Expert guide: The best used first-generation digital superbikes are worth a dabble

Updated: 11 January 2024

Led by the BMW S1000RR, which set the tone for things to come in 2010, the digital revolution has gathered pace at an incredible rate and led us to where we are now – riding bikes that are lightyears ahead of their predecessors when it comes to tech.

This week we are looking at the best first-gen digital superbikes, the machines that broke the mould and debuted advanced technology that is now commonplace.

If you want a bit of tech at an affordable price, these five used trendsetters are great options…

£5000-£8000

Kawasaki ZX-10R (2011-15)

Track-focused Ninja is one for serious performance hunters

By Jon Urry

MCN contributor, original 916 & R1-owner, human Labrador, thoroughly nice bloke. Working for over 20 years in the motorcycle industry, Jon not only has an encyclopaedic knowledge of bikes, but has also interviewed many key players in the motorcycle industry, including designers, factory bosses and legendary racers. Still a passionate motorcyclist with child-like enthusiasm for two-wheels, Jon has a collection of both modern and classic bikes that he maintains himself and he writes a weekly column in MCN (newspaper) about used bikes and the state of the motorcycle market.