10 Great Japanese Motorcycles For Experienced Riders

Beginners stay away, these magnificent Japanese motorcycles only shine in the hands of pro riders

The rider community is a worldwide brotherhood. There is no status distinction between beginners and experts, or between those who traveled the most miles and those who traveled the least. We all belong to the same tribe. But when it comes to motorcycles, there is one important factor: the rider-machine relationship. This relationship grows stronger with experience. That’s why it is always advised for new riders to choose motorcycles which match their skill level. However, this party is for the big boys. Here we have selected Japanese motorcycles that perform the best when a seasoned rider is in the saddle. So, let's start the party and have a look at 10 great Japanese motorcycles for experienced riders.

Looking at the data from manufacturer websites, we have put together a list of Japanese motorcycles that are best for more experienced riders.

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Why is it for experienced riders? Because this adventure motorcycle is totally basic—just a powerful single cylinder engine, excellent suspension, and robust braking—there are no fancy electronic rider aids, even the ABS is optional. The only notable electronic features are fully digital multifunctional instrumentation and an LED headlamp. This machine is for adventure enthusiasts who like it raw and depend on their hard-earned riding skills. Powering this machine is Kawasaki's dependable 652 cc single-cylinder engine that produces 39 lb-ft of torque with sufficient mid-range grunt to conquer the most treacherous trails. The latest model comes with bigger discs front and rear to provide strong and consistent braking performance. The tubular, semi-double cradle frame is of high strength and rigidity, and the seat, handlebar, and footpegs are mounted on rubber dampers for enhanced rider comfort.

Motorcycle Type

Adventure

Engine

652 cc, single cylinder, four stroke, DOHC

Transmission

5-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch

Power

40 horsepower

Torque

39.1 lb-ft.

Suspension

41mm telescopic fork (front); Uni-Trak single shock with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload (rear)

Brakes

Single 300mm disc with two-piston calipers (front); Single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper (rear)

Weight

Non ABS: 456.6 pounds/ABS: 460.6 pounds

Electronic Features

Digital LCD multifunction display; LED headlamp; optional ABS

See what we have here for off-road experts: the new Yamaha YZ450FX. This cross-country racer is a must-have for those who have enjoyed the exhilarating thrill of the previous 450 model because the freshly tuned engine has more power across the rev range and 500 extra rpm to increase the top-end power. The electric start system is also there to minimize restart delays in the competition scenario. The latest 2024 model has been thoroughly revised to dominate the cross-country segment with an all-new bilateral beam frame for agile handling, improved rider ergonomics, and an upgraded Yamaha Power Tuner App. The suspension setup of the bike is also tuned up with new KYB forks and shocks that feature tool-less adjustment.

Motorcycle Type

Cross Country

Engine

450 cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC

Transmission

5-speed, multiplate wet clutch

Power

53 horsepower

Torque

43.5 lb-ft

Suspension

KYB spring type fork with speed-sensitive damping (front); KYB fully adjustable single shock

Brakes

270mm hydraulic disc (front); 240mm hydraulic disc (rear)

Weight

251 pounds

Electronic Features

Electric start; Mikuni fuel injection; Yamaha power tuner app.

The Niken is probably the only motorcycle on the market that was declared ‘pro-rider only’ by the manufacturer. And that makes sense because the three-wheel design with two wheels up front is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. The Leaning Multi Wheel Design (LMW) provides class-leading cornering performance with an unrivaled sense of stability. Niken features an adjustable front screen and a redesigned seat to accommodate diverse rider sizes. Power, acceleration, and torque—Niken tops in every category thanks to its 890 cc CP3 engine that produces smooth yet strong power delivery in every riding condition. For the 2023 model year, Yamaha featured Niken with a 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity and Garmin navigation. Like the Tracer 9, this bike also comes standard with two full-size side cases. Unfortunately, Yamaha discontinued Niken for the US market, but it is still available in some markets in Europe and Asia.

