10 Sports Bikes That Can Beat A Tesla Model 3 Performance In A Drag Race

Drag racing is an exciting sport. Yes, it doesn’t have the fast corners of a racetrack or the high jumps of an MX trail, but it’s got a unique charm of its own. Even when you’re not on a drag strip, it’s always fun to twist your bike’s throttle and experience it surging ahead while the engine screams under you. But like any other sport, if you’re drag racing on your motorcycle, you’re going to win some and lose some. Yep, even a Ducati Superleggera V4 can sometimes lose to a clapped-out Honda Civic.

Usually, it mildly hurts the ego if you lose a drag race to a car; after all, motorcycles are supposed to offer the best performance for your money. But one thing many bikers will hate is losing to an electric family car, like the Tesla Model 3 Performance. Yes, the Model 3 is an excellent car, but for the sake of screaming internal combustion engines, you have to beat it. And here are ten motorcycles that can help you do that with their amazing 0 to 60 MPH acceleration.

Tesla Model 3 Performance 0 to 60 MPH: 3.1 seconds

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Motorcyclenews.com, Accelerationtimes.com, Motorcycle Consumer News, and MotoStatz.com. The motorcycles on this list are ranked based on their 0 to 60 MPH times, from slow to fast. We do not condone drag racing on the streets, so if you are going to drag race a Model 3 Performance, please do it on a dedicated drag strip.

10 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

0 to 60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds

Who says you need a superbike to beat the Tesla Model 3 Performance in a drag race? You can do it just as easily in a supersport, like the Kawasaki ZX-6R. But that’s not the only thing this motorcycle is good at. The ZX-6R is one of the last true Supersports that just got an update for 2024, and while the new model has lost some horsepower, it promises the same level of excitement and capabilities as the outgoing model.

The ZX-6R is often considered the apex predator in the segment for its capabilities. It’s got exceptionally sharp handling characteristics and a perky inline-four engine that screams into higher RPMs with a surge of power. This is a highly rewarding supersport that easily takes the cake for being one of the best in the segment, and it’s the kind of motorcycle that pushes you to be a better, faster rider, especially through the corners.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Kawasaki)

9 2024 BMW M 1000 RR

0 to 60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds

Few motorcycles have ever come close to the level of precision the BMW M 1000 RR offers. Since its launch back in 2010, the BMW S 1000 RR has constantly pushed the ceiling and redefined what a superbike should feel like to ride, and the M 1000 RR is that but better.

The M-badged variant of the S 1000 RR raises the bar to the next level with a higher top speed, new carbon fiber bits for weight reduction, and improved aerodynamics for high-speed stability. The result is the perfect superbike, and slap on the M Competition Pack, and it gets even juicer.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from BMW Motorrad)

8 2024 Aprilia RSV4

0 to 60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds

The BMW M 1000 RR may be a perfect superbike, but one motorcycle that offers perhaps the craziest riding experience is the Aprilia RSV4 Factory. This motorcycle features an insane V4 engine that unloads torque at the rear wheel right from the mid-range, and the handling may make you feel as if the frame is reading your mind.

Very few motorcyclists can ever extract the performance this bike has to offer, but if you are one of the rare ones looking for more, you should pick the Xtrenta version of the bike. This limited edition motorcycle has one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the world and can easily outpace not only the Tesla Model 3 Performance but most vehicles on the road.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Aprilia and Motorcyclenews.com)

7 2024 MV Agusta F3 RC

0 to 60 MPH: 3.0 Seconds

Do you want to beat the Tesla Model 3 Performance in a drag race but want to look cool while doing it? The MV Agusta F3 RC is your answer. This Italian supersport may not have a lot of fans (or owners), but that doesn’t mean it’s a slouch. In true MV Agusta fashion, the motorcycle boasts excellent power figures and acceleration; the latter is even better than many 1000cc superbikes!

