It's long past time for a sequel to My Sportbike Ratings Preference thread from 6 years ago and my oh' my how things have changed! Bikes that were first are now last and bikes that were last are now first or nearly so and I have added several tasty newcomers to the mix and deleted one, the 2012 CBR 10000RR, which got sold off to make room in the garage for the 2021 RSV4.
My new top dog is the 2020 BMW S1000RR M package and what a machine it is! It wins by doing everything really well and having no real faults. It's power is class leading along with the venerable 2021 RSV4 but it is so much easier to ride quickly due to the way it makes it's power. Over 200 rear wheel HP, tons of low end thrust due to Shift Cam Technology and smooth, linear power from 4000 rpm to it's screaming 15,000 rpm redline courtesy of Bren Tune and an Akra full system. Looks are subjective but I think it looks stunning in BMW's Motorrad livery and tasty carbon fiber bits and the handling is sublime due to light weight carbon fiber wheels and dialed in chassis and suspension. The way it changes direction has to be experienced, it almost feels like cheating and the ergos are supremely comfortable. The Nissin brakes are excellent in feel, overall strength and modulation. It tops nearly every category and takes the win by a comfortable margin, it's a sportbike masterpiece! The only negative traits I can think of are the engine is a bit vibey at the clipons, not super annoying but not Kawasaki smooth either. I also dislike the giant yellow warning that blocks off the entire TFT display screen if something is wrong until you can clear it and the parts for this machine are UBER-EXPENSIVE! I just replaced a front carbon fiber OEM wheel, $3770 before sales tax and labor charges....OUCH!
* Last updated by: Kruz on 8/3/2024 @ 8:27 PM *