For motorcycle enthusiasts and speed aficionados, the quest for the Fastest Street Legal Motorcycle is an ongoing passion. The thrill of blistering acceleration and the adrenaline rush of extreme top speeds are what define these incredible machines. While ‘fast’ can be subjective, in the world of high-performance bikes, it translates to neck-snapping power, rapid cornering ability, and a top speed that pushes the boundaries of engineering. This article dives into the top contenders for the title of fastest street legal motorcycle in 2024, focusing on bikes that deliver exhilarating performance while remaining compliant with road regulations. Forget bulky cruisers or adventure tourers; we’re honing in on the elite speed machines designed to dominate the asphalt. Prepare to be amazed by this curated list of the ten fastest motorcycles you can legally ride on the streets today.
10. MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR
Top Speed: 186 mph
MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR naked streetfighter motorcycle
When it comes to naked motorcycles that redefine the limits of street performance, the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR stands in a league of its own, rivaling even the formidable Ducati Streetfighter V4. True to its ‘Brutale’ moniker, this Italian masterpiece unleashes ferocious acceleration, particularly in the higher rev ranges. Its rapid power delivery is comparable to many dedicated race bikes, making it a true streetfighter with track-ready DNA. Boasting a staggering 208 horsepower, the Brutale 1000 RR can achieve a top speed of 186 mph, a velocity often limited only by the rider’s ability to withstand the intense forces at play. This motorcycle is a testament to MV Agusta’s commitment to blending high-performance with stunning Italian design.
| Engine Type | Liquid cooled inline 4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 208 HP @ 13,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 85.5 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM |
9. Yamaha YZF-R1/R1M
Top Speed: 186 mph (limited)
2024 Yamaha YZF-R1M sportbike track performance
The Yamaha YZF-R1 boasts a celebrated lineage as a cornerstone of sportbike excellence. This iteration continues that legacy, enhanced by Yamaha’s pioneering ‘big bang’ firing order technology, now widely adopted in MotoGP and beyond. The R1 carries the aura of racing legend Valentino Rossi, further cementing its high-performance credentials. While officially limited to 186 mph due to a gentlemen’s agreement among manufacturers, the R1’s true capabilities extend far beyond. On a racetrack, especially with the upgraded R1M variant, this machine is unleashed to explore its full potential. The Yamaha R1 remains a top contender in the street legal fastest motorcycle category, offering a blend of track-inspired technology and real-world rideability.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline 4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 200 HP @ 13,500 RPM |
| Max Torque | 82.9 LB-FT @ 11,500 RPM |
8. Ducati V4 Superleggera
Top Speed: 186 mph (limited)
2021 Ducati V4 Superleggera cornering agility racetrack
At first glance, the 186 mph top speed of the Ducati V4 Superleggera may seem modest, but understand that this motorcycle represents the pinnacle of the Panigale V4 lineage. Sharing its engine with the Panigale V4 R (a bike capable of nearly 200 mph), the Superleggera is intentionally restricted. Unleashed from these limitations, the Superleggera is expected to reach significantly higher speeds. Like the BMW M1000 RR, the V4 Superleggera is engineered for ultimate racetrack performance, but with an unmistakable Italian panache. Its design cues, derived from the iconic Panigale series, have influenced supersport motorcycles across the board, a testament to its groundbreaking impact on motorcycle design and performance. This is a fastest street legal motorcycle that prioritizes both speed and aesthetic brilliance.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 90-degree V4, Desmodromic valves |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 224 HP @ 15,250 RPM |
| Max Torque | 85.5 LB-FT @ 11,750 RPM |
2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R sportbike red color
7. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
Top Speed: 186 mph (limited)
2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary edition street riding
The Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa is legendary. This is the motorcycle that ignited the top speed wars and inadvertently established the 186 mph speed limit for hyperbikes. The Hayabusa’s name origin is steeped in automotive lore, and its distinctive styling continues to spark debate. Beyond its speed prowess, the ‘Busa is also a surprisingly comfortable grand tourer, a versatility unmatched by many on this list. Its core appeal lies in its unwavering focus on top speed, around which all other aspects of the bike are engineered. The Hayabusa remains an icon in the realm of fastest street legal motorcycles, blending speed heritage with everyday usability.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline 4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 205 HP @ 13,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM |
6. BMW M1000 RR
Top Speed: 195 mph
BMW M 1000 RR rear view static shot
