Bikes traditionally scored over their four-wheeled counterparts by having a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio. This allowed them to out-accelerate the supercars even though they lacked the punch in the top speed.
1. Turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa
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This is the fastest bike on the list and the only one to have done a 500 kmph speed run. It is also the first conventional bike to have done a 500 kmph run, meaning no other conventional bike out there has done a 500 kmph run before this one. Only non-conventional bikes have gone faster than the Turbocharged Hayabusa. But then that is a whole different breed and covered in another article on the fastest non-conventional bikes.
Now, usually, my list has stock bikes, so why does this turbocharged Hayabusa find a mention here? Well, the answer is that in the conventional upright seating mode it is almost impossible to do 500 kmph. All the non-conventional bikes going faster than this one are usually with the rider in a lying-down position and in a streamlined vehicle. They look nothing like stock bikes. To add to that to do the 500 kmph in just 1.5 miles is unheard of. For reference, the Bugatti Chiron did 0 to 400 kmph to 0 over a course of 3.115 km. The 0 - 400 kmph happened over nearly 2.6 km but the Hayabusa here did a 0 – 500 kmph in less than 2.415 km. See the point? Let’s take a look at the numbers:
Top Speed: 311.94 mph (502.2 km/hr)
Engine: Modified turbocharged 1000 hp engine with methanol fuel
HP: 1000 hp
Torque: Not available
Price: Personal modified bike. Not for sale.
Acceleration: 0 – 500 kmph in ~ 30 seconds [Watch the video to work out the time]
Now let's get to know the man who did it. Bill Warner was the one who modified the Hayabusa in 2011 to do the 300 mph run. He broke both the 300 mph and 500 kmph, barrier for a conventional sit-out bike. He continues to hold the land-speed record top speed as per Loring Timing Association. In 2013, Warner once again tried to do the 300 mph feet within a mile and lost control of his bike at 285 mph. Though he was conscious after the accident, he was declared dead about an hour later in the hospital. Despite a sad ending he continues to inspire the world with his awesome speed run and a record which he holds to date!
2. Dodge Tomahawk
Dodge Tomahawk
The Tomahawk, from the Dodge stable, is an interesting bike which is on the list and yet never did a speed run. Its enormous engine and power will put a road car to shame. The Tomahawk is a concept, and the buyers, whoever they are, cannot ride it, strictly. Dodge can sell the bike only, and they have no permission to sell the transmission for the bike.
This bike has a close resemblance to Batman’s mobike, and owners should be happy that it does not need a stand and that they don't have to balance it on their limbs when in standstill. To do that even Batman would have wished he was Superman. Let’s look at its impressive stats:
Top Speed: 298.14 mph (480 km/hr) [Estimated]
Engine: 8.3 litre V10
HP: 500 hp
Torque: 712 N-m
Price: US $ 550,000
Acceleration: Not Available
Now the obvious question is that if the bike has done no speed run then how did we determine the speed? Well, it is the 8.3-liter all-conquering SRT10, Dodge Viper’s V10 engine which is plonked into this bike. It is the same engine which makes the Dodge RAM the fastest pickup in the world capable of doing 154 mph. If the RAM pickup can do 154 mph then shouldn't a bike which is less than one-third the weight be able to do at least twice the speed? Possible, isn’t it? Well, that's my logic of how the speed of 298.14 mph has been arrived at. Chances are that it could go faster but then we will let this be. Peace!!
3. Kawasaki Ninja H2R
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Here comes the bike that made me change my ranking in 2018, the first time since I made the original list. The H2R created a record of reaching 400 kmph in 26 seconds and was handled by none other than the reigning World SSP champion, Sofuoglu. In doing so, it trumps the other production motorcycles out there and invites comparison with the MTT Streetfighter.
Top Speed: 248.45 mph (400 km/hr)
Engine: Supercharged 998 cc, in-line 4 DOHC
HP: 310 hp
Torque: 156 N-m
Price: US $ 50,000
Acceleration: 0-60 in 2 sec
Sofuoglu had done multiple practice runs to make the 400 kmph run happen. It was carried out at 5 a.m. and the racer was wearing a special suit designed specifically for this run. To avoid tire burst the run had to happen within 30 seconds and Sofuoglu did it in 26!
4. MTT Streetfighter [Joint Second]
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Until the H2R created the new record, this superbike was the sole owner of this spot. However, now it shares it with the H2R. The Streetfighter is a version of the MTT Turbine Superbike, from the Rolls Royce stable. The point to note is that while the H2R could do just one such speed run, under a controlled environment (5 a.m. run, a special suit, etc.), to create the record, the MTT can do it as many times as required, partly due to its jet lineage. I mean, look at the horsepower and torque numbers, and you will see my point.
Top Speed: 248.45 mph (400 km/hr)
Engine: 249 cc, Gas Turbine
HP: 420 hp
Torque: 678 N-m
Price: US $ 175,000
Acceleration: Not Available
5. MTT Turbine Superbike
MTT Turbine Superbike
The original version from the Rolls Royce stable, the MTT Turbine sports an engine which was earlier powering jets.
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