Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
Naked motorcycles are pound for pound some of the funnest bikes on the market. At their best, they blend power, agility, technology, and comfort in a seamless package that begs to be pushed hard through the corners. The segment is also quite popular these days, which means lots of options out there. You can easily find a naked bike to fit any budget, but here we’re going to take a look at the cream of the crop with 10 models that embody the best of what a naked motorcycle can be.The BMW R 1250 R blends smooth delivery with plenty of power and a nimble chassis. (BMW/)BMW R 1250 R | $15,345The BMW R 1250 R got a handful of updates for the 2023 model year, with a number of previously premium electronic systems made standard. This means the Bavarian naked now features Dynamic Traction Control and Brake Control, and Eco ride mode. Riders can expect plenty of exhilaration from the 1,254cc boxer twin too, with a claimed 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,250 rpm. ShiftCam tech helps to make power delivery smooth, and the nimble chassis means there’s no corner too tight for the R 1250 R to handle with ease.Ducati’s V4 SP2 is an absolute beast on the road or track. (ducati/)Ducati Streetfigher V4 SP2 | $37,995Ducati’s Streetfighter V4 SP2 is the pinnacle of the Italian brand’s current family of naked machines. This impressive machine puts down 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 90.4 lb.-ft. of torque at 9,500 rpm, weighing at a slim 419 pounds (without fuel). It has all the bells and whistles you’d want on a premium bike, including five-spoke carbon fiber wheels, sophisticated Öhlins suspension, top-quality Brembo brakes, MotoGP-derived electronics, and a finely calibrated 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale mill. It’s a hell of a track weapon and an absolute beast out on the road.Honorable Mention: Ducati Monster ($18,595)We would be remiss if we didn’t also mention the classic Monster platform from Ducati as well in a list like this. The iconic bike is less aggressive and easier on the wallet than the V4 SP2 but it’s long been a favorite of those with a predilection for naked bikes.Related: Is Yamaha’s 2022 MT-10 the Best Naked Bike in its Class?Honda’s CB1000R Black Edition is affordable and offers a smooth, sporty ride to any who want to swing a leg over. (Honda/)Honda CB1000R Black Edition | $12,999Many of the bikes on this list are absolute shredders, the Honda CB1000R Black Edition tones things down a smidge to offer a bike that is highly functional on surface roads. The 998cc mill is derived from Honda’s superbike platform, but engineered for better midrange performance. That’s not to say you won’t be able to rip on the bike, you most definitely will. And elements like a bidirectional quickshifter, fully adjustable Showa suspension, an awesomely flickable chassis, and modest selection of electronic aids make this a fantastic package for riders who want to ride hard and keep some money in their pocket.For a conversation-starting engine and aesthetic, along with unending power, consider the Kawasaki Z H2 SE ABS. (Kawasaki/)Kawasaki Z H2 SE ABS | $21,300Kawasaki’s supercharged 998cc mill powers the Z H2 SE ABS, an engine platform that is both arm-stretchingly powerful and smooth. The transmission is designed to handle the high torque of the machine and is robust and reliable. Dial in the Showa suspension components and the H2 SE can easily provide a comfortable ride at a more moderate pace on surface roads or shine on track. It’s equipped with a host of electronic rider aids, and will undoubtedly turn heads with its highly angular lines and rich exhaust note.Check out the new-for-2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo for the latest in an impressive family of naked machines. (KTM/)KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo | $21,499The new-for-2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo pushes the limits of KTM naked capability, with its powerful 1,350cc V-twin engine, semi-active WP suspension, highly customizable design, super-compact cockpit, and agile chassis. Five ride modes allow riders to easily dial in the particulars of the bike’s ride character, among which is a Track mode that gives riders full access to the machine’s potential along with notable touches like an easier-to-read TFT display with larger icons and data display. These features only scratch the surface of what the Super Duke R Evo has to offer, making it a naked worth checking out in 2024.The MV Agusta Rush is one-of-a-kind aesthetically and dripping with up-spec features. (MV Agusta/)MV Agusta Rush | $50,098MV Agusta’s signature styling is everywhere apparent on the hyper naked Rush. The 998cc engine promises 208 hp at 13,000 rpm in standard trim and 86 lb.-ft. of torque at 11,000 rpm. It has Öhlins electronically controlled suspension and Brembo Stylema braking kit; electronic, bidirectional quickshifter; cornering ABS; forged aluminum alloy wheels; a roster of carbon fiber elements; and additional electronic rider aids. Optional upgrades include a complete racing kit that bumps up horsepower to 212 at 13,600 rpm and drops weight to a little over 405 pounds dry.Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 RS blends power and agility seamlessly. It’s the total package. (Triumph/)Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS | $18,895The current Speed Triple 1200 RS is Triumph’s most sophisticated to date, powered by a Moto2-derived 1,160cc triple engine capable of delivering 177 hp at 10,750 rpm and 92 lb.-ft. of torque at 9,000 rpm. The aluminum twin-spar frame is suspended by an Öhlins NIX 30 fork and TTX36 monoshock. Brembo kit brings the machine to a stop. This bug-eyed beauty handles like a dream and comes with cornering ABS, cornering traction control, cruise control, a bidirectional quickshifter, full complement of LED lights, and five rider-configurable ride modes.The Yamaha MT-10 SP blends exclusive styling with a solid performance package at a price that a lot of riders can afford. (Yamaha/)Yamaha MT-10 SP | $16,999Yamaha packs a lot into its MT-10 SP naked. The high-torque 998cc CP4 engine is derived from the much-loved YZF-R1 mill, offering smooth, torque-rich power delivery across the rev range. Quick shift is standard, as is semi-active Öhlins suspension. Four ride modes, a variable speed limiter, cruise control, ride-by-wire with an acceleration position sensor grip, and full-color TFT display keep the machine current while its SP styling gives the bike a unique and eye-catching look. Unlike some of the other machines on this list, the MT-10 SP will leave you with a little money to pay for a trackday or two.
