10 Best Sport Bikes Under $10,000

There was a time when liter bikes, i.e., bikes with displacements of 1,000 ccs or over, were considered the most desirable bikes on the planet. Outstanding power and a better chassis made the liter bikes the king of street bikes for decades. But as time went on, the liter machines grew. With their rising displacement, they got heavier and, worse still, more expensive. Bikes that were supposed to be the scalpels of the track and street became more bloated and more difficult to steer quickly.

Today, the liter machines have pretty much reached the apex of their development. But you’ll pay a price for their performance. You will have to fork out a pretty big wad of cash to buy one and pay even more for its very expensive insurance. If big power is your thing, then liter-plus bikes may be your best bet. But since the late 2010s, riders have been taking advantage of lower displacement machines.

They have been enjoying the bike’s lighter and swifter handling and more than sufficient horsepower for mere mortals. So we are going to take a look at the 10 best sports bikes that won’t set you back a huge chunk of change while still providing the average rider with a grin factor of 10.

We will evaluate each of the machines in our list using criteria that rate chassis and handling, engine performance, braking, and weight. It’s each of these areas that many sports bike enthusiasts are most interested in. The lowest score in our rating system is a 7, with half-point increments all the way up to the highest score, 10.

To find the winner, we will add all the scores each motorcycle is awarded and divide by four. That will provide an average score, and we will use that score to rank the results. Ultimately, our scoring methodology looks like this:

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 manufacturer-supplied data, Webikeworld, and Motorcycle Specs.

10 Yamaha YZF-R3

Price: $5,499 Score: 8.3/10

In this group, the Yamaha YZF-R3 is “the little bike that could.” Its relatively light-weight, combined with its reasonable power for its displacement engine, earns the R3 a spot in this comparison. When we are talking about the R3, we are in the lighter side of sport-oriented territory.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Yamaha and Webikeworld)

If you are looking for an engine that delivers a good amount of power, for its displacement, 42 horsepower via a six-speed gearbox seems to strike a good balance. That’s a great horsepower stat for an engine with only 321 cc of displacement. By comparison, it offers nearly as much horsepower as Honda’s 471 cc CBR500R. Add with an upside-down fork and a preload adjustable mono cross rear shock; hustling the YZF-R3 through corners can be fun and exciting. At 375 pounds, it’s one of the lighter machines in this comparison. The only thing letting the YZF-R3 down somewhat is its $5,499 price tag, which makes it the priciest machine in its category.

Model Highlights

• 42 ready-to-go horsepower from a 321 cc engine.
• The upside-down fork coupled with monocross rear shock provides decent handling.
• Light weight for its category.
• Yamaha R-series styling.

9 CFMoto 450SS

Price: $5,699: Score: 8.4/10

A relatively new player in the North American motorcycle game is Chinese manufacturer CFMoto. The company is trying to make its mark in the North American sportbike market with two entries, including the 450SS. It slots in near the middle of the comparison with some surprisingly good specs and good value pricing.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from CFMoto and Webbikeworld)

As the new kid on the block, CFMoto machines have to pull their weight to win customers over. Coming in with 50 horsepower and 28.8 pound-feet of torque from a 449 cc engine is a decent start. While the fork is not adjustable, it is an upside-down unit. Stopping power comes courtesy of a high-quality Brembo M40 radially mounted caliper working in conjunction with a single 320 mm disc. That combination provides plenty of stopping power for this 370-pound machine. Interestingly, the 450SS is lighter than some smaller bikes like the Suzuki GSX250R, and Yamaha YZF-R3. With its $5,699 MSRP, the 450SS is a good value proposition.

Model Highlights

• Able to play with the big boys.
• Decent power.
• “Light-ish” weight.
• Good start by CFMoto

8 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Price: $7,999 Score: 8.4

The first of the 500 cc+ bikes on our list is the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Coming in with a conventional 41 mm preload adjustable fork, the Ninja 650’s fork is average. However, its 649cc parallel-twin engine makes 68 horsepower and 47 pound-feet of torque. Dual 300 mm rotors are grabbed by two-piston floating calipers. Accordingly, both the engine output and braking performance are slightly above average for its class. It’s more of the same in the weight department, with the Ninja 650 coming in at 419 pounds, both over and under some of the competition’s middleweight machines. At its $7,999 price tag, the Ninja 650 offers good value.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Kawasaki and Webbikeworld)

Model Highlights

• Good power.
• Average handling and braking.
• Moderate weight.
• It’s a Ninja.

7 CFMoto 300SS

Price: $4,499 Score: 8.4

The smaller sibling of the CFMoto 450SS punches above its weight using its low weight and price to score better than its big brother. Perhaps unexpectedly, the CFMoto 300SS scores well in this comparison.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from CFMoto and Webbikeworld)

Although the CFMoto 300SS is a small machine, it compares favorably not only in competition with its category contenders but with all the sport bikes found here. Its 29 horsepower is greater than machines of similar displacement. Its fork is an upside-down unit and is adjustable for preload. Slowing the machine from speed are a pair of 300 mm discs grabbed by twin two-piston calipers. Weighing in at 364 pounds, it’s the second-lightest bike in this comparison. The icing on the cake is its affordable $4,499 price tag, one of the lowest prices in this group.

Model Highlights

• Decent horsepower.
• Good braking with dual discs.
• Light weight.
• Reasonable price tag.

