What are the top 5 track day bikes?

After our recent article where we revealed the top 5 most popular track day cars, The question that is on everyone's lips is 'What are the top 5 track day bikes?' Will Honda be in the top 5? Will Suzuki be number 1? Will Ducati ruin the party? Read on to find out whos top of the podium.

5. Ducati Panigale 899

To the dismay of certain people in the Trackdays office, Ducati just managed to pip the likes of BMW and Triumph to take 5th place on this list. The 5th most popular track day bike in 2017 was the Ducati Panigale, with the most popular model being the 899. The Ducati Panigale 899 as standard has 148hp and 65.2lb of torque per feet. With this much power, it will top out at 161mph and 0.60 in 2.7 seconds. You can pick up a second hand Ducati 899 for a little less than £10k.

4. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

So the number four spot falls into the lap of Kawasaki. The Japanese outfit has been creating sold bikes for years and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is no different. 131hp, 0.60 in 3 seconds and a top speed of 164mph makes the ZX-6R a great track day bike. Models prior to 2010 can be picked up for less than £5k which means they are affordable if you're just dipping your feet into the world of bike track days.

3. Honda CBR600RR

One of the most reliable track bikes around the Honda CBR600RR can be seen gracing circuits across the UK and Europe. The reason for its popularity comes down to its handling and cheap running costs. The build quality on the CBR600 is also second to none. Fully equipped with radial brakes, adjustable suspension and a whole lot of power make the Honda CBR one of the most popular track days bikes. It will easily reach a top speed of 156mph and will propel you from 0-60 in less than 3 seconds. If you're in the market for a bike to use for track days a pre-2010 model will set you back around £5k.

Honourable mentions

Like most lists, top tens and countdowns, there isn't room for everybody. So to try and keep everyone happy, we have included an honourable mention to the track day bikes that fell just short of the top five.

• BMW - The BMW S1000RR is pricey but worth every penny. 188mph and 0.60 in 2.6 seconds. Go on then
• Triumph - Triumph Daytona 675, British made the three-cylinder 675 is super quick and super nimble
• Aprilia - Aprilia has come along way from the RS50. The RSV 1000R is full bloodied and offers a real test on track
• KTM - KTM hit all the right notes with the Superduke R. Fast, reliable and great handling are all present
• MV Augusta - The MV Augusta F3 800 is a beauty to behold. Exceptional handling, 800cc engine and Italian elegance all come together in perfect harmony

2. Suzuki GSX-R600

The Suzuki GSX-R600 just falls short of the top spot but it's not all doom and gloom. The fanbase for this bike is probably the largest out of all the bikes on this list. First released in 1992 the GSX-R600 has gone from strength to strength. More power, better handling, quicker off the line and faster top speed make for the perfect package. There are a handful of performance upgrades that can be added to make the Suzuki GSX-600 the ideal bike to take on any track day. Don't want to take your own bike on track why not hire our Suzuki GSX-R600 track bike.

1. Yamaha YZF-R6

There is one bike that has it all, the performance, the fan following, the handling, the speed and acceleration, the upgrades, the thrill of the ride, all of which cumulate to make it the complete bike. Ladies and Gentleman, we bring you the Yamaha R6, the most popular track bike of 2017. Introduced in 1999 and still going strong the R6 is a riders dream. With a top speed of 160mph and 0.60 in as little as 3 seconds, you'll easily be bringing down your lap times on your next bike track day.