Honda VFR1200F

There are plenty of alternative all-round hyperbikes

Kawasaki ZZR1400 2006-2011 • £4000–£6900 • 1352cc inline four • 190bhp • 261kg

More of an old-school sledgehammer but just as effective at eating the miles. Superbly reliable, well finished and usually well looked after. Suspension a bit choppy on earlier bikes — forks can be modified for a plusher ride but rear shock needs binning for a better replacement. Early (06/07) models had less low to midrange but there are ways to get it back. 2012-on models got 1441cc, a claimed 197bhp, traction control and switchable modes.

Suzuki GSX-R1300 Hayabusa 2008-2018 • £4000–£11,000 • 1340cc inline four • 194bhp • 266kg

The second incarnation of the flagship Suzuki was no prettier than the original, but just as aerodynamically slippery. Reliable, with massive power when you want it, yet completely civilised the rest of the time. Rear tyres disappear at a frightening rate but otherwise, running costs are good. 2013-on models have ABS as standard and Brembo radial brakes but otherwise there’s little to choose between a good 2008 bike and one of the last 2018 bikes fresh from the showroom.

Honda VFR1200F 2010-2016 • £4500–£8000 • 1237cc 76° V4 • 170bhp • 267kg

If the Hayabusa gets its looks from the wind tunnel, Honda’s VFR fell out of the ugly tree. Add that to excessive all-up weight, wallowy suspension, a small fuel tank, few standard bells and whistles, and an extravagant price-tag and it was no surprise it was a slow seller. But as a used bike, it’s got a lot going for it. Prices have tumbled and the VFR’S best feature — that glorious V4 engine — remains. It is grunty and growly low-down and turbine-smooth at the top end. The soft suspension can be sorted, you can fit an aftermarket cruise control and owners don’t care about the excess weight or small tank.