Typically, a naked motorcycle is a sport bike that doesn’t have its fairings. However, this is a simplified explanation. In reality, motorcycle manufacturers put a lot of research and design into creating the perfect naked motorcycle.

Without the fairings, it has more drag. So to combat this, engineers need to strategically design the bike to still be enjoyable to ride. In addition, all the bike’s engine and inner workings are now exposed. This creates a greater risk of damage and malfunction. Not all naked motorcycles are created equal, though, and some of them aren't even based on a typical sport bike platform. All of them, however, are designed to be faster and more maneuverable, and the bikes in this list are the best of the best.

Update August 2023: Naked bikes remain as one of the go-to motorcycles for riders, with manufacturers continuously pushing the envelope of engineering and design to produce the best offerings. This list has been updated as we like to keep our readers up to speed with the latest developments.

RELATED: Top 10 Naked Sport Bikes Over 1000cc

15 Ducati Monster

Starting MSRP: $12,995

This is the bike that started it all in the naked bike category. The performance-minded Ducati Monster comes with a 937cc V-twin engine. If you want to log the miles, this is your ideal choice. The more upright riding position is gentler on your back and arms.

Pros

1. Compact and lightweight at just 414 pounds
2. Extensive electronic suite allows riders to take full control of their experience
3. Auto-canceling signal lights are a nice feature

Cons

1. While it's the most affordable Ducati, it's still expensive compared to its competitors
2. Missing iconic Ducati styling such as single-sided swingarm and trellis frame for the latest iterations
3. The Monster tends to run hot in city riding, especially in traffic

It still has plenty of power to be fun. Throughout the 30 years of production, Ducati managed to refine the Monster. And though the recent redesign is not without controversy, the latest version still has that unique, Italian design language.

14 Yamaha MT-07

Starting MSRP: $8,199

Say hello to Yamaha’s darker and edgier side with the Yamaha MT-07. It is one of the most popular naked bikes on the road. This is partially thanks to the 689cc engine that delivers just the right amount of torquey power. It is then paired with a compact chassis that shortens the bike’s overall length, making the bike more agile and nimble.

Pros

1. Light and nimble at just 406 pounds
2. The 689cc is one of the best middleweights thanks to its linear power delivery
3. Muscular appeal

Cons

1. Clutch discs wear down faster, leading to shattering in some cases
2. Seat may be a bit too thin for some, with some owners opting for aftermarket options for extra padding
3. Suspension might be on the stiffer side, making it a bit uncomfortable in the city

In addition, the affordable price point means younger riders gravitate towards this bike. You have complete control of this hooligan bike as you wheelie your way into the night.

RELATED: 10 Naked Bikes That Show Sport Bikes Who’s Boss

13 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

Starting MSRP: $18,895

Hop on the Speed Triple 1200 RS and experience the thrill and speed of a thoroughly modern Triumph roadster. As a very British company, you wouldn’t expect Triumph to come out with such a fun naked bike, but somehow they managed to do it. The Speed Triple delivers track-worthy power and performance with 177 horsepower.

Pros

1. Insane acceleration, with some claiming 0 to 60 times of just over 3 seconds
2. Chassis and suspension allows the bike to be agile and responsive in the corners
3. 5" TFT display is easily readable in all conditions; bike can also be connected to Bluetooth and GoPro cameras

Cons

1. Not a great daily commuter, as it feels more at home on the track
2. Shifting can sometimes be difficult, especially when finding neutral

Choose from five ride modes through the intuitive TFT instrument panel to customize your ride experience. While this bike is more expensive than other naked bikes, it has plenty of technology and features to make the extra expense worth it. For example, the bike comes with built-in Bluetooth, Quickshifter and Öhlins suspension.

12 KTM Super Duke 1290 R EVO

Starting MSRP: $20,399

The naked KTM Super Duke 1290 is an absolutely bonkers motorcycle. It makes 180 horsepower from its 1301cc V-twin engine. In true KTM fashion, each model year is better than the last. For example, KTM recently added semi-active suspension, a lighter crankcase, Formula 1 style forged pistons, and titanium inlet valves.

Pros

1. Semi-active suspension makes the bike handle incredibly well
2. Powerful V-Twin engine with loads of torque available at the low-end
3. Adjustable foot pegs allow riders of all size to find the perfect fit

Cons

1. Quick shifter does not come standard
2. Features such as launch control, performance mode, and track mode cost extra
3. Tank sits too high to add tank bags without blocking the TFT dash

Without any fairings, this bike is incredibly lightweight, making its power-to-weight ratio insane. You could cruise the streets, but if you really want to see what this bike can do, you should take it to the track. The ergonomics of the ride position make it comfortable enough for both purposes.

