Today I’m going to talk about hooligan motorcycles.
Those bikes that just beg to be ridden hard, to be wheelied, stoppie-d, and generally thrashed to within an inch of their lives. They’re the two-wheeled equivalent of a punk rock concert – loud, rebellious, and a whole lot of fun.
So, what makes a bike a true hooligan? Well, that’s a combination of factors, but agile handling, punchy engines, an upright riding positions, and a certain attitude are all a part of the equation.
These bikes aren’t about comfort, speed or practicality.
They’re about raw, unadulterated riding pleasure.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into my top five picks for the ultimate hooligan motorcycles, although the caveat to that is that there are some honourable mentions at the end that I have previously included in other video’s.
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I am going back to a count down format today, starting at 5 and ending with the bike that to me, holds the title of the best Hooligan Motorcycle of all.
To stop me having to repeat myself all the time too, the following speeds come up throughout the video and 100kmh is around 62mph, 150kmh is around 93mph and 200kph is around 125mph, after this, I will just use the kph figures.
First today at number 5, we have a bike that helped Yamaha revitalise their range.
5. Yamaha MT-09
The Yamaha MT-09, with its distinctive three-cylinder engine and aggressive styling for once matched the marketing, as Yamaha invited everyone to “Join the dark side”.
It is a hooligan bike that’s hard to ignore. Its compact and lightweight chassis makes it incredibly agile and fun to throw around.
The 850cc three-cylinder engine at the heart of the MT-09, has a one of a kind, exhilarating power delivery.
In standard road mode it is smooth and linear at low revs, but builds to a thrilling crescendo as you climb the rev range, but flick the switch into ASBO mode and the slightest twitch of the throttle will have your front wheel reaching skywards.
For those used to a Domino fast action throttle that is fine, but for those who aren’t, just stay in standard mode until you are used to the bike.
The distinctive sound of the triple adds to the bike’s character and makes it instantly recognizable. The MT-09 is a bike that wants you to be playful, to explore its capabilities, and to generally have a wild time.
When released in 2014 it weighed in at around 190kg or 418lbs wet and would kick out around 114hp and 87Nm or 65ft/lbs of torque, and 0-100kmh was hit in about 3.4 seconds and you got to 150kmh in around 7.8 seconds.
Keeping the rev’s high is the way to get the most out of the MT09, with peak torque not coming in until 8,500rpm, but the slick gearbox makes that easy.
Its responsive throttle and agile handling make it a joy to ride on twisty roads. It has an upright but forward leaning riding position and switchgear and controls are well thought out, making longer rides a breeze.
The MT-09 has a range of electronic rider aids, including traction control, multiple riding modes, and even a quick-shifter as time went on.
These features can help manage the bike’s power and that sharp throttle response, but they don’t make it my favourite bike here.
The MT-09 has its own unique styling, and although that has developed over time, it reflects the bikes hooligan nature.
It’s a bike that looks fast even when it’s standing still. But the MT-09 is a versatile and capable motorcycle that’s equally at home on city streets, back roads, motorways or even the occasional track day.
It’s a bike that is sure to provide plenty of thrills for any riders.
At number 4 we have the closest thing to a real Supermoto on the list.
4. KTM SMC690
The KTM SMC690, first released in 2008, is a single-cylinder scalpel designed for tearing up the track, slicing through urban jungles and carving through the back roads.
It has pure Supermoto DNA, with long-travel suspension, dirt-bike ergonomics, and a punchy engine that loves to be revved.
The 690cc single-cylinder engine delivered around 63hp when it was first released and that has been pushed up to over 73hp now, but the early 63hp version was already putting down 65Nm or 48ft/lbs of torque, and with a dry weight of under 140kg or 305lbs, it is incredibly responsive and fun to ride.
With the KTM SMC690, it is about the way the power is delivered and it makes you feel like you’re riding a rocket-powered bicycle.
0-100kmh was hit in about 4 seconds but by the time you hit 150kmh in around 8 seconds you will be falling behind some of the bikes here without some heroic riding.
The SMC690 is incredibly agile and flickable though. It changes direction with the slightest input, making it a perfect weapon for Supermoto, moto gymkhana or any tight twisty roads.
The upright riding position gives you excellent visibility and control, allowing you to confidently navigate through traffic and tackle twisty roads. The long-travel suspension soaks up the bumps and even on less-than-perfect surfaces it is a joy.
Built to tackle anything short of the Erzberg Rodeo the original SMC690 was a relatively simple machine, without a lot of electronic gadgetry to get in the way and this simplicity adds to its charm and makes it a more engaging and rewarding bike to ride.
