The verdict
No matter how tired you are, no matter how achy your limbs are, no matter how much blood is seeping from the blisters on your hands, no matter how much canvas is showing on the tyres, you couldn't ever want this test to end. Trying to finalise a definitive finishing order took a lot longer than usual because this 8-pack is the best the world can offer.
It's important to point out that just because we’re picking holes in a bike you own, it doesn't mean we’re labelling it a shitter. We have the luxury of back-to-back, long-term testing. If you think we’re being over-critical in saying the Fireblade doesn't handle as well as the Aprilia, we suggest you take a test ride. Rant over.
It’s also worth pointing out this test cannot survive on results collated purely from Portimao. We’ve ridden all the bikes on the road, covered endless miles in total, so Sportsbike of the Year isn’t just a two-day assessment. However, the wooden spoon allocation was a straightforward one. Honda’s Fireblade SP is a decent effort to celebrate 21 years in the game, but it simply hasn’t got the minerals to mix with far more modern metal. If the Honda had traction control, weighed 20kg less, and was priced at similar coin to the ZX-10R, it might be worth a shout. The SP is a cracking road bike though, so don’t let that deter you.
Similarly, placing the 899 Panigale any higher than seventh would be unfair on the other bikes. If you’re after something that ain’t going to threaten continual death, but want thrills aplenty and new technology, the 899 is the kiddy. She sure is pretty.
Next up, the MV Agusta. It’s easy to forget how small the Varese factory is, and the progression the company has made in recently is absolutely outstanding. The F3, very nearly sorted, is a cracking little bike and wants only for set-up and a damper.
Taking fifth spot is the Ducati 1199 Panigale. There’s simply no other bike like it, and we can see why many fall for its beauty. If you’re not fussed about lap times or wheels staying perfectly inline all the time – but want ultimate bad ass kicks – I’d place the booming 1199 in your garage.
As mentioned previously, there’s nothing wrong with the Triumph Daytona 675R – or the standard model for that matter. Flawless in almost every performance aspect, it’s only beaten by the bigger boys. A fine effort.
The ZX-10R was impeccable at Portimao. New rules for world superbikes were recently announced and there’s only positive news for electronic aids fans. In particular, the fact that manufacturer’s software will have to be made available to other teams three or four times a year is bad for the likes of Kawasaki, but great for other makes and models – and Joe Public. Hopefully the software will be drip-fed to the showrooms far quicker now.
And onto the winners. If you want to be a player in this game, your bike has to brag the #4 on the badge. The HP4 and Aprilia RSV4 Factory are so far ahead of the others, so much more advanced, so much quicker, it’s almost impossible to split them. It’s down to personal preference, but the RSV4 edges it by a pube’s width.
While MotoGP bikes have virtually no resemblance to the machines me and you ride on a daily basis, manufacturer involvement in WSB can only be a good thing. This pair brags mind-blowing technology that everyone can use on an everyday basis. To the electronics haters, as soon as you start to embrace the technology, your world will be a better place – ours is.
Over the past 12 months we've heard from several readers who have experienced reliability problems with their RSV4s. Like MV Agusta, and largely down to size, dealer network, aftersales and general UK presence, back-up simply isn't up to scratch and sales really don't reflect how good this bike is. Answer us this – where's your closest Aprilia dealer? See what we mean.
This test is based on dynamics and most pilots will feel flattered by the RSV4. Its pace comes far more naturally than the BMW, as the HP4 relies more on covering the ground like an Exocet missile. So for the fourth year in a row, the best sportsbike on the planet is the Aprilia RSV4 Factory. After an epic test like this, there can be no other choice.