While Japanese manufacturers like Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda offer formidable homologation specials, the BMW S1000 RR was a game-changer. It was the first liter-class supersport to incorporate advanced, customizable electronics accessible to consumers. The BMW M1000 RR elevates this formula further with carbon fiber bodywork and optional carbon wheels for the Competition spec. This results in a machine designed to conquer racetracks with unprecedented speed and agility. For dedicated racers, BMW even offers a factory race-tuned engine option. The M1000 RR is a technological marvel and a true contender for the fastest street legal motorcycle title, pushing the boundaries of performance engineering.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline 4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 205 HP @ 13,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM |
5. Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
Top Speed: 199 mph
Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory parked static shot
Considering Aprilia’s relatively small scale compared to other manufacturers on this list, their consistent racing success is remarkable, driven by relentless innovation. Aprilia pioneered ground-effect fairings and ride-by-wire throttles, technologies now commonplace in MotoGP. Therefore, the presence of the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory on this list is no surprise. It nearly breaches the coveted 200 mph mark, showcasing Aprilia’s engineering prowess. However, the RSV4 1100 Factory is not solely about top speed; it’s meticulously crafted for optimal racetrack performance, with top speed being just one element in its arsenal. This Italian machine exemplifies Aprilia’s dedication to pushing performance boundaries in the fastest street legal motorcycle category.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 65-degree V4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1078 cc |
| Max Power | 217 HP @ 13,200 RPM |
| Max Torque | 92.1 LB-FT @ 10,500 RPM |
Damon HyperSport Premier electric motorcycle futuristic design
4. Damon Hypersport
Top Speed: 200 mph
Damon Hypersport Premier electric motorcycle yellow color
The Damon Hypersport marks the entry of electric power into this list of fastest street legal motorcycles. While currently available for purchase, deliveries are still pending, causing some anticipation since preorders began in 2020. Despite this, the Hypersport promises to be a groundbreaking machine, boasting 200 horsepower, a 200 mph top speed, and a 200-mile combined range. Beyond performance, it features advanced safety technology aimed at significantly reducing motorcycle accidents. The Damon Hypersport, with its potent electric motor delivering a massive 147 lb-ft of torque, represents a bold step towards the future of high-speed motorcycling, blending electric innovation with blistering performance.
| Engine Type | PMAC liquid-cooled electric motor |
|---|---|
| Displacement | NA |
| Max Power | 200 HP |
| Max Torque | 147 LB-FT |
3. Lightning LS-218
Top Speed: 218 mph
Lightning LS-218 electric superbike track ready
The Lightning LS-218 currently holds the title of world’s fastest production motorcycle. Its name, LS-218, directly reflects its remarkable 218 mph top speed. However, even more impressive is its staggering 168 lb-ft of torque. While carrying a premium price tag, the LS-218 has been available for a decade, proving the viability of high-performance electric motorcycles. It has also demonstrated its capabilities in motorsport, outperforming internal combustion engine (ICE) rivals at events like Pikes Peak and Le Mans. The Lightning LS-218 definitively silences any doubts about the potential of electric power in the realm of fastest street legal motorcycles, offering unparalleled speed and torque in an electric package.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled IPM electric motor |
|---|---|
| Displacement | NA |
| Max Power | 200 HP |
| Max Torque | 168 LB-FT |
2. Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Top Speed: 249 mph
Kawasaki Ninja H2R front view aggressive styling
Supercharging motorcycles isn’t a novel concept, and Kawasaki has a history with forced induction. However, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R takes it to an entirely new level. By integrating a supercharger into a sportbike, constructing a trellis frame, adopting a menacing aesthetic, and achieving speeds exceeding 400 km/h (249 mph), Kawasaki created a true hyperbike. The track-only H2R variant unleashes a mind-blowing 310 horsepower. Its 249 mph top speed places it among the elite echelons of velocity, comparable to hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron. While the H2R prioritizes top speed above all else, its sheer velocity makes it a legend in the fastest street legal motorcycle conversation, even though its street-legal H2 sibling is slightly less powerful.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled inline 4, supercharged |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 310 HP @ 14,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 122 LB-FT @ 12,500 RPM |
1. Y2K MTT 420RR
Top Speed: 274 mph
Y2k MTT 420RR turbine engine motorcycle
Marine Turbine Technologies takes a radical approach by repurposing helicopter turbine engines and installing them into a motorcycle chassis to create the MTT 420RR. This turbine engine generates peak power at an astonishing 52,000 rpm. MTT claims a top speed of 274 mph, although independent verification is still pending. Regardless, its projected top speed is in a realm of its own. The MTT 420RR boasts a jet engine-like sound, unconventional aesthetics, an automatic gearbox, and surprisingly, street legality, unlike the H2R. Furthermore, it can operate on various fuels, including diesel, kerosene, and even tequila. The Y2K MTT 420RR is the undisputed king of speed and the ultimate fastest street legal motorcycle, representing extreme engineering and unparalleled power.
| Engine Type | Rolls-Royce Allison gas turbine |
|---|---|
| Displacement | NA |
| Max Power | 420 HP @ 52,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 500 LB-FT @ 2,500 RPM |
