Top 10 Sportbikes of the 1990s

The 1990s was a golden age for sportbikes as this was the decade that sportbikes grew in recognition. In 1983, the very first sportbike was created, the HondaVF750F. However, it did not become popular until the 1990s.

Even today, some sports motorcycles from the 1990s are still admired by motorcycle enthusiasts. This article discusses some of the most iconic sports bikes from the 1990s.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R (1999)
• 2. Yamaha YZF-R1 (1998)
• 3. Honda VFR 800 (1998)
• 4. Bimota V-Due 500 (1997)
• 5. Suzuki Bandit 600 (1995)
• 6. Kawasaki ZX-7R (1996)
• 7. Ducati 916 (1994)
• 8. Suzuki RGV250M (1992)
• 9. Honda CBR900RR FireBlade (1992)
• 10. Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 (1990)
• 11. Last Words

1. Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R (1999)

Photo Credit: @hotcars

Released in 1999, the Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R was a sports bike that made quite the impression after its introduction. Capable of a speed between 16-23 km/h, this Suzuki motorcycle broke the early speed record.

The Hayabusa GSX1300R runs on a 1299 cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with sixteen valves and double-overhead cams.

At the time, it had the biggest displacement of any sports bike, capable of a record-breaking power output of 129 kW.

The Suzuki Hayabusa's high power output at any speed made it easy to ride due to its multiple gears and quick acceleration.

Engine	Four-Stroke, Transverse Four-Cylinder, DOHC, Four Valves per Cylinder
Capacity	1298 cc
Max Power	175 hp @ 9800 rpm
Max Torque	138 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed	306 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	217 kg
Fuel Capacity	21 L
Clutch	Wet, Multiple Discs, Hydraulic Operated

2. Yamaha YZF-R1 (1998)

Photo Credit: @collectingcars

In 1998, the Yamaha YZF-R1 was released. The 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1 4XV model had an entirely new design with a stunning look, incredible performance, and competitive handling. Until the early 2000s, this Yamaha model was unopposed as the ideal carburetor-powered sports bike.

The YZF-R1 4XV ran on a 998 cc inline-four cylinder engine capable of horsepower of 140 hp and a torque of 83 lb-ft. After flat slide carbs and race exhausts were installed, the YZF-R1 4XV’s engine became capable of horsepower of 148 hp.

Engine	Four-Stroke, Transverse Four-Cylinder, DOHC, Five Valves per Cylinder
Capacity	998 cc
Max Power	148 hp @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque	108 Nm @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed	277.2 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	192 kg
Fuel Capacity	18 L
Clutch	Wet, Multiple Discs, Cable Operated

3. Honda VFR 800 (1998)

Photo Credit: @wisc.edu

Released in 1998, the Honda VFR distinguished itself from other bikes due to its V4 engine and dual-integrated braking system. The motorcycle is capable of a torque of 82 Nm and a horsepower of 110 hp at 10500 rpm. The VFR 800 is capable of reaching a top speed of 235 km/h.

The Honda VFR's most popular feature was the pleasant noise its engine made.

Engine	Four-Stroke, Four-Cylinder, 90°, V4
Capacity	781 cc
Max Power	110 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque	82 Nm @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed	235 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	208 kg
Fuel Capacity	20.8 L
Clutch	Wet, Multiple Discs, Cable Operated

4. Bimota V-Due 500 (1997)

Photo Credit: @visordown

The Bimota V-Due 500 was released in 1997, is fitted with a 500 cc two-stroke, V-twin engine. The V-Due 500 became the first two-stroke motorcycle to include an electronically regulated direct fuel injection system. Its other features also included a cassette-type gearbox and a dry clutch. The Bimota V-Due 500 had a higher power-to-weight ratio than nearly all sports motorcycles at the time.

The initial batch of 150 motorcycles in production suffered from oil leaks, malfunctioning pistons, and inconsistent power delivery. After fixing the issues, Bimota managed to sell 26 units in 1999.

Engine	Two-Stroke, 90°, V-Twin
Capacity	499 cc
Max Power	105 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque	90 Nm @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed	265 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	176 kg
Fuel Capacity	20 L
Clutch	Dry, Hydraulic Operated

5. Suzuki Bandit 600 (1995)

Photo Credit: @Dynomite Motorcycles

In 1995, the Suzuki Bandit 600 was released. This Suzuki model had a GSX600F sport-tourer engine, a basic steel tube frame, a single headlight, no fairing, and all-around standard running gear. Its reliable and fuel-efficient oil-cooled engine could produce a horsepower of 77 bhp.

The non-adjustable front forks were equipped with sliding-caliper twin-piston brakes, while the rear suspension included a monoshock linkage with an adjustable shock absorber.

The Bandit 600 was faster and more efficient than the inline-four vehicles from the 1980s.

