You have spent a season or two on an R25, R3 or Ninja 500; your cornering line has settled, you trust the brakes and the idea of "the next class up" will not leave your mind. This is a very natural stage. But going from 40 hp to 90–120 hp multiplies not only speed but mistakes. In this guide we explain, with data from the Pusulamoto catalogue, when the move makes sense, what steps lie in between and how the cost changes.
Licence first: from A2 to A
Most 300–500 cc sports bikes are in the A2 class; 600 cc and above require an A licence. After riding for at least 2 years on an A2 licence, you can move up to the A class. If you are over 24, you can also take the A class directly. Because sources conflict on the age requirement for the progression, we recommend asking the driving school before applying. A summary of the classes is on the licence page, and the process and fees are in the licence guide.
See this compulsory 2-year period not as an obstacle but as a preparation period. Everything you learn on a small sports bike (throttle control, braking, vision) applies exactly on a big bike; your reaction time just has to be shorter.
How do you know you are ready?
Mileage or time alone is not the measure. If you can honestly answer "yes" to most of the points below, the move can be considered:
- You often use all the power of your current bike and it feels controlled to you; you manage the bike, it does not manage you.
- You have practised emergency braking many times in an empty area, and the feeling of the ABS kicking in is not strange to you. See the braking technique guide for information.
- In corners your eyes look to the exit, and you finish slowing down before the corner entry. The cornering guide is a good checklist for this.
- You have experience riding in rain, at night and in heavy traffic; you do not only ride at weekends in good weather.
- You have had no "close call" in the last few months, or if you did, you understood why.
Track days and advanced riding courses are the best investment at this stage. Taking a course on your current bike before moving to a more powerful one is far more productive than taking it after the move.
Where do you stand today?
Some of the A2 sports bikes in the catalogue:
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha R25 | 249 | 35.5 | 169 | 780 | 491,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Yamaha R3 | 321 | 41.4 | 169 | 780 | 641,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
| KTM RC 390 | 373 | 43.5 | 158 | 824 | 428,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| CFMoto 450SR | 449 | 46.3 | 168 | 785 | 489,600 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Kawasaki Ninja 500 | 451 | 44.8 | 171 | 785 | 618,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda CBR500R | 471 | 46.9 | 192 | 785 | 623,250 TL (Oct 2026) |
Bikes in this class are in the range of 41–47 hp and 160–190 kg. The Yamaha R3 produces 41.4 hp, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 44.8 hp and the Honda CBR500R 46.9 hp. If you are on a 250 right now and your A2 period has not run out, the first step may be not a 600 but the 450–500 cc models in this table. In the Ninja 500 vs CBR500R comparison you can see two popular options side by side.
The middle step: 70–95 hp
When you move to A, you do not have to jump straight to a 120 hp supersport. The most sensible part of the class is the 70–95 hp band: still usable on the road, but clearly more powerful than a 500.
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto 675SR-R | 675 | 93.9 | 70 | 189 | 810 | 599,800 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Suzuki GSX-8R | 776 | 81.8 | 78 | 205 | 810 | 689,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Triumph Daytona 660 | 660 | 93.7 | 69 | 201 | 810 | 692,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Kawasaki Ninja 650 | 649 | 67.3 | 64 | 193 | 790 | 775,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Aprilia RS 660 | 659 | 100 | 67 | 183 | 820 | 799,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda CBR650R | 649 | 93.9 | 63 | 209 | 810 | 885,750 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Yamaha R7 | 689 | 72.4 | 67 | 188 | 835 | 981,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
With 67.3 hp and a 790 mm seat, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is the gentlest transition in this table; 775,000 TL (October 2026 list price). With its high handlebar and comfortable position it also suits daily use. The Suzuki GSX-8R offers a strong midrange with 81.8 hp and 78 Nm; 689,000 TL (October 2026 list price).
