Global motorcycle sales topped 50 million units in the 2010s, and the start of the 2020s brought rapid evolution: sophisticated electronics (cornering ABS and multi-level traction control), a renewed appetite for adventure touring, and the first mass-market electric sport-style machines. With hundreds of models available, a focused list helps riders and buyers cut through the noise.
This roundup identifies the 10 standout machines — the best motorcycles of the 2020s — that combined performance, innovation, and value to define the decade so far. Each profile includes a year of introduction or major update, displacement or battery capacity, power or peak output, typical use cases, and what makes the bike stand out against competitors. The selections span sport, adventure/touring, and everyday/electric categories to help you choose a machine that matches your riding goals.
Sport and Supersport Performance
Sportbikes remained a headline segment in the 2020s because electronics turned raw horsepower into usable lap time: cornering ABS, refined traction control, and multiple ride modes became standard. Manufacturers also pushed power-to-weight ratios higher, with several homologation-inspired specials exceeding 200 hp. Selection criteria for this category focused on lap performance, rider-facing tech, and the on-track experience; these machines are ideal for track days and experienced riders who value outright pace over everyday practicality.
1. Ducati Panigale V4 SP2
The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 is track-focused power with race-derived components. The SP and SP2 variants arrived in 2021, offering race-level Öhlins suspension, a quickshifter, and extensive use of lightweight carbon and magnesium parts.
Ducati’s V4 platform delivers roughly 210–215 hp depending on spec, and the SP2 trims dry weight to about 174 kg (claimed), improving corner speed and braking stability. On fast circuits the SP2 often posts lap-time advantages measured in seconds versus the previous V4 generation thanks to better suspension and aero tuning.
Real-world use: excellent for focused track-days and high-speed circuits; limited daily practicality due to aggressive ergonomics and high running costs.
2. BMW M 1000 RR
The BMW M 1000 RR is a homologation-style superbike engineered for track performance. Launched as a 2021 model, it brings M-badged engine tuning, aerodynamic winglets, and upgraded brakes to a race-focused package.
Power lands in the neighborhood of 200–205 hp, and the aero improvements translate to higher speeds and improved stability under braking. BMW also focused chassis and brake upgrades to shave lap time from its S 1000 RR baseline.
Real-world use: club racers and lap-time-oriented riders who want a near-stock racer with dealer-backed support and race-derived electronics.
3. Kawasaki Ninja H2 (supercharged)
The Kawasaki Ninja H2’s defining trait is a factory supercharger on a street-legal motorcycle. In the 2020s Kawasaki continued updates across the H2 range, keeping the supercharged inline-four as the headline feature.
Road-legal H2 variants deliver in excess of 200 hp depending on year and tune (the track-only H2R is a different, far-more-powerful specification). The supercharger yields blistering straight-line acceleration and sustained high-speed performance.
Real-world use: riders seeking extreme acceleration and exotic engineering; trade-offs include higher maintenance complexity and insurance costs compared with naturally aspirated superbikes.
Adventure and Touring Machines
Adventure and touring machines dominated sales in many markets during the 2020s because they combine long-range capability, rider comfort, and increasingly competent chassis and electronics. Selection criteria for this category prioritized off-road capability, long-distance comfort, luggage integration, and ergonomics. The decade also saw growth in mid-capacity adventure models that made off-road travel more accessible to a wider group of riders.
4. BMW R1250 GS
The R1250 GS is the archetypal large adventure bike and a consistent best-seller worldwide. Its 1,254 cc boxer engine with BMW’s shiftcam variable valve timing (introduced earlier and refined into the 2020s) produces roughly 130–135 hp in recent specs.
Depending on equipment the R1250 GS weighs about 249 kg wet, and with a standard tank it commonly delivers a practical fuel range in the 300–400 km band depending on riding style. Its global dealer network and extensive accessory catalog make it a favorite for transcontinental touring and overland travel.
Real-world use: two-up long-distance touring, loaded adventures, and riders who value worldwide service coverage and a comfortable upright ride.
5. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
Honda’s CRF1100L Africa Twin received a significant redesign around 2020, improving performance and electronics. The 1,084 cc parallel-twin makes roughly 100 hp, and Honda continued to offer the optional DCT (dual-clutch transmission) through 2020–2022 updates.
