10 Naked Bikes That Make Everyday Riding More Fun
All the way back in the 90s, what was known as the “standard” motorcycle class suddenly morphed into the naked bike class. Back then, several naked sport bikes lived up to the name, because they were essentially sport bikes with their fairings removed. Today, the class is somewhat different.
We now have a wide variety of motorcycles that all fit into this segment. From small displacement beginner bikes all the way up to superbike-slaying monsters, there is a naked bike for every conceivable purse and purpose. The one thing they all have in common is that they have comfort-oriented ergos, well suited to everyday riding, and the vast majority are fun to ride.
KTM 390 Duke
MSRP: $5,499
Out of all the entry-level bikes, the little duke would still be our pick if rider engagement is a top priority. It is also the only 390-based bike that has seen a price reduction, with the other bikes all getting more expensive this year.
We suspect that the reason for its price reduction has something to do with slower than expected sales for the model, which is to be expected considering how many 390s KTM introduced. With a wet weight of just 364 pounds, it makes good use of its 44 horsepower. The only downside to the bike is that it is fairly energetic, and always wants to play, even when you don’t.
CFMoto 675NK
MSRP: $7,499
CFMoto has launched an assault on every motorcycle segment, with each bike offering impressive bang for the buck. Expectedly, the 675NK undercuts its middleweight rivals by a fair amount, but what is a little unexpected is the powertrain of choice.
While the 800NK sells for a little more, it makes use of the now infamous KTM-derived LC8c parallel-twin. The 675, on the other hand, is a triple that makes just as much power (95 horsepower), and is an original CFMoto engine. Time will only tell just how reliable it is (the sport bike version has been around for a while now), but we will readily admit, this is a tempting package.
Suzuki SV650 ABS
MSRP: $8,149
On paper, the SV may not seem worth the extra outlay compared to the Chinese bike, but in the real world it most certainly is. Even though it is down on power, it has a peach of a V-twin which has been around for over two decades now, and is about as proven as it gets.
To go along with that tractable twin, you also get a steel trellis chassis which easily compensates for the budget-friendly suspension. All these years later, the SV remains one of the very best middleweight naked bikes on the market.
Yamaha MT-07
MSRP: $8,599
These days, Yamaha plops the CP2 into all sorts of bikes, but it all started here with the MT-07. Over the years, this has become something of a bread-and-butter model for the brand, having sold in huge numbers all over the world.
This parallel-twin has a well-documented reliability record, but it is also a fun, tractable engine that never fails to put a smile on your face. The platform has received incremental updates over the years, but a more recent update gave the bike improved suspension and more electronic rider aids.
Kawasaki Z900
MSRP: $9,999
The Z900 is arguably the best motorcycle for under $10k. It offers a smooth, powerful inline-four engine and a dynamic steel trellis chassis. A recent update has also thrown a bunch of tech at it, making it even more appealing.
The only downside is that it is relatively heavy. It will certainly be a little slower to turn in than any of the true middleweights with smaller capacity twins or triples. But, if you plan on doing longer rides over the weekend, this is a top canyon carving choice.
Triumph Street Triple 765 R
MSRP: $10,595
The base model Street Triple is starting to look just a little long in the tooth compared to some of the more recently updated bikes on this list, but still offers a lot of value to the right buyer. With almost 120 horsepower at its disposal, it has almost as much power as the aforementioned Z, but only weighs as much as the NK (417 pounds).
Out of all the bikes on this list, it is arguably the most balanced option, but for one rather divisive factor. Street Triples have always had a rather distinctive bug-eyed look, and while some don’t mind the way it looks, others detest it.
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
MSRP: $10,999
Through this particular list, you will notice one theme, and that is value. Honda effectively put a modern spin on the old UJM concept with the CB1000 Hornet SP. Just like those bikes, it offers a mighty inline-four engine coupled to a budget-friendly chassis.
While rudimentary, its steel chassis is most certainly sufficiently rigid for spirited road riding, and its fancy Öhlins rear shock also papers over any potential cracks that may appear. In other markets, this old Fireblade lump is good for over 150 horsepower, but the US market bikes only make 129. They still pack the same meaty midrange, and that is precisely what a bike like this is meant for in the first place.
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory
MSRP: $11,599
The Tuono 660 Factory is not the most powerful parallel-twin on the market, but it is the most dynamic. Aprilia has put a lot of time and effort into making this bike as light as possible. Much of the “added lightness” is thanks to its sporty twin-spar aluminum chassis.
To go along with its impressive chassis, it also gets a comprehensive electronics suite, and fancy Swedish suspension both at the front and rear. With a wet weight of just 399 pounds, and a power output of over 100 horsepower, this is a bike that is equally good at handling the weekday commute, and carving up canyon roads over the weekend.
Suzuki GSX-S1000
MSRP: $11,989
Most of the bikes on this list make, at most, around 120 horsepower, and for good reason. Once bikes start getting more powerful, they can become more of a chore to ride every day than a joy.
This is about as close to the sun as we’d be willing to fly (although the Honda can technically make more power) with 150 horsepower. Like the other two inline-fours, it tips the scales at around 470 pounds, which is manageable, but certainly not light.
Yamaha MT-09 SP
MSRP: $12,699
You could very well skip all the other bikes on this list and just look at the MT-09 SP. While it certainly is not as powerful as the liter-class bikes, it is significantly lighter, and has what we would consider more than enough power for a daily rider.
The base model is more affordable, but the fancy Swedish rear shock is well worth the extra expense, transforming a good bike into a truly great motorcycle. But, just like the aforementioned Triumph, its looks are a little polarizing and can be a dealbreaker.
Source: Various manufacturers
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