May 30, 2023
10 Most Underrated Naked Bikes
These underrated naked bikes demand more attention Being motorcycle lovers, we believe that riding is the purest form of solace someone can have. A long ride with your favorite motorcycle is nothing
These underrated naked bikes demand more attention
Being motorcycle lovers, we believe that riding is the purest form of solace someone can have. A long ride with your favorite motorcycle is nothing less than therapy; it rejuvenates your soul and fills your heart with unfathomable happiness. But, it is often seen that we fail to recognize the goodness of some motorcycles, which are loaded with everything to put value for your money. This phenomenon is not limited to a single or a few manufacturers; rather, every manufacturer has at least one such presumed underdog in its stable. In this article, we present ten of the most underrated naked motorcycles that will never let you down if chosen over more popular models.
Looking at the data from manufacturer websites, we have put together a list of most underrated naked motorcycles that offer great value.
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The KTM 200 Duke is probably the tragic hero of this list of underrated bikes. This ultra-compact, stylish and powerful machine is the perfect ride for daily commute with super affordable price tag. Yet it is seldom talked about. People are crazy about the 390 Duke, and that's no doubt a good bike, but we think this youngest Duke deserves some more attention. Featured with aggressive-looking headlights, a ready-to-race style statement, and sharp lines across the body, this Duke is a head turner at every signal and on the go. At its heart is a 200 cc single-cylinder engine producing around 25 horsepower and 14 lb-ft. of torque, which is more than sufficient to navigate through busy city roads and short weekend trips.
Engine Type
199.5 cc, Liquid Cooled, Single Cylinder
Power
25 horsepower
Torque
14 lb-ft.
Transmission
6-speed
Suspension
43 mm WP Apex fork (front); WP Apex monoshock (rear)
Brakes
300 mm disc with four-piston caliper (front); 230 mm disc with single-piston caliper.
ABS
Bosch dual channel Supermoto ABS
Weight
350 pounds
Electronics
Supermoto mode; Electronic Fuel Injection
BMWs can be affordable! Can you believe that? Obviously, if you look at the big machines of the manufacturer, then the budget can skyrocket through the roof, but if you are looking for an affordable machine to run your daily errands, then the G310 R can be an option. The G310 R carries its good-looking DNA from the racing champion S1000R, and it also has several design and technical cues straight from the racing track. With just 362 pounds of curb weight and an ultra-light tubular space frame, this bike is super agile and maneuverable in traffic and sharp highway bends. The 313 cc single-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts produces a peppy 34 horsepower and 20.6 lb-ft of torque. For more rider assistance and to enhance performance, this bike is featured with ride-by-wire system and a self-reinforcing slipper clutch.
Engine Type
313 cc water-cooled single-cylinder
Power
34 horsepower
Torque
20.6 lb-ft.
Transmission
6-speed constant mesh
Suspension
40 mm inverted fork (front); Dual swing arm, central spring strut, preload adjustable.
Brakes
360 mm single disc with 4-piston caliper; 240 mm single disc with single piston caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS
Weight
362 lbs
Electronics
Electric throttle Ride-by-wire, LED lighting
The CB300R is the least powered machine in Honda's CB lineup, and that makes it an ideal choice for beginners and city riding. Featuring a 286 cc engine and just 315 pounds of curb weight, this bike is a predictable and easy-to-ride learning bed before scaling up to higher-powered CBs. Though it is low-powered, Honda didn't compromise on the styling. Rather, the Matte Black Metallic trim can give you the feel of the latest hot shot CB1000R Black Edition. The single-cylinder engine produces a responsive 31 horsepower and plenty of torque across the rev range to handle variable speed levels in city traffic conditions. The lightweight chassis, along with disc brakes and dual-channel ABS, enables responsive handling and easy maneuverability.
Engine Type
286 cc 20-degree single cylinder
Power
31 horsepower
Torque
20 lb-ft.
