Speed Kings is an arcade-style motorbike racing game where the player must race through 22 different levels, weave through civilian traffic and compete against 5 CPU opponents. The goal is to earn respect points by beating opponents, which unlock new motorcycles modeled after their real-world counterparts.
The gameplay focuses on building up the powerband meter by colliding with other vehicles or performing tricks such as wheelies, handstands, and big jumps. This allows the player to perform nitro boosts, giving them an advantage over their opponents.