10 Fast And Fun Sports Bike Under $7,000

Many passionate riders dream of owning a sports bike, but few get to experience the thrill of riding one. Sports bikes are popular for their sleek design, high performance, and fast speeds, all of which can make them quite expensive. Luckily, due to technological advancements and engineering, there are plenty of affordable options available for riders looking to experience the thrill of owning a sports bike without breaking the bank.

The market is now flooded with a variety of sports bikes that cater to every rider’s needs and preferences. These bikes offer not only speed and power, but also agility and maneuverability perfect for navigating through traffic or taking on twisty mountain roads. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, there is a sports bike that will suit your riding style and taste. It’s easier than ever to find the perfect sports bike that will provide endless hours of fun and excitement on the open road. And we’re here to make your life even easier by listing some of the most fun sports bikes. Each of these cost under $7,000, so they’re super easy on the pocket.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers’ official websites and reputed online websites like hotcars.com. The sports bikes on this list have been arranged in order of top speed, from slowest to fastest.

10 Suzuki GSX250R ABS

Top Speed: 85 MPH; MSRP: $5,099

Suzuki is known for producing reliable and high-performing motorcycles that are also relatively affordable than their competitors. Its entry-level sports bike, the GSX250R ABS is one of the most affordable options for beginner riders. The bike has a full fairing and can reach a top speed of 85 mph, thanks to a 248cc parallel-twin engine that produces 25 horsepower and 17.3 pound-feet of torque. This is topped off by a lightweight chassis, comfortable riding position, compact wheelbase, and supple suspension.

Performance Specification

Source: Suzuki

9 CFMoto 300SS

Top Speed: 87 MPH; MSRP: $4,499

In recent years, the market has been bombarded with inexpensive Chinese motorcycles, especially for the entry-level category. These bikes not only offer the best value for money, but they have also improved significantly both in terms of performance and design. One such excellent example is the CFMoto 300SS, which starts at $4,499 and is the most affordable sports bike on the list. It is powered by a 292cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 29.2 horsepower and 18.7 pound-feet of torque, allowing the bike to reach a top speed of 87 mph. If you are over the stereotyped notion of Chinese motorcycles, the 300SS will win you over with effortless handling and quicker acceleration.

Performance Specification

Source: CFMoto

8 QJMotor SRK400RR

Top Speed: 90 MPH; MSRP: $5,099

Among the Chinese motorcycle manufacturers on the market, QJMotor is a relatively lesser-known brand that produces some of the most affordable bang-for-buck motorcycles. Its entry-level sports bike, the SRK400RR, is a fully-faired version of the SRK400 naked bike, with the same 400cc parallel-twin engine. There’s 44.2 horsepower and 27.2 pound-feet of torque, allowing the bike to reach a top speed of 90 mph. For the money, the RR features a color TFT dashboard, all LED lighting, split seats, stunning blacked-out wheels, and an arched windscreen. For safety, it has disc brakes and dual-channel ABS.

Performance Specification

Source: QJMotor

7 Honda CBR300R

Top Speed: 98 MPH; MSRP: $4,899

Honda has not updated its entry-level sports bike, CBR300R, for a while now. However, it remains one of the most popular bikes for riders who want a taste of sportiness without compromising on practicality. For a starting price tag of $4,899, you get Honda’s legendary reliability, a lightweight chassis, and nimble handling. That’s not all. Its proven 286cc single-cylinder engine delivers a hair over 30 horsepower and 20 pound-feet of torque, propelling the bike to a max speed of 98 mph. So, if you’re a starting rider with some experience and riding skills looking for a reliable sub-300cc sports bike, the CBR300R is a better option than the GSX250R.

Performance Specification

Source: Honda

6 Yamaha YZF-R3

Top Speed: 112 MPH; MSRP: $5,499

Even though the YZF-R3 is an entry model to Yamaha’s thrilling R series motorcycles, you will be quite impressed with its likable performance and handling capabilities. It offers a terrific value proposition, starting at $5,499, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider seeking a reliable sports bike. The 321cc parallel-twin engine produces 42 horsepower and 21.8 pound-feet of torque to enable a top speed of 112 mph. This is one of the easiest choices on this list if you want a trustable machine more than anything else.

Performance Specification

Source: Yamaha

5 Aprilia RS 457

Top Speed: >110 MPH; MSRP: $6,799

The Aprilia RS 457 is a brand-new entry-level sports bike with stunning looks, nimble handling, and outstanding performance. With a starting price of $6,799, it is the only Italian beauty on the list that deserves serious consideration just because of its origin. It is powered by a 457cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that generates 47 horsepower and 32.1 pound-feet of torque, with a top speed of over 105 mph (there’s yet to be a proper top speed test). On top of that, its lightweight construction and strong tractable power give it a great power-to-weight ratio.

Performance Specification

Source: Aprilia

4 KTM RC 390

Top Speed: 112.5 MPH; MSRP: $5,899

If you’re in the market for an entry-level sports bike with precise handling, nothing beats the KTM RC 390. Along with its superb handling prowess, it offers near-class-leading performance, with a 373cc single-cylinder engine churning 42.9 horsepower and 27.2 pound-feet of torque. Sporting a top speed of 112.5 mph, this roaring single will give you the ride of your life on the track or whichever winding route you choose to attack. What makes the package even sweeter is the low price of $5,899, which provides the best track-focused sports bike experience in its class.

Performance Specification

Source: KTM

3 Honda CBR500R

Top Speed: 115 MPH; MSRP: $7,299

Yes, we know the 500R costs a little more than $7,000. But it’s here because it justifies the premium with a top speed of 115 mph and unmatched Honda reliability. It’s a perfect example of how sports motorcycles don’t have to be pricey to have fun, whether you’re riding around the city or carving up canyons on weekends. The 471cc twin-cylinder engine revs effortlessly and delivers lots of torque, while remaining small to ensure nimble riding dynamics. The sharp bodywork resembles something straight off the racetrack, and the suspension is excellent. Moreover, its updated version is on the way to America in 2024.

Performance Specification

Source: Honda

2 CFMoto 450SS

Top Speed: 118 mph; MSRP: $5,699

The 450SS is another high-capacity beginner-friendly sports bike in the CFMoto’s lineup. So, what do you get for the $1,200 premium over the 300? To begin, the 450SS feels slightly larger aesthetically and weighs six pounds heavier in comparison. Second, the larger 449cc inline-twin engine develops 50 horsepower and 28.8 pound-feet of torque, letting it reach a top speed of 118 mph. Then, there are the cutting-edge features like a TFT, mirror-mounted LEDs, and phone connectivity. Overall, the 450SS is a versatile machine with blistering performance and easy handling that can be used on both the street and the racetrack.

Performance Specification

Source: CFMoto

1 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE ABS

Top Speed: ~118 mph; MSRP: $6,399

The standard Ninja 500 starts at $5,299 for the non-ABS version. However, if you want the most feature-packed model, you must pay an additional $1,100 for the SE. It comes in richer colors and includes some exclusive features. One of them is the Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Smart System (KIPASS), which lets you activate the ignition and steering lock remotely. The SE also has a larger windshield, frame sliders, a radiator screen, a full-color TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and a USB-C outlet.

In terms of performance, you get a 451cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 51 horsepower and 31.7 pound-feet of torque. Both figures arrive early, which makes the bike easy to ride in the city and fun to ride on twisty roads. A six-speed transmission transfers the power to the rear wheel, while a slipper-clutch reduces the clutch effort.

Performance Specification

Source: Kawasaki