10 Budget-Friendly Used Sports Bikes Delivering Excellent Value

What value does a sports bike provide? While the quick and correct answer is staggering power and lightning speed, there is more to look at. Other than American manufacturers, like Harley-Davidson and Indian, sports bikes are identity cards for all Japanese manufacturers and most of the European manufacturers. The performance of these bikes in competitions like MotoGP and WorldSBK establishes the credibility of manufacturers in the international market. As a result, this segment has the strongest R&D ongoing.

Street legal sports bikes from these manufacturers have also benefited from this continuous innovation, and these bikes often have the most powerful engines, advanced tech features, and mind-blowing styling. It is understandable why people are going crazy to have a sports bike in their garage. But there is a problem! Sports bikes often carry the most hefty price tag, and that makes these machines out of reach for many people.

But thankfully, the used bike market exists. This market is a huge repository of well-conditioned used sports bikes at a reasonable price. Such bikes are a perfect option for new riders and riders who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new sports bike. But it is always recommended that you do a proper visual and physical check of such bikes, including the servicing history, to assess the condition before purchase. In this article, we have brought to you a list of used sports bikes that deliver excellent value.

Looking at the data from authoritative websites like motorcycle.com, motorcyclenews.com, and cycleworld.com, we populated this list with the most authentic information. Prices of the bikes are obtained from Kelley Blue Book (KBB). All models on this list cost below $10,000 and have been arranged from the lowest price to the highest.

10 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000

KBB Listing Price: $6,665

In 2005, Suzuki released the K5 upgrade to the GSX-R1000, and there were some significant improvements. The then-new bike was smaller and lighter, and it weighed 2 pounds less than the previous generation. Besides, the 2005 model was incredibly more powerful than the previous generation because it had a new 999cc engine replacing the earlier 989cc.

The chassis of the bike is designed for mass centralization and a lower center of gravity. The chassis and bodywork were developed using wind tunnel testing for ultimate aerodynamic capability. All these translate into superior handling and flickability with brilliant straight-line performance.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcyclenews.com)

The new engine was equipped with advanced technologies such as the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV) and Auto Fast Idle System (AFIS) and generated staggering horsepower with range-wide grunt. Truly, one of Suzuki’s most iconic motorcycles, that keeps evolving at its own pace, without trying to be at the forefront of technological advancements at any cost.

9 2007 BMW R1200S

KBB Listing Price: $6,810

The R1200S is an awesome sports machine to have in your garage because of its unique styling and powerful Boxer engine. The bike was the successor to the hugely successful R1100S, and it was introduced for the 2006–2007 model year with the most powerful Boxer engine of that time.

This powerful engine could reach a top speed of 150 mph, making this bike the fastest BMW sports bike of the model year. This bike was not only more powerful than the R1100, but also significantly lighter. The superb handling and comfort characteristics offered by BMW Motorrad telelever and paralever suspension systems, along with Ohlins components, will make you admire the brilliance of German engineering.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcyclenews.com)

The bike was also equipped with large dual-disc brakes with four-piston calipers and single-disc brakes with two-piston calipers on the rear wheels. ABS was an optional feature, and the price mentioned here is for an ABS-equipped model.

8 2007 Ducati 1098

KBB Listing Price: $7,565

The Ducati 1098 was a purebred racing machine with street-ready configurations. This red beauty was powered by a Testastretta Evoluzione (EVO) engine, which was the most powerful production V-twin of that time.

The engine was a significant improvement from the earlier 999 and was completely redone with redesigned cylinder heads, a big bore, and a relatively short stroke. The chassis of the bike was also recalibrated for strength and rigidity to manage the more powerful Evoluzione engine. This includes an increase in the diameter of the frame tubes. All these improvements resulted in superior road holding and stability.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcycle.com and motorcyclenews.com)

The track-tuned Showa forks and shocks enhanced the handling characteristics of the bike, and Brembos offered efficient stopping power. However, as per reports, the fuel pump and ignition relays of the bike were prone to failure, so it is recommended to check those while purchasing.

7 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

KBB Listing Price: $7,985

Launched in 2006, the Ninja ZX-14 stole the show from its competitors because of its massive power, enormous torque, superb handling, and rider-friendly ergonomics. The 2008 model retained all these qualities, but Kawasaki made some changes to the engine and exhaust to comply with Euro-III emission standards.

However, these changes led to more peak power and low-end torque with reduced engine noise. The bike is built around a lightweight aluminum monocoque frame, which provides superb stability and agile handling. Besides, a multi-way adjustable suspension system allows for dynamic riding and greater comfort.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcycle.com and motorcyclenews.com)

Despite being a purebred sports bike, this ZX-14 offered greater rider comfort because of a well-adjusted rider triangle. The hydraulic clutch lever and front brake lever are span-adjustable to accommodate different hand sizes.

