These digital superbikes were the first of their breed, and I reckon they're now ballistic bargains

Nowadays it is impossible to buy a top-end sportsbike that doesn’t come with a huge array of electronic assists. Items such as ABS, traction control and power modes are the bare minimum while semi-active suspension, launch control and engine braking control are commonplace. That ramps up the price of new bikes but the good news is that there are plenty of options in the used market.

Related: Best kit for sportsbike riders

Read on for our expert guide to the first truly clever electrically assisted superbikes!

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MCN Recommended: 2009-2011 BMW S1000RR – from £6491

MCN Best Buy

Spec:

• Power 999cc
• Engine capacity 193bhp
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 204kg

The original generation of BMW S1000RR blew its competition into the weeds. The first sportsbike to feature a full electronics package of ABS, TC and power modes, the BMW also linked them together and added an angle-sensing IMU. A proper digital sportsbike, the RR also got the basics right with a stunning chassis and powerful inline four motor, but it was its advanced electronics that allowed riders to access far more of its brutal power than ever before. And nowadays it is just as impressive, if not quite as polished as future RR generations which have benefited from more refined electronics.

BMW S1000RR used buying advice

The original RR’s gearbox is weak (third gear usually goes) so avoid bikes that have been used regularly on track and be wary of quickshifters (BMW sold a ‘plug and play’ unit, which increases the risk of failure). Valve clearances need checking at 18,000 miles, which is a bill of over £500 so look at the service history. As with all BMWs, good accessories such as an Akrapovic can or HP parts add value. A handful of RRs were sold without the electronics package, avoid these.

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2011 Aprilia RSV4-R APRC – from £5991

Best Rider Aids

Spec:

• Power 999.6cc
• Engine capacity 177.5bhp
• Seat height 845mm
• Kerb weight 179kg

While the Aprilia RSV4 was launched in 2009, it wasn’t until after the limited edition SE in 2010 that the APRC electronics package was rolled out through the entire range for 2011. The lower spec R-model lacks the Factory’s Öhlins suspension (it has Showa and Sachs) and lightweight wheels, but it is still a full-on V4 with a top-notch electronics package (and a terrible fuel range) for a fraction of the price of buying new.

Aprilia RSV4-R APRC used buying advice

Early versions suffer from cam chain tensioner issues. Listen for rattles when the motor is started from cold. Be wary of warning lights on the dash because aftermarket alarms and removing the exhaust valve can throw up CAN-bus errors, which require special software to remove. Valve clearances should be checked every 6000 miles.

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2008-2011 Ducati 1198S – from £7999

Best Looks

Spec:

• Power 1198cc
• Engine capacity 170bhp
• Seat height | 820mm
• Kerb weight 169kg

Arriving a year after the 1098R introduced traction control to the two-wheeled world, only the higher-spec Ducati 1198S comes with it as standard (alongside a datalogger) and there is no ABS. Unlike BMW, Ducati’s early TC system relies purely on wheel speed and as such lack any angle-sensitivity. A fabulous bike to ride, the 1198S is a proper old-school Duke with a thumping V-twin.

Ducati 1198S used buying advice

Always go for a bike with a full service history over one with gaps. Check the clutch slave cylinder for leaks, see when the cam belt was last changed (it should be every two years) and inspect the forks for leaking seals. If the bike feels a bit breathless, check the fuel tank breather isn’t furred up or the fuel filter blocked, and reset the ECU because it stores fault codes.

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2012-2014 Yamaha YZF-R1 – from £7591

Best For The Road

Spec:

• Power 998cc
• Engine capacity 157bhp
• Seat height 835mm
• Kerb weight 206kg

Unlike the cramped current generation, the 2012-14 Yamaha R1’s roomy riding position makes for a beautiful sportsbike with bags of grunt and a spine-tingling M1-style exhaust note. Six-stage traction control (no ABS, not angle-sensitive) arrived in the 2012 mid-term update alongside a few cosmetic tweaks (including a cool M1-style top yoke) and the option of Anniversary paint.

Yamaha YZF-R1 used buying advice

Don’t pay any extra for the Anniversary paint, it isn’t that rare or exclusive. And watch out for hot heels! The R1’s cat sits by your heel and cooks it in summer, fit a de-cat link pipe to reduce the build-up of heat, just get the ECU remapped to suit. Other than being wary of the 24,000-mile valve clearance service and any warning lights, they are a solid used buy.

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2011-2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – £5391

Best On Track

Spec:

• Power 998cc
• Engine capacity 197bhp
• Seat height 813mm
• Kerb weight 198kg

Kawasaki were the first of the Japanese to respond to the S1000RR and the all-new ZX-10R Ninja arrived in 2011 with a proper electronics package that included TC and (optional) ABS, but lacked an IMU to make it angle-sensitive (that arrived in 2016). A bit short on low-end grunt, the Ninja has a ballistic top-end that, when combined with a superb chassis, means it is right at home for sporty track riding.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R used buying advice

In 2013 Kawasaki added an Öhlins Mechatronic (electronically variable) steering damper to the Ninja, which is worth having. The gear linkage can become sloppy, potentially causing damage to the gearbox. The finish isn’t great, so be wary of excessive corrosion.