The F3 RC’s design may look familiar because it’s based on the legendary MV Agusta F4, which is arguably one of the prettiest motorcycles ever built, and thankfully, MV Agusta hasn’t fiddled around too much with the design. The F3 is a sharper, more aerodynamic interpretation of the lovely F4 silhouette, which makes it one of the most beautiful sports bikes currently on sale.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from MV Agusta)

6 2003 Ducati 999

0 to 60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds

To beat the Tesla Model 3 Performance, you don’t need a modern superbike; you can do it with an old motorcycle, like the Ducati 999. Launched 20 years ago, the Ducati 999 never got recognition, thanks to its funky design that was the result of new American headlight rules.

But look past the polarizing design and the 999 is a terrific motorcycle. Set the suspension for your weight and riding style, and you’ll be surprised at how well this machine handles on the track. And the V-twin engine booms with confidence right from the mid-range. We’d advise you against riding this bike in the city, though; the riding position is too committed, and the mirrors are useless.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Motorcyclenews.com)

5 2023 Suzuki GSX-R750

0 to 60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds

Back in 1985, the Suzuki GSX-R750 started the sports bike rage, but in its 2023 avatar, this supersport has lost its appeal. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is still an incredible machine. Like any other Gixxer, the 750 is potent and nimble, and it’s a testament to what makes the 750 supersport class so awesome. But as authentic as the design is, it does look a bit outdated now. We are not complaining, though; the 750 class has been on a ventilator for a long time, and we’re glad to have this bike.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Suzuki)

4 2024 Ducati Panigale V4 R

0 to 60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds

The Ducati Panigale V4 R is a homologation-special version of the Panigale lineup, featuring a fire-breathing V4 engine that produces one of the highest power figures in the history of motorcycles. With such booming rage of the V4, you’re bound to outrun not only the Testa Model 3 Performance but most other cars on the road.

This motorcycle is ready to race right out of the showroom as it gets fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, swingarm pivot height adjustment, race-spec Brembo brakes, and more electronics than one can remember. If you’ve got the money and skills to own this motorcycle, there’s hardly any other motorcycle that would satisfy you.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Ducati)

3 2024 Suzuki Hayabusa

0 to 60 MPH: 2.85 Seconds

The Suzuki Hayabusa needs no introduction. It was launched to take on the fastest motorcycle of the time, the Honda Super Blackbird, but it was fast enough to put an end to race wars. In its third-gen iteration, the Hayabusa retains the same charm of being a big, curvy sports tourer despite losing a few ponies in power.

The Hayabusa is full of surprises. Despite the large proportions, the hyperbike pierces through the air and reaches illegal speeds fairly quickly. Even though it has a long wheelbase, the motorcycle handles well through the corners. And its size gives it relaxed ergonomics, making it possible to even tour on this bike.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Motorcyclenews.com)

2 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2

0 to 60 MPH: 2.6 Seconds

Bring either the Tesla Model 3 Performance, a Ferrari California, a Corvette Z06, or pretty much any car and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 can outrun it. This supercharged hyperbike is the fastest bike in the world, and in its H2R variant, it can even outrun Formula 1 cars and most hypercars.

The Ninja H2 features a supercharger that spools up to 130,000 RPM, unleashing savage power throughout the rev range. If it wasn’t for the excessive acceleration, you’d compliment the bike’s linear power delivery, but give it the beans and the bike pushes you against the rear cowl and surges past everything in its way.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Motorcyclenews.com)

1 2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000

0 to 60 MPH: 2.35 Seconds

This old Suzuki GSX-R1000 takes the cake for being the best motorcycle to beat the Tesla Model 3 Performance in a drag race. Yes, it’s almost two decades old, but this superbike still holds the record for being the quickest acceleration motorcycle on record.

But the acceleration isn’t the only redeeming feature of the bike. The GSX-R1000 was known for its sublime handling, relatively comfortable ergonomics, usable powerband, and radical styling (for the time).

The GSX-R1000 was so good that even BMW got hold of it while building the first S1000 RR. So, how is an old motorcycle so quick? The truth is, launching a motorcycle perfectly requires skills and someone managed to do it on record. A modern-day GSX-R1000 may be able to get similar acceleration times, but no one has tried it yet. Until someone does nail a perfect launch to 60 MPH, the GSX-R1000 will be the quickest acceleration motorcycle.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Motorcyclenews.com)