If you want a sportier character, the Triumph Daytona 660 has 93.7 hp at 692,500 TL (October 2026 list price), while the Aprilia RS 660, at 100 hp and 183 kg, is the lightest and most powerful model in the table; 799,000 TL (October 2026 list price). If you are after the sound of a four-cylinder and a high-revving character, the Honda CBR650R has 93.9 hp at 885,750 TL (October 2026 list price). If budget comes first, the CFMoto 675SR-R offers 93.9 hp for 599,800 TL (October 2026 list price) and is the cheapest in this band.
The Yamaha R7 is modest on paper at 72.4 hp, but with an 835 mm seat and a more leaned-over riding position it gives true sports bike ergonomics; 981,500 TL (October 2026 list price). For value for money, the Aprilia RS 660 vs Yamaha R7 comparison is worth a look.
A true 600: the supersport class
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R | 636 | 122 | 69 | 198 | 830 | 1,263,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Yamaha R9 | 890 | 117.3 | 93 | 195 | 830 | 1,238,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Ducati Panigale V2 | 890 | 118 | 93.3 | 179 | 837 | 1,372,600 TL (Oct 2026) |
With its 636 cc four-cylinder and 122 hp, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is one of the few models that fit the classic 600 supersport definition: 1,263,000 TL (October 2026 list price). The real power of these bikes comes at high revs, and the riding position puts load on the wrists and back. The Yamaha R9 offers a wider torque band with its 890 cc triple; 1,238,500 TL (October 2026 list price).
Our advice for moving up to this class: first stay one season on the middle step. On a bike with over 100 hp, start with the riding modes at the softest setting, spend the first weeks on familiar roads and avoid opening the throttle fully in traffic.
How does the cost change?
The move is not just the price of the bike. All items go up a step:
| Item | 300–500 cc | 600–900 cc |
|---|---|---|
| MTV (1–3 years old, 2026) | 251–650 cc: 2,214 TL | 651–1200 cc: 5,719 TL |
| Traffic insurance | Varies by capacity and province | Generally higher |
| Tyres | Narrower size | Wide rear tyre, faster wear |
| Kasko | Depends on the value of the bike | Rises as the value of the bike rises |
Note: the 649 cc Ninja 650 and CBR650R and the 636 cc ZX-6R are still in the 251–650 cc MTV band; that is a small advantage. The 659 cc RS 660 and 660 cc Daytona 660, however, go into the band above. To calculate all the items, use the cost calculator; the full MTV table is in the MTV guide.
Upgrade your gear too
As speed rises, the need for protection rises too. If you are moving to a 600, a good full-face helmet is a must, and it is time to think about leather suit or leather jacket and an airbag vest. Frame sliders and body protectors reduce expensive bodywork damage even in a low-speed fall.
Conclusion
The right time to move from a 300 to a 600 comes when the licence requirement is complete and you can use the limits of your current bike in a controlled way. For most riders the most sensible route is this: gain experience on a 450–500 cc model in the A2 period, then a 70–100 hp middle step such as the Ninja 650, GSX-8R or RS 660 once you move to A, and after that, if you wish, a full supersport such as the ZX-6R or R9. You can look at the options in the lists of A2-friendly sports bikes, sports bikes under 1 million TL and value-for-money sports bikes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride a 600 cc sports bike on an A2 licence?
All the models of 600 cc and above in this guide are in the A class in the catalogue. The sports bikes you can ride on an A2 are those under the 35 kW limit; the list is on the A2 sports bikes page.
Can you go straight from a 250 to a 600?
It is legally possible if the licence requirement is met, but jumping from 25–35 hp to 120 hp seriously narrows the margin for error. Riding a 450–650 cc model in between protects both your learning and the resale value.
What would you recommend as a first A-class sports bike?
For those who want a comfortable position and gentle power, the Kawasaki Ninja 650; for those who want a sportier chassis, the Aprilia RS 660 or Suzuki GSX-8R are good starting points.
How much does MTV go up when moving to a 600?
For a bike of 1–3 years old up to 650 cc, the 2026 MTV is 2,214 TL a year. In the 651–1200 cc band it rises to 5,719 TL. A 636 cc model such as the ZX-6R still stays in the lower band.