Top 5 Fastest Motorcycles In The World

The race to build the fastest motorcycle has been going on since more than a century now. The earliest of motorcycles produced during the early twentieth century had a top speed of just around 40-45 kmph. Even then, they were the fastest motorcycles of their times. In present day, the magical number in terms of speed is 186 mph or 300 kmph. As many auto enthusiasts would know, the first motorcycle to achieve the 300 kmph mark was the first generation Suzuki Hayabusa, launched in 1999.

Many motorcycles are capable of exceeding the 300 kmph mark, but most manufacturers have chosen to abide by a gentleman’s agreement wherein they have mutually agreed to limit the speed of their motorcycles to 300 kmph. However, as there are always exceptions, some motorcycle manufacturers do not seem to be following the 300 kmph agreement. To know how fast you can travel on two wheels, here’s a list of the top five fastest production motorcycles in the world.

Lightning LS-218

In production since 2014, Lightning LS-218 is a fully electric motorcycle manufactured by US based Lightning Motorcycle. It has retained the title of the fastest street-legal production motorcycle in the world since its launch. If you are wondering what the ‘218’ in the motorcycle’s name means, it simply denotes the top speed, i.e. 218 mph or around 351 kmph. Power and torque output is 200 hp and 168 Nm.

Ducati Panigale R

Launched in 2013, Ducati Panigale R is the second fastest production motorcycle in the world. Ducati had introduced some key changes in 2013 model such as carbon fiber parts and titanium connecting rods, which improved the power to weight ratio. As a result, the motorcycle was able to achieve top speed of 202 miles per hour, which is around 325 kmph. Max power output is rated at 202 hp.

BMW S1000RR

Originally developed for professional racing, BMW S1000RR is now available for retail sales. Over the years, the motorcycle has undergone several upgrades. In its current form, BMW S1000RR can deliver a top speed of 188 mph, which is around 303 kmph. BMW S1000RR is powered by a 999 cc inline-four engine that generates 199 hp of max power.

MV Agusta F4 R 312

An updated version of the F4 1000 R model, MV Agusta F4 R 312 was launched in late 2007. The current generation model comes with modified camshafts and titanium intake valves, which have helped improve overall performance. The ‘312’ used in the motorcycle’s name denotes its top speed of 312 kmph. Powered by a 998 cc engine, the motorcycle produces 183 hp / 115 Nm.

Fifth fastest motorcycle

Fifth place is shared by motorcycles that have a top speed of 300 kmph (186 mph). These include Kawasaki ZX-14, which is powered by a 1,352 cc engine, producing 163.3 hp. Another is Kawasaki ZX-12R, powered by a 1,199 cc engine, producing 178 hp. And of course there’s the iconic Suzuki Hayabusa, powered by a 1,299 cc engine, producing 173 hp.