As with many, that has changed over the years, and not always for the better as you will see.
The KTM SMC690 is a bike that encourages you to be playful, and can turn you into a complete idiot very quickly.
It inspires confidence wherever you are riding, so whether you are carving through twisty back roads, popping wheelies, or just blasting through traffic, the SMC690 delivers a thrilling and addictive riding experience.
It will put a smile on your face every time you twist the throttle.
Next at number 3 we go to the other end of the spectrum where we have 2 bikes not just one.
3. Triumph Street Triple 675 and 765RS
The Triumph Street Triple 675 and 765RS are refined and sophisticated hooligans. They offer a blend of performance and handling, that has won them many friends over the years.
The original Iconic design has now become more sleek and modern, but it gives the bike a premium and sophisticated look when compared to bikes like the SMC690.
This is a package with a powerful engine and an agile chassis that delivers an electrifying riding experience.
The 765cc triple-cylinder engine is a gem, providing a smooth and linear power delivery with a healthy dose of torque throughout what seems like an endless rev range.
When first released as the Street Triple 675 in 2007, it weighed just 167kg or 368lbs dry, and it produced around 105hp and 68Nm or around 50ft/lbs of torque, but that torque didn’t arrive until you hit almost 10,000rpm making this a rev hungry bike.
By 2019 in its final 765RS form, power had been pushed up to 121hp and maximum torque of 77Nm or 57ft/lbs didn’t hit until almost 11,000rpm, but importantly, it had kept that 165kg dry weight, because it is that light weight that helped make the overall package as addictive to ride as it is.
On the 675 you get a 0-100kmh time of about 3.4 seconds and you hit 150kmh in around 6.5 seconds, but by then the engine is just getting into its stride. And this is where old school wins. Without the electronic clutter and new regulations the early 675 triple will hit the 200kph point in just 9.7 seconds, just over a quarter of a second faster than its bigger brother.
On the 765 those times drop off the line, but not as much as you might think. 0-100kmh is hit in about 3.3 seconds but you hit 150kmh in around 6 seconds then the 675 pulls it back because the 765 doesn’t reach 200kph until just over 10 seconds.
Both bikes are responsive and eager to rev, and the Street Triple’s handling is precise and predictable, with great suspension and a well-balanced chassis.
It’s incredibly agile and flickable, letting you carve through corners with confidence and precision.
You do have a real choice here too. The Street Triple 675 is a simpler beast for those of us that like that simplicity, and 765RS is packed with technology for those that want the tech.
The Street Triple’s comfortable ergonomics and upright riding position make it easy to muscle around and it is still surprisingly well-suited for longer rides.
Its compact size and light weight make it easy to manoeuvrer and the refined engine with the distinctive note of that rev hungry triple does add to the bike’s character.
Its a pleasure to ride and a joy to listen to. A bike that’s at home anywhere, but on the track, or on empty twisty roads and mountain passes it comes alive.
The Street Triple is a true all-rounder, offering a blend of performance and practicality, with a little more sophistication than many of the bikes here, but that hooligan is always bubbling under the surface waiting to be released.
Next at number 2 we have a bike I am a bit biased about to be fair.
It isn’t perfect, but what a hoot it is to ride.
2. Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsaduro
The Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsaduro arrived in 2007 and was Aprilia’s attack on the high powered Supermoto market.
It was a stylish and versatile hooligan machine with aggressive styling, sharp lines and exposed mechanics.
It was distinctive and eye-catching on the road.
The 750cc V-twin engine churns out smooth, linear power, making it easy to control and fun to rev. It’s not as raw or explosive as some of the other bikes on this list, but it still provides plenty of punch for spirited riding.
it weighed 186kg or 409lbs dry and is far from the most powerful bike on the list. It hit its max power of around 92hp at 8,750rpm and max torque of 82Nm or just over 60ft/lbs hit at around 4,500rpm giving it a fat, wide, power band.
There was no upper shelf on the torque curve, it just went on and on from 4,000rpm right up to over 9,000rpm, but after 8,500 there was little to be lost and more to be gained by just shifting up.
You get a 0-100kmh time of about 4 seconds and you hit 150kmh in around 8 seconds, so it is one of the slower bikes off the mark here but that is only part of the story.
Carefully selected gear ratio’s mean you always seem to drop into the meat of the engines torque and if you are desperate for a little more power, you will be pleased to hear that you have several bigger choices. In 2011 we got a 1200 Dorsaduro and in 2017 a 900.
