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25 Best Naked Motorcycles You can Buy Right Now

By Thom Esveld

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Best Naked Motorcycles
Triumph Speed Triple RS

Blending high performance with a unique sex appeal, while offering a raw experience and also a comfortable position for life around town, it’s no wonder why naked motorcycles gained so much popularity lately.

They’re fast, agile, comfortable, and extremely sexy.  After all, the naked bike is a sports bike stripped of its fairings and modified to be more street friendly. There’s more transformation going on in there, but in short, that’s the main idea.

The more practical nature, coupled with the high performance powertrain, make the naked bike ubiquitous.

Kawasaki Z400 bike
Kawasaki Z400

All bike manufacturers have released at least one model, and every biker wants one. This is why there’s a plethora of naked bike options on the market today, coming in different shapes and (engine) sizes.

Since it can be hard to make a choice, we’ve taken the time to analyze what’s out there and narrowed down the list from a few hundreds to only a select few. Well, a little bit more than just a few.

So, here are our 25 favorite naked motorcycles you can buy right now:

25. Energica Eva Ribelle

Energica Eva Ribelle

An electric beast, the Energica Eva Ribelle is nothing else than the stripped down version of the electric EGO superbike that’s used in the FIM MotoE world cup.

The Italian bike weighs a little bit more than usual for its class at 585 lbs, but you don’t feel it once you open up the throttle. And speaking of that, the Eva Ribelle is capable of sub 3 second 0-60 mph runs, and a max speed of 125 mph.

The other concern with electric bikes is the range. This bike does well enough, with a 250 mile range in the city, and around 150 with a combined highway and urban miles.

24. Honda Grom

Honda Grom

Honda Grom is what you’d normally call a mini moto, but technically speaking, it’s still a naked. This bad-ass little bike is a lot more fun than most other motorcycles out there, that’s why we just had to include it in this list.

It’s powered by a 124.9cc air cooled single cylinder engine, and is capable of 10 hp. No, it doesn’t sound like much, but you don’t need much to have fun on such a lovely little bike.

23. Honda CB300R

Honda CB300R

There’s the Honda CB1000R and then there’s the Honda CB300R. The 300 variant is the same thing, but a lot more friendly for new riders. And not only that, but as we said above with the Grom, you don’t really need to much power to have fun on the city streets. You shouldn’t have fun at all, if you think about it. Be civilized, ride safe.

Back to the CB300R, it’s got a nice futuristic design, neo-cafe racer as they call it. The bike is perfect as a commuter bike, easy to maneuver, and very economical, which is more of what we need these days. But fear not, it does quite well in the twisties as well if you push it.

22. Yamaha XSR900

Yamaha XSR900

The Yamaha XSR900 is a beautifully made retro version of the sportier looking MT-09. The aesthetic aside, this bike has all the modern tech and performance. It’s powered by a good 890cc three cylinder engine, which, combined with the overall lightweight components and frame, makes for some awesome riding.

The bike performs well both in the city and on twisty roads, with confidence inspiring feedback through the bends. The new Advanced Quick Shift System comes as standard, which means improved acceleration.

21. Kawasaki Z900RS

Kawasaki Z900RS

Similar in looks and engine displacement to the Yamaha above, the Kawasaki Z900RS is a retro throwback of the 70’s Kawasaki Z1, keeping its spirit alive today.

Kawasaki equipped the bike is equipped with modern features, but they didn’t overdo it.

It’s got the essentials, including an instrument panel with speedometer, tachometer, and a small LCD screen for relevant information. There’s traction control, assist, and slipper clutch, which makes the bike modern enough where it matters, riding comfort and reliability.

20. Ducati Hypermotard 950

Ducati Hypermotard 950

It’s fast, it’s sexy, and it’s easily one of the most fun motorcycles that money can buy. The Ducati Hypermotard 950 is a go-anywhere, do-anything kind of motorcycle. Maybe just not for touring around the world.

Half dirt bike, half street fighter, the Hypermotard 950 comes with all the technological bells and whistles, plus the impressive urban riding manners.

Features include multiple ride modes, cornering ABS from BOSCHE, traction and wheelie control, inverted Marzocchi fork and Sachs mono-shock, which is pretty much everything you could ever dream of.

