What is a naked bike? It is a type of motorcycle that embraces simplicity and a stripped-down design. Unlike other motorcycles that have sleek fairings covering their engines and bodywork, naked bikes expose their engine and mechanical components, showcasing their raw power.
Naked superbikes offer an alternative to sportsbikes, with similar power and performance, but with an aggressive upright sitting position and a different approach to how riders can utilise them. These bikes prioritise performance, agility, and an exciting ride. Riders who love the raw feel of the wind and the rumble of the engine without all the extra bodywork are drawn to naked bikes.
Let’s have a look at some of the best naked bikes currently available.
Explore The 12 Top Naked Sports Bikes for 2023 and Beyond!
1. BMW S1000R
The S1000R boasts a sleek and practical design, blending style with functionality. Its sporty appearance is complemented by features like downward footpegs and a broader saddle, ensuring a comfortable experience during long rides. While some motorcycles in its class prioritise extreme performance, the S1000R focuses on real-world riding, offering a more modest power output that still manages to impress.
Its agility shines when manoeuvring through urban areas, thanks to light clutch and brake levers. With critical components shared with the S1000RR superbike, including the engine and chassis, the S1000R inherits a racetrack DNA. Furthermore, its competitive pricing adds to its appeal among other bikes in the same category.
2. Ducati Streetfighter V4
The Streetfighter V4 showcases an aerodynamic design exuding an assertive presence. Its minimalist aesthetics enhances visual appeal and optimise performance by improving airflow and reducing drag. The ergonomically designed riding position prioritises rider comfort and fosters a strong connection with the machine.
Powered by a robust 1,103cc V4 engine, the Streetfighter V4 unleashes an impressive 208 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is breathtaking, achieving 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds, while reaching a top speed of 180 mph. The lightweight frame, coupled with high-end suspension and Brembo brakes, guarantees superior stability and stopping power.
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3. Yamaha MT-09
The MT-09 sets the benchmark for naked bikes with its unconventional design, ensuring utmost comfort for riders with their comfortable seats. Equipping the bike seats with Solace Bum Partner Air Seat Cushion, can provide additional comfort during the long rides.
This naked bike Yamaha boasts a stripped-down appearance, comfortable riding position, and aggressive stance. Its 847cc triple-cylinder engine pumps out an impressive 115 horsepower and 65 lb-ft of torque, delivering a thrilling ride.
The acceleration can reach 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, with a top speed of around 140 mph. The MT-09’s lightweight frame, top-notch suspension, and powerful brakes ensure nimble handling and precise control. It’s competitively priced, making it an attractive option for riders seeking high performance without breaking the bank.
4. Triumph Speed Triple RS
The Triumph Speed Triple RS is a powerhouse among naked super bikes, combining raw power with excellent handling. Its design is sleek and aggressive, with a stripped-down appearance and a comfortable riding position. Packing a punch is its 1,160cc Triple engine, it delivers an impressive 177.5 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque.
In just 2.8 seconds, it can go from 0 to 60mph, reaching a top speed of around 150 mph. With advanced electronics, a top-notch chassis, and lightweight construction, the Speed Triple RS offers precise control and nimble manoeuvrability.
5. Kawasaki Z900
If you’re into retro vibes, you definitely know about the Kawasaki Z900, a bike known for its powerful performance and agile handling. With a sleek and minimalist design, it offers an aggressive riding position. The Sugomi-inspired styling enhances its visual appeal. Powered by a liquid-cooled, 948cc inline four-cylinder engine, the Z900 delivers 125 horsepower and 73.1 lb-ft of torque.
It features advanced electronics like Kawasaki TRaction Control and Power Mode for enhanced control. The lightweight trellis frame and responsive suspension ensures exceptional handling. Priced competitively, the Z900 is a popular choice for riders seeking an exhilarating naked bike experience.
6. Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory
The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory is a high-performance naked bike that excels in power and handling. Its stripped-down look and comfortable riding position offer a minimalist appeal. Powered by a 1,077cc liquid-cooled V4 engine, it boasts 175 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque.
Advanced electronics, including Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), provide enhanced control with traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and quick shift. With a lightweight frame, high-end suspension, Brembo brakes, and exceptional agility, the Tuono V4 1100 Factory is the ultimate choice for riders seeking an exhilarating naked bike experience. You can take it a step further by adding bike fog lights, ensuring that you never have any trouble navigating the roads at night.
