If you’re looking for an impressive motorcycle then you should look for the best 1000cc motorcycles.
The 1000cc motorcycle, AKA literbike, has been an important part of the motorcycle industry for decades. Today, there are more bikes that fit this category than ever, but I wanted to pull together a list of my favorites.
While there are all sorts of bikes out there at this level of displacement, the most interesting ones, and arguably the best ones, are high-powered sportbikes. So, that’s what you’ll find here.
When I think of a literbike, I think of a sportbike. Yes, there are 1,000cc motorcycles of every type these days, but you have to love the following five bikes.
1. BMW S1000RR
The BMW S1000RR is seen as a motorcycle that continues to push the limit of two-wheeled performance and it is undoubtedly one of the best 1000cc motorcycles on the market. The bike has unbridled power. You get 205 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque. The machine is BMW Motorrad’s sharp end of the stick. As you can expect it comes with all of the best technology.
This is a race-derived motorcycle, and it comes with four standard ride modes with additional optional ride modes, launch control, pitlane limited, hill-start control, dynamic brake control, 6.5-inch TFT display, engine brake torque, traction control, wheelie control, ABS, dynamic damping control, and more. This bike is one of the best on sale today.
Check it out at BMW’s website.
2. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
If the BMW shown above isn’t your bag, then you should check out the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Kawasaki has other great literbikes, but this is the one I would point people to. Its high-powered engine makes 200 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque.
The good news doesn’t end with the power coming out of the engine. The bike features plenty of amazing technology, including an economical riding indicator, electronic throttle valves, engine brake control, launch control, cornering management, power modes, traction control, ABS, IMU-enhanced chassis orientation, and an intelligent anti-lock brake system. This is possibly Team Green’s best motorcycle.
Check it out at Kawasaki’s website.
3. Suzuki GSX-R1000R
The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is a bike that has been around for a while, but it still is one of the best sportbikes on sale. The GSX-R1000R provides high power and advanced components at a good price. It makes 202 hp and 86 lb-ft of torque.
The bike has a chassis that’s designed to be nimble and ready for any twisty road or race track. The bike comes with some great technology too. The bike features traction control, launch control, and a bi-directional quick shifter. Add to that an IMU, adjustable traction control, drive modes, and ABS.
Check it out at Suzuki’s website.
4. Yamaha YZF-R1
Yamaha’s YZF-R1 is a stupid fast motorcycle, and a killer machine overall. But, and it’s a big but, it’s uncomfortable. That said, if you’re looking for a truly sharp spear of a motorcycle, the R1 delivers. This bike offers 200 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque.
The MotoGP-derived engine is the true gem here, but the bike has fantastic features and technology otherwise. It comes with a full suite of IMU-powered electronic rider aids. The bike offers ABS, fully-adjustable suspension, lean-angle traction control, slide control, lift control, launch control, and a quick-shifter.
Check it out at Yamaha’s website.
5. Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
Last but certainly not least is the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is a truly impressive sportbike, making it one of the best 1000cc motorcycles out there. The motorcycle is crazy fast, and very advanced. The bike features 215 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque.
The bike also comes with a TFT meter, selectable torque control, quick shifter, smart key, smart suspension, ABS, and six-axis IMU that supports all kinds of rider aids, including five power modes, three-engine braking levels, adjustable traction control, two-level cornering ABS, three-level wheelie control, and a start mode.
Check it out at Honda’s website.
