Reaching breakneck speeds on two wheels isn’t for the timid. Neither is holding the top title of the world’s fastest motorcycle. The bikes competing for this claim are champions in their own right, pushing the limits of peak performance and receiving immortal status in return.
While some stick to traditional high-performance gasoline engines, others turn to modern electric motors with instant torque, while one breaks all barriers with a Rolls Royce Allison turbine engine. There’s no lack of creativity behind the fastest motorcycles in the world.
The bikes on this list didn’t get here by accident. It takes dedication to be anywhere near the top running of the world’s fastest motorcycle or fastest cars. A lucky few nailed their legendary status instantly, but most toiled for years before discovering the secret to top speed.
One thing is certain: If you want to go for a ride on the fastest motorcycle in the world, you better hold on tight and watch what’s ahead.
11. BMW S1000RR: 188 mph
Since 2009, the BMW S1000RR has been pushing the boundaries of performance. Everything from the lightweight frame to the low-drag design is purpose-built to create the ultimate riding experience.
The S1000RR’s 205-horsepower inline-4 engine provides exceptional acceleration throughout the entire power curve, allowing it to find a top speed of 188 mph. Fast enough to win multiple Isle of Man TT races and bring bragging rights to any track it graces.
| Manufacturer: | BMW |
| Top speed: | 188 mph / 303 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 205 hp |
| Torque: | 83 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com |
10. MV Agusta F4 R 312: 194 mph
For a company like MV Agusta, there’s no such thing as good enough. Perfection is the goal, and it’s an endless pursuit of an ever-moving target.
After the unbridled success of the MV Agusta F4 CC and its closely-related F4 1000 R sibling, the brand continued to fine-tune the beastly machine. In late 2007, the MV Agusta F4 R 312 was released, taking its name from the impressive 312 km/h top speed.
| Manufacturer: | MV Agusta |
| Top speed: | 194 mph / 312 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 183 hp |
| Torque: | 85 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.mvagusta.com |
9. Suzuki GSX1300 R Hayabusa: 194 mph
With abundant power and all-around performance, the Hayabusa’s introduction to the market in 1999 was a monumental occasion with a record-setting top speed of 194 mph.
Somehow Suzuki managed to control the 197 horsepower engine and make one of the fastest motorcycles in the world enjoyable to ride regularly. Who says you can’t have it all?
| Manufacturer: | Suzuki |
| Top speed: | 194 mph / 312 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 197 hp |
| Torque: | 114 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au |
8. MV Agusta F4CC: 195 mph
Sparing no expense, the MV Agusta F4CC is an exclusive piece of motorcycle history. Claudio Castiglioni, the Managing Director of MV Agusta, set out to create a hand-built masterpiece to contend for a world no 1 bike. The world’s fastest bike price or investment was of no concern.
All 100 units produced incorporate carbon fiber fairings, titanium exhaust, and more than 90% tailor-made components. Fine adjustments are scattered throughout the engine, including changes to the geometry of the connecting rods and larger intake valves.
The MV Agusta F4CC is one of the top 10 fastest bikes in the world. While its $120,000 price tag is not cheap, the Bugatti price list makes it seem tolerable in comparison.
| Manufacturer: | MV Agusta |
| Top speed: | 195 mph / 314 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 200 hp |
| Torque: | 92 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.mvagusta.com |
7. Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory: 199 mph
Aprilia’s flagship motorcycle is no slouch. As one of the fastest sportbikes in the world, the RSV4 1100 Factory features a powerful V-4 producing 217 horsepower. A dual-beam aluminum chassis connect to Öhlins fork front suspension to provide premium road handling.
The Aprilia has braking power covered with 4-piston Brembo calipers, floating stainless-steel rotors, and sintered pads. It reached the podium 9 times in its first full season of World Superbike racing.
| Manufacturer: | Aprilia |
| Top speed: | 199 mph / 320 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 217 hp |
| Torque: | 90 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.aprilia.com |
6. Ducati Panigale V4 R: 199 mph
Ducati’s name is well-known to anyone familiar with the fastest production motorcycles. When the redesigned Ducati Panigale V4R achieved a top speed of 199 mph, Ducati once again showcased its ability to blend style, sophistication, and performance.
Although the V4R is reserved for track-only use, Ducati also produces a similar street-legal version of the Panigale: the Ducati Superleggera V4. Its claim to fame is an unbeatable power/weight ratio of 1.54 hp/kg. Adhering to the gentlemen’s agreement to limit mass-produced street-legal motorcycles to 300 km/h, the Ducati Superleggera V4 top speed is electronically limited to 186 mph (299 km/h).
| Manufacturer: | Ducati |
| Top speed: | 199 mph / 320 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 221 hp |
| Torque: | 83 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.ducati.com |
5. Damon Hypersport Premier: 200 mph
The best electric cars and motorcycles are sure to become more popular with their instant torque, ever-increasing ranges, and attractive builds. The Damon Hypersport Premier meets those baseline features with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3 seconds, a 200-mile range, and bold styling.
Damon takes the Hypersport Pro a step ahead as one of the fastest bikes in the world, top speed in km/h of 321 (200 mph). This daredevil attitude is balanced with innovative safety including predictive artificial intelligence to help anticipate and avoid trouble.
| Manufacturer: | Damon |
| Top speed: | 200 mph / 321 km/h |
| Horsepower: | >200 hp |
| Torque: | >200 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://damon.com |
4. Ducati 1199 Panigale R: 202 mph
While the Panigale name continues on current Ducati models, the Ducati 1199 Panigale R is a different bike from the past. Its two-cylinder engine has titanium rods, finely-tuned engine mapping, and a super-light flywheel, combining to push out 202 horsepower and a top speed of 202 mph.
