Honda has a long history in motorcycle racing; the company has won 18 World Championships and 22 Constructors titles. They are the most decorated manufacturer ever in MotoGP.
All this knowledge of how to produce race-winning motorcycles has filtered down into their road bikes, making them one of the best manufacturers to look towards if you are after a performance motorcycle.
Here we have pulled together the fastest bikes that Honda currently produces. Let’s take a look.
Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP
The Fireblade was first introduced 30 years ago, and it completely changed the game in terms of what was to be expected from sportsbikes going forward.
Today it is still a powerhouse, and the Fireblade SP is the pinnacle of the line, leading the charge with sports performance.
Its bore and stroke are identical to the MotoGP RC213V racing bike. The new model has seen many updates to improve performance for 2022, including changing the intake ports’ shape, refining the airbox, forged aluminum pistons, and a new final drive.
A full TFT screen displays all the information serious riders could need, including engine temperature, riding modes, shifter setting, ABS level, and gear position.
The SP has been fitted with the second-generation Ohlins Smart EC suspension.
No expense has been spared to make the SP the best of the best with Bremo Stylema calipers on the front and the same Brembo rear caliper as found on the race bike.
The Fireblade celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2022, and so it has been decorated in special anniversary graphics; this is the Fireblade you want if you are after something extra special.
Specs 2022 Model:
- Engine – 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine with 13:1 compression
- Max Power – 215 horsepower
- Max Torque – 113 Nm
- Top Speed – 186mph
- Weight Wet – 445lbs
- Current MSRP – $28,900
Honda CBR1000RR
If the SP version is a bit too much of a stretch, then don’t worry because the standard CBR1000RR is packed with equal power and torque to give you an incredible riding experience.
The only difference in performance is that the SP has a higher top speed than the base Fireblade, which can hit around 177mph.
You can choose between an ABS version or a classic brake setup, but either way, you get Honda’s Selectable Torque Control and a host of other features.
The savings on the base Fireblade over the SP version come from less eccentric features like the Ohlins electronically controlled suspension and the top-end Brembo calipers.
Despite this, the original model is still an excellent performance motorcycle, a staple in the sportsbike market that just gets better and better each year.
Specs 2022 Model:
- Engine – 998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
- Max Power – 217 horsepower
- Max Torque – 113 Nm
- Top Speed – 177mph
- Curb Weight – 432lbs
- Current MSRP – $16,499
Honda CB1000R
As the naked version of the fully faired Fireblade, the two bikes share the same engine, but the naked bike has been tuned down to be more practical and usable for the road.
The 2022 edition is blacked out for a mean, aggressive street bike ready to take on all competition if needs be.
The bike has a top speed of 150mph, packing 143hp and 104 Nm of torque. If you wanted, you could take the bike to the track and have as great a time as you would on the faired big brother.
Twist the throttle and go, the torque will carry you along with ease, and the power is more than enough for you to enjoy in all circumstances. Throw the bike into the twisties, open it up on the highway and make the most of the agility when commuting into the city.
It is also equipped with many great features that make for an awesome street performance bike, such as a Slipper/Assist Clutch, Quick Shifter, Six Speed Gearbox (great sixth overdrive gear), and Torque Control.
Specs 2022 Model:
- Engine – 998cc, Liquid-cooled DOHC In-line 4 cylinder
- Max Power – 143 horsepower
- Max Torque – 104 Nm
- Top Speed – 150mph
- Curb Weight – 467lbs
- Current MSRP – $12,999
Honda CBR600RR
Maybe the Fireblade is a bit too heavy or a bit too tall, but you still have the need for speed, and the 600 class is where you find yourself best suited.
In that case, you can’t go far wrong with the CBR600RR, which, despite its 599cc instead of the 998cc, still has a top speed of 165mph and is loaded with 113 horsepower for you to enjoy.
