Not Feeling Electric? Here Are 4 Combustion-Engine Motorcycles to Punch Full Throttle

These conventional rides can clock impressive speeds.

By Peter Jackson 14/10/2019

Curtiss Motorcycles’ Zeus Radial V8 produces an estimated 161kW from its YASA-designed electric motor, but there are a few internal-combustion-engine bikes that also pack plenty of heat.

Check out four such gutsy hogs below.

Ariel Ace

British sports-car company Ariel uses the stout 129kW Honda VFR1200 V-4 wrapped in an avant-garde tubular chassis and girder fork design. One for the oddballs and a fine example of British engineering.

BUY NOW: FROM $35,000

PHOTO: ARIEL

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR

The 150kW Ninja ZX-10RR is the company’s special race-approved model. The bike is understated compared to the Ducati V4 R, but it’s easily the best Japanese sportbike when converted to race trim.

BUY NOW: FROM $32,350

PHOTO: KAWASAKI

KTM 1290 Super Duke R

The Super Duke boasts 130kW, but it’s the 141Nm of torque that gets everyone talking. It’s a bike that Optimus Prime would ride and a machine everyone needs to try at least once.

BUY NOW: FROM $26,995

PHOTO: KTM

Ducati Panigale V4 R

Ducati claims 174kW for the Panigale V4 R. In an industry first, the V4 R is so powerful that the World Superbike race version has a lower rev limit than the production bike.

BUY NOW: FROM AROUND $50,000

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