RELATED: 10 Best Naked Bikes For Beginners

11 BMW S 1000 R

Starting MSRP: $17,895

The BMW S 1000 R proves that naked bike development, even the BMW S Series, has progressed into the production of hyper-naked motorcycles. They look like hooligans but come with a refined sense of power and performance that rivals superbikes.

Pros

1. Powerful engine that produces 165 horses and 84 pound-feet of torque
2. The bike handles well thanks to the chassis derived from the RR
3. More practical and relaxed compared to its competitors

Cons

1. Earlier models tend to vibrate more and render mirrors unusable
2. Not as exciting as BMW claims it to be
3. Earlier models suffered various build quality issues for both chassis and engine

Unlike other bikes on this list, the S 1000 R has some restraint and maturity about it. However, this does not mean that it is any less fun. It features a tucked-up and sporty riding position that can help you turn running mundane errands into your next great adventure.

10 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR

Starting MSRP: $23,498

Stand out on the road with the MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR. Because this motorcycle manufacturer is smaller than other Italian brands, there are fewer on the road, making yours more unique. However, this bike isn’t just a rarity with striking looks.

Pros

1. Short wheelbase makes it very responsive and precise
2. Styling makes it an instant head-turner
3. Inline-three engine comes with an auto-blipper

Cons

1. Not comfortable
2. Tendency to run hot, especially in the city

There is some serious performance backing it up. The bike comes with lift control, which is just launch or wheelie control, and multiple ride modes can also be chosen to help you create a custom riding experience. However, keep in mind that MVs are more expensive and tend to have some quirky traits that take some getting used to.

9 Zero SR/F

Starting MSRP: $23,795

It seems odd to think of a naked EV bike like the Zero SR/F. After all, naked motorcycles with traditional engines showcase the engine and its many components. What gets showcased on an electric motorcycle? Somehow, the Zero makes it work.

Pros

1. Powertrain produces 110 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque
2. Cruise control, heated grips, and ride modes come as standard
3. The bike employs connectivity tech and allows riders to adjust and monitor everything through an app

Cons

1. There are better ICE-powered bikes for the price
2. Operating the bike requires a bit of a learning curve

It was originally designed to be a halo product that showcases the best of what Zero can accomplish. It has high quality equipment for maximum performance. This bike does lack comfort features, which makes it best as a short, around-town commuter. The purchase price is also quite high, making it impracticable for most riders.

8 Aprilia Tuono 660

Starting MSRP: $10,699

While it is technically a naked bike, the Aprilia Tuono 660 has the most fairings out of the bikes on this list. This middleweight budget-friendly motorcycle is Aprilia’s attempt at filling the gap between their bargain bin bikes and high-end superbikes.

Pros

1. Incredible stopping power thanks to the four-piston Brembo at the front and twin-piston at the rear
2. The parallel-twin is a beast, pumping out 100 horsepower
3. Majority of the torque is at around 6,000 RPM, making it a relaxed commuter bike

Cons

1. Expensive compared to competitors
2. Quickshifter and advanced rider aids don't come as standard

This powerful yet approachable bike is fun to ride, you can cruise on the streets and enjoy the smooth transmission or take the bike to the track and rip into it to see what it can really do. The Tuono 660 is one of the lightest in its class and has an approachable seat height, making it friendly to riders of all sizes.

7 Honda CB650R

Starting MSRP: $9,399

The middleweight Honda CB650R looks like it is out of a science fiction movie. The sharp styling of the naked design gives it a futuristic look. The mashup of black and metal-colored parts creates an almost robotic feel. Its 649cc in-line four-cylinder engine loves to rev high and gets raucous. This isn’t a bike for cruising, as the rigid suspension performs best when you put the bike through its paces on backcountry curves.

Pros

1. Refined inline-four engine runs smoothly
2. Honda build quality, making it reliable for longer periods of time
3. LEDs are powerful compared to competitors; LCD dash also packs detailed information

Cons

1. Lacks TFT display, advanced rider aids, and connectivity features
2. Taller riders may find the handlebars a bit too low and heavier ones will find the seat too stiff
3. Some riders report quick shifter issues

6 Kawasaki Z900RS

Starting MSRP: $11,949

The Kawasaki Z900RS brings an old-school cool feel to the naked motorcycle category. It features a retro paint job on the tank, a long and flat design, and a large headlight. However, unlike older bikes, this one comes with the latest technology and performance features.

Pros

1. Captures the retro spirit with its design and styling
2. Inline-four engine retains a lot of its power
3. Comfortable riding position supported by the lack of vibrations and a wide, well-padded seat

Cons

1. Lacks features
2. Riders report clunking noise when downshifting
3. Earlier models (pre-2018) were recalled for faulty brakes and rear shock absorber issues

This gives you the best of both worlds in terms of looks, and performance. However, you won’t find all the bells and whistles you typically see on other Kawasaki sport bikes.