19. MV Agusta Rush 1000

MV Agusta Rush 1000

Everyone knows retro looking bikes are just gorgeous. We know this, bike manufacturers know this. And now they’re flooding the market with neo-retro machines, from scramblers to cafe racers. Out of them all, the MV Agusta Rush 1000 is probably the best.

It’s an incredible looking two wheeled beast, built on top of the same frame and engine of the Brutale 1000.

Add to that top end suspension and running gear, plus the outstanding bodywork, and you’ll just want to get up on it and ride it as fast as you can, no matter if it’s yours or… somebody else’s.

18. KTM 890 Duke R

KTM 890 Duke R

The KTM 890 Duke R is simply put, a hooligan. A high performance machine, with an aggressive design and plenty of power to get you in trouble quickly.

The 890 Duke is more nimble than the heavy 1290 Super Duke, and better looking in our opinion. The price is something that will surprise many, coming at less than $12k, which is super good considering what you get.

17. Ducati Streetfighter V4 S

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S

Another iconic Ducati motorcycle, the Streetfighter V4 S, modeled after the Panigale V4, is one of the most stunning examples of Italian craftsmanship and performance. And beauty, as it was named the “most beautiful bike” at EICMA 2019.

The Streetfighter is more than enough for any street riding, with a top speed of 195 mph held in check by a sophisticated suite of electronic rider aids. The S in the name brings Ohlins suspension and several performance parts.

16. Yamaha MT-10 SP

Yamaha MT-10 SP

The MT-10 SP is the top of the range in Yamaha’s naked bike model line, powered by a 998cc inline 4 cylinder engine, capable of 160 horsepower. It also sports the Ohlins electronically controlled suspension, with 3 semi-active damping modes and 3 manual modes.

The bike has plenty of modern tech and features, including Advanced Quick Shift, Yamaha Ride Control with 4 modes, TFT display, electronic cruise control, and 6 rider aids.

15. Kawasaki Z H2

Kawasaki Z H2

When everybody thought that the H2 Ninja was everything and no other bike could possibly beat it, the Japanese at Kawasaki unveiled the next best thing, the Z H2, powered by the same supercharged engine as the Ninja, but even more extreme. 

Could you ask for more from a super futuristic looking naked bike with 197 horsepower, 136 Nm of torque, and all the latest high-tech features available?

14. Indian FTR 1200 S

Indian FTR 1200 S

Indian makes exceptional looking cruiser motorcycles, but with the FTR 1200 S they’ve strayed quite far away from their usual style. The bike comes with a flat track inspired aesthetic that manages to make it unique in a sea of similar looking naked bikes.

With a 1,203cc V-Twin, it doesn’t lack power as well, and the frame allows for aggressive riding and deep lean angles. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride at a calm pace.

Features are plenty and modern, leaving you with a feeling that the bike misses nothing. And it doesn’t.

13. Yamaha MT-03

Yamaha MT-03

Even though it has only 50 horsepower produced by its small 321cc parallel-twin engine, the Yamaha MT-03 is a wonderful naked bike that’s doing extremely well both in canyon carving and commuting roles.

It might just be one of the best beginner motorcycles out there. 

12. Suzuki SV650

Suzuki SV650

The Suzuki SV650 is a classic. It’s one of the most well known and well rounded motorcycles ever produced. Its reliability is legendary, performance is more than enough and the price is just right.

The 645cc V-Twin is more than apt for anything you might throw at it, and together with the trellis frame, they make for a wonderful and versatile motorcycle.

11. Husqvarna Svartpilen 701

Husqvarna Svartpilen 701

A relatively new player in this sector, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 sports some of the most interesting looks of the bunch. Straying away from the traditional off-roaders, Husqvarna has brought the fun from the dirt to the city streets.

The 701 isn’t the most comfortable bike out there, but it definitely is a fun one to ride. The punchy engine delivers raw power making the Svartpilen a torque monster. But that’s why we love it. And for its futuristic looks.

10. KTM 390 Duke

KTM 390 Duke

The 390 Duke from KTM is yet another fantastic naked bike. The 373cc single cylinder engine has just the right amount of power, while the bike handles magnificent.

