- Table of Contents
Motorcycles nowadays are fitted with improved safety features like ABS, traction control, and systems that limit traveling at high speeds. These features make it safer to ride motorcycles, especially for beginners. Even with safety features, high-performance motorcycles can be dangerous to operate for beginners. Therefore, motorcycles equipped with low-power engines are recommended for beginners. Many motorcycle companies produce motorcycles specifically designed for beginners. This article presents the six best naked motorcycles for beginners in 2022.
1. What is a Naked Motorcycle?
Naked motorcycles are modified sports motorcycles with no fairings. In the late 1980s, motorcycle riders used to modify damaged or crashed sports motorbikes by removing the fairings and adding other parts, such as the handlebars and headlight.
Naked motorcycles became so popular that motorcycle companies began to make models of their own. The Ducati Monster 900 was the first naked motorcycle produced.
2. What Makes Naked Motorcycles Good for Beginners?
Naked motorcycles are lightweight due to the lack of full-body fairings. The foot controls and flat handlebars ensure an upright riding position. The term “naked” does not mean that the fairings are fully removed; rather that the panels covering the engine are removed.
3. Six Best Naked Motorcycles for Beginners
3.1 KTM 390 Duke
Photo Credit: @carbikeinformation.com
The KTM 390 Duke has gained massive popularity due to its stylish design and manageable power. This motorcycle is fun to ride and is quite affordable.
The KTM 390 Duke is fitted with a 373 cc four-stroke engine. With its six-speed transmission, the KTM 390 Duke can smoothly shift between gears and can produce a horsepower of 44 hp.
The KTM 390 Duke’s low handlebars provide an aggressive riding experience and maximum control, while allowing it to perform well while riding through traffic. Its overall weight comes from the engine and chassis centered in the middle, ensuring a low center of gravity and making it easier to make sharp turns.
The KTM 390 Duke has a seat height of 32.3 inches, a dry weight of 149 kg, and a fuel capacity of 3.566 gals. The 2022 KTM 390 Duke’s base price is $5,799.
| Maker | KTM |
|---|---|
| Year Model | 2022 |
| Model | 390 Duke |
| Engine | One-Cylinder, Four-Stroke |
| Displacement | 373 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Torque | 37 Nm |
| Horsepower | 44 hp |
| Bore x Stroke | 89 mm x 60 mm |
| Starter | Electric |
| ABS | Two Channel, Supermoto ABS, Bosch 9.1 MP |
| Frame Design | Powder Coated, Steel Trellis |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.566 gal |
| Dry Weight | 149 kg |
| Seat Height | 32.3 inch |
| Mileage | 61.16 mpg |
| Base Price | $5,799 |
3.2 Kawasaki Z400
Photo Credit: @motonewsworld.com
Kawasaki has launched several well-known beginner motorcycles in between the 250 to 400 cc range. The Kawasaki Z400 is a stylish naked motorcycle suited for both beginners and intermediate riders, being considered the best bike in the 400 cc range. This motorcycle can satisfy beginners for years with its comfortability, handling, and power. The Kawasaki Z400’s looks are inspired by the larger-displacement Kawasaki Z Range models, making it a stylish yet low-powered motorcycle.
The Kawasaki Z400 is powered by a 399 cc four-stroke parallel-twin engine capable of producing a horsepower of 49 hp and a torque of 37.96 Nm at 8,000 rpm. With high-quality specs, the Kawasaki Z400 has great handling and is easy to maneuver on the road.
The Kawasaki Z400 has a low seat height of 30.9 inches, a curb weight of 165 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 3.7 gals which ensures a mileage of 61.16 mpg.