5 Yamaha MT-10

Starting MSRP: $14,199

Much has been made of Yamaha's divisive design language when it comes to their MT line. But it's hard to argue with the sales figures, as the MTs are some of Yamaha's most popular motorcycles. It's a lineup that starts with the beginner-friendly MT-03 and culminates with the king of the hooligan bikes, the MT-10. And no, it's not just an R1 without its clothes on.

Pros

1. Precise handling thanks to its improved suspension
2. Yamaha's signature crossplane crank engine
3. Adequate electronics suite

Cons

1. Styling choices are divisive
2. Electronic cruise control is susceptible to malfunctioning due to faulty sensors
3. Earlier models had brakes that were not as good as the competition

Yamaha went to great lengths to make the MT-10 its own entity. It's aggressive not only in looks, but also in power, and most importantly, price. There's just no beating Yamaha when it comes to getting an inexpensive package that delivers the goods.

4 Aprilia Tuono V4

Starting MSRP: $16,199

Aprilia's Tuono V4, like Yamaha's MT-10, is not just a bigger, more grownup version of the 660. The styling leans in the sport bike direction, just as the 660 does, but the V4, as you may have guessed from its name, has a unique heart at the center of its chassis.

Pros

1. The V4 engine is well-balanced and produces enough power to blast its rivals
2. Rider aids are lean-sensitive and enhance the experience
3. Ride quality is smooth and comfortable

Cons

1. The bike may look bland for some
2. Tends to run hot in the city; redesigned fairings direct the heat towards the feet
3. High maintenance costs and low fuel economy

And with that V4 comes a gnarly sound, competitive performance and 175 wild ponies. It also has a premium electronics package that delivers some of the better rider aides, like six ride modes, traction and wheelie control and automatically adjusting engine braking, for what ends up being a fairly reasonable price of $16,199.

3 Suzuki GSX-8S

Starting MSRP: $8,849

Nobody expected Suzuki to come out with new models this, or any other year at this point, so conservative has the Japanese manufacture become. And yet here we are, with the utterly dashing GSX-8S ready to make us fall in love with Suzuki all over again.

Pros

1. The 776cc parallel-twin delivers great low- to mid-range power
2. Very comfortable ergonomic design
3. Great electronics for the price

Cons

1. Numb suspension and road feel until tires are replaced or worn
2. Throttle response between riding modes is too varied

This machine can seemingly do it all. It looks great, feels confident on the track, and when you slap some luggage on it, could take you on a long adventure as well. Its highlights include that futuristic, street fighter design done right, the dependable power delivery of the parallel twin engine and an affordable price of only $8,849.

2 Indian FTR Sport

Starting MSRP: $13,499

American manufactures should feel embarrassed at the true lack of naked standard motorcycles in their stables. It's a sore spot for a lot of US-based riders, that they can't purchase one from an American company. Harley-Davidson had their chance when the prototype for the Bronx was unveiled, and just as quickly swept under the rug. However, there is one shining light in the darkness, and that is Indian's bruising FTR Sport.

Pros

1. Improved electronics provide a better riding experience
2. Fully-adjustable ZF Sachs suspension gives a plush ride
3. Updated brakes provides better stopping power and feel

Cons

1. Some bikes are hard starters due to the lack of decompression devices
2. Very large compared to other naked bikes
3. Starting the bike can be annoying with all the warnings that pop up on the screen

Conceived as a tribute to the brand's dominating flat tracker, the FTR750, the FTR is the only naked standard in Indian's lineup of cruisers. It has been through several changes, most notably this year, introducing the track-focused version, the FTR Sport. Most of it has gone unchanged, but the new colors, flyscreen, lower spoiler and rear seat cowl make it one of the best looking FTRs on the market.

1 Energica EsseEsse9

Starting MSRP: $22,100

Up to this point, most electric motorcycle manufacturers had focused on design language that speaks to the inherent, futuristic aspects of their motorcycles. And while that has produced some stunning looking bikes, there's a whole market that these companies are ignoring entirely. We're talking about the neo retro/modern classic crowd.

Energica is a proven electric bike maker, as they have multiple, mass-produced models that have become fairly popular for their performance and range. But most of them look, as you would expect, sporty and cybernetic.

Pros

1. Great range thanks to its large battery capacity
2. Fast-charging feature allows the bike to be topped up in under an hour
3. Powertrain can sustain 80 horsepower for extended periods of time

Cons

1. For the price, there are better ICE options
2. No alternative color choices
3. Without a DC fast charger, the bike needs to charge overnight

Well not so much when it comes to their EsseEsse9, which incorporates some tasty vintage styling like a round headlight, a classic motorcycle silhouette and cool lower spoiler, reminiscent of Triumph's Speed Triples. Regardless of how you may feel about electric bikes, one thing is undisputed, the EsseEsse9 is a performance beast with rugged, vintage looks.