The Best Sport Motorcycle for Every Rider Level (300cc to 1000cc+)

All sportsbikes are built for speed and agility, but there’s a huge spectrum of options within the category, from LAMS commuters to MotoGP-level superbikes. The right bike for you will suit your levels of skill, experience and confidence, so it’s wise to shop by engine capacity, which is a handy proxy for power: 300-500cc is entry-level, 600-750cc is mid-range, and 1000+cc bikes are for the most experienced riders.

The best sports bikes for:

• New riders: Kawasaki Ninja 500, Honda CBR500R or Aprilia RS 457.
• Everyday commuters: Yamaha YZF-R7 or Triumph Daytona 660.
• Weekend racers: BMW S 1000 RR.
• Long-distance tourers: Suzuki GSX-S1000GT.

Sportsbikes are the very definition of two-wheeled fun. Built for speed and agility, they’re the go-to choice for any rider who enjoys adrenaline and wants to look good in a lean.

But while sportsbikes = speed, a MotoGP-level racer isn’t for everyone. In fact, the top spec litrebikes are best left to a select few – the most experienced and confident of motorcycle merchants. Most riders will benefit from a more comfortable, controllable and cost-effective option.

The secret to becoming the best rider you can be is progressively increasing your engine capacity as you build your riding skills and muscle memory. The best sportsbike for you will perfectly match your current skill level.

As Sydney’s #1 motorcycle dealer, it’s a fact that we’re all too familiar with at Bikebiz. We’ve spent over 25 years pairing riders with their ideal sportsbike – the one that inspires maximum confidence, lets them have fun, and prepares them for their next upgrade.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best sports bikes in different motorcycle engine capacity brackets, and the type of rider that each is ideal for.

The entry-level class (300cc - 500cc): to build core skills

Our picks:

1. Kawasaki Ninja 500: A forgiving parallel-twin engine, zippy acceleration and precise handling make this the gold standard for new riders. (Shop the full Kawasaki range.)
2. Honda CBR500R: This LAMS staple pairs legendary reliability with sporty yet comfortable ergonomics, so it’s ideal for everyday commuting. (Shop the full Honda range.)
3. Aprilia RS 457: This bike is for everyone from aspirational beginners to seasoned riders looking for a fun and exotic-looking ride at a great price. (Shop the full Aprilia range.)

Under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS), new motorcycle licence holders face restrictions on power: a maximum engine capacity of 660cc and a max power-to-weight ratio of 150kW/tonne. But the LAMS bikes above still offer more than enough oomph to jet off at the lights and accelerate uphill.

LAMS-approved bikes aren’t just for newbies. They function beautifully as lightweight sports motorcycles for beginners because they cost less to buy and run while still delivering plenty of fun, and their often lower seats make them great for female riders. Take a deeper dive with our Best Motorcycles for Women Guide and our Best Beginner Motorcycles Guide.

The mid-weight class (600cc - 750cc): for real-world speed

Our picks:

1. Yamaha YZF-R7: From the aggressive styling of its track-ready chassis, to the CP2 engine that delivers maximum acceleration with minimal vibration, the R7 is the mid-weight standard-bearer for a reason. (Shop the full Yamaha range.)
2. Triumph Daytona 660: The howl is unmistakable – the three-cylinder engine of the Daytona offers the low-end power of a twin and the high-revving performance of an inline four, to create a street-ready and track-proven machine. (Shop the full Triumph range.)

Perhaps you’ve recently freed yourself from LAMS restrictions. Maybe you’re just looking for a top quality all-round sportsbike that offers the functionality you want and the speed you need. Sitting in the mid-range sweet spot, 600-750cc motorcycles are quick off the mark, but don’t feel like they’re going to buck you off.

Engines are the main point of middleweight sportbike comparison – particularly in-line fours vs parallel-twin engines. In recent times this bracket has trended away from peaky fours to torquey twins and triples that excel on both the road and the track.

