Buying guide · 1970

Best naked motorcycles

Roadsters with the fairings removed: upright bars, exposed engine, easy access for maintenance. Naked bikes are the most modification-friendly platform on the market because everything is reachable.

Who this segment suits

  • Riders who want sportbike pace without clip-ons
  • Owners planning custom or DIY work — everything is accessible
  • City riders who value visibility and low-speed control

Model picks — naked motorcycles

Every pick links to its fitment reference: chain spec, pad codes, tyre sizes and the parts that fit.

BikeTypeYearsWhy it makes the listOwn one?
Yamaha MT-09Naked20132026Triple with a strong midrange and an enormous aftermarket.Find parts that fit →
Yamaha MT-07Naked20142026Light twin that has become the default first big bike for many riders.Find parts that fit →
Triumph Street TripleNaked20072026Middleweight triple with sportbike chassis parts under roadster ergonomics.Find parts that fit →
KTM 1290 Super Duke RNaked20142026The extreme end of the class: litre-plus V-twin, minimal bodywork.Find parts that fit →
Kawasaki Z900Naked20172026Four-cylinder naked that stays smooth at commuting speeds.Find parts that fit →
Ducati Monster 937Naked20212026Compact modern Monster with a light frame and low weight.Find parts that fit →
BMW R nineTNaked20142026Boxer roadster built for custom work straight from the factory.Find parts that fit →
Aprilia Tuono 660Naked20212026Sportbike engine with real handlebars and usable ergonomics.Find parts that fit →

What to check before you buy

  • Wind blast: a small flyscreen changes motorway comfort dramatically
  • Radiator and engine exposure — a radiator guard is cheap insurance
  • Levers and bar ends, the first casualties in a parking-lot tip-over
  • Suspension quality, which varies widely across the class
  • Whether a tail tidy and lighting swap is legal in your market

What it costs to run

  • Cheaper to repair after a drop than any faired bike — there is simply less bodywork
  • Exhaust, levers, lighting and a flyscreen are the common first four purchases
  • Chain, pads and filters sit mid-range in our price tables

Part-cost ranges and workshop labour rates for 16 countries are in our price guides.

Exhaust for naked motorcycles

The category naked motorcycles owners buy from first.

Slip-On Exhaust MufflerVerified fit
Exhaustvia Amotopart

Slip-On Exhaust Muffler

Stainless slip-on with removable db killer and deeper exhaust note.

$219.00View

Parts this segment needs first

All naked motorcycles in our catalog

38 models with fitment references and matched parts.

Other segments

FAQ

Are naked bikes comfortable on the motorway?

Up to a point. Wind pressure on your chest becomes tiring above cruising speed, which is why a flyscreen or small touring screen is such a common upgrade.

Why are naked bikes easier to modify?

There is no bodywork to remove before you reach the engine, wiring or subframe, so most jobs take less time and fewer specialist parts.

Naked or sportbike for a first big bike?

Naked, for most riders. The upright position gives better vision in traffic and less wrist load in daily use.