6 2012 Aprilia RSV4 R

KBB Listing Price: $8,475

The 2012 Aprilia RSVR R is special for many reasons. It was the year when the manufacturer offered a full electronics package including wheelie control, launch control, and a quick-shifter for the base model RSVR R, which was previously limited to the factory version only.

Besides, variable-length intake ducts were also added to its airbox. The result was rocket-speed acceleration with an amazing exhaust note. The RSVR is known for smooth handling, and the 2012 model was not an exception. The bike performed superbly on straight roads, and twisty bends alike.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcyclenews.com)

A proper sports bike by nature, the electronic package of the bike was straight from the track machines. It has three-stage wheelie control, three-stage launch control, and eight-stage traction control, and all these features can be manipulated via the joystick on the switchgear.

5 2014 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

KBB Listing Price: 8,965

The 2014 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is particularly suitable for new riders for three reasons. First, the 600cc class engine is more predictable than the bigger 10R and 14R; second, there is a low power mode; and third, it is less prized than the latest model.

The 2014 is also special because, from this model year, Kawasaki increased the engine displacement size from 599 cc to 636 cc. This resulted in a bump in total power output, and to manage that efficiently, a three-level traction control system was added.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcyclenews.com)

Besides, there were two power modes; if you are an experienced rider, then switch to the ‘full’ mode and enjoy the blasts from the free-running engine. But if you are freshly laying hands on a sports bike, then ‘low’ mode is best for you; this mode will restrict the throttle response to 80 percent.

4 2015 Honda CBR600RR

KBB Listing Price: $9,340

Honda machines fetch good resale value because of their high build quality and long-lasting performance. The price of this 600cc class CBR is on the higher side, but since it is a Honda, it could be a good deal if the bike is in good condition.

The 2015 CBR600RR was powered by a 599-cc four-cylinder engine, which generated smooth power delivery and quick throttle response. Compared to the other sports bikes of its time, the CBR600 was relatively comfortable to ride because of its relaxed geometry, which makes it a good option for city riding. The race-tuned frame and lightweight cast-aluminum 12-spoke wheels aid greatly in agile handling.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcyclenews.com)

The riding comfort part is taken care of by the beefy forks with compression and rebound damping at the front and a Pro-Link HMAS single shock at the rear. The best part is that, with all types of fluids onboard, this bike weighs only around 410 pounds.

3 2012 Honda CBR1000RR

KBB Listing Price: $9,570

Honda revised the CBR1000RR for the 2012 model year with a series of cosmetic and functional updates. The new Showa big piston fork (BPF) was introduced, replacing the old cartridge-type fork. This enhanced the bike’s performance and feedback under braking.

The rear suspension was also upgraded with balance-free shocks for better compression and rebound characteristics. While the engine remained largely the same as the previous model year, Honda added new ECU and EFI settings for better throttle response and fuel efficiency.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcycle.com and motorcyclenews.com)

On the dash, a new LCD screen was featured with a gear position indicator and a lap timer. A new fairing and front cowl were added for better aerodynamics and wind protection. This bike doesn’t have wheelie control, but the chin spoiler was added to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.

2 2013 KTM 1190 RC8 R

KBB Listing Price: $9,695

The KTM 1190 RC8 R was a testimony to the fact that art can be created using automobile engineering. Anyone taking a look at the machine will readily understand that this bike is different and doesn’t resonate with the traditional design language of Italian and Japanese sports bikes.

KTM courageously stepped out of the smooth and flowing design tradition and gave 1190 a chiseled, bold origami look. Built around a light tubular lattice frame of high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel and WP suspension setup, this bike is known for superb feedback and sporty handling. However, the best part of this bike was the degree of adjustability of the rider triangle components.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from motorcyclenews.com)

The handlebar, levers, seat height, footpegs, and pedals are all adjustable to switch from an aggressive riding position to a relaxed posture or vice versa. Unlike modern bikes of today, this machine didn’t have electronic features like traction control, ABS, or a slipper clutch, but people who have ridden it will agree that this bike still delivered superior performance by all means.

1 2010 Yamaha YZF R1

KBB Listing Price: $9,860

The Yamaha YZF-R1 was awarded ‘Masterbike 2010’ by cycleworld.com. The bike was absolutely sensational because of an engine upgrade that included crank pins set at 90° and had irregular firing intervals. This upgrade was borrowed straight from the MotoGP bike YZR-M1 ridden by Valentino Rossi.

The 2010 YZF-R1 also got a new aluminum alloy Deltabox frame, which used the engine as a stressed member for improved overall structural rigidity. The engine was placed 9 degrees more upright to lower the center of gravity. The 2010 R1 was also the first example of another feature; the bike was launched with a split damping feature in which the left fork controls the compression damping and the right fork manages the rebound damping.

Engine Specification

There were also improvements in terms of rider comfort. For example, two-way adjustable footpegs and an electronically adjustable speed-sensitive steering damper.