The 10 Best Naked Motorcycles

Naked motorcycles have gained popularity in recent years. They have slightly modified sports motorcycles without fairings. Naked bikes are popular among riders due to their high-performance powertrain and practical uses. Today, almost all famous motorcycle brands have naked bike models and lineups.

Here is a list of the best-naked motorcycles:

Built between 1974 to 1984, the  Kawasaki Z400 has a horsepower of 44 hp and an overall weight of 364 lbs (165 kg).

The Kawasaki Z400’s liquid-cooled 399 cc parallel-twin engine features two overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Rev up this engine and you can ride at speeds over 100 mph. Other features include an ABS, a slipper clutch, and an adjustable rear suspension.

Yamaha Motor Company has been manufacturing the Yamaha MT-03 since 2006. It was originally a single-cylinder model, with the models from 2014 to the present day being parallel twin models.

The Yamaha MT-30 has a 321 cc parallel-twin engine with a torque of 24 lb-ft and a horsepower of 50 hp. Its overall maneuverability and lightweight build make it perfect for beginners.

The Kawasaki Z650 was manufactured from 1977 to 1983. It had a 652 cc parallel-twin engine with a double overhead camshaft and two valves per cylinder. This vehicle was capable of reaching a top speed of 120 mph.

The first Kawasaki Z650 was released in 1977, including a 250 mm rear drum, 275 mm disc brakes, and a chain-bearing crankshaft with a chain primary drive. 

The Ducat Monster is a naked/standard motorcycle produced in Italy since 1993. The Ducati Monster’s L-twin engine is capable of horsepower of 111 hp and a torque of 69 lb-ft. 

The Ducati Monster has a sporty engine ideal for travel on paved roads, a light aluminum frame, and an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The Ducati Monster has full-color displays, multiple riding and power modes, a cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control. The Ducati Monster is considered a light, swift, and agile vehicle by riders. 

To make the Ducati Monster easier to control, it has an upright riding posture with the handlebars being positioned 70mm closer to the rider and the pegs being moved down and forward by 10mm and 35mm respectively.

The Yamaha MT-10 is a standard motorbike first introduced in 2016. This naked motorbike generates a horsepower of 160 hp and a torque of 21.8 lb-ft.

The Yamaha MT-10 is powered by a 998 cc engine, an inline four-cylinder system, and cross-panel cranks that produce a feel and sound that distinguish it from other inline four-cylinder engines.  

Like the majority of modern supersport/hyper naked bikes, the Yamaha MT-10 also has a slightly more expensive SP model. The SP variant includes Ohlins' semi-active technology that allows you to quickly modify the suspension system.

The Triumph Speed Triple was a motorcycle produced from 1994 to 2004. It is still one of the sports motorcycles with the best handling, with a horsepower of 177.5 hp, a torque of 92 lb-ft, and a weight of 436 lbs.

To better manage the Triumph Speed Triple’s power output, it comes with six-axis IMU-assisted technology that helps traction control and ABS intervention. There are five riding modes that modify power delivery, traction control, and the ABS: rain, road, sport, track, and custom rider modes.

Thanks to its compact design and angular LED headlight, the new Triumph Speed Triple has a far more aggressive look than its predecessor. Additionally, the Speed Triple's single-sided swingarm layout became accentuated by the traditional single-canister exhaust that replaced the high-mounted twin exhausts.

First appearing in 2015, the Kawasaki H2 set new standards for sports bikes. The Kawasaki  H2’s popularity resulted in the creation of a non-fairing variant called the Z H2. It features a 998 cc liquid-cooled engine capable of horsepower of 194 hp @11,000 rpm and a torque of 101 lb-ft @ 8,500 rpm.

The Kawasaki Z H2’s bare style leaves the trellis structure exposed which contrasts with the slender frame.

The Kawasaki Z H2’s features include high-performance Showa suspensions, IMU-enhanced chassis orientation, Brembo brakes with M4.32 monobloc calipers, multiple power modes, and electronic cruise control.

The KTM 200 Duke is a standard or naked motorcycle manufactured since 2012. It has a cable-actuated multi-disc clutch and a six-speed gearbox. The KTM 200 Duke’s spark ignition and liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine can generate a horsepower of 26 hp and a torque of 14 lb-ft.

The KTM 200 Duke had a lightweight design powered by a single cylinder. The updated exhaust and airbox met noise and emission standards while still providing exceptional performance. The KTM 200 Duke’s upside-down WP forks are fitted with the latest technology, allowing riders to ride comfortably across longer distances.

The gearbox manages fuel consumption when traveling at top speed, while the dual-circuit BOSCH ABS improves safety.

The Suzuki SV650 has been manufactured since 1999, featuring medium-performance components and a mid-sized V-twin engine. It is capable of 75 hp and a torque of 47 lb-ft.

The Suzuki SV650 has a seat height of 785 mm, allowing shorter riders to ride comfortably and plant their feet on the ground.

The Suzuki SV650’s high-strength steel tubes make up the bike’s trellis-style frame, contributing to its trim chassis and low overall weight. The Suzuki SV650 only has a low weight of 196 kg, ensuring good handling and maneuverability. Additionally, it offers nimble handling, responsive acceleration, and better riding confidence.  

The BMW S1000R is a naked motorcycle that has been manufactured since 2014. Its engine, frame, suspension, and gearbox resemble those of a super sports bike. The BMW S1000R’s engine is optimized for low to mid-range performance, delivering a maximum horsepower of 165 hp and a torque of 84 lb-ft.

The BMW S1000R combines the aspects of a superbike and a street bike. It balances control and power which results in a thrilling ride.

The BMW S1000R can come in three packages:

• Dynamic Package: Includes Pro Riding Modes, DDC electronic suspension, Pro Gear Shift Assistant, and engine spoiler.
• Comfort Package: Includes adaptive cruise control, keyless ride, and USB charging interface.
• M Package: Includes M lightweight battery, ultra-lightweight M carbon wheels, and other M-type parts.

Naked motorcycles are fast, powerful, and provide exceptional performance. They are incredibly fun to ride and have a perfect power-to-weight ratio to ensure easy handling. Popular brands like Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Ducati, Suzuki, and KTM design some of the best-naked bikes on the market. If you wish to improve your motorcycle’s overall look, you can add new luggage like saddlebags, tail bag, backpack, and tank bag.