Just a few years ago, some of the most desirable sportbikes were top-tier machines like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, or perhaps the razor-sharp BMW S 1000 RR. And while these bikes are well and truly bedroom wall poster material, consumer preferences have shifted to smaller, more sensible machines.
These days, bikes in the 650cc to 900cc range are all the rage. And it’s easy to see why. Both novice and intermediate riders can appreciate bikes in this displacement bracket thanks to their balance of performance, affordability, and daily usability. And indeed, manufacturers have taken note, and we've seen a wave of fresh models like the Aprilia RS 660, Yamaha YZF-R7, and Triumph Daytona 660 enter the scene.
And here’s the thing—these bikes are rocking punchy parallel-twin engines or soulful triples, and not the good old inline-four. It’s really just the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Honda CBR650R (as well as the immortal GSX-R 600 and 750) that are still powered by inline-fours, and let’s be real: these bikes are getting seriously long in the tooth.
