.
While Japanese homologation specials like the Yamaha YZF-R1M and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR are formidable, the BMW S1000 RR pioneered the integration of comprehensive customizable electronics in the liter-class supersport category, making advanced technology accessible to consumers. The BMW M1000 RR elevates this further with carbon fiber bodywork, optional carbon wheels (in Competition spec), and an overall design optimized for track dominance. It allows riders to achieve racetrack speeds and handling previously unimaginable. For dedicated racers, BMW even offers a factory race-tuned engine option. The M1000 RR is a fast street legal bike designed for those who demand ultimate performance and technology.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline 4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 205 HP @ 13,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM |
5. Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
Top speed: 199 mph
Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory static shot highlighting its aggressive front fairing and distinctive Italian design, emphasizing its racing DNA.
Considering Aprilia’s comparatively smaller scale next to other manufacturers on this list, their racing achievements and technological innovations are remarkable. They have consistently punched above their weight in motorsports. Aprilia pioneered ground-effect fairings and ride-by-wire throttles, technologies now commonplace in MotoGP. Therefore, it’s no surprise to find the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory near the top of this list, almost breaching the coveted 200 mph mark. However, the RSV4 1100 Factory is not solely about top speed; it’s engineered for maximum racetrack performance, where top speed is just one component of its comprehensive performance package. This Aprilia is a fast street legal bike that embodies Italian passion and racing innovation.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 65-degree V4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1078 cc |
| Max Power | 217 HP @ 13,200 RPM |
| Max Torque | 92.1 LB-FT @ 10,500 RPM |
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4. Damon Hypersport
Top speed: 200 mph
Yellow Damon Hypersport Premier Electric Motorcycle in a dynamic pose emphasizing its sporty stance and modern electric drivetrain.
The Damon Hypersport marks the entry of electric power into this high-speed list. While currently available for purchase, actual deliveries are still pending, causing some anticipation since pre-orders began in January 2020. Despite the wait, the Hypersport promises to revolutionize the future of motorcycling. It boasts impressive figures: 200 horsepower, a 200 mph top speed, and a 200-mile combined range. Beyond performance, it features advanced safety systems Damon claims will significantly reduce motorcycle accidents. Whether for its safety innovations or the instant torque from its 147 lb-ft electric motor, the Hypersport is eagerly awaited. This electric marvel is poised to be a fast street legal bike of the future, pending its arrival on the roads.
| Engine Type | PMAC liquid-cooled electric motor |
|---|---|
| Displacement | NA |
| Max Power | 200 HP |
| Max Torque | 147 LB-FT |
3. Lightning LS-218
Top speed: 218 mph
Lightning LS-218 motorcycle static side view highlighting its streamlined bodywork and powerful electric motor, showcasing its record-breaking speed capabilities.
As of now, the Lightning LS-218 holds the title of the world’s fastest production motorcycle. Its name, LS-218, is derived directly from its record-setting 218 mph top speed. Remarkably, even more impressive than its velocity is its staggering 168 lb-ft of torque. While carrying a premium price tag similar to the Damon, the LS-218 has been available for a decade, proving its real-world existence. It has also demonstrated its capabilities in motorsport, outperforming internal combustion engine (ICE) competitors at events like Pikes Peak and Le Mans. For anyone questioning the potential of electric power, the Lightning LS-218 serves as a definitive answer. This electric pioneer is a fast street legal bike that has already proven its speed dominance.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled IPM electric motor |
|---|---|
| Displacement | NA |
| Max Power | 200 HP |
| Max Torque | 168 LB-FT |
2. Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Top speed: 249 mph
Kawasaki Ninja H2R front shot emphasizing its aggressive styling, carbon fiber elements, and supercharger intake, representing the pinnacle of supercharged motorcycle technology.
Supercharging motorcycles isn’t a novel concept, and Kawasaki’s history with forced induction dates back decades, including the Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo of 1983. However, Kawasaki redefined the game by supercharging a sportbike, equipping it with a trellis frame, aggressive ‘Dementor-like’ styling, and pushing its limits beyond 400 km/h (249 mph). The Kawasaki Ninja H2R and its street-legal sibling, the H2, are offered in various trims, with the track-only H2R unleashing a staggering 310 horsepower. Its 249 mph top speed places it among the elite, comparable to hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron. While the H2R’s focus is squarely on top speed, and it might not excel in everyday practicality, its sheer velocity is its defining and awe-inspiring feature. This supercharged beast is a fast street legal bike, albeit in spirit, as the H2R itself is track-only, while the H2 offers a street-legal version with slightly reduced power.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline 4, supercharged |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 310 HP @ 14,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 122 LB-FT @ 12,500 RPM |
1. Y2K MTT 420RR
Top speed: 274 mph
Y2k MTT 420RR static shot showcasing its turbine engine and unique design, representing the ultimate in unconventional and extreme motorcycle engineering.
Marine Turbine Technologies (MTT) takes a radical approach by incorporating repurposed helicopter turbine engines into motorcycle chassis, resulting in the MTT 420RR. This turbine engine peaks at an astonishing 52,000 rpm, and MTT claims a top speed of 274 mph, though independently verified figures are still pending. Regardless, its projected top speed is mind-blowing. The 420RR sounds like a jet, possesses a unique aesthetic, features an automatic transmission, and surprisingly, is street-legal, unlike the H2R. Adding to its eccentricity, it can run on multiple fuels, including diesel, kerosene, and even tequila. Imagine explaining that to a traffic officer: “The tequila is for the motorcycle, officer.” The MTT 420RR is the undisputed king of Fast Street Legal Bikes, pushing the boundaries of motorcycle engineering to the absolute extreme.
| Engine Type | Rolls-Royce Allison gas turbine |
|---|---|
| Displacement | NA |
| Max Power | 420 HP @ 52,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 500 LB-FT @ 2,500 RPM |
