Although the YZF-R6 is a fantastic bike, at almost 10-grand you could get an older exotic superbike for similar money.
Something that stands out from the pack, a classic bike that none of your mates will have and one that'll draw crowds when you park it up at the local biker meet.
We've put together a list of exotic machines that first weighed in with a hefty price tag but can now be bought for new R6 money. Tempted? Look inside...
Ducati 999R
The 999R was Ducati’s homologation race model. New, the R version cost £20,000 and only 500 were made so Ducati could race in World Superbikes. With carbon fibre fairings, front mudguard and seat unit the R is seriously special. Even the lettering on the fairing is unpainted to reveal the carbon fibre beneath. It also comes with names that are taken for granted on bikes nowadays like Brembo brakes, Marchesini wheels and top of the line Ohlins suspension which at the time was big news.
We found a mint 7,000 mile example for just £351 more than a new R6. Chances of parking next to another 999R? Remote.
Click here to see our Ducati 999R review
MV Agusta F4 312 RR
It’s hard to tell F4 models apart, but there’s no denying their beauty. The 312 RR edition refers to the bikes top speed of 312kph or 193mph. European manufacturers don’t have the same top speed limit imposed by Japan’s bike manufacturers of 300kph or 186.4mph, so MV took advantage of this with the 312 RR. With 190bhp and 91.5ftlb of torque the 312 is extreme. It still holds the record around the Nürburgring for the fastest production bike at 7:21.8. Impressive.
You could save yourself over £900 with a 4,000 mile example we found, not only that but it had 1 owner from new, 12 month's MOT and 3 month's warranty. Chance of parking next to another F4 312 RR? Unlikely.
Click here to see our MV Agusta F4 312RR review
Ducati 996 SPS
With so many variations of the iconic 916 Ducati, it can be hard to know which one to lust after more. Ducati’s 996SPS (Sport Production Special) is the model to go for. Only 575 were made and cost £18,400 new. Ducati had to make the performance gap between the standard 916 bigger, so in 2000 gave the SPS Ohlins suspension front and rear, lightweight 5-spoke Marchesini wheels, adjustable steering head angle, lighter crank and a set of carbon Termignonis as standard. Making the 996SPS a very special bike indeed.
We found a very well looked after low milage (6,000) SPS for just £6,800. It also had full service history, always garaged and had both set of cans that came as standard with the bike. Chances of parking next to another SPS? Slim.
Click to see our Ducati 996SPS review
BMW HP-2 Sport
The BMW HP-2 Sport has an air about it. Yes it’s a BMW, but someone must have got hold of the keys to the racy bits when no one was looking, because it has everything from Ohlins suspension front and back, Brembo monoblock calipers and forged aluminium wheels. But that’s only half the story. BMW decided to add a quickshifter as standard to help when changing up through the most powerful boxer engine ever along with a very trick 2D dash, as used by top race teams. But it’s the fully self-supported carbon fibre tail unit that steals the show. They even raced the HP-2 at the 24hr Bol D’or with the same engine and ECU that comes as standard.
£1,100. Its not that much more in the grand sceme of things. And when you consider the amount of trick parts and exclusivity you get with the HP-2 Sport, it really isn't that much more. And being that's it's a BMW it's been looked after and holds its value. How much will the new R6 depreicate in a few years? We found a mint 2008 example for £10,500. With ABS, taller screen, mirror extenders and only 2,600 miles on the...2D dash. Chances of parking next to another HP-2 Sport? Doubtful.
Click to see our BMW HP-2 review
Aprilia RSV4 R
Apilia’s RSV4 R is a race bike for the road. Its compact 65° V4 motor at the heart of it produces 180bhp and 85ftlb torque. Although the ‘R’ is the entry version, it still features a slipper clutch, fully adjustable Showa forks, Sachs rear shock, steering damper, Brembo monoblock calipers and a three-way power map as standard, meaning there is nothing basic or standard about it. The only thing letting it down is its tank range, running out at just over one hundred miles.
You have to ask yourself, for just another £600 over a new R6 you could have Aprilia's incredible RSV4. We found a one owner from new, barely run in 2,217 mile example for just £9,999. Just an extra £600...Chances of parking next to one? Slender.
Click to see our Aprilia RSV4 R review
Bimota SB8-R
The SB8-R was Bimotas chance to shine again and threw everything they could at it. Giving the TL1000R engine huge 59mm throttle bodies to push power to 133bhp and torque to 69ftlb. It was also the first bike to feature a carbon fibre composite frame and a fully floating rear seat unit. Only 350 SB8-Rs were made so finding a good one could be tricky as a lot of them were raced.
If its the SB8-R you're in the market for then £10,499 will get you a road going race bike with Dymag carbon wheels and all the standard parts included in the sale. Chances of parking next to one? Inconceivable.
Click to see our Bimota SB8-R review
