A Miata that Can Reach 13,000 RPM!

The 13,000-RPM Mazda Miata Powered by a Motorcycle Engine

For anyone who’s ever dismissed the Mazda Miata as underpowered or too “cute” to be fast, YouTuber ReedMakeCar has built something that will flip your perspective on its head. Taking his NB Miata from a leisurely 7,000-rpm redline to a dizzying 13,000, Reed decided a standard Miata just wasn’t enough for him. His solution? Swap in the screaming engine from a 2008 Honda CBR1000RR superbike. The result is one of the wildest Miatas on the road, packing motorcycle agility into a compact roadster shell.

Heart of the Build: 13,000 RPM & a 1.0-liter 4-cylinder

The Honda CBR1000RR 1.0 liter engine Reed chose for this build is known for its power, delivering 175–180 hp on the bike itself. After installation, his Miata’s final dyno numbers came out to 160 horsepower and 80 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the Miata’s original 1.8-liter engine, which produces 140 hp and 119 lb-ft, the new setup might sound less torquey, but don’t be fooled: this car definitely has potential, especially considering it’s now a featherweight machine with all the weight reduction Reed did. What’s particularly thrilling is the rev range. While most Miatas redline around 7,000 rpm, Reed’s engine swap lets him push it all the way to 13,000, giving the car a whole new, aggressive character.

Look at where the gas tank had to be placed. You need to open the trunk in order to top up on gas. It might not be convenient but I like it for some reason!

The Thrill & the Challenge of Motorbike Power

Swapping in a motorcycle engine isn’t as simple as dropping it in and calling it a day. Unlike car engines, motorcycle engines are designed for bikes’ lighter frames and smaller demands, so Reed had to work around the Miata’s weight and power delivery to make this build functional, especially considering the Miata is significantly heavier than a 439-pound Honda CBR1000RR. With the 160-hp superbike engine, Reed’s Miata is by no means sluggish, but it’s not that fast either, but he’s had to modify everything from exhaust to electronics to handle the demands of a more intense rev range. And even then, he mentions that the experience is still “visceral” – earplugs are recommended, as the sound levels can be intense.

What’s Next?

Reed’s not done yet. While the 160 hp and high-revving character have given him a Miata that stands out, he’s already planning his next modification: adding a turbocharger. The extra boost will give this Miata the torque it lacks at low rpm, and it’ll push the car’s performance into an entirely new league. If you’re a Miata fan or simply into unique builds, keep an eye out for this project’s evolution – ReedMakeCar’s Miata is a testament to the endless possibilities of car modification and the lengths one enthusiast will go to create the ultimate driving experience.

For the Miata and motorcycle communities, Reed’s creation is something of a bridge between two worlds. It’s part hot rod, part superbike – but all about pushing the boundaries. This build is not only a tribute to Miata’s lightweight, adaptable design but also to the incredible potential of motorcycle engines when paired with the right chassis. And this has been done before in Mini Coopers with Hayabusa engines for instance. Whether or not you’re a fan of the Miata, it’s hard not to admire the ingenuity and effort that went into this machine. Reed’s build reminds us that car culture is about freedom, creativity, and, above all, fun – and that’s something every gearhead can appreciate.

Cited Sources:

​MotorTrend.com, TheDrive.com