Top 10 Thrilling Sports Bikes Under $5,000

Once the dust had settled from the speed wars of the 90s – and the Gentleman’s Agreement came into effect – manufacturers pivoted away from making bikes that were just fast, and started making bikes that could handle, too. Up until this point in history, tires were a major limiting factor. No matter how good the chassis was, the tires would eventually break traction. All that changed by the early 00s.

Instead of competing for top speed honors, Japanese manufacturers shifted their attention to racing. With tire technology improving to such an extent that it motivated engineers to push the boundaries of chassis and suspension technology, supplementing the powerful engines already developed throughout the 90s. Other manufacturers from the rest of the world were forced to play catch-up, but the big winner was the consumer. Today, several of these amazing sports bikes can be found for under $5k on the used market.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including KBB . Buying a used motorcycle always has an element of risk attached, so please do your research, and proceed with caution. The motorcycles on this list go from oldest to newest.

2002 Honda RC51 (SP2)

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

While most sports bikes are – at least to some extent – race replicas, the RC51 is a legitimate homologation special. Bikes like this from some of the more exotic brands command a premium, but this was put into mass production and was usually used for its intended purpose. Some preserved or restored models (like the bike pictured) will be pricey, but you can still find a decent bike for around the $5k mark.

Specifications

2002 Yamaha YZF-R1

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

Things moved incredibly fast back in the 00s, with halo models like the R1 getting updated regularly. The big news in 2002 was a new frame and fuel injection, a fairly significant update for those unwilling to learn the art of balancing carbs on an old inline-4 motorcycle. It also just so happened to have 150 horsepower, which is a lot for a bike with no rider aids whatsoever.

Specifications

2004 Ducati 749

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

Ducati dominated the WorldSBK championship throughout the 90s, but that papers over the reality that in the real world 90s Ducati’s were both expensive and unreliable. While painfully beautiful, the bikes from this era are either extremely expensive or basket cases. In 2003, the 999 and 749 made their rather inauspicious debut, with a controversial new design. While we like the Pierre Terblanche design, there are those that actively hate it. This polarizing design has kept resale values low for ages, and while the 999 is getting more expensive, the 749 still represents an affordable entry point into the world of Ducati sports bikes . Just don’t expect it to be affordable to maintain.

Specifications

2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

By 2004, Kawasaki desperately needed a replacement for the outdated and overweight Ninja ZX-9R. Suffice to say, the replacement was well worth the wait. If you checked the “ram-air” option, you had yourself the most powerful liter-bike in 2004 . With just shy of 180 horsepower, this is still a monster, even by today's standards.

Specifications

2006 Yamaha YZF-R6

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

Over two decades later, the R6 is still the default track bike . Not because it is the fastest, or best, but rather the most durable. This fact is a double-edged sword, because no matter how durable a bike is, an aluminum frame can only take so much abuse. A fractured or bent frame is desperately hard to diagnose, so approach this with caution, and a mechanic friend.

Specifications

2006 Suzuki GSX-R750

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

For a time, the Gixxer 750 was left without a class, so it was not as prone to track abuse as the 600s and 1000s. By 2006, you would need to ask yourself how much power is really enough, with this already making close to 150 horsepower . While the aforementioned R1 had a little ballast protecting you from yourself, this is an astonishingly light motorcycle, which translates to an unbelievable power-to-weight ratio. In the right hands, few bikes are faster around a track.

Specifications

2007 Aprilia RSV 1000 R

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

Aprilia enlisted the help of Rotax to build the Mille superbike, but, by the time this lovely V-twin went into its second generation (dropping the “Millie” name), it was pretty clear that it was no match for the Japanese bikes. Both less powerful and heavier, it simply represents an alternative choice. Today, it is still an alternative choice, but at least it costs a lot less to be different. The Rotax engine is reliable, but the aging Italian wiring is not, so a good test ride is certainly necessary.

Specifications

2008 Triumph Daytona 675

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

While the Aprilia represented a great alternative to the Japanese liter-bikes, this was, and still is, the best alternative to the 600s. The Daytona was not without its faults , but the quirks are mostly tolerable, and that triple has proven to be pretty reliable. The one thing to look out for here is deferred maintenance. On a bike like this, that kind of thing could incur costs far greater than what you might encounter with any of the Japanese bikes.

Specifications

2008 Honda CBR600RR

Price Range: $4,000 - $6,000

Even in the illustrious world of highly-strung supersports, a Honda serves as the pragmatic choice. While a list like this might seem incomplete without a FireBlade, this will run rings around any FireBlade that costs less than $5k. It is not the most powerful, nor the fastest, but it is just as fun and won’t bankrupt you with maintenance costs.

Specifications

2008 Buell 1125R

Price Range: $3,000 - $5,000

Back when this was new, it was competing with the more exclusive liter-bikes in terms of pricing. Today, it is cheaper than contemporary supersports. These bikes were mechanically pretty reliable, with a V-twin Buell co-developed with Rotax, but the wiring – just like the Aprilia – was its Achilles heel.

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