7. KTM 1290 Super Duke R
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a naked motorcycle from Austrian manufacturer KTM, equipped with a 1301 cc 75° V-twin engine. It boasts the most powerful LC8 engine which is built by KTM. The vented fender or also called as mudguard at the front controls fling from the wheel without causing significant drag.
Additionally, it protects the front forks, redirecting the slipstream and shielding against debris. The Super Duke R is highly energetic, featuring dual 320 mm front discs with four-piston Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, and a 240 mm rear disc with a twin-pot anchor for optimal control. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has Rain, Street, And Sport riding modes, with optional TRACK and PERFORMANCE modes.
8. Honda CB1000R
The 2021 Honda CB1000R boasts a new aluminium subframe that enhances its appearance, removing a distracting brace. The Honda naked bike’s LED headlight now features a teardrop housing angled for an aggressive look.
The bike’s smaller panels below the fuel tank and radiator give it a lighter, minimalist appearance. With revised PGM-FI settings, adjustable Showa suspension, radial-mount four-piston calipers, and a high-performance DOHC four-cylinder engine, the CB1000R delivers power, torque, and efficient airflow for optimal performance. Riders seeking hands-free navigation while using their phones for directions while driving, can invest in a Waterproof Handlebar Mobile Phone Holder.
9. Suzuki GSX-S1000
The Suzuki GSK-S1000 is an agile sportbike known for its exceptional performance and advanced features. The bike is equipped with a ride-by-wire electronic throttle system that ensures precise control. By relaying throttle grip information directly to the 32-bit ECM through a CAN bus wiring system, it ensures precise and immediate throttle response, enhancing the overall riding experience.
Bike’s ergonomic design, refined engine, adjustable suspension, powerful braking system, including a wider handlebar and lowered seat, caters to both comfort and controlled ride. Motorcycle riders who like to stay connected during the journey can invest in a helmet Bluetooth headset, ensuring they are not missing out.
10. MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR
The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR is one of the most popular and powerful naked motorcycles with a different aesthetic that makes it unique. It is equipped with a four-cylinder 998cc engine featuring low-friction technology and ride-by-wire electronic throttle. To improve torque delivery, the Brutale 1000 RR has two different-sized velocity stacks per cylinder and two injectors per inlet port for optimised air and fuel intake.
The bike also offers launch control with full LED lighting, a 5.5-inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity, and aerodynamic wings for exceptional stability at high speeds. To improve torque delivery, the Brutale 1000 RR has two different-sized velocity stacks per cylinder and two injectors per inlet port for optimised air and fuel intake.
11. Husqvarna Svartpilen 701
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 is a modern and stylish motorcycle that offers impressive performance and features. The bike is powered by a modern 692.7 cc with liquid-cooling feature, single-cylinder engine that produces 75 horsepower and 52.4 lb-ft of torque.
The Svartpilen 701 has a steel trellis frame, WP suspension, and Brembo brakes. It has LED lighting, LCD instrument display, and riding modes: Street and Sport. The Svartpilen 701 also has a quick shifter and a top speed of 122 mph. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 is a popular model that has been in production since 2019.
12. Indian FTR 1200
Indian FTR 1200 is a stylish and powerful motorcycle, featuring a 1203cc V-Twin engine with around 120 horsepower and 85 lb-ft of torque. It offers an exhilarating ride with its steel tube trellis frame, WP suspension, Brembo brakes, LED lighting, LCD instrument display, and riding modes.
Since its 2019 debut, the FTR 1200 has gained popularity, including the Championship Edition inspired by the FTR750 flat track race machine. The 2023 Indian FTR model continues the legacy with 120 horsepower, 87 lb-ft of torque, and a liquid-cooled V-twin engine.
Once you have decided on the bike, you can read our guide: Beginner’s Motorcycle Riding Gear Guide To Ride Confidently! This can help you purchase the right accessories to go with your naked sports bike!
Conclusion
The naked motorcycles offer a thrilling riding experience combined with a minimalist design, making them popular among riders who value performance and aesthetics. We explored their key features, such as aggressive styling, powerful engines, and agile handling, which contribute to their dynamic and engaging nature. They excel in both city riding and long-distance touring due to their comfortable riding position and easy maintenance.
With advancements in electric models and smart features there seems to be a rise in demand for naked motorcycles. Manufacturers are expected to push the boundaries of performance, technology, and design. If you’re interested in exploring biking gear and accessories, check out the Bikester Global Shop for a wide range of options.