High-performance handling is accomplished through an adjustable swingarm and Öhlins suspension. Landing on the list of the world’s fastest bike top 5, it lives up to everything you expect from Ducati.
| Manufacturer: | Ducati |
| Top speed: | 202 mph / 325 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 202 hp |
| Torque: | 100 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.ducati.com |
3. Lightning LS-218: 218 mph
If any doubts remain about electric motorcycles, the Lightning LS-218 should conquer them, starting with its top speed of 218 mph and 0 to 60 mph in a minuscule 2.2 seconds.
The LS-218 offers an Öhline fully-adjustable front suspension, Bremo 4-piston calipers, and a Billet aluminum adjustable swingarm. The IPW liquid-cooled 150kw motor recharges in just 30 minutes with a DC fast charger. You can see why it holds a spot on our list of the best electric motorcycles.
| Manufacturer: | Lightning |
| Top speed: | 218 mph / 351 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 200 hp |
| Torque: | 105 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://lightningmotorcycle.com |
2. Kawasaki Ninja H2R: 240 mph
The race-only Kawasaki Ninja H2R will catapult you up to 240 mph. Those looking for a street-legal version can purchase the Kawasaki Ninja H2 instead, which has a still-impressive top speed of 209 mph.
This Ninja motorcycle is a pinnacle engineering achievement with a lightweight trellis frame, fully-adjustable suspension, and a full suite of rider-focused support, including traction control, anti-lock brakes, engine brake control, and launch control.
| Manufacturer: | Kawasaki |
| Top speed: | 240 mph / 386 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 305 hp |
| Torque: | 122 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.kawasaki.com |
1. MTT 420-RR: 273 mph
Marine Turbine Technologies knows how to achieve top speed on a motorcycle. The 420-RR is their latest design and pushes the top speed to an astonishing 273 mph, overshooting their predecessor MTT Y2K bike’s top speed of 250 mph.
The MTT 420-RR features a 420-horsepower Rolls Royce Allison turbine engine and aerodynamic carbon-fiber fairings. With production limited to five bikes per year, getting your hands on the fastest bike in the world isn’t easy.
In response to riding his own MTT superbike, Jay Leno told Popular Mechanics, “It’s like the hand of God pushing you in the back… I’ve ridden a lot of fast bikes but nothing pulls like this.”
| Manufacturer: | Marine Turbine Technologies |
| Top speed: | 273 mph / 439 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 420 hp |
| Torque: | ~500 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.marineturbine.com |
Honorable Mention: Dodge Tomahawk: >300 mph (est.)
In 2003, the world witnessed the unveiling of a concept like no other, the Dodge Tomahawk. By stuffing the Dodge Viper’s 8.3L V10 engine on a platform that rides like a motorcycle, the carmaker might have created one of the fastest motorcycles in the world.
But there’s more to the story than this. Not only did this monstrosity have four wheels, but its top speed was also never proven. It’s reported that nine Dodge Tomahawk replicas were produced and sold for $555,000 each, likely used more for art decoration than street or track use. It is indeed not a street-legal motorcycle to ride.
Finding evidence that any Tomahawk has been ridden faster than 100 mph seems to be impossible. Should it be on this list? Can it truly go 300 mph? The world may never know.
| Manufacturer: | Dodge |
| Top speed: | est. >300 mph (483 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 500 hp |
| Torque: | ~525 ft lbs |
Honorable Mention: MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR
After creating the one-off Brutale 1000 Serie Oro, MV Agusta released the Brutale 1000 RR as the production variant that’s ready to satisfy any adrenaline addiction.
While the manufacturer simply lists the top speed as >300 km/h (186 mph), some say that it might be able to surpass the MV Agusta F4 R’s 312 km/h (194 mph). Regardless of the verified speed, this beastly drivetrain certainly has rocket-like acceleration.
| Manufacturer: | MV Agusta |
| Top speed: | >186 mph / 300 km/h |
| Horsepower: | 208 hp |
| Torque: | 85 ft lbs |
| Website: | https://www.mvagusta.com/ |
The world’s fastest motorcycles summary
Creating one of the top 10 fastest bikes in the world can be done in a variety of ways. Popular racetrack names like Ducati and Kawasaki stick to their bread and butter, while electric newcomers like Lightning and Damon challenge tradition.
Grabbing the ultimate spot as the world’s fastest bike, however, takes something special. Marine Turbine Technologies discovered the secret by applying a turbine engine on a two-wheel monster. The result has been nothing short of spectacular.
The 11 fastest motorcycles in the world are:
- MTT 420-RR: 273 mph
- Kawasaki Ninja H2R: 240 mph
- Lightning LS-218: 218 mph
- Ducati 1199 Panigale R: 202 mph
- Damon Hypersport Premier: 200 mph
- Ducati Panigale V4 R: 199 mph
- Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory: 199 mph
- MV Agusta F4CC: 195 mph
- Suzuki GSX1300 R Hayabusa: 194 mph
- MV Agusta F4 R 312: 194 mph
- BMW S1000RR: 188 mph
Frequently asked questions about the world’s fastest motorcycle
The turbine-powered MTT 420-RR is currently the fastest bike in the world with a top speed of 273 mph (439 km/h). Check our list of the fastest bikes in the world to see the full ranking.
Featuring a 449cc 4-stroke engine and a rugged steel frame, the KTM 450 SX-F is the fastest dirt bike in the world with a top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h).
Rocky Robinson holds the claim to fame as the fastest bike rider in the world, setting a motorcycle land speed record of 376 mph (605 km/h) in 2010.
The MTT 420-RR is street-legal, allowing it to also claim the fastest street bike in the world title with its top speed of 273 mph (439 km/h).