Motorcycle Type

Sport Tourer

Engine

890cc, three-cylinder, four stroke, DOHC

Transmission

6-speed constant mesh

Power

113 horsepower

Torque

67 lb-ft

Suspension

Telescopic fork (front); Swingarm (rear)

Brakes

298mm hydraulic disc on both wheels (front); 282mm hydraulic disc (rear)

Weight

595 pounds

Electronic Features

7-inch TFT; Yamaha MyRide App smartphone connectivity; Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T); Acceleration Position Censor Grip (APSG)

With the raw power of a 998 cc engine and a top speed of 186 mph, beginners should stay away; this machine is for those aces who know how to tame a beast when it goes wild. Nourished with the DNA of Honda’s MotoGP champion machines, the CBR1000RR has been the ultimate superbike since its launch. Featured with dual-stage fuel injection, the engine has two sets of fuel injectors per cylinder, which ensures a superior blast of power and high throttle response at any rpm. The maximum 184 horsepower is not easy to manage, hence Honda loaded this bike with an array of rider aids such as five power curves, ten torque-control levels, three engine braking levels, and the latest three levels of wheelie control.

Motorcycle Type

Sport Bike

Engine

998 cc, inline four cylinders, four stroke

Transmission

6-speed

Power

184 horsepower

Torque

84 lb-ft.

Suspension

43mm inverted fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping (front); Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping (rear)

Brakes

320mm dual discs with four-piston caliper (front); 220mm single disc (rear)

Weight

432 pounds

Electronic Features

Throttle by wire; Electronic steering damper; Torque control; Gyro assisted ABS; TFT display; Full LED lighting.

Related: 2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R: Everything We Know So Far

The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is a top-level tourer that can happily travel two-up for long distances. It has a versatile 1084 cc parallel-twin engine, great electronic suspension, and plenty of tech gadgetry. The engine is easy to get along with and has a throaty growl. It also has plenty of power control options to fine-tune the output to your riding conditions. The Showa electronic suspension is great for both on-road and off-road riding. The bike also has Apple CarPlay functionality that allows you to access your phone on a 6.5-inch TFT multifunction display. The bike comes with several rider aids to make the journey more fun, such as heated grips, cruise control, and torque control.

Motorcycle Type

Adventure Sports

Engine

1084 cc Unicam, four stroke, parallel twin

Transmission

6-speed

Power

101 horsepower

Torque

77.4 lb-ft

Suspension

45mm inverted telescopic fork (front); Pro-link single shock (rear)

Brakes

310mm dual discs with four piston calipers (front); 256mm disc with single piston caliper (rear)

Weight

529 pounds

Electronic Features

Cruise control; Throttle by wire; Selectable ABS; 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure is the top-spec member of the V-Strom family. It is designed to take on a variety of road and off-road conditions. It features a 1037 cc V-twin engine, a chassis with significant ground clearance, 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke-style wheels with Dunlop Adventure tires, and long-travel suspension. The V-Strom 1050DE Adventure also comes standard with a variety of features to improve rider comfort and safety, such as a hand-adjustable windshield, cruise control, and traction control. Like every other top-spec model of Suzuki, the 1050 DE too has the S.I.R.S. electronic rider aid suite; besides, it has an interconnected information network (CAN) instead of conventional wiring, which facilitates faster data transmission across various electronic systems.

Motorcycle Type

Adventure

Engine

1037 cc, four stroke, 90-degree V-twin

Transmission

6-speed constant mesh

Power

106 horsepower

Torque

74 lb-ft

Suspension

Inverted telescopic, coil spring (front); Link-type single shock, coil spring (rear)

Brakes

Twin disc with four-piston calipers (front); Single disc with two-piston calipers

Weight

554 pounds

Electronic Features

ABS; Traction control; 5-inch TFT; Suzuki Intelligent Ride Control System (S.I.R.S)

Nobody knows exactly how fast a Hayabusa can be. Recently, a turbocharged Busa clocked 272 mph, breaking the record set by the legendary Guy Martin. This fastest sport bike of the 2000s is still an unbeatable challenge for every other sports bike out there, be it Japanese, American, or European. This rocket on two wheels features the Peregrine Falcon body design, which gives this bike outstanding aerodynamic capabilities. With the help of dual fuel injectors per cylinder, Hayabusa’s legendary 1340 cc, four-cylinder DOHC engine produces a staggering 190 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque. The latest model of the Hayabusa comes with a suite of electronic features in the package of Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.). This package includes the Drive Mode Selector, Motion Track Control System, Engine Brake Control, Cruise Control, Combined Brake System, and many others.

Motorcycle Type

Sport Bike

Engine

1340 cc, four stroke, four-cylinder, DOHC

Transmission

6-speed constant mesh

Power

190 horsepower

Torque

110 lb-ft.

