With even the base model offering up 216 on tap, rising to an eye-watering 237bhp with the extraordinary Panigale V4 R, recent updates include tweaks to the gearbox and electronics to tone down some of its edginess. With Ducati giving the lineage a shot in the arm by developing it around a brand-new V4-powered architecture, the Panigale is riotously fast, a thrill to ride and will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention with each twist of the throttle. The latest in a long line of Ducati sportsbikes that can be found in motorcycling's Hall of Fame, the Panigale V4 makes a strong argument as the best yet.

It’s up to you if you appreciate the Darth Vader helmet-esque front-end - especially when it’s been dipped in Kawasaki’s lime green hues - but so long as you don’t mind your Ninja to be very un-Ninja like and turn heads, then enjoy the attention.Īs the Ducati Panigale V4 dominates on the race track the world over, so does the road going model in the competitive sportsbike class. With power clicking to just over 200bhp, the 998cc inline-four has a more refined power delivery than previous generations, making it more usable day-to-day, while a focus on front-end stability makes the ZX-10R feel more assured under braking. While dubbed as a ‘new generation’ model when it was launched in 2020, the ZX-10R is broadly an evolution of the existing model but draws on its WorldSBK title-winning success, especially with the more honed flagship track day special, the Kawasaki ZX-10RR. From motorsport minnow to a multiple title-winning powerhouse in Superbike series’ around the world, the Kawasaki ZX-10R is more of a sporting icon these days, than a mere super sportbike.

Best supersport bike