The superbike class (1000+cc): to eat up the tarmac

Our pick:

1. BMW S 1000 RR: Advanced launch controls make this race-ready bike a rocket off the line, before a truly staggering power-to-weight ratio sends you through the gears. Aerodynamic winglets, meanwhile, provide max downforce through the turns. (Shop the full BMW range.)

Experienced riders who enjoy life at the limit might choose to enter the superbike class – production versions of the high speed machines used in the World Superbike Championship where 1000cc superbike track performance is the benchmark. Along with mind-bending levels of power, these bikes typically feature the latest and greatest in tech, as they search for the slightest advantage over their competitors.

If you’re targeting weekend track days, or want the most thrilling performance possible from premium race replica motorcycles as you motor up mountains or carve through canyons, no category can compare with purebred superbikes.

Sport touring: long-distance performance (1000cc+)

Our pick:

1. Suzuki GSX-S1000GT: This grand tourer offers the performance of a top-tier, track ready sportbike, but with far more comfort and functionality, from the more relaxed riding position down to the vibration-absorbing footrests. (Shop the full Suzuki range.)

Pace and power, but in a more palatable package; that’s the promise of the sports tourer, litrebikes with serious grunt, but that are also comfortable to ride for hours at a time due to high-performance sportbike ergonomics. These upright sports touring motorcycles trade the track-day tuck for a straightened posture and more practicality in terms of tech, storage and riding range.

Frequently asked questions

Can a beginner start on a 600cc inline-four sportbike in Australia?

While the 600cc engine capacity isn’t a problem (a LAMS bike needs to be below 660cc) the power-to-weight ratio rules might get you, as most 600cc inline-fours will exceed 150kW/tonne. That’s just too much punch for anyone who is currently honing their riding skills.

What is the main difference between a LAMS sportbike and an open-class sportbike?

It comes down to power. LAMS sportbikes are restricted to a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 150kW per tonne and an engine capacity of 660cc, which makes them forgiving for learners. An open-class sportbike takes these shackles off. They can have up to triple the power to weight ratio, so the most powerful should only be ridden by experienced riders who know how to manage a twitchy throttle.

Are modern sport motorcycles comfortable to ride daily on the road?

Some are better than others. Sportbikes are typically designed for track days, so the pegs and handlebars are positioned to put you into an aerodynamic tuck – great for speed, not so great for your spine. There are more forgiving options though, particularly sports tourers, which are designed to place you in a comfier position for longer rides.

Which brand makes the most reliable sport motorcycle?

Honda has an enviable reputation for reliability. But all of Japan’s ‘big four’ – Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki – have a knack for starting first pop every morning and running smoothly for years. European brands have historically been known as beautiful and fast but somewhat fickle, though in recent decades they have proven more and more reliable.

What safety electronics should I look for when upgrading to a 1000cc superbike?

If you’re jumping on a 1000cc missile, a bit of electronic assistance might help you cut down those lap times, and won’t go stray in terms of safety either. Advanced motorcycle traction control and ABS, like an IMU-powered six-axis system, can offer subtle rider assistance. A quickshifter, wheelie control and selectable power modes can also give you greater control and shave off a few milliseconds.

How much does it cost to maintain a 1000cc superbike compared to a 300cc beginner bike?

A bigger bike = bigger bills. Compared to low-powered commuters, 1000cc superbikes gulp fuel and tear through tyres, particularly if you’re at the track every weekend. While the hard figures will depend on your bike, your riding style and how often you go for a burn, the maintenance costs of a superbike will probably be multiple times that of a little 300cc commuter.

Find your ideal sportbike at Bikebiz

Whether you’re an L-plater or a track day demon, a weekday commuter or a weekend tourer, a lanky lad or a short queen, your ideal sportsbike is waiting for you at Bikebiz.

As Sydney’s #1 motorcycle dealer, at Bikebiz we’re home to an unmatched collection of new and used sportsbikes, plus a huge collection of the best riding gear for sportbikes from the world’s biggest brands.

Browse our massive range of sportsbikes and road gear online today, or roll down to our Parramatta or Granville showrooms to take a test ride.