6 Honda CBR650R

Price: $9,899 Score: 8.7

With the most power in this moto comparison, the Honda CBR650R had to be included. This sub-$10K sports bike takes performance seriously.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Honda)

The Honda CBR650R packs the most horsepower and torque of all the bikes assembled here. It’s 94 horsepower, and 46 pound-feet of torque, means you have the ability to get moving pronto. Although the fork is not adjustable, it is a quality 41 mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) unit, so it’s equipped to handle what you may have planned for it. It also comes with two four-piston calipers, which clamp on dual 310 mm rotors. If there’s one thing that lets the machine down, it’s its MSRP. Priced at $9,899, it’s the priciest of all the sports bikes here.

Model Highlights

• Most power and torque.
• Good brakes.
• Showa fork.
• Priciest of the bunch.

5 Kawasaki Ninja 400

Price: $5,299 Score: 8.8/10

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Kawasaki and Webbikeworld)

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is this Japanese company’s little assassin waiting to strike the unprepared. Its 399 cc parallel-twin engine pumps out 45 horsepower and 27.3 pound-feet of torque. Utilizing its light weight and sharp handling courtesy of its trellis frame and 41 mm fork, the little machine can play with the sportiest of machines on tight technical roads (or tracks). When it’s time to slow things down, a single 310 mm disc and two-piston caliper do the work. While the Ninja 400 is the second lightest of this group, it can also make your wallet heavier. Its $5,299 MSRP will leave you with more cash than most of the other machines in this comparison.

4 KTM RC 390

Price: $5,899 Score: 9.1/10

The KTM RC 390 is well-known in the sports bike community. As an Austrian manufacturer, KTM claims all its bikes are “Ready To Race.” With high-end components, it better score well. And it does.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from KTM)

KTM’s RC 390 came to the sports bike party ready to race. Its components are top-notch. The orange machine is blessed with 44 horsepower and 27 pound-feet. of torque. Combined with its high-quality 43 mm WP Apex adjustable fork and stopping power provided by dual 290 mm discs with radially mounted four-piston calipers, the RC 390 represents a track-capable race bike for the street.

Weighing in at 370 pounds, it can easily flick from side to side with little drama. Its $5,299 price tag is among the most expensive in its class, but that is the price you pay for this little machine’s top-notch components.

Model Highlights

• Good power and torque.
• Excellent fully adjustable WP Apex fork.
• Excellent handling.
• Expensive for its category.

3 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR

Price: $9,699 Score: 9.3/10

Just recently offered in the US, the Ninja ZX-4RR is Kawasaki’s answer to lightweight sporting machines. Team Green set out on a mission to own this category, and in many ways, they have won.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Kawasaki and Webikeworld)

If you are on a curvy road or track strafing apexes, and you see green and a high-pitched whine behind you, you are probably about to be passed by Kawasaki’s ZX-4RR. Packing a gigantic 75 horsepower in a small package, Kawasaki has created a track-ready and road-going monster. To help you keep all that power under control, the ZX-4RR uses a 37 mm, preload adjustable Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) fork. With that much power on hand in a small machine, you are going to need excellent stopping power.

The ZX-4RR is up to the task with dual 290 mm discs clamped by dual four-piston radially mounted calipers. However, if there is an Achilles heel of this bike, it’s its weight. It’s one of the heaviest in its category at 416 pounds. While it carries approximately 45 pounds more than KTM’s RC 390, it also packs about 58 percent more power.

Model Highlights

• A titanic 75 horsepwer in a small machine.
• High-quality suspension.
• Excellent brakes.
• Yamaha R-series styling.

2 Suzuki GSX-8R

Price: $9,349: Score: 9.4/10

One of the larger and heavier machines in this comparison, the Suzuki GSX-8R can more than hold its position in this group of sport bikes. Its good power and premium components make it worthy of wearing a “Gixxer” badge.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Suzuki and Webbikeworld)

The GSX-8R fares very well in this comparison by means of its mixture of quality components and punchy engine. It would have won this contest if the winner wasn’t exceptional. Coming in with 83 horsepower and 57 pound-feet of torque, the engine is the second most powerful here and has the most torque of all the machines in this group.

A fully adjustable 41 mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) fork lets the rider worry about where to point the bike while the fork can be depended upon to put it where it is aimed. Dual four-piston calipers grab dual discs to bring the festivities to a halt when needed. If there’s a weakness to this machine, it’s its 452-pound weight. That weight and its $9,349 price tag are the reasons the Suzuki occupies the runner-up position.

Model Highlights

• Good power and lots of torque.
• Excellent suspension.
• Just a little bit porky.
• $9,349 price tag weighs it down.

  

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1 WINNER: Yamaha YZF-R7

Price: $9,199 Score: 9.6

Arriving at the winner of this comparison was not easy. But one bike stood out from the rest with its combination of features adding up to just the right mix. And that’s the peppy Yamaha CP2 engined YZF-R7.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Yamaha and Webbikeworld)

With the departure of the Yamaha YZF-R6 due to emission regulations, the Yamaha YZF-R7 now stands as Yamaha’s middleweight sport bike. While the R7 isn’t as dedicated to on-track sport, the R7 arrives with a great mixture of sport and real-world rideability. Powering the machine is a 689 cc parallel-twin engine making 75 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque. While those numbers are less than the bike it replaces, it is enough for day-to-day riding, strafing some canyon apexes, riding track days with your buddies, and just bimbling around town.

In the handling department, there’s a KYB 41 mm fully adjustable fork to point you in the right direction. And when it’s time to slow down, dual 198 mm discs with dual four-piston calipers provide the stopping power. But what sets the R7 apart from the runner-up in this comparison are two things. The first is weight. Weighing in at 414 pounds, it’s nearly 40 pounds lighter than the GSX-8R. And the R7 comes in $150 cheaper at $9,199. So, while the R7 isn’t the most powerful bike here, its combination of components and pricing lofts it to the top.

Model Highlights

• Good power.
• Excellent handling.
• Light for its category weight.
• Reasonable pricing.