The Kawasaki Z400 is fitted with an assist and slipper clutch, an economic riding indicator, and an ABS that ensures a safe and comfortable riding experience. The Kawasaki Z400’s base price is only $5,199.
| Maker | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Year Model | 2022 |
| Model | Z400 |
| Engine | DOHC, Two-Cylinder, Four-Stroke |
| Displacement | 399 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Torque | 37.96 Nm |
| Horsepower | 49 hp |
| Stroke | 51.8 mm |
| Bore | 70 mm |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| ABS | Yes |
| Frame Design | High-Tensile Steel, Trellis |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Curb Weight | 165 kg |
| Seat Height | 30.9 inch |
| Mileage | 61.16 mpg |
| Base Price | $5,199 |
3.3 Yamaha MT-03
Photo Credit: @motonewsworld.com
The Yamaha MT-03 is a hyper-naked motorcycle and one of the best beginner bikes. It is highly recommended for beginners because of its low and manageable power, good control, easy handling, and affordable price. The Yamaha MT-03 ensures an upright riding position for improved comfort and maneuverability.
If you are a beginner and want to learn stunts, the Yamaha MT-03 is a good choice. The Yamaha MT series, particularly the MT-07, is a favorite among experienced stunt performers.
The Yamaha MT-03 is fitted with a 321 cc twin-cylinder engine, able to produce a horsepower of 50 hp and a torque of 32.54 Nm.
The Yamaha MT-03 has a seat height of 30.7 inches and a wet weight of 169.19 kg, which makes this motorcycle lightweight and easy to handle. The low-power specs ensure a mileage of 56 mpg. The Yamaha MT-03’s base price is only $4,799.
| Maker | Yamaha |
|---|---|
| Year Model | 2022 |
| Model | MT-03 |
| Engine | DOHC, Four-Valve, Four-Stroke |
| Displacement | 321 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Torque | 32.54 Nm |
| Horsepower | 50 hp |
| Stroke | 44.1 mm |
| Bore | 68 mm |
| Starter | Electric |
| ABS | Standard ABS |
| Frame Design | Diamond-Type Tubular Frame |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Wet Weight | 169.19 kg |
| Seat Height | 30.7 inch |
| Mileage | 56 mpg |
| Base Price | $4,799 |
3.4 Honda CB500F
Photo Credit: @bikesrepublic.com
The Honda CB500F is the most popular of the three Honda CB models. The Honda CB500F is a naked motorcycle that accounted for almost 50% of sales involving the CB series. Being a naked motorcycle, the Honda CB500F has less aggressive riding ergonomics than the other CB models. Launched with new modifications, the 2022 Honda CB500F is fitted with a dual disc front brake and an inverted Showa SFF-BP fork that helps improve performance and handling.
The Honda CB500F is powered by a 471 cc twin-cylinder engine able to produce a horsepower of 46.9 hp and torque of 42.98 Nm. It is equipped with a new slipper clutch, ensuring smooth shifts between gears. The Honda CB500F has a fuel tank capacity of 4.5 gals, a curb weight of 188.7 kg, and a mileage of 67 mpg. The Honda CB500F has a low seat height of 31.1 inches which ensures an improved upright riding position. With all the high-quality specs and features, the Honda CB500F’s base price comes at $6,699.
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Year Model | 2022 |
| Model | CB500F |
| Engine | Parallel-Twin |
| Displacement | 471 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Torque | 42.98 Nm |
| Horsepower | 46.9 hp |
| Stroke | 66.8 mm |
| Bore | 67 mm |
| Ignition | Computer-Controlled |
| ABS | Yes |
| Frame Design | Steel Diamond |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gal |
| Curb Weight | 188.7 kg |
| Seat Height | 31.1 inch |
| Mileage | 67 mpg |
| Base Price | $6,699 |
3.5 KTM 200 Duke
Photo Credit: @rideapart.com
The KTM 200 Duke is the smaller-displacement version of the KTM 390 Duke. It is powered by a 199.5 cc single-cylinder engine, making it super lightweight. The KTM 200 Duke’s engine is capable of producing a horsepower of 25 hp and a torque of 19.5 Nm. Though the KTM 200 Duke is a low-powered motorcycle, it does not lack in looks and performance. The vehicle has an exceptionally low curb weight of 150.3 kg, a fuel tank capacity of 3.566 gals, and a seat height of 31.89 inches. The standard ABS installed in the KTM 200 Duke ensures good control and safety. The KTM 200 Duke is an affordable beginner naked motorbike that costs only $3,999.
