While the other three manufacturers were busy with their obsession with top speed, Yamaha had already effectively cornered this segment of the market with the now legendary first generation R1, but that didn’t last long. Suzuki was the first to hit back with what was essentially a deadpan Gixxer 750, then Honda came to the party with the first 1000cc Fireblade. But when the Ninja ZX-10R came out in 2004, it literally took everything to another level. It was lighter, faster and more powerful than anything that had come before.
In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was taken from several authoritative sources including KBB. While the opinions are ours. Buying a used motorcycle always comes with some risk, so do your research and proceed with caution.
10 Quick Used Superbikes You Can Buy for Under $10,000
If you’re willing to look at a used superbike, there really is such a thing as power on a budget. You also get a lot of variety!
The 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Is the Forgotten Sports Bike Under $5,000
Price range: $3,000 – $6,000
After battling with the ZX-9R for about a decade, Kawasaki was the last Japanese manufacturer to enter the new 1000cc superbike class. Back then, the ZX-10R was like taking a gun to a knife fight. It was an absolute rocket ship. Not only was it fast, but it was also really affordable. More than twenty years have passed since it was introduced at a price of $11,000, so it’s easy to see why it’s not exactly a collector’s bike.
Kawasaki sold thousands of these bikes and the vast majority were ridden through the mud. Trade value is pegged at a paltry $3,810, but we doubt any dealer would even consider trading in a bike of this age. The retail value of approximately $5,500 is more relevant. With most riders turning towards more versatile bikes these days, there will certainly be some room for negotiation when it comes to an old superbike like this.
The 2004 Ninja ZX-10R was overpowered for its time
In the world we live in today, where 200 horsepower superbikes have become the norm, this power figure may not seem all that impressive. That’s why context is so important. This is a motorcycle with no electronics, no rider aids and no safety nets. The only “tool” here is biological: the information your brain sends to your right wrist. Even the throttle itself wasn’t particularly smooth on these first-generation bikes. Still, in the right hands, these old superbikes will outrun some of the newer, significantly heavier modern superbikes.
The definition of “scary fast”
This kind of motorcycle is not for everyone. Although it rewards skill, any mistakes are also severely punished. Throughout the 2000s, these liter-class sports bikes were notorious for ejecting riders who stepped on the accelerator a split second too early, or stepped on the brake pedal a split second too late. Knowing that this was always part of the thrill, simply being able to ride one of these superbikes without ending up in a ditch was quite an achievement.
The ZX-10R is not for beginners
Even when the ZX-10R was new, it was relatively affordable. Today the same is true, but that doesn’t mean it’s accessible in any way. It’s no surprise that you can find low mileage examples like the bike pictured. People quickly grew tired of these types of driving experiences, where almost any fast ride on the street can turn into a near-death experience.
More at home on track
While the chassis isn’t all that advanced by modern standards, it has helped make the bike incredibly light. At 433 pounds, the ZX-10R was actually lighter than most contemporary 600cc supersports. It still makes several modern superbikes look heavy in comparison. A set of decent modern tires and a few suspension updates will turn one of these bikes into a fantastic track bike, and we think it will be most at home here.
There are a few well-priced alternatives
The flaws of these incredible superbikes from the 00s are all well documented today. For many riders, the thrill is worth the potential risk, and at less than $5,000, these bikes are an absolute bargain for the right buyer. They also all come from the same country.
10 cheap used sport bikes for speed junkies
If you’re looking for speed on a budget, consider one of these used sport bikes that promise serious horsepower
2004 Yamaha YZF-R1
With ram-air, the same model R1 had as much power as the green monster. It’s just that the Genesis engine had already reached its performance ceiling, and Kawasaki’s engine was brand new and still had a lot more potential. When they were new the R1 was the second best, but today there is very little between the two bikes.
2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 (K5)
Usually we like to include the same year model, but the K5 Gixxer is an industry legend. It came out just a year after the ZX-10R and was even better. The power and weight figures seemed more or less the same on paper, but on the track it was clear that the Suzuki had a better chassis. Finding one that is in good condition is even more difficult and costs more.
The motorcycle landscape has changed enormously over the past twenty years. We have a huge selection of motorcycles to choose from, all safer and more advanced than ever before. Unfortunately, that refinement costs quite a bit, and often detracts from the overall experience. For the right, more experienced rider, one of these affordable old superbikes offers the kind of thrill that just can’t be duplicated by the modern equivalent.
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