Transmission
6-speed
Suspension
41 mm inverted fork (front); Pro-link single shock (rear)
Brakes
296 mm single disc (front); 220 mm single disc (rear)
ABS
Dual channel ABS
Weight
316 pounds
Electronics
LCD dash; LED lighting
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Suzuki undoubtedly knows how to keep its best motorcycles relevant across generations. One such example is the SV650, which is approaching its 25th anniversary. Suzuki has continually improved this beauty, and it is currently the most advanced ABS model in the SV lineup. The SV650's robust 645 cc V-twin engine delivers enough low- to medium-range power and pulls smoothly to redline at 10,000 rpm. The maximum power output is 75 horses, with plenty of low-and mid-rpm torque totaling 47 lb-ft. The bike's remarkable handling ability is due to various cutting-edge design elements, including a high-stress trellis frame, a seven-way adjustable rear shock, a telescopic front fork, and an extremely low curb weight of 437 pounds.
Engine Type
645 cc. liquid cooled, 90-degree V-twin
Power
75 horsepower
Torque
47 lb-ft.
Transmission
6-speed constant mesh
Suspension
Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped (front); Link type, single shock, coil spring, oil damped (rear)
Brakes
Dual disc with 4-piston caliper (front); Single disc with single piston caliper (rear)
ABS
Dual channel ABS
Weight
437 lbs
Electronics
Suzuki easy start system; Multi-function LCD instrument cluster
Our next entry is from Yamaha's widely popular MT family, and here we have the MT-07. Often overshadowed by the bigger MT-09 and 10, the latest generation 07 is featured with the MT series' signature powerful stance, distinctive color and design elements that highlight its hyper-naked character. Powered by a 689 cc twin-cylinder engine, it provides superior low- to mid-range torque with a linear throttle response and high-rpm pulling power. The maximum power output is 72.4 horsepower and 49.4 lb-ft of torque. The high-strength steel frame houses the engine as a stressed member that allows a compact and lighter mainframe design. Together with KYB suspension, disc brakes, and standard ABS at the front and rear, this chassis design offers nimble and agile handling.
Engine Type
689 cc liquid cooled twin-cylinder
Power
72.4 horsepower
Torque
49.4 lb-ft.
Transmission
6-speed
Suspension
KYB 41 mm telescopic fork (front); Single shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping
Brakes
298 mm dual disc (front); 245 mm single disc (rear)
ABS
Dual channel ABS
Weight
406 lbs
Electronics
LED lighting; 50inch TFT display; pre-wired for quick-shifter
Let's bring some triple-cylinder awesomeness to this list, and here we have the Triumph Trident 660 naked from Triumph. The most affordable in Triumph's roadster line-up the Trident 660 is a sporty and stylish machine with staggering power from the iconic three-cylinder engine. The 660 cc inline three-cylinder engine provides an ideal blend of low-down torque and electrifying top-end power for an exciting and nimble ride. The engine is equipped with multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control that enhance fuel efficiency and provide responsive power delivery. The maximum output of the engine is 81 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque. The engine has a class-leading 10,000-mile service interval that reduces maintenance costs.
Engine Type
660 cc liquid cooled inline 3-cylinder
Power
81 horsepower
Torque
47 lb-ft.
Transmission
6-speed
Suspension
Showa 41 mm upside down forks (front); Showa monoshock with preload adjustment (rear)
Brakes
Nissin 310 mm dual discs with two-piston caliper (front); Nissin 255 mm single disc with single piston caliper.
ABS
Dual channel ABS
Weight
416.7 pounds
Electronics
TFT display; Riding modes; Ride-by-wire; traction control
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The GSX-8S is developed out of Suzuki's vision of future sports bikes, and it is clearly visible from the stunning futuristic design of the machine, particularly the angularly stacked LED headlamps. Adhering to the signature of Japanese manufacturing, the GSX 8S is of excellent build quality and is loaded with a suite of tech features. The 776 cc parallel twin engine of the bike is mated with a bi-directional Quick Shift system and Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), which offer an easy and smooth shifting experience. To offer the best riding experience, the 8S has the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S) with three-drive mode selector and four-mode traction control system. Adding more convenience to the rider, the 8S comes with Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.