Suspension

Inverted telescopic, coil spring (front); Link-type single shock, coil spring (rear)

Brakes

Brembo Stylema dual disc with four-piston and ABS; Nissin single disc with single piston and ABS.

Weight

582 pounds

Electronic Features

Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S); Cruise Control; Ride-by-wire throttle

The Honda Gold Wing is the undisputed big daddy of luxury touring. This flagship tourer from the Japanese manufacturer is powered by a massive 1833 cc six-cylinder engine spewing 125 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. It also weighs 805 pounds with all standard equipment and a full tank of fuel, so only a seasoned rider can handle this beast on the road. The Gold Wing is studded with some awesome features to make the ride smooth and fun. For example, it comes standard with ‘Walking Mode', which helps the rider move the fully loaded bike in tight parking spots or very slow-moving traffic. Besides, there is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a TFT LCD screen to access all riding information, smartphone applications, and notifications. Besides adding more color to its luxury touring nature, it has a 55-watt sound system with automatic volume adjustment.

Motorcycle Type

Touring

Engine

1833 cc, horizontally opposed six-cylinder, four stroke

Transmission

7-speed Automatic DCT with reverse and walking mode

Power

125 horsepower

Torque

130 lb-ft

Suspension

Double wishbone (front); Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock (rear)

Brakes

320mm dual disc (front); 316mm single disc (rear)

Weight

804 pounds

Electronic Features

Cruise Control; 7-inch full color LCD-TFT with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity; 55-watt audio speakers; Hill start assist; Torque control; Electronic windshield.

Related: Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited vs Honda Gold Wing

The YZF-R1M is actually a street-legal version of Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP racing bike. Though the manufacturer has not said it out loud, if you check the features and components of the bike, you will understand. The crossplane crankshaft technology of the bike is straight from the M1, and there is more. The R1 features the Slide Control System (SCS) from the M1 that regulates power delivery and the bike's cornering attitude under hard cornering acceleration. Also, there is an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), another feature from M1, that works in tandem with a gyro sensor and G-sensor accelerometer to calculate the movement in all six axes. This data is then fed to the rider assistance package for superb controllability.

Motorcycle Type

Super Sport

Engine

998 cc, four-cylinder, DOHC

Transmission

6-speed, wet multiplate assist and slipper clutch

Power

198 horsepower

Torque

83 lb-ft.

Suspension

43mm Ohlins fully adjustable electronic racing suspension NPX fork (front); Ohlins fully adjustable electronic racing suspension single shock (rear)

Brakes

320mm dual hydraulic disc with brake control system (front); 220mm hydraulic disc with brake control system (rear)

Weight

450 pounds

Electronic Features

All LED lighting; Full color TFT instrumentation; Engine brake management; Launch control; Lean-angle sensitive traction control; Ride-by-wire throttle.

The Ninja H2 is an impressive street-legal hypersport motorcycle, but it is not for everyone. It is expensive, and it requires a skilled rider to handle its power. If you are a skilled rider with long experience with sports bikes, and you are looking for a high-performance motorcycle that will turn heads, the H2 is a great option. It is powered by a supercharged 998-cc inline-four engine. It produces 207 horsepower and 104.9 lb-ft of torque and can reach speeds of up to 240 mph. The H2 Carbon is equipped with a variety of electronic rider aids, including traction control, ABS, and launch control. The rider aid systems are powered by Bosch IMU and Kawasaki’s dynamic modeling software for precise chassis orientation awareness. The dash is featured with a fully digital TFT color screen, which connects with your smartphone via Rideology the app.

Motorcycle Type

Hypersport

Engine

998 cc, four stroke, inline four

Transmission

6-speed, return shift

Power

207 horsepower

Torque

104.9 lb-ft

Suspension

43mm inverted forks with adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability (front); Uni-Trak, Ohlins gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir, 24-way compression and rebound damping adjustability and spring preload adjustability.

Brake

330mm Brembo dual discs with 4-piston caliper (front); 250mm disc with two-piston caliper.

Weight

524.8 pounds

Electronic Features

Electronic throttle valves; Engine brake control; Launch control; Traction control; Smartphone connectivity; IMU-enhanced chassis orientation awareness

Mainak is an automobile enthusiast with a special love for motorcycles. He has been riding for the last ten years and has written about almost all the big names out there on two and four wheels. And when he is not writing, he is traveling somewhere with his two-wheeler buddy.