Japanese motorcycles often populate the affordable sports bike segment. For good reason too, as European brands (like MV Agusta and Ducati) often cater to the premium end of the spectrum. But a handful of these sports bikes across the pond manage to strike a balance of performance, exotic appeal, and pricing. This list offers insight into 10 such European sports bikes often overshadowed by their flamboyant and powerful brothers.

The three cheapest European sports bikes, with 100 horsepower or more, are from Aprilia, BMW, and Ducati, all priced under $20,000. Apart from fire-breathing monsters, this list also has a wildcard entry of an electric sports bike, which happens to be one of the most powerful electric sports bikes of 2024. Surprisingly, it also has more riding range than most of its ICE counterparts.

10 2024 Aprilia RSV4 Factory ($25,999)

Power: 217 HP

The RSV4 Factory is a more desirable and souped-up version of the highly underrated Aprilia RSV4. Its powertrain is unchanged, and the race-derived V4 continues to churn out a class-leading 217 horsepower, higher than the more popular likes of the BMW S 1000 RR and even the sharp new 2025 Ducati Panigale V4. How does it justify the $7,000 hike then? With exclusive top-spec hardware, including forged aluminum wheels, semi-active Ohlins suspension, and Brembo Stylema brake calipers. The RSV4 Factory is also said to have higher top speed than the non-factory bike.

Specs And Top Speed

9 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 ($25,995)

Power: 209 HP

The all-new Ducati Panigale V4 might be marginally down on power and torque figures compared to the 2024 model in America. But clever design tweaks and component upgrades have helped this red-hot sports bike shed two pounds. This enables Ducati to retain the V4’s desirable riding experience while upgrading many hardware components.

The major upgrades include lightweight engine internals, a higher power and torque rev band, a bigger cooling system, and an all-new 6.9-inch TFT instrument cluster. Notable visual tweaks include a new double-sided swingarm and revamped fasica, including redesigned winglets. With a curb weight of 421 pounds (without fuel), the new Panigale V4 sharpens itself as a desirable track-ready sports bike.

Specs And Top Speed

8 2024 Energica Ego+ ($25,600)

Power: 171 HP

The world of high-performance electric sports bikes is very niche as of today. Zero Motorcycles and the Italian Energica Motor Company are the only automakers consistent in this world. The latter has a very exciting offering with the Energica Ego+. Priced at under $26,000, this 171-horsepower electric sports bike is promising, especially with its claimed range of 261 miles (in the city) and 130 miles (on the highway).

That’s more range than what the Aprilia RSV4 offers. The only downside is its heft, with a curb weight of 573 pounds, making it the heaviest sports bike of this bunch. While its top speed of 150 MPH makes it weak in front of the liter-class monsters, it does promise an insane torque output, all of which is instant.

Specs And Top Speed

7 2024 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 ($24,598)

Power: 147 HP

The uber-exotic MV Agusta Superveloce is a marriage of flamboyance and sharp performance. The Superveloce 800 excels in offering an impressive power-to-weight ratio in its class. Its 789cc three-cylinder engine is very energy-dense and produces 147 horsepower. For reference, the Ducati Panigale V2 with a 955cc V-Twin produces 155 horsepower while the Suzuki GSX-R750 manages 150 ponies from its inline-four mill.

Some notable hardware bits include a standard 6-speed gearbox with a quickshifter and slipper clutch, lightweight aluminum swingarm, Marzocchi USD front forks, and Sachs rear mono-shock with all-around adjustment. Tech is plenty, too, including adjustable traction control, launch control, cruise control, integrated GPS, and anti-theft with geolocation. There is also a $27,998 Superveloce 800 S model that differs with a bespoke color option, spoked wheels, an Alcantara leather seat, and a racing kit that includes a tail cover, an Arrow exhaust, and a tuned ECU.

Specs And Top Speed

6 2024 MV Agusta F3 R ($19,398)

Power: 147 HP

This is the most affordable MV Agusta sports bike in 2024. It shares the powertrain setup with the above-mentioned Superveloce 800, down to the performance figures and even the gearing ratios. Even the restricted top speed is the same at 149.1 mph. Everything else is different, though, as this is a proper supersport.

