2009 Best Performance Sports Bikes

Of the Ten Best Sports Bikes for 2009, first 6 have near equal performance making the selection process more difficult. Our top 10 list is based on styling, engineering, control, price, availability but mostly acceleration, top speed and thrill of riding.

1. Suzuki Hayabusa GSX 1300R
The GSX1300R is our number one sports bike. It was designed to be the fastest despite equal performance to the next 2 bikes on our list. We felt that its potential is slightly ahead of its competitors due to acceleration, potential unrestricted top speed and ride quality. In 2009 the Hayabusa features the best power-to-weight ratio and presents as one of the sharpest looking motorcycles ever made. The revised engine has a claimed 12% increase in power to 194hp / 145 kW. This bird is said to be capable of speeds of over 303km/h electronically restricted with 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 2.47 seconds. The 2009 model has a MSRP of $11,999USD and dry weight 220kg / 485 lbs.

2. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Monster Energy
This king of the Ninjas offers massive torque, effortless power, agile handling and a comfortable ride to keep itself at the head of the pack in the superbike class at only $12,399USD. This Ninja is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 299 km/h making it one of the fastest bikes for 2009. It is powered by 203 hp/ 151kW engine.

3. MV Agusta F4 RR 312 1078
The RR 312 is not a machine to be bothered with limits or weak points and for this reason, only the best components that money could buy have been used. The 2009 MV Agusta F4RR 312 1078 is more affordable with the estimated price of $28,000USD. The peak horsepower is in black and white: 190hp / 142kW. Top speed is a scary 299 km/h with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just under 3 seconds, but equally disconcerting is its dry weight 192kg / 423lbs.

4. Ducati 1198
The 1198 is a race bike, pure and simple. It is estimated price will be $20,995USD. While this engine makes 170bhp / 127kW and with dry weight of 171 kilos. The ‘R’ model will have 10 extra hp but not rated on the track yet. The 0-60 mph time is less than 2.5 seconds and top speed is estimated at 299 km/h for none ‘R’ version.

5. Yamaha YZF-R1
The 2009 R1 is the most confidence-inspiring bike on this list offering performance and equipment worthy of a really modern racing bike for a very reasonable MSRP of $12,500USD. Power is marginally up at a claimed 182hp / 136kW. R1 is expected to reach 100km/h from standstill in about 2.7 seconds with top speed of 299km/h. Due to its dry weight of 190kg / 419lb this R1 has been one of the quickest sports bikes on the market.

6. Bimota DB7 Oronero
Bimota is the first production bike in the world with a carbon fiber frame and swingarm. Oronero stands at a sizzling 164Kg / 362lbs. DB7 is taking power to a claimed 164bhp, giving one horsepower per kilo power to weight ratio. The bike is available to anyone with $52,000USD asking price. With top speed of 295km/h this bike certainly deserves to be in sixth place.

7. Honda CBR 1000RR
The CBR 1000RR is the lightest at 199kg / 440lb, most compact, and best performing motorcycle in its class, making it the standard against which all other lighter bikes are measured. With 178hp / 133 kW this new 1000RR will provide delicate balance at MSRP of $12,999USD. The CBR 1000RR will do 0 to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds and has top speed of 290km/h.

8. Aprilia RSV 1000
Over the last few years, Aprilia has joined the ranks of Italian motorcycle manufacturers who are giving the Japanese a run for their money with a base price of $17,999.00 US. The new engine is more powerful pushing 143bhp / 106.7kW. A considerable weight reduction to 185kg / 408lb for 2009 has been achieved by using a magnesium cylinder head cover and clutch cover. This bikes top speed is rated at 280km/h with 0 to 100km/h in 2.65 seconds.

9. BMW K 1300 S
The new K 1300 S, the most powerful and fastest BMW the world has ever seen. Engine output 175hp / 129kW combined with overall weight of 254kg / 560lb including fuel. This truly supreme motorcycle offers the utmost in dynamic performance and German engineering. With base price of only $16,650USD this bike will do 0 to 100km/h in less than 2.8 seconds and has top speed of 250km/h.

10. Buell 1125CR
At just 170kg /375 lbs dry, the 1125CR is the lightest street fighter in its class. The 1125cc’s displacement gives this engine the right bore and stroke combination to deliver superbike power: 146hp / 109kW. This Buell sells for around $14,995USD. With top speed of 251km/h (est) this bikes deserves its place on the top ten list of super bikes.

Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars

Hybrids by their very nature are highly fuel efficient vehicles, hence there is a preponderance of them in this list. The average mileage is calculated from equal portions of city and highway driving.

1. Toyota Prius – estimated 46 mpg – The most popular hybrid of the lot, it has a great hatchback body and a Buck Rogers interior. Practical and roomy, it offers a lot of amenities and enough space for a family of five. Only slightly higher in price than a mid-size sedan, it offers the best fuel economy of all vehicles.

2. Honda Civic Hybrid – estimated 42 mpg – This hybrid combines Honda Civic’s style and functionality with amazing fuel economy. Priced fairly higher than a normal Civic, it is a normal 5 seat sedan with electric motors, combined with much needed savings on gasoline.

3. Smart fortwo – estimated 36 mpg – A rear-engine two-seater car, Smart fortwo is an inexpensive car, small enough for two and even comes in a convertible model. A great way to save fuel and money. Fortwo is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the two-seater class.

4. Nissan Altima Hybrid – estimated 30 mpg (manual), 29 mpg (automatic) – A mid-size sedan, it is more sportier than most hybrids, and yet has the heart of a big car. Among mid-size cars it is the best option for those who are looking to save fuel, and yet have a car large enough for a small family.

5. Toyota Camry Hybrid – estimated 34 mpg – Camry lovers will love this new version, cause it combines the beauty and styling of the original Camry with fuel economy and money saving. It has a larger engine than the Prius , ordinary tires and a familiar shape. But it gives 35% more on a gallon of gas.

6. Volkwagen Jetta TDI – estimated 34 mpg (manual) 33 mpg (automatic) – Owners of this practical, fun to drive and cool car report much higher fuel economy figures than the EPA figures. The tax credits on the TDI combined with the fuel economy figures make it a very effective purchase option. Running on diesel, it’s fuel economy is a 40% improvement on the gas powered version.

7. Ford Escape Hybrid – estimated 32 mpg – Though it cannot really be called a car, this Ford SUV is the most fuel efficient of them all, along with the Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute. It’s fuel economy is equivalent to that of other mid size cars, and it has an excellent Hybrid engine. A phenomenal but underestimated vehicle, it does well even on low speeds.

8. Toyota Corolla – estimated 30 mpg (manual) 31 mpg (automatic) – Among non-hybrids the Corolla is believed to be one of the most fuel efficient cars. The new Altis version of 2009 has been made roomier, better looking and much more reliable. It has greater fuel economy figures than most compacts.

9. Mini Cooper – estimated 32 mpg (manual) 29 mpg (automatic) – The tiny-sized exterior hides a spacious interior. It has always been a fun to drive car and also highly fuel efficient. The base – model is the most fuel efficient, but the other two models are also great on fuel economy, even though they use premium gas.

10. Honda Fit – estimated 32 mpg (manual) 31 mpg (automatic) – One of the best mini-cars to hit the world, it’s most popular feature is its ability to adjust the back seats and the trunk bay in many ways, to accommodate family and cargo. Add to this its economy figures and its flexibility, and we have a great small car.