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2020 Motorcycles: The Leading Liter Bike

When it comes to 2020 motorcycles, liter bikes are the most exciting. Each of these superbikes boasts a powerful 1 liter-displacing engine and trickle-down race technology. But we already know all of these sportbikes are fast. Which ones are the fastest and baddest of all? Here are the leading liter bikes of 2020. Everyone has …

When it comes to 2020 motorcycles, liter bikes are the most exciting. Each of these superbikes boasts a powerful 1 liter-displacing engine and trickle-down race technology. But we already know all of these sportbikes are fast. Which ones are the fastest and baddest of all? Here are the leading liter bikes of 2020.

two 1-liter BMW sportbikes opening up the throttle on a desert racetrack.
The all-new BMW S1000RR | BMW Motorcycles

Everyone has a favorite, so it’s always hard to really say which one is the absolute best. We will go through a rundown of a track test performed by Mark Miller from Motorcycle.com on liter bikes made by each of the Japanese big four––Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Honda. Plus, their European competitors Ducati, Aprilia, and BMW.

2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

This liter bike is one that Miller claims “oozed with quality.” From the Brembo brake calipers to the Ohlin’s Smart suspension to the glossy paint, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP demonstrated exactly what you expect from Honda engineering. The SP model gets a titanium tank, lithium battery, and a titanium muffler.

This fast and refined 2020 race replica motorcycle starts at $28,500, according to Asphalt and Rubber. The Honda Fireblade is all new for 2020 with a myriad of marvelous updates, including a fresh chassis. This liter-displacing track star tops out at 186 mph, according to Top Speed.

The Ducati Panigale V4S Corse

Top Speed reports that the 2020 Ducati Panigale reaches up to 180 mph. This beautiful Italian work of art benefits from the 1103cc motor directly derived from the Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP design. A state of the art counter-rotating crankshaft sets this liter apart from the rest.

At the end of the performance review, Mark Miller writes “well done, Ducati.” There’s no arguing with the fact that this liter bike is a leader in the class. $29,995 is the starting ticket on one of these speed machines, according to Cycle World.

2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR

We’ve seen this version of the ZX-10RR liter bike since 2019. Top Speed reports that the Kawasaki ZX-10RR goes up to 180 mph. It has a starting price of $24,899, according to Kawasaki’s website.

This is one 2020 motorcycle that has learned from its past performance since 2004. This Kawasaki sportbike implements protective electronic rider aids. Miller appreciates these and opens the throttle up early through the corners, learning quickly this liter bike can be trusted.

2020 BMW S1000RRM

a red BMW leaning deep into a chicane
The all-new third-gen BMW S1000RR | BMW Motorcycles

The M package is something that BMW typically bestows on its line of cars. Now, that performance tuning comes on the BMW liter bike as well. As far at 2020 motorcycles go, this is the fastest production liter bike out there with a top speed of 188––according to Top Speed.

2020 Suzuki GSX-R1000R

Top Speed says the GSX-R1000R is a liter bike that reaches speeds of up to 186 miles per hour. It’s priced starting at $15,599, though purchasing performance tuning can jack up the price a few grand. Miller says this 2020 sportbike has a bit of an awkward rider position.

But he also writes that if it came in a more modest gray or black instead of the bright blue with yellow, he might check one out for personal use on city streets. It’s a highly functional fast motorcycle, and absolutely one of the liter leaders.

2020 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory

Of the 2020 sportbikes, Miller says of the Aprilia liter bike that it’s “an overall package that is more planted and stable.” earn a spot on the liter bike list. It clocks a max 155 mph, according to Top Speed, though Miller writes that he opened it up to 187.

The Aprilia is powered by a new 217 horsepower 1078cc motor that’s a step up from the old 999cc. It starts at $24,499, according to Web Bike World.

2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M

The Yamaha liter bike earned praise from Miller that it has the “best-feeling front end.” It is designed to be an easy-handling overall package and it’s said to excell on tracks with a high corner volume. This 2020 motorcycle starts for $17,999 and tops out around 182, according to Top Speed. Though it starts low, higher performance trim is higher. The one Miller tested was $22,999.

What is the best liter bike?

Of all the liter bikes out there these are the most well known. as far as the best goes? Well, that’s just a roll of the dice. A skilled rider on any of these 2020 superbikes will get the thrill they are looking for. It all comes down to personal preference. For Miller, the Ducati stood out as a favorite.

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