Chasing cheap speed: Let me show you how to get mega mph motorbikes for Mondeo money!
A major draw of motorcycles is the fact that when it comes to cheap speed, they simply can’t be beaten. If you buy a modern sportsbike it will merrily top 170mph (on closed roads or German Autobahns) all-day-long and you can sample this incredible performance for very little money.
Related: Sportsbike riding gear buying guide
How little outlay? Setting a budget of just £5000, this week’s five used buys bring you brand new supercar performance with used Mondeo price tags! If you feel the need for speed, look no further. Just be mindful of your licence…
Related: Sticky tyres for sportsbikes
Read on for our expert guide to serious speed for only £5k!
MCN Recommended: 2005-2009 BMW K1200S – £2400-£4500
Challenging looks but it’s a practical hyperbike
Spec:
- Power 167bhp
- Engine capacity 1157cc
- Seat height 820mm
- Kerb weight 248kg (kerb)
Bedecked in some truly hideous paint schemes, the K1200S was BMW’s first hyperbike and was launched in an effort to help the firm shed its ‘pipe and slippers’ reputation. Powered by a monster inline four, the K-Series models introduced the duolever front end and ESA. Not without its faults, buying a first-generation BMW is a bit of a gamble but most of its common issues are fairly simple to fix. It’s blisteringly fast and comfortable for long stints.
BMW K1200S used buying advice
● ESA works on both shocks, altering the rear’s preload when stationary and the damping at both ends when moving (compression only at the front). Check it works.
● The radiator collects dirt and then rots through, so inspect it for any signs of corrosion or leaks. New units are over £600 from BMW.
● The clutch basket isn’t fed with much oil, leading to excessive wear and eventual failure. Feel for a judder and listen for noises that indicate it is on its way out. There are several fixes (search online forums) and most owners fit a modified K1300’s clutch.
1999-2007 Suzuki Hayabusa – £3000-£5000
Oh so fuggly… but oh so fast. It’s a true biking legend
Spec:
- Power 175bhp
- Engine capacity 1298cc
- Seat height 805mm
- Kerb weight 238kg (wet)
Happy to sit at ballistic speeds all day, the Hayabusa’s performance is remarkable and there is nothing quite as exciting as watching the speedo and rev counter needles racing one another to the redline when you accelerate. Far from just a one-trick pony, the Busa’s massive midrange makes it a relaxing bike to cruise around on and one that is a tall screen away from being a decent sports tourer.
Suzuki Hayabusa used buying advice
● If you want a 220mph speedo, buy a 1999 or 2000 bike as in 2001 a 186mph speed restrictor was fitted alongside a new speedo whose numbers stop at 180mph.
● In 2002 Suzuki fitted a stronger steel subframe after reports of cracking. Although rare, always inspect the mounting points and welds on older models.
● Feel for any juddering that suggests the discs might be warped. The six-piston Tokico calipers are notorious for sticking pistons.
2000-2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R – £2500-£6000
Ballistic Ninja with a huge heart and sporty sensibilities
Spec:
- Power 178bhp
- Engine capacity 1199cc
- Seat height 820mm
- Kerb weight 245kg (kerb)
While the Kawasaki ZX-12R managed to top the Busa in many performance tests, it failed to capture the public’s imagination. Bigger and more spacious than the Busa, the ZX-12R is a fantastic sports-tourer that has an incredible engine packed with staggering roll-on performance and a wild top-end. Although a touch heavy, it carries its bulk well and feels sportier than you might expect.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R used buying advice
● The A1/2 model became the B1/2/3/4 in 2002 with a tweaked engine, flywheel and suspension. The 2004 B6 is the best, and gained radial brakes, new forks and a protruding bottom lip on its fairing.
● Derestricting it requires a SpeedoHealer V4 (about £85) or getting its ECU reflashed. Do so and it will feel stronger in lower gears.
● Monocoque chassis makes servicing costly. Intervals are 4000 miles, and the valve-clearances should be checked very 7500 miles.
2002-2004 Kawasaki ZZR1200 – £1000-£3500
This easy-going hyperbike is remarkable value
Spec:
- Power 152bhp
- Engine capacity 1164cc
- Seat height 780cc
- Kerb weight 236kg (kerb)
A stop-gap between the ZZ-R1100 and ZZR1400, the 1200 never really took off due to its dated styling and failure to beat the Hayabusa when it came to top bragging rights. Tremendously good value, it’s more than happy to hit big speeds – and in far better comfort levels than the Busa. A very effective milemuncher, the ZZR is a bit soggy on its suspension and ponderous in bends.
Kawasaki ZZR1200 used buying advice
● Watch for a poorly running bike as it can be tricky to diagnose due to the ZZR having two fuel pumps. One feeds cylinders 1&2 and the other 3&4. The bike will still run (badly…) if one isn’t working properly.
● The charging system is a bit weak, so check the bike is delivering over 14v by connecting a multimeter across the battery when the engine is running. Generally it is the reg/rec, which is about £100 to replace, but it can also be the generator failing, which costs over £200.
1996-2007 Honda Super Blackbird – £1500-7000
A classy, practical and yet still very rapid hyperbike
Spec:
- Power 164bhp
- Engine capacity 1137cc
- Seat height 810mm
- Kerb weight 245kg (kerb)
Honda’s Blackbird always erred on the side of refinement rather than outright performance and survives the test of time better than the Busa or Ninja. A beautifully engineered bike that owners adore, it’s as happy sitting at 150mph on an Autobahn as it is carving through a twisty Alpine pass. Effortless to ride thanks to a super-smooth inline four and relaxed riding position, it won’t let you down.
Honda Super Blackbird used buying advice
● Always inspect the diagnostic plug (located just off the main loom under the tank) as on early fuelinjected bikes it can corrode.
● Listen for a rattle on start-up that hints at a worn camchain tensioner. It’s the Blackbird’s only major foible and needs changing every 20,000 miles. Stick to an OE part.
● The original generation ran carbs (fuel injection came in 1999). When buying a carbed bike, check it ticks over smoothly and ask when the carbs were last balanced.
