When it comes to sport bikes, the holy grails of course are generally the big four brands' liter bikes: the Yamaha R1, Honda CBR1000RR-R, Suzuki GSX-R1000, or one of Kawasaki's many options.
However, 1000cc of pure race performance can definitely feel like biting off more than you can chew, and can also be out of reach financially as well. There are plenty of options, even beyond the main four brands, and they all perform excellently and offer their own unique pros and cons. Some sport bikes under 800cc have advanced electronics while other options are pure power. Their brakes could range from standard to ABS to even lean-sensitive ABS; their throttles could be the standard cable style or electronic; their horsepower could be in the triple digits or something much more conservative.
Related: 10 Motorcycles That Shaped The Modern Sport Bike
10 Aprilia RS 660: 100 Horsepower
This Euro 5 compliant 660cc liquid-cooled sport bike from Aprilia combines a range of high-tech racing-oriented innovations that help contribute to its success on the track. The Aprilia RS 660's ride-by-wire throttle enables its five riding modes, which are selectable on its TFT display. Also made possible are its wheelie control and cruise control. Additionally, multiple sensors inform the onboard computer of factors such as pitch, yaw, lean, brake pressure, and acceleration to provide optimal and safe stopping power via its Multimap ABS brakes.
9 Yamaha R7: 72.4 Horsepower
Yamaha offers a number of bikes under 800cc, one of the best being the Yamaha R7. This race hom*ologation bike strikes a middle-ground between the Suzuki GSX-R600 and the Kawasaki Ninja 650 in the horsepower department, producing 72.4 compared to the Suzuki's 124 horses and the and the Ninja 650's 68 horsepower. Its four-stroke 689cc liquid-cooled inline parallel-twin engine was derived from the MT-07, and is fed by Yamaha's ride-by-wire throttle. Its assist and slipper clutch will help reduce engine over-revving and rear wheel hopping, which contributes to improves traction at high speed. It is also offered with an optional Quick Shift System for clutchless upshifts.
8 Suzuki GSX-R600: 124 Horsepower
A step below in displacement from the larger Gixxer 750, this liquid-cooled 599cc four-cylinder sport bike still offers very competitive power and speed—and is one of the last true supersports still on sale. This impressive Suzuki is capable of reaching a face-melting top speed of around 160 MPH. Showa Big Piston front forks offer quality suspension while twin Brembo Monobloc brakes offer excellent stopping power for this 412 lb Suzuki. The GSX-R600 is equipped with a twin spar aluminum frame that helps keep its weight down.
Related: Here's Why You Should (And Shouldn't) Buy The New Suzuki Hayabusa
7 Kawasaki Ninja 650: 68 Horsepower
Although the Kawasaki Ninja 650 offers nearly half the horsepower of the Suzuki GSX-R600 despite its larger displacement, that can be seen as a pro if you're looking for a more manageable Japanese sport bike that is still capable of an impressive top speed of 125 MPH. The 649cc liquid cooled Ninja 650 also features a number of advanced features like an assist and slipper clutch, Kawasaki Traction Control with two riding modes, while its sealed chain will help keep out debris.
6 Honda CBR600RR: 113 Horsepower
The Honda CBR600RR competes well against the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and holds its own against the performance of the Yamaha R6. However, considering that the R6 is now produced as a track-only bike, the CBR600RR is a great choice for someone looking for plenty of power and speed on a street legal bike.
Honda's 599cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine can propel this racing veteran to a top speed of 160 MPH. Its electronic steering damper detects speed to provide optimal stability and prevent wobbling. Honda's Multi-Action System inverted forks uses internal pistons for improved damping characteristics.
5 Suzuki GSX-R750: 150 Horsepower
Narrowly coming in below the 800cc mark, Suzuki offers yet another generation of its 2023 Suzuki GSX-R750. Powered by a 750cc four-cylinder engine that produces around 150 horsepower and has a top speed of around 175 MPH, it fares quite well against its 600cc brother as well as the larger, reborn classic Katana. The bike features new cosmetics in its 2023 model, yet surprisingly, Suzuki has yet to incorporate a ride-by-wire throttle system. However, it does have Suzuki's Drive Mode Selector to modulate rear tire power to accommodate different riding conditions.
Related: 10 Fun Facts You Need To Know About The Suzuki Katana
4 MV Agusta F3 675: 110 Horsepower
The MV Agusta F3 675 is powered by a 675 cc three-cylinder engine, which produces around 110 horsepower and has a top speed of 156 MPH. The F3 675, known for its agile handling, precise steering and powerful braking, is an excellent choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is responsive and aggressive on and off the track. It has been used to compete in the WorldSSP races, most recently in 2021. The design of the MV Agusta F3 675 is also very attractive and sporty, making it a head-turner on the road.
3 Yamaha R6: 118.4 Horsepower
The Yamaha R6 has lived out its street days after its street production was discontinued in 2020, it is now produced just for the track. Nonetheless, its one of the top performing sport bikes under 800cc. This venerable race champion has proven itself time and again on the in WorldSBK races in addition to making a name for itself as the pioneer of ride-by-wire technology in motorcycles, which has since become ubiquitous among high-end sport bikes. The 2023 Yamaha R6 can reach a top speed of 165 MPH.
2 Kawasaki ZX-6R: 127 Horsepower
The 636cc liquid-cooled inline-four DOHC engine on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R produces 127 horsepower, making it a formidable track-ready sport bike. Horsepower isn't the only thing that makes that so, however. This model has a number of advanced racing components that offer the extra edge needed to cross the finish line. The ZX-6R's Assist and Slipper clutch reduces the rear-wheel hopping that can occur during engine braking, and Kawasaki's Traction Control system also steps in to aid in maintaining grip on the road. Kawasaki offers the ZX-6R in both ABS and non-ABS versions.
1 Triumph Daytona Moto2 765: 128 Horsepower
Much sportier than their Scrambler, this 2021 Triumph Daytona has a number of track-oriented features that also offer plenty of street utility. The Daytona Moto2 comes equipped with a ride-by-wire throttle, as well as Triumph's Shift-Assist quick shifter for clutchless shifting in both directions.
The chassis was designed to provide the most agile-handling ever offered by a Triumph model to date. With that goal in mind, Triumph included fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins inverted forks, high-spec Brembo Stylema Monoblock brakes up front and Brembo single piston calipers in the rear, both of which are ABS equipped. Unfortunately, it seems Triumph wanted to only produce a limited run for this model.
