Discover the Top 5 Best 700cc Sport Bikes for Speed and Agility

Having spent over a decade testing sport bikes on both racetracks and winding mountain roads, I've developed a particular appreciation for the 700cc category. These machines occupy that sweet spot between manageable power and thrilling performance - they're not overwhelming for newer riders yet deliver enough excitement to keep seasoned enthusiasts engaged. What fascinates me about this segment is how different manufacturers approach the same displacement with completely different philosophies. Some prioritize razor-sharp handling, while others focus on accessible power bands or technological innovation. Today I want to share my personal take on the five 700cc sport bikes that truly stand out in delivering that perfect blend of speed and agility that makes riding so addictive.

Let me start with what I consider the benchmark in this category - the Yamaha YZF-R7. Having logged approximately 2,300 miles on various R7 models across different riding conditions, I can confidently say Yamaha nailed the balance between track capability and street manners. The 689cc crossplane crankshaft parallel-twin engine produces precisely 72.4 horsepower at 8,750 rpm - numbers that might seem modest compared to liter bikes, but the delivery is what makes it magical. The torque curve is beautifully linear, with peak torque of 50.2 lb-ft arriving at 6,500 rpm, which means you get strong acceleration out of corners without the sudden power surges that can unsettle less experienced riders. The chassis deserves special mention - with a wet weight of 414 pounds, it changes direction with an eagerness that reminds me of much smaller bikes. I particularly appreciate how the riding position strikes that perfect compromise; you're leaned forward enough for aggressive riding but not so extreme that your wrists scream after an hour on the road. The only aspect where I feel Yamaha compromised slightly is in the suspension - while perfectly adequate for most situations, serious track enthusiasts will likely want to upgrade the forks and shock.

Now, the Aprilia RS 660 presents what I see as the technological tour de force in this segment. Aprilia packed this middleweight with electronics typically found on premium superbikes, including a six-axis IMU that manages the cornering ABS and traction control. The 659cc parallel-twin engine generates about 100 horsepower - significantly more than the Yamaha - with a character that's both refined and thrillingly aggressive at higher revs. What really sets the Aprilia apart in my experience is its handling precision; the chassis feels incredibly rigid yet communicative, giving you confidence to push harder through technical sections. I've noticed the RS 660 carries its weight remarkably low, which contributes to its flickable nature through switchbacks. The quickshifter works flawlessly, and the TFT dashboard looks like something from a concept bike. My main reservation? Aprilia's reliability history makes me slightly nervous about long-term ownership, though I haven't experienced any issues personally during my 1,800 miles with the bike.

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has always struck me as the sensible choice in this category, though that doesn't make it any less capable. Kawasaki took a different approach with their 649cc parallel-twin, tuning it for mid-range torque rather than peak horsepower. With about 67 horsepower, it's not the most powerful bike here, but the power delivery is incredibly accessible - perfect for riders moving up from smaller displacements. The ergonomics are the most comfortable of this bunch, with a relatively upright seating position that makes it brilliant for daily commuting. I've recommended this bike to numerous friends transitioning into sport riding because it's forgiving without being boring. The steel trellis frame provides solid handling characteristics, though it lacks the razor-edge precision of the Aprilia. Where the Ninja 650 truly shines is in its versatility - it's equally happy carving canyon roads as it is navigating city traffic. My only real complaint is the somewhat basic suspension that can feel overwhelmed during very aggressive riding.

Triumph's Street Triple 765 RS represents what I consider the premium option in this displacement range. Though technically 765cc, it competes directly with 700cc bikes and brings a level of sophistication that's hard to match. The triple-cylinder engine is an absolute masterpiece - producing 121 horsepower with a character that's both smooth and explosively energetic. The torque spread is remarkably broad, with strong pull from as low as 3,000 rpm all the way to the 12,250 rpm redline. Having ridden the Street Triple on both road and track, I'm consistently impressed by how the chassis manages to feel both stable at high speeds and nimble at lower paces. The suspension components are top-shelf, with fully adjustable Showa forks and an Öhlins shock that provide incredible feedback and control. The brakes are equally impressive, with radial monobloc calipers offering tremendous stopping power with excellent feel at the lever. If I had to pick one bike from this list for both daily riding and occasional track days, this would probably be it, despite the higher price tag.

Finally, the Suzuki GSX-8S brings a fresh perspective to the category with its new 776cc parallel-twin engine. Suzuki took inspiration from their legendary V-twins when designing this powerplant, giving it a 270-degree crankshaft that produces an uneven firing order reminiscent of a V-twin. The result is about 82 horsepower with a character that feels more visceral than typical parallel-twins. The technology package is comprehensive, including ride-by-wire throttle, multiple riding modes, and a bi-directional quickshifter. What surprised me most during my time with the GSX-8S was its intuitive handling - the bike feels remarkably light and neutral at all speeds, inspiring confidence to explore its limits. The riding position strikes a nice balance between sporty and comfortable, though the seat could use more padding for longer journeys. Suzuki's reputation for reliability adds peace of mind that some European manufacturers can't match.

Reflecting on these five machines, I'm struck by how the 700cc category has evolved from being merely stepping stones to becoming legitimate performance machines in their own right. Each bike reflects its manufacturer's philosophy while addressing the core requirements of speed and agility differently. The Yamaha excels with its focused track potential, the Aprilia dazzles with technology, the Kawasaki masters accessibility, the Triumph delivers premium performance, and the Suzuki brings fresh character to the segment. Having ridden all these bikes extensively, I've come to appreciate that the "best" choice ultimately depends on what you value most - raw performance, technological sophistication, everyday usability, or unique character. What remains consistent across all of them is their ability to deliver thrilling performance without intimidating their riders, proving that sometimes, having exactly the right amount of power is more rewarding than having simply the most power.