Superbikes

Superbikes are the pinnacle of high-performance sportbike motorcycles. Superbikes are often referred to as literbikes, or liter-class sportbikes, referring to their large-displacement 1000cc and higher engines. The apogee of production roadracing, most manufacturers deliver full-factory support of their flagship superbikes in the world’s roadracing series – the most notable being the Superbike World Championship (SBK) and various national level series like American Superbike and British Superbike.

The Big Four Japanese OEMs have long dominated the Superbike class, with Inline-Fours like the Honda CBR1000RR, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Yamaha R1. Ducati superbikes, like the 999, 1098 and current 1198, hold their own with the Big Four thanks to the torquey Twin powerplant and its current 200cc handicap. Past Japanese models have also embraced the Twin, most notable modern superbike being the Honda RC-51.

Other European superbike models include European Twins like the Aprilia RSV1000RR and KTM’s first production superbike – the KTM RC8. Aprilia also produces a four-cylinder superbike with its V-Four-powered RSV4. Another European four-cylinder is the BMW S1000RR, and Inline-Four and the first true superbike racer produced by the Bavarian marque. The American-made Buell 1125R is the first liquid-cooled Buell and features a Rotax Twin powerplant.

Defined by racing success, the win on Sunday sell on Monday philosophy is at definitely at work in the superbike class. As such, superbikes are often a showcase for developing motorcycle technology and racers often drive off-track marketing and brand ID. Just look at Mat Mladin's decade-long domination of AMA Superbike aboard the Suzuki GSX-R1000, Troy Bayliss's three titles with Ducati Superbikes, or the incomparable Valentino Rossi, whose MotoGP star power is used to hawk the Yamaha R1.

Motorcycle USA gathers the superbike class together annually to test on street and track. The result is our most popular test of the year, the Superbike Smackdown. Stay tuned for Smackdown VI, as the best keep getting better in the high-performance superbike class.