DCT proves useful on long climbs and slow technical terrain by removing clutch work for less fatigue, while the Africa Twin’s chassis balances on-road comfort with genuine off-road capability. Seat-height and weight trade-offs remain part of the package, depending on specification and accessories.
Real-world use: mixed-terrain motorcycle travel where riders expect true dual-sport capability and useful luggage options.
6. KTM 890 Adventure R
KTM pushed the mid-weight adventure segment in the early 2020s with the 890 Adventure R, which emphasizes off-road hardware in a lighter package. The 889 cc parallel-twin produces about 100–105 hp and feeds a chassis tuned for agility.
The R model typically offers long suspension travel (front travel around 240 mm on many specs) and a reduced curb weight compared with heavyweight alternatives, making it more nimble on singletrack and rough backroads.
Real-world use: riders who prioritize technical off-road capability but still want touring range and comfort for multi-day routes.
7. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
The Pan America 1250 marked Harley-Davidson’s 2021 entry into the adventure segment and signaled a new direction for the brand. Powered by the Revolution Max V-twin (1,250 cc), it emphasizes a strong midrange and modern electronics.
Claimed power figures vary by market and spec, but headline numbers sit near 150 hp in some trims, and Harley offered features such as optional adaptive ride height and integrated rider aids from launch in 2021.
Real-world use: riders wanting Harley style combined with touring/adventure utility; dealer network maturity and accessory availability have improved since the launch year.
Everyday, Urban, and Electric Riders
Accessible mid-capacity roadsters and practical electric models broadened the market through the 2020s by lowering the cost and complexity of ownership. Selection criteria here emphasized price-to-performance, daily usability, and innovation in powertrains or maintenance simplicity. These bikes suit commuters, new riders, and anyone who prioritizes maneuverability and low running costs.
8. Triumph Trident 660
The Triumph Trident 660 arrived in 2021 and quickly defined the friendly mid-weight roadster segment. Its 660 cc three-cylinder engine produces roughly 80 hp (some markets tune output slightly differently) while keeping a competitive price point.
Target pricing placed the Trident in the accessible middleweight band (around $7,500–8,500 USD new in many regions), and rider aids such as selectable ride modes and ABS make it a comfortable choice for commuting and weekend canyon rides.
Real-world use: new and returning riders who want usable performance without heavy weight or high ownership costs.
9. Yamaha MT-07 (2021 refresh)
The MT-07 has been a perennial best-seller, and its 2021 refresh introduced a revised chassis and sharper styling that improved handling. The 689 cc parallel-twin delivers about 74 hp, and the update addressed feedback by enhancing front-end feel and ergonomics.
Its lightweight character (curb weight in the mid-180 kg range depending on spec) and accessible power made the MT-07 a favorite for urban riders and commuters across multiple markets.
Real-world use: nimble city riding, affordable ownership, and a reliable step-up bike for intermediate riders.
10. Zero SR/F (electric)
Zero’s SR/F was one of the first electric motorcycles to offer genuine sport-touring capability for everyday riders, arriving in 2020 and evolving thereafter. Early SR/F packs used roughly 14.4 kWh battery capacity, with claimed mixed-use ranges varying from about 100–200 km depending on riding style and model year.
The SR/F delivers immediate torque and usable peak power comparable to mid-weight internal-combustion bikes (specs vary by model year), and charging times depend on charger capacity; a typical fast-charging session can significantly restore range in under an hour with DC fast charging where available.
Real-world use: quiet, low-maintenance commuting and short-range touring where charging access exists; limitations remain for long-distance riders in regions with sparse fast-charging infrastructure.
Summary
- Electronics and practical usability shaped the decade: cornering ABS, refined traction control, and selectable ride modes made high performance safer and more accessible for many riders.
- Match the bike to intended use: track-focused superbikes (215 hp V4 SP2) excel on circuits, large adventures (1,254 cc GS) suit long-range touring, and mid-capacity roadsters (660–889 cc) balance cost and everyday usability.
- Electric and urban options became genuinely practical: electric models with ~14 kWh packs offered 100–200 km of real-world range, making them attractive for daily commutes and lower-maintenance ownership.
- If comparing the best motorcycles of the 2020s, take a test ride, confirm dealer inventory and warranty terms, and try transmission options (DCT versus manual) where available before you buy.
