Forget parallel-twins, these are the proper headbanging supersports I'd buy for less than £4k!

Some say the days of the midrange sportsbike (or traditional supersport) are numbered as sales of new models slide down the charts and race championships start to question the capacity’s relevance (unless you’re Honda or Kawasaki, of course…).

But over in the used market they are still big news with machines being bought and sold for tempting prices. And who really needs 1000cc anyway?

Read on for our expert guide to sub-£4k traditional supersport screamers!


MCN Best Buy

Specs: Engine size: 599cc / Power: 115bhp / Weight: 163kg (dry) / Seat height: 820mm

Easily one of the most solid and reliable 600s around – the CBR600RR came to typify the sports 600 class. Sharp, agile and revvy, the chassis made the most of lessons learned in MotoGP to make the RR simply sublime on track and excellent on the road. An update in 2005 saw the arrival of adjustable upside-down forks and radial brakes.

The CBR600RR sold by the bucket load so there’s plenty of choice on the used market so you can take your time and shop around for a cracker. You can, of course, also buy a 2024-on CBR600RR because Honda have reintroduced the model to their range in Europe.

HONDA CBR600RR used buying advice

It’s easy to kink the petrol tank’s vent and drain hoses during maintenance work, allowing water to collect in the bottom of the tank. Open the cap and shine a torch in to check for corrosion. Rusty tanks can be a big issue because new ones are expensive and secondhand ones are hard to track down. If it is a higher mileage bike, check it doesn’t jump out of second gear under load. A few hard-ridden examples have been known to suffer from this. If it is a problem or the gearbox is excessively noisy under load it will need a very costly £1800 gearbox rebuild and you will be better off walking away as there are plenty of bikes out there.


2005 Kawasaki ZX-6R – £3650

More Cubes Pay Off

Specs: Engine size: 636cc / Power: 114bhp / Weight: 164kg (dry) / Seat height: 820mm

With its 636cc motor, the ZX-6R was the fastest of them all when it was updated in 2005, with an impressive slice of mid-range grunt and a stratospheric top speed. Although still typically Kawasaki stiff and manic, this era of ZX-6R benefited from more sophisticated Showa suspension, which gave a more plush ride on the road.

Kawasaki ZX-6R used buying advice

Brakes are a weak point as they have a poor finish and are prone to seizing. They also have four pads per caliper so are expensive to replace, especially if one or two caliper pistons are sticking and wearing out individual pads. That means a new £80+ set of pads and a £150+ brake rebuild. The exhaust valve rusts, as it is tucked under the rear and gets covered in rud. It then sticks and sets off the FI warning light. Check it is moving and make sure you keep it clean.


2007 Triumph Daytona 675 – £2950

Cool Triple Engine

Specs: Engine size: 675cc / Power: 123bhp / Weight: 165kg (dry) / Seat height: 825mm

The first and only British-made sportsbike to take on the Japanese and beat them at their own game. Super-slimline and gushing with torque, flexibility and character, the 675 is just as capable blistering down B-roads as it is turning out fast laps on track. Features fully adjustable suspension, radial Nissin calipers, and dinky dimensions.

Triumph Daytona 675 used buying advice

Early ones had a rectifier recall because of persistent overheating, so many people have moved it from the back of the engine to either by the pillion pegs or at the front by the radiator for better cooling/air flow. Engines can be a bit fragile when ridden hard or tuned, so make sure it has a service history and has had its valve clearances checked on schedule. Batteries don’t last too long either, and the bike will only start with a fully charged battery, so buy a good trickle charger.


2006 YamahaYZF-R6 – £4000

Best For The Track

Specs: Engine size: 599cc / Power: 131bhp / Weight: 161kg (dry) / Seat height: 850mm

The bike that launched the supersport segment into the modern era, the 2006-onwards R6 was the sharpest and most sophisticated of them all. The first bike to feature ride-by-wire throttle, the R6 also boasted titanium valves, Nitride-coated springs and a heady rev ceiling. The suspension features high- and low-speed damping control to give it a baffling array of adjustability.

YamahaYZF-R6 used buying advice

They’re pretty reliable but can suffer from clutch issues. If the bike rattles loudly and then quietens down when you pull the clutch in it may be due for a costly £650 clutch basket. Gearboxes can also take a bit of a hammering due to the narrow powerband, so test that it goes into every gear smoothly and doesn’t jump out of gear (usually second) under acceleration.


2006 Suzuki GSX-R600 – £3690

Best For The Road

Spec: Engine size: 599cc / Power: 111bhp / Weight: 161kg (dry) / Seat height: 810mm

At the time of its launch, the GSX-R600 had been outclassed on the track by its Japanese – and British – rivals. However, if you don’t care about every last tenth of a second on track, the GSX-R600 is a brilliant bike that goes like stink, is easy to ride, and sounds amazing. Added to that, its sweet steering and softly sprung chassis makes it a much better road bike than the rest.

Suzuki GSX-R600 used buying advice

The rear suspension bushes wear, so lift the back wheel and check for excessive up and down movement. There will always be a bit, but make sure it’s not knocking. It can be into the hundreds to fix as there are many little needle bearings that need replacing. They had a master cylinder recall which you can check on the DVSA website.