To say Carl Fogarty knows a thing or two about superbikes would be one of the biggest understatements of all time.
The four-time world champion, a long-time brand ambassador for Bikesure, raced some of the most iconic machines during his glittering career. But what bikes does he think will become as revered as some of those he rode in the years to come?
Foggy sat down to take a look into his crystal ball to predict what superbikes released over the last 10 years will become future classics – and shared his thoughts for you to enjoy and debate over.
Carl Fogarty on his superbike selection
I’ve tried to focus on bikes that are relevant to me, so there’s a focus on superbikes because that’s what I raced.
Iconic bikes from my era were the RC30 Honda or, arguably, the most iconic bike of all, a Ducati 916. But here’s seven more recent bikes that I think will be future classics.
Ducati Panigale V4
I’ve got to have a Ducati at the top, haven’t I? For Ducati, you might immediately think of a V-twin that I raced, but I’ve gone for the first V4 Panigale, launched in 2018, simply because it’s the first one of its kind, like the 916 was in its day.
So, in 10-15 years’ time, people will be saying ‘remember when that V4 Panigale came out in 2018’ and trying to get hold of one of those again will be quite hard.
The technology and electronics are unbelievable and it was something different for Ducati to do as it was based off the MotoGP bike.
Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Released in 2015, the H2R is a weapon of a thing. The horsepower is crazy and the unique look is going to make it an iconic bike. It’s that combination of power and appearance that makes most of these bikes so special.
Yamaha YZF-R1
There’s so much stuff on it – from anti-wheelie to all sorts of crazy things like launch controls. The technology and electronics on these things shows that bikes have gone to a different level from my era when it was all mechanical.
The R1 has been about for a while but this version was relaunched in 2015 and it’ll be sought after I think.
CCM Spitfire
The Spitfires all sold out pretty much straight away and they don’t make them anymore so the bikes go for more money now than when they were launched in 2017.
I think there were only about 150 made and they were bought within like a week. There’s different versions of the Spitfire now; there’s a Foggy one and a Bobber and some others.
But I’ve gone for the original, as you just can’t get them anymore. There might be some second-hand ones about but they’re probably going up in value all the time.
Honda RC213V-S
Like the Ducati listed, the RC213V-S was based off the MotoGP bike. It’s a ridiculous thing and there’s not many around anyway now so it’s probably iconic already I suppose, as it goes back to 2012.
I think someone raced it at Macau, maybe Michael Rutter, and Bruce Anstey obviously raced it at the Isle of Man TT because the rules let him do that.
It’s just an unbelievable thing, basically a Moto GP bike with the number plate taken off and away you go. They’re crazy money and very rare.
Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
Triumph is an iconic brand anyway with bikes, like the Bonneville. But I’ve gone for a bike that came out when I worked with Triumph and I was there for the launch of this Street Triple in 2017.
The engine is now used in the Moto2 World Championship and it’s incredible. Triumph have built a lot of three-cylinder bikes over the years but this one was a new size of engine and when it came out I said straight away ‘it’s beautiful and it’ll win the bike of the year’ and I think it did actually.
It could become iconic because it was the first time Triumph has relaunched a bike at that capacity. I could have put any Triumph in there but this is a newer model.
BMW HP4 Race
I must admit I don’t know much about it but I’ve asked lots of my mates and they’ve convinced me the HP4 should be on here.
I think it came out in 2010 and the bike was winning everything, real powerful production-based superstock stuff. Michael Dunlop won the TT on it and then a newer model, the HP4 Race, came out in 2017.
There won’t be many about so this version will be really wanted. It’s an unbelievable piece of kit, German engineering at its finest, and I think it goes over 110mph in first gear if you want it to. I think they’ll become even more valuable and iconic over time.
Can I insure my superbike?
You might not be lucky enough to own one of Foggy’s future classics. But that doesn’t mean that Bikesure won’t be able to provide you with cover.
If you’re looking for quality superbike or sports bike insurance at a price you’ll like, we can provide a quote that is tailored to your exact needs.
