Best Used Superbikes Under $15,000

1000+cc superbikes often cost an arm and a leg, but on the used motorcycle market, these speed machines are accessible to all.

Superbikes are beloved by motorcycle and car enthusiasts alike, because of the engineering marvels that they are. While superbikes typically feature 1000cc engines, some 600cc bikes also qualify in the superbike category. Even cruiser motorcycles feature 1000cc engines and more, but superbikes prioritize speed and acceleration over comfort. For cruisers, comfort is priority uno. However, the high-performance nature of 1000+cc superbikes comes with a hefty price tag.

In fact, the cost of a new superbike could get you brand-new sedan or hatchback today, making them out of reach for budget-conscious enthusiasts. Fortunately, the used motorcycle market is a gold mine. Platforms like Cycletrader provide access to powerful superbikes from renowned brands like Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki, without breaking the bank. Here are some top used superbikes available for under $15,000 today.

We have compiled data from notable used motorcycles websites like Cycletrader to offer the most accurate pricing information for the best used superbikes to buy under $15,000.

We're starting off with one of the best possible used superbike deals you could find. A 2015 KTM Super Duke 1290 R is a monstrous naked superbike, jetting out a mind-melting 180 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. While most superbikes have 1000cc engines, the KTM Super Duke has a 1,301cc motor that takes things up several notches.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

$9,000 - $11,990

$17,399

2016-17 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

$10,250 - $14,000

$19,999

Despite being eight years old, the 2015 Super Duke R has fantastic modern features like Sport, Street, and Rain riding modes, Throttle Response and Traction Control. In fact, you would even get switchable ABS on a 2015 KTM Super Duke 1290 R, which can either be turned on, off, or set to its Supermoto setting, where the rear wheel would be locked up.

There is simply no denying that the Aprilia RSV4 is truly the closest thing to a MotoGP superbike for the masses. The screaming V4 engine in this Italian marvel received a significant bump in 2015, after which it finally crossed the 200 hp threshold, along with 86.2 lb-ft of torque going to its wheels.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

RR

$10,500 - $14,999

$16,449

RF

$10,500 - $14,200

$21,999

Today, the 2023 Aprilia RSV4 Superbike costs $18,999. But for just north of $10,000, you could bring home a 2015 model or above. If you're going to be riding on the track every weekend, this used superbike should be at the top of your list, as it works as an efficient datalogger on the track as well. The RSV4 can even use GPS to track your location on and around the racetrack.

RELATED: 10 Things We Know About Aprilia's Electrica Project

With a massive 1,198cc V-twin making 147 horsepower and 91 lb-ft of torque, a 2018-2021 Ducati Monster 1200 is another naked street superbike that turns heads everywhere it goes. Cutting a robust figure on the street, this monstrosity (wink, wink) isn't just extremely quick off the line, but impresses with just how confidently it exits corners in high speeds.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

Monster 1200

$9,500 - $14,500

$15,000

Monster 1200 S

$10,500 - $14,999

$17,595

In 2021, the Ducati Monster 1200's MSRP was around the $15,000 mark, with the higher 'S' model going up to $17,595. Today, you could buy the same base trim for as low as under $10,000, striking a great Italian deal!

Perhaps the most popular bike when it comes to liter-class superbikes, the Yamaha R1 is almost synonymous with superbikes for the average customer. The R1 is also one of the most reliable superbikes on the market, thanks to Yamaha's near-faultless engineering.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

Yamaha R1

$11,000 - $14,999

$16,699

Yamaha R1S

$13,995 - $14,999

14,999

Starting at $17,999 in 2023, the YZF-R1 might not fall in every moto-head's budget. But on the used motorcycle market, a 2015-2019 Yamaha R1 could be yours for as low as $11,000.

RELATED: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Yamaha R1

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is one of the most popular superbikes for the masses. This liter-class green monster isn't just quick around a track, but also proves to be a great long-distance tourer. Starting from the Kawasaki Ninja 400 to the 998cc ZX-10R, the Ninja nameplate is renowned across the globe.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

ABS

$10,995 - $13,500

$16,099

KRT Edition

$11,999 - $14,800

$16,399

There are plenty of great deals for a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which makes a fantastic 197 horsepower with 83.7 lb-ft of torque. Starting off at around $11,000 in the used superbike market, the Kawasaki ZX-10R is for those who want a superbike, without having to commit truly to constant track days and backache.