| Maker | KTM |
|---|---|
| Year Model | 2022 |
| Model | 200 Duke |
| Engine | Four-Stroke, Single-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 199.5 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Torque | 19.5 Nm |
| Horsepower | 25 hp |
| Stroke | 49 mm |
| Bore | 72 mm |
| Starter | Electric |
| ABS | Two Channel, Supermoto ABS, Bosch 10 MB |
| Frame Design | Powder Coated, Steel Trellis |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.566 gal |
| Curb Weight | 150.3 kg |
| Seat Height | 31.89 inch |
| Mileage | 82.33 mpg |
| Base Price | $3,999 |
3.6 Triumph Trident 660
Photo Credit: @motonewsworld.com
The Triumph Trident 660 is a naked motorcycle specifically designed for beginners with both modern and classic styling. This vehicle was built to provide safety features, moderate performance, and a good level of comfort to riders. The Triumph Trident 660 can be easily maintained and requires fewer repairs and services compared to other naked motorbikes of similar engine size.
Though the Triumph Trident 660’s design is simple, its performance makes it ideal for beginners. The Triumph Trident 660 is equipped with an assist and slipper clutch, rain and road riding modes, and throttle by wire controls. To further improve safety, the Triumph Trident 660 is fitted with an ABS and traction control system.
The Triumph Trident 660’s engine is capable of producing a peak torque of 63.72 Nm and a peak horsepower of 80 hp. The vehicle’s six-speed gearbox ensures smooth gear shifts.
The Triumph Trident 660 has a seat height of 31.7 inches, a wet weight of 189 kg, a fuel tank capacity of 3.7 gals, and a fuel economy of 51 mpg. Due to its high-powered specs, comfortable riding ergonomics, and rider assist features, the Triumph Trident 660’s base price is $8,395.
| Maker | Triumph |
|---|---|
| Year Model | 2022 |
| Model | Trident 660 |
| Engine | DOHC, Inline, Three-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 660 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Torque | 63.72 Nm |
| Horsepower | 80 hp |
| Stroke | 51.1 mm |
| Bore | 74 mm |
| Starter | Electric |
| ABS | Yes |
| Frame Design | Tubular Steel Perimeter |
| Transmission | Six-Speed |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Wet Weight | 189 kg |
| Seat Height | 31.7 inch |
| Mileage | 51 mpg |
| Base Price | $8,395 |
4. Takeaway
Naked motorcycles are fast, agile, and come with smaller engines to make it easier for beginners to handle. Naked motorcycles are good for daily commutes and short trips, easy to handle, and perform well on roads with twists and turns. With low-powered engines, all the naked motorcycles mentioned above are ideal for beginners. However, you can choose the one that suits you best, depending on the engine’s displacement and price. The smaller the engine size, the cheaper the motorbike is. This is why the KTM 200 Duke is the cheapest and the Triumph Trident 660 is the most expensive on the list.
As these motorcycles come in a naked shape, there are aftermarket parts available at the Viking Bags that can help carry the luggage and enhance the looks of the naked motorcycles. To carry the luggage, there are different LUGGAGE options available at Viking Bags, including the SADDLEBAGS and SISSY BAR BAGS. The other aftermarket parts include the CRASH BARS, SISSY BARS, HANDLEBARS, and FAIRINGS.
Featured Products
Street/Sportbike Saddlebags
Street/Sportbike Backpacks
Motorcycle Luggage Accessories
Street/Sportbike Luggage
Street/Sportbike Tail Bags
Street/Sportbike Tank Bags
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.