It’s the bike to have if you enjoy twisty roads on a light and agile bike. In the urban jungle it’s an absolute king.

9. Ducati Monster

Ducati Monster

The Ducati Monster is exactly what a naked bike should be, a super sporty bike, with a super lightweight aluminum frame, a jaw-dropping power to weight ratio, and excellent handling.

The 937cc engine outputs 111 horsepower, and the bike has all the modern tech it should have. There’s cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control, several riding and power modes, and a full color display for the relevant information.

8. KTM 1290 Super Duke R

KTM 1290 Super Duke R

The biggest of the Duke brothers, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, is nothing but a beast, which is why the manufacturers got it that nickname right from the beginning.

It comes powered by a 1,301cc engine and equipped with all the electronic bells and whistles, for a nice and safe riding experience.

7. MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR

MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR

If you ever wish to ride one of the most stunning motorcycles ever produced, your choice should be without any doubt the MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR. Just take a look at that stacked triple pipe exhaust, that angular radiator shrouds, or the flame shaped seat.

Not to mention that the bike brings an amazing combination of power and technology at your disposal. The 798cc engine is held in chess by a full Ride by Wire and the 8 level traction control.

6. Zero SR/F

Zero SR F

Zero are the leaders of the electric motorcycle market and it’s easy to see why when you take a good look at their SR/F naked electric bike.

Delivering 110 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque, and instant access to both of those, the Zero SR/F is a super fun bike. It also takes the modern technology seriously by offering smartphone pairing for GPS, battery status, riding mode selection, plus security.

It’s exactly like a toy.

5. BMW S1000R

BMW S1000R

The BMW S1000R has superbike racing written all over its DNA. The bike is an impressive mix of power and control, offering one of the most engaging riding experiences ever.

Its 999cc four cylinder four stroke inline engine is capable of 165 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque, and paired with a 427 lbs weight, it makes for a delightful machine.

4. Yamaha MT-07

Yamaha MT-07

The Yamaha MT-07 is probably the best bike of the company’s MT range, offering plenty of power to make you smile like crazy, and a versatility and agility that can get you almost anywhere, both on two wheels and on one alone.

The control of this bike is simply amazing, making it a do-it-all bike suited to any kind of rider.

3. Suzuki Katana

Suzuki Katana

The iconic Suzuki Katana, first out on the open road in 1981, has come back to life, after an absence on the roads throughout most of the 2000s. And now everyone is happy again.

The bike stays true to its groundbreaking origins, keeping that original aesthetic, but without missing out on modern performance tweaks and features.

The engine is a modified version of the time proven Gixxer 1000 from 2005-2008, and modern electronics such as Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System allow for a comfortable and customized riding experience.

2. Triumph Speed Triple RS

Triumph Speed Triple RS

A meaner and better Triumph Speed Triple, the new RS rivals KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R. It comes packed with a full color TFT panel, switchable ABS, traction control, multiple riding modes, and electronic cruise control.

But at its heart is a nice 1050cc inline 3 cylinder, capable of 147 horsepower and 117 Nm of torque.

First developed in the beginning of the 1990s, the Speed Triple is becoming more and more of a cult-classic.

1. Kawasaki Z400

Kawasaki Z400

Last but not least, the Kawasaki Z400 is a 400 Ninja at its core, but without all the fairing. So you can expect nothing less from a Z400 in terms of performance, fun on the road, and handling.

This bike is extremely well balanced, inspiring confidence both in new and old riders, while offering all the fun for each one’s skill level. 

The position on the Z400 is a little bit more active and sporty, but comfortable nonetheless. And with probably one of the lowest prices on the market, you can’t help but buy one. That’s why we just had to give it the first spot. 

Final Thoughts

These are the naked bikes that we like the most and prove to be fun and modern enough for our times.

We know that this list doesn’t help much with the choice, as you’d probably want at least 3 or 4 bikes, but worst case scenario, you can always flip a coin.

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About Thom Esveld

Thom has over 7 years of experience writing content about subjects such as travel, cars, motorcycles, tech & gadgets, and his newly discovered passion, watches. He’s in love with two wheeled machines and the freedom and the thrills that motorcycle travel provides. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process.

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