This German speedster has always been a contender for the king of the hill when it comes to liter class sports bikes. Sure, we think the post-2018 look, with the symmetrical headlights is a revolution, but an older, 2016 to 2018 model has tons more personality, especially with its asymmetrical front fascia.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

S 1000 RR

$11,580 - $14,000

$15,695

S 1000 R

$9,750 - $14,950

$13,795

Driving modes come standard on a 2016-18 BMW S 1000 RR, which makes 199 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. The S 1000 RR can be enjoyed truly only on empty and straight roads, because on the streets, if you're having to brake constantly, the overall ride experience becomes more tedious than impressive.

RELATED: The 2023 BMW M 1000 RR Is A 205-HP Unbelievable Track Monster

When Ducati released the Panigale 1199 in 2012, it was a groundbreaking move from the Italian manufacturer. Making a whopping 195 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque, the 2012 Ducati Panigale is capable of doing 0-60 mph mark in a mere 3.0 seconds.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

Panigale 1199

$11,995 - $14,999

$17,995

Panigale 1199 S

$12,500 - $13,999

$23,995

Owning the 2012 Ducati Panigale 1199 as a used superbike would be a thing of honor, considering how remarkable this motorcycle is. After all, the Panigale 1199 catapulted the Ducati Brand into their modern era, loaded with riding aids, a new 'Superquadro' V4 engine, and their beautiful frameless chassis.

Suzuki named the Hayabusa after Japan's fastest bird, and rightly so. Through the years, the Hayabusa has almost been synonymous for supersport bikes for the layperson. After all, its 1340cc engine jets out 197 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, making everyone take notice wherever it goes.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

Hayabusa 1300

$12,495 - $14,999

$14,799

On online platforms like Cycletrader, or even with offline motorcycle dealers, one could find a 2018-2020 Suzuki Hayabusa for under $13,000. Today, a brand-new 2023 model of the Suzuki Hayabusa would set you back by $18,799 before additional charges. Be advised, though, the sheer weight of the Hayabusa continues to keep this superbike's handling a hit-and-miss.

RELATED: 9 Reasons Why We Hope Suzuki Will Put The Suzuki Hayabusa GP Edition Into Production

Suzuki gave the extremely popular GSX-R 1000 and the GSX-R 1000R superbikes an update for the 2017 model year, and the GSX-R 1000 took on a more modern, mature shape. After 2017, the GSX-R 1000 and its race-bred sibling the 1000 R, began sporting electronic aids and modern features, which had been sorely needed.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

GSX-R 1000

$12,491 - $14,780

$16,149

GSX-R 1000 R

$12,999 - $14,999

$18,199

You would have to shell out around $16,149 for a brand-new Suzuki GSX-R 1000 today, and over $2,000 more for the 'R' variant. But on Cycletrader, we've managed to find some great deals on this superbike, starting as low as $12,491.

The largest CBR in Honda's stable, the CBR 1000RR has always offered great performance with a fantastic power-to-weight ratio. Armed with a 999cc engine making 189 hp and 84 lb-ft torque, the CBR 1000RR is one of the fastest, most reliable, and stylish superbikes to buy.

Trim

Avg. Used Price Range

Original MSRP

CBR 1000RR

$11,800 - $13,000

$16,499

CBR 1000RR SP

$14,999 - $18,745

$19,999

In fact, instead of spending $16,599 on a brand-new, 2023 CBR 1000RR, you could instead snag a 2017 or 2018 model of this Honda superbike from the used motorcycle market. While you could even find 2021 models under $15,000, a 2018 model would be just as fast. Also, much of the money saved could go into giving your CBR 1000RR some TLC to get it right up to speed with a 2023 version.

If it has wheels and an engine, Samarveer Singh is going to be obsessed with it. He is a budding Indian motorcycle racer, competing at the national level in his country in his very first year, chasing his dream around every corner of the racetrack. A touring enthusiast, Samarveer is forever stuck between the urge to constantly redline his bike, or save its clutch plates for longer.