What is the fastest motorcycle?

Determining the absolute "fastest motorcycle" is tricky because different tracks, conditions, and modifications can significantly impact top speed. However, several contenders consistently vie for the title, generally achieving speeds exceeding 400 km/h (250 mph). These typically fall into the categories of highly modified production bikes or purpose-built streamliners.

Here's what we can say about the fastest motorcycles:

• Streamliners: These aren't street-legal motorcycles but rather purpose-built machines designed for maximum speed. They often resemble rockets on wheels, prioritizing aerodynamics above all else. These hold the outright speed records, regularly exceeding 600 km/h (370 mph) in land speed racing events like the Bonneville Salt Flats. These aren't motorcycles in the traditional sense, however.

• Modified Production Bikes: Highly tuned and modified versions of production motorcycles (like certain superbikes) can reach incredibly high speeds on closed tracks. These bikes often involve significant engine modifications, aerodynamic enhancements, and lightweighting. While not reaching streamliner speeds, they can easily surpass 350 km/h (220 mph). Specific models frequently mentioned in this context are usually variations of high-performance bikes from manufacturers such as Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Ducati – but precise top speed claims should always be viewed with skepticism unless they come from verified speed trials.

• No Single Definite Winner: There's no single definitive answer to which production-based motorcycle is the fastest. The speed achieved depends heavily on the conditions, modifications made, and the specific rider. Claims should be viewed cautiously unless backed by official speed trial results from reputable organizations.

In short, while streamliners hold the overall land speed records, the title of "fastest motorcycle," in the more conventional sense, remains a contentious and context-dependent one.