Many riders like the idea of purchasing a high-end superbike from an exotic brand in theory, but the reality is that most simply won't be able to justify spending the kind of cash that could otherwise buy you a brand new Toyota RAV4. The good news is that you don't need to — whether you're looking for a racing-derived liter bike or sportbike power on a lower budget, there are plenty of 1,000cc bikes on the market to pick from. Several manufacturers offer superbikes for less than $20,000, and some 1,000cc bikes are even cheaper, costing less than $12,000.

We've whittled down 10 top picks from leading manufacturers, all of which can be bought for $20,000 or less. Japanese brands dominate the list, but one European manufacturer also makes an appearance. If you're looking for something more accessible, or still can't justify the prices of these bikes, it might also be worth considering one of these cheap 600cc motorcycles instead.

Yamaha has given the YZF-R1 several tweaks for 2025, including new Brembo brakes, and carbon-fiber winglets that borrow their design from the brand's MotoGP expertise. These winglets are designed to increase front-end downforce and make the YZF-R1 even more precise when cornering, although it was already a highly capable bike even before the new additions. Its 998cc inline-four CP4 engine borrows technology from the brand's MotoGP program, while its KYB suspension ensures that its power can be put smoothly to the ground.