My only real gripe was always the size of the fuel tank.
The Dorsa’s handling is precise and predictable. Aprilia took all the lessons they had learned from the SXV project and bolted in their new 750 engine.
What could you not like about that concept.
The chassis was the same trellis combined with cast end plates system they had used on the SXV. It was just beefed up, and it worked brilliantly, finished off with quality suspension and great cycle parts and components. It is one of the sweetest handling bikes I have ever ridden.
The upright riding position makes you feel like king of the road, while the wide bars give great leverage for quick direction changes. I would say it is easy to muscle around, but it isn’t, you don’t need to muscle it about, push the bars and it has gone, the steering is that fast.
Aprilia has given the Dorsaduro a full suite suite of electronics which isn’t my choice, but they have had more experience with it than most companies, and it is more user friendly than many.
Later bigger models had more power and more electronics to help control that power but the 750 has a special place in my heart and is just a pleasure to ride.
It blends the Supermoto ideal with a touch of street-fighter and a bucket load of style.
The Dorsaduro is a bike for riders who want a hooligan of a bike that can handle twisty back roads, track days, or even light off-road use. The Dorsaduro’s V-twin engine is beautiful and the exhaust note will always turn heads. It will attract crowds of admirers and provide plenty of smiles every time you turn the key.
If you haven’t already, just go and ride one just for the craic.
Finally, at number 1 we have in my opinion, the ultimate hooligan.
1. Ducati Hypermotard 1100
The Ducati Hypermotard 1100 is a hooligan’s dream come true. This Italian stallion is all about aggressive styling and exhilarating performance, embodying the spirit of Supermoto, but with more of everything.
The wide handlebars, upright riding position, and minimalist design scream “wheelie machine.” And with that air-cooled 1100cc L-twin engine, you have more than enough grunt to back up the looks.
The earliest 1100cc model was built in 2007 and weighed in at just 180kg or 395lbs dry. It would kick out around 90hp and 103Nm or 76ft/lbs of torque, the Evo SP Corse edition with all its carbon fibre bling weighed slightly less at 172kg or 379lbs, but the difference is negligible and more about cosmetics.
This bike isn’t about straight-line speed. It was built for the curves, and it’s lightweight chassis and responsive handling make it a joy to throw around in the corners.
It’s the kind of bike that encourages you to explore the boundaries of grip, and to generally misbehave.
0-100kmh takes about 3.5 seconds in the right hands, and you hit 150kmh at around 7.2 seconds. After that things calm down a bit but short shifting into the max torque point at just above 4,500rpm will see the front wheel clawing at the air whatever gear you are in.
The later water cooled Monster and Hypermotard are faster for sure, but the early Hypermotard’s aren’t cluttered by some of the extra electronic rider aids of later models, so they offer a purer, more connected riding experience.
This rawness, to me, is part of what makes it such a hooligan machine. You’re not insulated from the road, you’re directly engaged with it, feeling every bump, every slide, every surge of power.
The muscular but minimal design makes it a bike that demands attention and deserves respect. But it rewards you with a truly unforgettable riding experience.
The sound of that Desmo L-twin echoing through the streets will always make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and the clatter of the dry clutch just adds to that. It’s a visceral, mechanical symphony that perfectly complements the bike’s rebellious nature.
The Hypermotard 1100 isn’t a bike for everyone. It’s not refined or subtle. It’s loud, brash, and wants to be ridden hard. But for those who crave that raw, untamed riding experience, it’s an absolute masterpiece.
Well, these are my top five picks for the ultimate hooligan motorcycles and as you can see, its not all about speed or power for me.
These bikes are about raw riding pleasure, encouraging you to push your limits and have a damn good time.
They’re not about practicality or comfort, they’re about the pure, unadulterated thrill of riding.
But before I go, I have to cover a few notable omissions
I featured the Aprilia SXV550 in the 12 more breathtaking Italian motorcycles video https://youtu.be/9frunVVZcHI where I also talked about the Tuono, and both would have been at home here.
I also featured the Husqvarna Nuda in the Maverick bikes video https://youtu.be/VQWQeo0R_KI and then of course there is the Indian FTR 1200, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Ducati Monster 1200, Yamaha MT10 and even the MV Agusta Brutale which could all have been included.
I could have gone on and on.
But as always, I have to stop somewhere.
I may return to do an addition if it goes well.
What do you think?
Do you want a follow up?
Which bike would you choose as your hooligan special?
Let me know in the comments below!