We can't all be MotoGP superstars - but you can buy one of these used V4 sportsbikes!

If you look at the current crop of MotoGP bikes and dive under the weird aero fins, there is a common theme.

Honda, Aprilia, KTM and Ducati all run a V4.

And in WSBK it is a similar story with Ducati’s V4 leading the way as its inline four rivals struggle.

Far from a flash in the pan, the V4 has a long history of track success and has been behind some of the most memorable bikes in recent years.

Related: The best riding kit for sports bike riders

Here’s our pick of the best V4s you can buy used. You may need deep pockets for some but others are far more reasonably priced…

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MCN Recommended: ’18 – 19 Ducati Panigale V4S – £17,000 – £20,000

Genuine MotoGP/WSB technology implemented for the road

Spec:

• Power 211bhp
• Engine capacity 1103cc
• Seat height 830mm
• Kerb weight 195kg

Having turned their back on their trademark V-twin, Ducati needed to create something special to silence critics who’d accused them of trashing their heritage, and the Panigale fit the bill. Learning lessons from MotoGP, the V4 sounds and feels like a V-twin but ups the game to a whole new level both in terms of power and technology. Stunning to ride, with a top-end rush that will leave you flabbergasted and agility that belongs on a race track, it ticks every box – aside from possibly comfort and mirrors that actually show what’s behind you.

Ducati Panigale V4S used buying advice

● Note that the V4 requires a 12-month/7500-mile service but the biggie is the 15,000-mile valve clearance check/adjust which costs £800. Always inspect the bike’s service history as this isn’t a bill you want to suddenly have drop on you.
● A few owners have experienced clutch issues with the plates becoming glazed. Check the clutch doesn’t slip when pulling away or when it gets hot. If it does, assume that you will need to replace the clutch plates.

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1994 – 1999 Honda RC45 – £30,000 – £45,000

Staggering attention to detail (and a hefty price too)

Spec:

• Power 115bhp
• Engine capacity 749cc
• Seat height 770mm
• Kerb weight 207kg

It may have flopped in the showrooms when first released in 1994 and in WSB only the genius of John Kocinski saw it win the title, but the Honda RC45 is still an incredible machine. It is sublime to ride on the road and built with staggering attention to detail. It’s not that fast as its V4 only makes around 100bhp but the RC45 looks, sounds and feels unbelievably special. Looking at its value now, the retail price in 1994 of £17,780 seems like something of a bargain.

Related: Guide to sportsbike tyres

Honda RC45 used buying advice

● The engine is very strong but the fuel-injection system can develop issues if it isn’t used regularly. The fuel pump is a weak point and the injectors become gummed up.
● The reg/rec is weak on the RC45 and if it fails it can melt the seat unit, which is a very costly item. Always keep an eye on the state of the charging system.

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1988 – 1994 Honda NC30 – £1,500 – £4,500

A jewel of a little 400cc V4 that fuelled the grey import craze

Spec:

• Power 59bhp
• Engine capacity 399cc
• Seat height 705mm
• Kerb weight 185kg

A bike that exploded in popularity during the ‘grey import’ scene of the 1990s, the Honda NC30 is currently going through a nostalgia-driven resurgence. Great handling and with a remarkably rugged V4 engine, the NC30 is an exquisite machine that only Honda could ever get away with building. Prices are soaring and you need to be careful buying as there are lots of ex-racers and some real hounds out there…

Honda NC30 used buying advice

● In an accident the NC30’s clip-ons tend to be pushed into the tank. Always check this area for dents or signs of filler.
● The eccentric adjuster seizes up on the NC’s swingarm, so check it moves freely and that there are no signs of its adjuster ring being butchered in an effort to free it up.
● Check the frame’s front engine mounts, they can crack in an accident – and you don’t want that.

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1987 – 1990 Honda RC30 – £30,000 – £50,000

Classic VFR750R V4 racer commands a high price

Spec:

• Power 102bhp
• Engine capacity 748cc
• Seat height 785mm
• Kerb weight 236kg

Surprisingly, the RC30 is actually fairly common in the used market as Honda built an estimated 4782 units throughout its production lifespan. But that doesn’t make it a cheap option! An iconic bike that is instantly recognisable in its red/white/blue paint, the RC30 does feel a touch dated to ride (especially on standard wheel sizes) but that doesn’t detract from its desirability.

Honda RC30 used buying advice

● Original bodywork is crazily expensive, so check all is good and that there aren’t any cracks.
● The 18in rear wheel limits tyre choice, so many owners fit 17in wheels. Ensure you get the OE 18in wheel included in the sale.
● Japanese domestic bikes (black mirrors) are de-tuned compared to European ones (VFR750R on the tail) and Brit-spec ones have bigger headlights. US-spec ones (‘RC30’ on the tail) may be restricted to meet Californian emissions regs.

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2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory -£7,000 – £8,000

Factory APRC model packs all the tech for less cash

Spec:

• Power 180bhp
• Engine capacity 999cc
• Seat height 845mm
• Kerb weight 179kg

Aprilia’s V4 sports bike was launched in 2009 but it wasn’t until 2012 that it gained the firm’s APRC electronics package. With angle-responsive traction control, wheelie control and launch control as well as a quick shifter, it is an incredibly advanced system that is still a match for most modern ones. Although the Aprilia RSV4 is physically tiny and quite demanding to ride, it is a stunning sports bike that has all the bling for a very reasonable price.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory used buying advice

● Although it came as standard fitment, the RSV4’s quick shifter does no favours to its gearbox.
Check all is well on a test ride as although its cassette design makes removing the gearbox less tricky, it is still an expensive job.
● The cam chain tensioner has been updated a few times. If you can hear a rattle get them replaced with the latest version.