These aren't just superbikes... they're my list of DREAM superbikes that you can buy used right now

What would be parked in your dream garage? It’s a typical pub conversation and for some a dream ride might be an iconic Harley cruiser, a classic two-stroke or even a top-spec adventure bike but as so many riders in the UK still adore sportsbikes, we picked some head-down-bum-in-the-air thrill-seekers for this particular dream garage showdown.

So, here is our pick of the best used dream bikes and a few useful hints and tips for when it comes to buying them. Just remember to cross your fingers when you fill in those lottery numbers.

Related: Top kit for sportsbike riders

Read on for our expert guide to dream sportsbikes!

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MCN Recommended: 2008 – 2010 – Ducati 1098R – £18,500 – £26,999

Bologna’s homologation delight will set the pulse racing

Spec:

• Power 180bhp
• Engine capacity 1198cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 180kg

The Ducati 1098R is a proper no-expense-spared homologation special and in many ways was the last of its breed as the later Panigale R models are much less trick. As well as producing bags of power, the 1098R is dripping with exotic parts. It boasts traction control, datalogging and a dash taken from the GP7 MotoGP bike. It all adds up to a machine that is arguably the greatest production V-twin superbike ever to leave the Bologna factory. It really is that good.

Ducati 1098R used buying advice

● The DTC traction control on the 2008 model is only meant to be used with the 1098R’s race end-cans, which came with the bike alongside road-legal ones. If the machine is running stock exhausts, ensure the race ECU is included in the sale alongside the sporty exhausts. Bikes built from 2009 onwards have DTC that can work with road-legal exhausts’
● Check when the cam belts were last changed and ask for a date, not a mileage. Some brands of belts fall under the five year/15,000 miles service schedule while others need changing every two years.

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2002 – 2010 Honda VTR1000 SP-2 – £10,000 – £15,500

Homologation special is an HRC-developed modern classical

Spec:

• Power 136bhp
• Engine capacity 996cc
• Seat height 813mm
• Kerb weight 212kg

Honda’s beautiful SP-2 is rightly seen as a wonderful statement of intent. Lovingly crafted by HRC, the SP-2 may not have the same level of eye-catching components as Ducati’s R or SP models but it is exquisitely built, bulletproof in terms of reliability and glorious to ride. It certainly has its quirks with the fuel tank fairly small and the want a turn-key slice of exotica, the SP-2 is the one for you. fuel-injection a bit abrupt, but if you want a turn-key slice of exotica, the SP-2 is the one for you.

Honda VTR1000 SP-2 used buying advice

● Valve-clearances require checking at 16,000 miles, which is a very expensive job due to the complexity of the motor.
● Check the top of the dash for damage due to overheating. Oddly, the SP-2’s screen can act as a magnifying glass.
● Most picture the SP-2 in white, but it also came in black schemes which are often a bit heaper to buy.

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2008 – 2012 BMW HP2 Sport – £14,000 – £25,000

The very last word in boxer-engined sportsbikes

Spec:

• Power 130bhp
• Engine capacity 1170cc
• Seat height 830mm
• Kerb weight 199kg

The BMW HP2 Sport was the firm’s first double overhead cam boxer engine and was also the turning point that signified BMW were about to take racing very seriously. Stunning to look at, the boxer engine has bags of grunt and a wonderful exhaust note with a spine-tingling pop on over-run. Components are top-drawer and the whole bike has a hand-built feel about it. Beautiful.

BMW HP2 Sport used buying advice

● With normal boxer 6000-mile service intervals, you may think the HP2 Sport will be cheap to run. Which it is – until you hit 50,000 miles, when BMW recommend the whole engine is stripped.
● The Sport has been subject to two recalls – one for a fuel pump the other for a final drive issue. Ensure both have been completed by checking its service history.
● Inspect the carbon fibre fairing carefully as they are known to crack around their mounting points.

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2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 SP – £14,000 – £18,000

Meet the rare and appreciating first homologation-special R1

Spec:

• Power 175bhp
• Engine capacity 999cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 178kg

Yamaha unveiled their first R1 SP in 2006 to assist superstock racers. It came with Öhlins suspension, Marchesini wheels and a slipper clutch, but was otherwise ‘just’ an R1 with a few bits of bling bolted on. True, the gun smoke paint was cool and so was the blue-painted frame but with a price of £14,000, the SP was a short-lived run. Few were raced and in 2007 the four-valve head generation of R1 arrived and the SP was obsolete. Very rare and therefore now collectable, it’s a unique model in Yamaha’s history.

Yamaha YZF-R1 SP used buying advice

● Check the origins of the bike you are buying. A bike originally built for Europe (and ideally the UK) is always worth more than an imported one from America.
● The forged wheels are more prone to dings than cast items, so inspect them for damage caused during tyre changes.

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2007 – 2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR – £49,999 – £79,999

The first proper MotoGP superbike replica for the road

Spec:

• Power 200bhp
• Engine capacity 989cc
• Seat height 830mm
• Kerb weight 186kg

The Desmo RR’s engine doesn’t only share its DNA with the GP6 MotoGP bike, it is basically identical. Same bore and stroke, same capacity, same twin-pulse firing order, same desmo head, the works. And the chassis is just as trick with a trellis frame, self-supporting carbon seat, forged magnesium Marchesini wheels (the rear is a MotoGP#2;matching 16in item), carbon fairing and the first gas-pressurised forks on a production bike.

Ducati Desmosedici RR used buying advice

● Always check the bike’s wheels and tyres. Only Bridgestone make the unique 16in BT-01R rear and they cost about £350. And they need to be matched to a special front tyre, which is £200!
● Annual servicing is £400. But at 22,000 miles Ducati recommend the heads are removed and the valves de-coked and you won’t get much change from £3000.