Engine Type
776 cc liquid cooled parallel twin
Power
82 horsepower
Torque
57.5 lb-ft.,
Transmission
6-speed constant mesh
Suspension
Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped (front); Link type, single shock, coil spring, oil damped (rear)
Brakes
Nissin dual disc with 4-piston caliper (front); Nissin single disc with single piston caliper (rear)
ABS
Dual channel ABS
Weight
445 pounds
Electronics
Suzuki Inteligent Rode System (S.I.R.S); 5-inch LCD instrument panel; Full LED lighting.
If you are familiar with retro-styled Z900 RS super naked from Kawasaki's stable, then let us tell you that an ultra-modern version of the motorcycle also exists: the Z900 ABS and SE variants. Unlike the RS version, this hyper naked is featured with an aggressive stance and sharp design elements all over the body. Like the RS, the Z900 ABS/SE is also powered by a 948 cc four-cylinder engine producing 125 horsepower and 73.1 lb-ft of torque. ABS and SE are essentially the same except for the front brake and rear suspension. The SE gets the premium Brembo brakes set up and Ohlins rear suspension, and that makes it around two pounds heavier and little more expensive than the ABS.
ABS
SE
Engine Type
948 cc inline four-cylinder
Power
125 horsepower
Torque
73.1 lb-ft.
Transmission
6-speed
Suspension
41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping (front); Horizontal back-link with rebound damping and adjustable preload
Ohlins rear shock
Brakes
300 mm dual discs with four-piston caliper (front); 250 mm single-disc with single-piston caliper
Brembo front brake package
ABS
Dual channel ABS
Weight
467.5 pounds
469.7 pounds
Electronics
Rideology the App smartphone connectivity; TFT instrumentations.
When people think about having a sportier machine from BMW, their choice usually skewed towards the renowned RR, RS and XR models. But here we want to highlight the Roadster category of the manufacturer and a gem sitting there. The R 1250 R is less expensive than the Sports and M-category machines but is packed with some of the great punch and pleasure you might expect from a roadster naked. The 1254 cc two-cylinder engine of the bike squarely hits the performance mark with 136 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. But that's just one thing; the bike is packed with many cutting-edge features to justify its price tag. For example, a TFT color display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), lean-optimized ABS, three riding modes, and Hill Start Control (HSC) comes standard with machine. If you want to add more punch then BMW has a long list of optional extras to pamper you.
Engine Type
1254 cc air/liquid cooled two-cylinder
Power
136 horsepower
Torque
105 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed constant mesh
Suspension
Upside down telescopic fork (front); Single-sided swing arm with WAD shock absorber, spring preload and rebound adjustable
Brakes
320 mm dual disc with four-piston caliper (front); 276 mm single disc with two-piston caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad integral ABS
Weight
527 pounds
Electronics
TFT color display with BMW Motorrad connectivity; Full LED headlight; three riding modes; USB charging socket
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The killer joker is here - we are talking about the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and its Joker-inspired front design that won millions of hearts instantly. The price tag is quite hefty, but so is the value it is providing. This super naked is basically a sports bike without fairings. Look at the engine specs, and you will get the feel of our words. The 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine produces a whopping 208 horsepower and 90.4 lb-ft of torque, which is class-leading. But that's not all; this superb machine is equipped with an array of safety and electronic features that make riding more exciting and fun. Cornering ABS, wheelie control, slide control, engine braking control, and many other features let you enjoy the fun of riding without worrying about anything else. The electrical package is also mind-blowing; full LED lighting and Quick Shifter are there, along with several electrical riding aids to challenge everything that falls in the way.
Engine Type
1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V4
Power
208 horsepower
Torque
90.4 lb-ft.
Transmission
6-speed quick shift
Suspension
Showa 43 mm fully adjustable fork (front); Single-sided swingarm with fully adjustable sachs unit (rear)
Brakes
Brembo 330 mm dual disc with four-piston caliper; 245 mm single disc with two-piston caliper
ABS
Dual channel ABS
Weight
444 pounds
Electronics
5-inch TFT display, Ducati power launch; Auto off indicators; Full LED lighting
Mainak is an automobile enthusiast with a special love for motorcycles. He has been riding for the last ten years and has written about almost all the big names out there on two and four wheels. And when he is not writing, he is traveling somewhere with his two-wheeler buddy.