Visordown readers' top 10 Japanese sports bikes
We've had a look at your reviews and ratings, and then we've done the maths. Here are your top 10 most highly-rated Japanese sports bikes on Visordown
HERE are your 10 most highly-rated Japanese sports bikes on Visordown, as chosen by you.
We've taken all Japanese sports bikes from our database with three reviews or more, then averaged out owners' detailed ratings on the engine, brakes, handling, comfort and build to bring you the consumer's top 10. The higher the score, the more highly rated the bike.
Remember, this list is created using your reviews. The ratings are out of a maximum of five.
10. Suzuki GSX-R750 K6-K7 (2006-2007)
Average reader rating: 4.29
Described by one of our readers as having an engine "Smoother than a greased badger wrapped in silk and covered in KY jelly", and we're inclined to agree. The 133hp engine sits in a 600cc-sized package that weighs only 163kg. Suzuki hit the nail on the head with this one and we're not sure why it took so long for other manufacturers to jump in the ring with their own modern middleweight sports bikes. A bike that does almost everything well and doesn't cost you an arm and a leg to do it.
9. Honda CBR900RR Fireblade
Average reader rating: 4.3
Still adhering to the lightweight-and-powerful philosophy, the 1996 CBR900RR sported new bodywork around a 918cc engine. The 16-inch front wheel helped make the bike more quick-steering, or flighty, depending on your point of view. Well-built and widely sold, it’s still a good used buy, though by the time of its replacement it had fallen well behind the likes of the R1. With around 125hp, the Blade’s still plenty powerful and used prices are low. Things to watch out for: the brakes can be found wanting and that 16-inch front wheel restricts choice if you need new rubber.
8. Yamaha YZF-R1 (2007-2008)
Average reader rating: 4.31
The 2008 R1 is pre-big-bang. It was launched at a time when bikes like the new Honda Fireblade and KTM RC8 were getting more press, and didn't get a great deal of love. However that all plays to your advantage when it comes to second-hand price. It's still a fantastic bike, very quick and many would say prettier than the slightly chubbier modern R1s, which retail for over £12,000.
7. Kawasaki ZX-6R (2005 - 2006)
Average rating: 4.40
Although technically not a 'true' 600, the Ninja's 636cc engine pushes out around 8hp more than other 600s and who doesn't appreciate a bit of extra poke? Kawasaki threw all the goods at this one with radial calipers, petal discs, Showa suspension and a slipper clutch. The sporty riding position and highly-strung motor can make it a pain to ride on the roads. However, get the Ninja on track and the perfect fuelling of the screaming motor make it an extremely rewarding bike.
6. Kawasaki ZX-9R E1-E2 (2000 - 2001)
Average reader rating: 4.43
Fast touring down to the south of France, hack the Sunday blast with your mates, scratch with the best of them and still show 180mph on the speedo when you need it to, the ZX-9R makes a lot of sense. The soft suspension limits the potential of the bike for hard track use, but makes it more comfortable and more stable at road-going speeds. Not as sharp as the Blades or R1s, but plenty good enough, and better than the GSX-Rs of the same era. All this makes for a fast and unflustered road package.
=3. Kawasaki ZX-6R B1H-B2H (2003 - 2004)
Average reader rating: 4.5
The '03-'04 era ZX-10R and MotoGP ZX-RR machines had a clear influence on the design of the ZX-6R. It’s best feature is the free-revving 130bhp motor (claimed, and 136 with ram air effect), which starts with a wail around 8,000rpm then develops into a full banshee scream en route to the 15,500rpm rev limit. Showa suspension and petal discs front and rear complemented the fresh new look.
=3. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (2006-2007)
Average reader rating: 4.5
The last of the 'pretty' Blades, the 2006 Fireblade refined the first underseat piped Fireblade in 2004. Honda responded to owner feedback and gave the 2006 model more mid-range shove and slightly sharper steering by lowering the gearing and shortening the wheelbase. The HESD electronic steering damper still divides opinion but if you like Honda, you'll love all that it stands for. Still commanding high second-hand prices, owners tend to buy new and hold onto them. Proof it's a brilliant bike.
=3. Kawasaki ZX-10R (2011 - present)
Average reader rating: 4.5
Supersport dimensions, a claimed 200bhp at the crank, and sophisticated traction control that monitors front and rear wheel speed, engine rpm, throttle position, current spin rate and acceleration every half a split-second. Kawasaki really upped their game, making the new ZX-10R a full 10kg less than the outgoing model. And it’s the only bike to really contend with BMW’s flagship S1000RR superbike on track.
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2. Honda CBR954RR Fireblade (2002-2003)
Average reader rating: 4.56
Honda's CBR954RR is a memorable bike and really, really fast. It has more fight than the 929 and it's not as sterile as the first 1000RR. Red is the colour to have and prices for second-hand 954s haven't changed much over the past three years. A firm favourite of the experienced and every-day biker, the RR2 and RR3 Blades hit the mark in every way. They had sharp handling, a good, solid motor and, importantly, were comfortable for a superbike. They're one of the best value sports bikes on the market today and are well loved for their reliability and solid resale value.
1. Yamaha YZF-R125 (2008-present)
Average reader rating: 4.63
The R125 was the UK's fifth top seller from January to September in 2013, showing just how popular these bikes are. The single-cylinder engine chucks out 15hp and with a wheelbase only 25mm shorter than the R6, you get big-bike looks straight out of the crate. It handles well, it's frugal and from 2015 will come fitted with ABS to match the specs of KTM's RC 125. If ever there were a bike to act out youthful fantasies of MotoGP stardom on, this is it.
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