Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
Whether you’re canyon carving or just on a daily commute, these lightweight naked motorcycles offer great performance in an affordable package. The newly updated KTM 390 Duke is as rowdy as they come. (KTM/)With naked motorcycles enjoying a good chunk of market share in the current streetbike environment, riders are increasingly on the hunt for fairing-free machines that can serve up power, comfort, and versatility, but without breaking the bank. If you read our recent Fastest Naked Bikes editorial, you know there are some wildly quick and supercompetent machines out there with more grunt, high-end componentry, and next-gen tech than most of us can afford (or need), so we created this list for the average (or less experienced) rider who’s looking for simpler things like light weight, easy handling, good build quality, and most importantly, an easy-to-swallow price tag. We’ve narrowed our faves to those bikes that we’ve ridden and have proven to be reliable. Have some to add? Drop them in the comments below. Also check out the Best Middleweight Naked Bikes 2024 for options one tier above this group.The G 310 R’s refined appearance, build quality, and robust feature set belies its very affordable price tag. (BMW/)2024 BMW G 310 R | $4,995The baby Beemer is more often than not described as a “starter bike,” but that simplistic term doesn’t really give it enough credit. Zoom in for a closer look and you’ll find standard features like ride-by-wire, an inverted KYB fork, a slipper clutch, and dual-channel ABS, along with cohesive, streamlined styling that gives it a quality appearance through and through. Add excellent fit and finish for this India-built bike along with a 313cc liquid-cooled thumper that doles out its peak 34 hp (claimed) smoothly and predictably, and you have a naked bike that’s a great fit for commuters and canyon-carving enthusiasts alike, especially when you factor in its easy-to-manage 362-pound weight.Related: BMW G310R vs Honda CB300F: An Impromptu ComparisonRelated: First Ride Review: 2017 BMW G310RRefined, easy steering, and one of the lightest weight bikes here, the Honda 300 has continued to impress us over the years. (Honda/)2024 Honda CB300R | $5,149Another supposedly entry-level naked that punches above its weight is Honda’s CB300R, a minimal yet stylish rig that shares its fuel-injected 286cc DOHC liquid-cooled single with the CBR300R. The tried-and-true 31 hp engine may be simple but it’s surprisingly punchy for its size, yet won’t intimidate newer riders and is a good match for the bike’s 316-pound weight (claimed). Honda’s little naked also brings an inverted Showa fork, full LED lighting, an LCD dash, a solid braking system with a four-piston Nissin caliper and standard front and rear ABS. Given its excellent build quality, easy handling, and good performance, the compact Honda is a great bang for the buck and our editor’s choice selection in this group.Related: 2024 Honda CB300R First Look PreviewEven though Kawasaki recently introduced the new Z500, the thoroughly flickable Z400 still makes our list of fun naked bikes year after year. (Kawasaki/)2023 Kawasaki Z400 | $5,399Comfortable ergos, a seriously fun engine, and an agile feel make for excellent cheap thrills, and that’s exactly what Kawasaki’s Z400 streetfighter brings. The wee Zee pairs aggressive styling with a capable 399cc parallel-twin engine, then piles it onto a lightweight chassis. The bike works great on backroads, the track, or commuting, and is equally appealing to both newbies and vets, with an engine that can be ridden hard to its peak of 41 hp (as tested). The 400 stands out with its great handling and fantastic engine, but it’s officially a 2023 model; if you want Kawi’s most current light naked, you’ll need to step up to the uprated 2024 Z500, which also packs a bit more punch with its bigger 451cc engine.Related: 2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Look PreviewSupremely fast, fun, and feature-laden, the 390 Duke should not be mistaken for an underpowered price-point entry-level bike—this thing’s a ripper. (KTM/)2025 KTM 390 Duke | $6,299It may cost more than the others, but then KTM’s updated “corner rocket” brings a lot more higher-quality components, performance, and modern tech to the table too, as written during the Top 5 Things We Like About Riding KTM’s 2024 390 Duke article. Revisions include a modified, more powerful 399cc engine good for a claimed 44 hp, a new frame, and a sharper look, but the 390 Duke also comes with lean-sensitive rider aids, ride modes, traction control, and ABS, along with adjustable higher-spec WP suspension and decent rubber. With 364 pounds to push around, the baby Duke is one of the heavier bikes here, yet manages its weight impressively, making it an enticing apex-slaying machine for riders of all skill levels. Learn more about this bike in the 2024 KTM 390 Duke Review From Duke Fest With Videos article.With its lively 321cc mill, the MT-03 will definitely put a smile on your face. The MT line is also known for being affordable, and the 03 obliges with a low $4,999 price tag. (Yamaha/)2024 Yamaha MT-03 | $4,999Approachable, entertaining, affordable; Yamaha’s MT-03 is all of the above, thanks to the willing 321cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin (shared with the R3) and an engaging, lightweight chassis. Given its connection to the R3, the rest of this naked bike’s specs should sound familiar too: fuel injection, a 11.2:1 compression ratio, and gobs of midrange and top-end performance, with a peak output of 37 hp. An inverted 37mm KYB fork and preload-adjustable monoshock offer good bump compliance, even as upright ergos offer comfort while allowing pilots to exploit the MT’s highly maneuverable 373-pound mass. ABS is standard too, and the $4,999 price tag is easy to swallow.Related: 2023 Yamaha MT-03 First Look Preview