Engine	Four-Stroke, Transverse Four-Cylinder, DOHC, Four Valves per Cylinder
Capacity	599 cc
Max Power	77 hp @ 10400 rpm
Max Torque	54 Nm @ 9500
Top Speed	206.3 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	196 kg
Fuel Capacity	19 L

Also Read: Sports Motorcycles vs Cruisers

6. Kawasaki ZX-7R (1996)

Photo Credit: @iconicmotorbikeauctions

The Kawasaki ZX-7R was launched in 1996. The ZX-7R’s design was inspired by its predecessor, the ZXR750. However, it had a new 748 cc engine with a shorter stroke, upgraded chassis, and improved bodywork.

For four years after its initial release, the ZX-7R’s original design issues were gradually fixed and improved. This results in a smooth ride with little to no complaints. Unusable mirrors and offering an ergonomically sound cockpit were a couple of the problems Kawasaki addressed throughout the years.

Engine	Six-Stroke, Transverse Six-Cylinder, DOHC, Four Valves per Cylinder
Capacity	748 cc
Max Power	111.9 hp @ 11700 rpm
Max Torque	75.3 Nm @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed	268.2 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	203.4 kg
Fuel Capacity	18 L
Clutch	Wet, Multiple Discs, Cable Operated

7. Ducati 916 (1994)

Photo Credit: @motorcyclenews

The Ducati 916 is a fully faired sport bike produced from 1994 to 1998. The Ducati 916 is powered by a 916 cc fuel-injected, four-valve, 90° liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with a single-sided swingarm and USD forks.

The Ducati 916’s has an overall weight of 198 kg, can reach a top speed of 255 km/h, and can achieve a horsepower of slightly over 100 hp.

The Ducati 916 has twin horizontal headlamps, a front fairing, a streamlined frame, a single-sided swingarm, and twin silencers underneath the seat.

British racer Carl Fogarty rode a Ducati 916 and won the WSBK Championship five times during the 1990s. 916 was more difficult and expensive to maintain than more practical equipment, but it was still the most stunning thing to ride on.

Engine	Six-Stroke, 90° L Twin Cylinder, DOHC, Six Valves per Cylinder, Belt Driven
Capacity	916 cc
Max Power	114 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque	90 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed	255 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	198 kg
Fuel Capacity	17 L
Clutch	Dry, Multiplate

8. Suzuki RGV250M (1992)

Photo Credit: @raresportbikesforsale

The Suzuki RGV250M was released in 1992. The early 1990s was a golden era for sports 250. There were plenty of hot two-stroke 250s available to select from.

The RGV250M proved better than the K and L versions due to having more durable armor.

The Suzuki RGV250M ran on a V-Twin engine that could produce a horsepower of 61 bhp with two-stroke tuners that could increase the power output, but would sharply reduce engine life.

Engine	Two-Stroke, Two-Cylinder, V-Twin
Capacity	249 cc
Max Power	61 hp @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque	40 Nm @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed	205.4 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed, Constant Mesh
Dry Weight	128.4 kg
Fuel Capacity	17 L
Clutch	Wet, Multiplate

9. Honda CBR900RR FireBlade (1992)

Photo Credit: @webbikeworld

The Honda CBR900RR Fire Blade jumpstarted the sports bike industry during the 1990s. Being far lighter than similar large-displacement bikes, this Honda set the standard for lightweight models in the superbike class.

Though it did not introduce innovative motorcycle technology, the Honda Fire Blade’s design has remained popular to the present day.

Honda selected a 16-inch front wheel to give it an advantage in the handling arena. It was a mix of a lightweight combined with enough power to bring it all to life.

Engine	Four-Stroke, Transverse Four-Cylinder, DOHC, Four Valve per Cylinder
Capacity	893 cc
Max Power	122 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque	88 Nm @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed	264 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	185 kg
Fuel Capacity	18 L
Clutch	Wet, Multiple Discs, Cable Operated

10. Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 (1990)

Photo Credit: @behance

From 1990 to 2001, Kawasaki produced the ZZ-R1100 or the ZX-11. Until 1996, the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 was the fastest production motorbike with a top speed of 272-283 km/h.

1990 ZZ-R1100 ran on a 1052 cc engine capable of producing a horsepower of 147 hp. This Kawasaki model had more comfy and plush suspensions and an aluminum frame which reduced its dry weight to 228 kg.

Engine	Four-Stroke, Transverse Four-Cylinder, DOHC, Four Valves per Cylinder
Capacity	1052 cc
Max Power	147 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque	110 Nm @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed	285 km/h
Transmission	Six-Speed
Dry Weight	228 kg
Fuel Capacity	21 L
Clutch	Wet, Multi Disc

11. Last Words

The 1990s was a true golden age for sports motorcycles. From Suzuki to Honda, all the sports bikes discussed were considered great innovations in the motorcycle industry. Motorbikes from the 1990s were aerodynamic, reliable, lightweight, and thrilling. If you wish to improve your sports bike overall look, you can add new luggage like saddlebags, tail bag, backpack, and tank bag.