This MV Agusta is affordable because of its humbler hardware and electronic features. Its Marzocchi USD front forks have separate adjustments for spring preload; it doesn’t get a Front Lift Control and is also devoid of the leather bits you get above. These are minor tweaks that won’t hamper its riding experience but will surely tone down its lux appeal.

Specs And Top Speed

5 2024 Aprilia RSV4 ($18,999)

Power: 217 HP

Today’s most underrated liter-class sports bike, the 2024 Aprilia RSV4, is a steal deal for under $19,000. While it doesn’t share the spotlight with the ever-evolving likes of the Ducati Panigale V4 and the BMW S 1000 RR, it is a solid track-bred machine, courtesy of the RSV4’s grin-worthy V4 engine. It is one of the most powerful liter-class sports bikes with 217 horsepower while being loaded with precision electronics.

The most notable ones are bundled with the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) suite, including traction control, cruise control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and various engine maps. One of its significant downsides has to be its curb weight, which is a few pounds higher than its rivals. This should affect overall rideability, but not enough to be a deal-breaker.

Specs And Top Speed

4 2024 Ducati Panigale V2 ($18,995)

Power: 155 HP

The “Baby Panigale” has two fewer cylinders than its mighty brother. But it still produces the same visceral riding experience thanks to a fine blend of sharp design, aggressive race-ready dynamics, and an eager L-Twin engine. The Panigale V2 has been in production since 2020, but it offers the exotic and wild Ducati Panigale experience for a steal.

With a Panigale V2 replacement confirmed by the top guns at Ducati, things will get even spicier by the looks of it. As of today, the 2024 Panigale V2 packs some serious electronic punch. Notable features include three riding modes (Street, Sport, and Race), eight levels of cornering traction control, three levels of cornering ABS, four levels of wheelie control, and three levels of braking control.

Specs And Top Speed

3 2024 BMW S 1000 RR ($18,295)

Power: 205 HP

The 205-horsepower BMW S 1000 RR is among today’s most affordable sports bikes. It holds the European superbike crown, largely thanks to the insane VFM prospect. This is best described as a gift that keeps giving. Be it its powerplant, its hardware and electronic suite, or its sharp and aerodynamic design language. With a race-derived chassis, this Beamer has repeatedly proved its finesse on the racetrack.

The standard S 1000 RR is quite light on its feet, too, courtesy of its 434.2 pounds curb weight. But things get more enticing with the optional M Package, bringing down the weight to 426.6 pounds. The M Package includes carbon fiber or forged wheels, a billet package, TPMS, and many dynamic riding assist features.

Specs And Top Speed

2 2024 Ducati SuperSport 950 ($15,495)

Power: 110 HP

This is the cheapest Ducati sports bike you can buy today. The latest-gen Ducati SuperSport 950 has been around since 2021 and has evolved. The most notable aspect of this Ducati is how easy-going it is. It has a relaxed rider’s triangle, paired with a linear and easy-going 937cc Testastretta V-Twin.

This engine also powers the Ducati Monster, the Multistrada V2, and the Hypermotard 950, which proves its tractability. The SuperSport helps spread the Ducati fever far and wide thanks to its affordable $15,500 price tag. It might be a bit dull on power at 110 horsepower, but its top speed of 160 MPH tells us that it’s no slouch.

Specs And Top Speed

1 2024 Aprilia RS 660 ($11,549)

Power: 100 HP

The Aprilia RS 660 is the cheapest way to join the 100-HP Italian sports bike club. With exotic looks, a very engaging riding posture, and a tractable parallel-twin engine, Aprilia has a winner in its hands. While its power and torque figures are mellower than those of other 600cc sport bikes, the RS 660’s meaty mid-range curve helps it charge vigorously. This is helpful both on racetracks and urban roads. You can say the same about its uber-low 403-pound heft.

Specs And Top Speed