10. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (2008-2011): 4.4/5
A Fireblade (Or several...) was always going to feature in this list and the 2008 model is your 10th favourite sportsbike. Whilst Kawasaki and Yamaha added traction control (TC), engine modes and other electronic wizardry, Honda decided to go back to basics. They focused on creating a bike with a low weight figure and an agile chassis coupled to a useable engine. The fuelling and linear power delivery is so smooth only the most ham-fisted will be upset about the lack of TC. The underseat exhaust is now gone and replaced with a sleeker unit that runs along the belly pan. The blunt nose cone divides opinion but gives the bike character, well done Honda.
9. Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja (2005): 4.45/5
Although technically not a 'true' 600, the Ninja's 636cc engine pushes out around 8 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.
8. Triumph Daytona 675 (2006-2012): 4.46/5
Introduced in 2006 after a series of 4-cylinder Daytonas, many thought that Triumph's 675 3-cylinder supersport was a passing fad, an engineering anomaly that wouldn't hit the sweet spot. After all, if the Japanese were sticking to 4-cylinder machines, what did Triumph know? Well, the 675cc never cleaned up in racing but it was an instant success for Triumph. A near perfect blend of torque and hosepower in a usable chassis made the 675 the choice for novice riders and old hands alike.?
=6. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (2006-2007): 4.5/5
The last of the 'pretty' Blades, the 2006 model refined the first underseat piped Fireblade in 2004. Honda responded to owner feedback and gave the 2006 model more midrange shove and slightly sharper steering by lowering the gearing and shortening the wheelbase. The HESD 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 they're a brilliant bike.
=6. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (2004-2005): 4.5/5
The first of a long line of Honda Fireblades to bear the 1000 sticker. The CBR954RR was well loved, but the game had moved on and Honda had to react in 2004 with the CBR1000RR. Not as fiesty as the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R nor as sharp as the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1, yet the 2004 Fireblade sold by the container load. Its blend of power, poise and that Honda logo kept it at the sharp end of the sales charts. Strong resale values even 6 years on.
5. R1100S (1998-2005): 4.57/5
Utilising a 1085c air-cooled boxer twin, the R1100S will hit 140mph from its 98hp and 72lb.ft engine. BMW’s telelever suspension gives the bike a plush ride but the 229kg weight figure can make it hard to push into corners. Once in there however, the bike is very stable and you’ll have to really crank her over to grind out the cylinder heads. We recommend going for the Boxercup limited edition with a race-rep belly pan and ultra snazzy paint job.
4. Triumph TT600 (2000-2004): 4.58/5
The conservatively-styled TT600 followed suit from the Japanese competition and used a 599cc inline-four engine putting out 110hp. After receiving lots of initial criticism, Triumph released new fuel maps which sorted the TT600's lack of midrange grunt. The extra power complemented the bike's chassis and brakes and some hailed it as 'The best-handling 600cc production bike ever'. With the release of the Daytona 600 and 675, the TT600 can be had for a dime a dozen.
3. Honda CBR954RR Fireblade (2002-2003): 4.59/5
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 954's havent changed much over the past 3 years. A firm favourite of the experienced and every day biker, the RR2 and RR3 'Blades hit the mark in every way. Sharp handling, a good solid motor and most importantly, comfortable for a superbike. They're one of the best value sportsbikes on the market today and are well loved for their reliability and their solid resale value.
2. Honda CBR600RR (2007-2008): 4.62/5
The 2007-2008 Honda CBR600RR is your favourite 600 sportsbike, and it's clear to see why. Blending Honda's reliability, with a sharp and focused supersport bike that also manages to be more comfortable than it looks and more practical than it should be. The CBR600RR creeps over the 4.5 out of 5 stars rating and has a massive following. A proper 'get on and ride' bike that ticks all the boxes of the modern day biker; reliable, good for a quick blast and wildly capable.
1. S1000RR (2009-present): 4.72/5
BMW launched the RR in 2009, their first crack at making a superbike, and it set the world on fire. The 193hp 999cc machine thrashed every other bike in its class and four years later its only real close rival is Kawasaki’s ZX-10R. The 190kg dry weight is heavier than it seems and many riders compare the size of the RR to a 600cc machine. Other than a fairly serious recall where connecting rod bolts were coming loose, reliability is said to be good. We recommend forking out the extra £465 for the BMW Motorsport paint job that not only looks awesome but will retain its value better. For £13,735 you can have one of the fastest and best handling production bikes in the world. How lucky are we motorcyclists?
Expecting to see your bike here but didn't? Remember, the bikes in this list are rated on your owner reviews so go to our bike reviews section, find your bike, and get reviewing!
Or, alternatively, check out some of our other Top 10s:
Top 10 Superbikes for under £5,000
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