The CBR600RR is an excellent choice for those who love sportsbikes that they can make the most out of and squeeze every inch of power out of the engine; it is a very popular track bike for amateur riders for that reason, along with its competitive price point.
Cornering ABS is fitted, along with dual-stage fuel injection and dual-stage Ram air intake. The bike might be smaller, but Honda hasn’t skimped on its performance components.
The Fireblade and CBR600RR prove that Honda’s aren’t boring. They are outstanding, reliable sportsbikes, with award-winning track performances to back them up; that’s not boring to me!
Specs 2022 Model:
- Engine – 599cc Liquid-Cooled Inline Four-Cylinder
- Max Power – 113 horsepower
- Max Torque – 66 Nm
- Top Speed – 165mph
- Curb Weight – 410lbs
- Current MSRP – $11,999
Honda Africa Twin Sports ES
Honda doesn’t just produce fast sportsbikes and their naked counterparts. Their supreme adventure bike, the Africa Twin, is loaded with a parallel twin engine built for solid performance on and off-road.
It is no slouch with around 101hp, 104 Nm, and a top speed of 143mph.
Like any good adventure bike, the Africa Twin had a torque delivery from idle to the redline, making off-road riding an absolute breeze through mud, sand, hills, bumps, etc.
Then once you are back on the road, open it up and get to your destination quickly using the power on tap.
The engine is designed to be compact and balanced, so the bike’s overall balance is great with a short wheelbase, which means it is super agile and easy to throw around and ride in all circumstances.
The impressive power output from the parallel twin means that even fully loaded with passenger and touring luggage, the bike has enough grunt and performance specs to keep you satisfied.
You can now choose between standard manual transmission or Honda’s DCT. DCT lets you choose between allowing the bike to automatically shift gears or using the paddle shifters in manual mode.
This is an all-new way of adventure riding.
Specs 2022 Model:
- Engine – 1084cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5º parallel-twin
- Max Power – 101 horsepower
- Max Torque – 104 Nm
- Top Speed – 143mph
- Curb Weight – 529lbs
- Current MSRP – $14,499
Honda Gold Wing Tour
You might not think of the Honda Gold Wing being a fast bike as it is a massive and heavy machine.
However, the six-cylinder engine produces 138 Nm of torque and a top speed of around 140mph.
This is one ultimate touring machine that will get across the country fast; twist the throttle, hit cruise control, and glide your way down the highway enjoying the scenery.
The Gold Wing was one of the first models to get Honda’s DCT transmission, so you can choose between a manual or DCT version, and arguably for touring, the DCT is the perfect companion.
Specs 2022 Model:
- Engine – 1833cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
- Max Power – 90 horsepower
- Max Torque – 138 Nm
- Top Speed – 140mph
- Curb Weight – 804lbs
- Current MSRP – $28,500
Honda Rebel 1100
Honda’s all new Rebel 1100 has hit dealers and caused a stir.
When the CMX500 Rebel was released, nobody knew how it was going to do, but it seems it is here to stay.
It has been a hit with riders looking for a custom bobber straight off the production line, without the weight and price of the big American giants Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle.
The 1100 therefore, should come as no surprise; it is priced attractively and comes packed with a 1084cc parallel twin that will take you to 140mph using 85hp and 98 Nm of torque.
These figures for a lightweight cruiser/bobber are pretty great and are more than enough for riders to have great fun with. Plus, the engine is super smooth; there are no V twin vibrations causing your hands and feet to go numb here.
Specs 2022 Model:
- Engine – 1084cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5° parallel-twin
- Max Power – 85.8 horsepower
- Max Torque – 98 Nm
- Top Speed – 140mph
- Curb Weight – 487lbs
- Current MSRP – $9,399
Related
Also see:
- Fastest Ducati motorcycles
- Fastest Kawasaki motorcycles
- Fastest BMW motorcycles
- Fastest Harleys
- Fastest Suzukis
- Fastest production motorcycles
Image credits
All images via Honda