Parallel-twin nakeds aren't new, and you don't have to spend big on a new bike! Just £4k will do it

Back in the ’90s and early Noughties, if a manufacturer wanted to build a competitive middleweight, the usual route was to take an older supersport inline four, retune it for extra midrange and then stick it in a budget chassis. Machines such as the Honda Hornet, Yamaha Fazer and Suzuki Bandit all sold in huge numbers based on this principle.

But then a few parallel twins broke the mould… nowadays as new bikes these middleweight nakeds are more popular than ever, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to own one!

Related: Best kit for naked bike riders

Read on for our expert guide to used £4k super twins!

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MCN Recommended: 2005-2008 Kawasaki ER-6n – £2499

MCN Best Buy

Spec:

• Power 649cc
• Engine capacity 71bhp
• Seat height 785mm
• Kerb weight 204kg

The first generation of Kawasaki ER-6n was a revolution when it appeared in 2006. Crazy styling (especially with its pink/red frame) made it stand out from the crowds while the parallel-twin motor provided stacks of grunt with a light clutch and easy-going nature.

Blessed with a remarkably agile chassis (it has since dominated the Lightweight TT class), despite its rather budget suspension the ER is a joy on twisty roads and makes for a lovely first big bike. In or out of town, its low 785mm seat height, narrow bars and spirited motor make it instantly reassuring for those lacking in confidence.

Kawasaki ER-6n used buying advice

The top engine mount brackets can crack in an accident so check this area well as that’s a major safety concern, and the header pipes also fracture where they meet the muffler, which means a new exhaust system. Give the suspension an inspection for leaks and feel for play on the shock’s top mounting point as this is weak area. The ER was substantially updated in 2012, but this generation generally breaks the £3500 budget.

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2014-2018 Yamaha MT-07 – £3250

Best All-Rounder

Spec:

• Power 689cc
• Engine capacity 74bhp
• Seat height 805mm
• Kerb weight 179kg

The 2014 Yamaha MT-07 hits the perfect balance between fun, usability and price and is, quite simply, brilliant. Prices in dealers usually start at around £4000 and even private sales are £3500+ but there is the odd tatty or high mileage example you’ll be able to haggle on and it’s still worth every single penny. The suspension is a little bit soggy, the finish is slightly suspect, but that fabulous, parallel-twin motor is the undoubted star of the show.

Yamaha MT-07 used buying advice

ABS was a £400 option extra on early MTs, so double check the specs if you want this. Instead, your major worry on an MT-07 is its finish and suspension. The forks pop their seals, the rear shock gives up the ghost and, as well as some of the frame’s welds rusting up, the fasteners corrode terribly in winter if left untreated.

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2000-2016 Triumph Bonneville 900 – £3500

Best Retro Smoothie

Spec:

• Power 790/865cc
• Engine capacity 67bhp
• Seat height 775mm
• Kerb weight 225kg

For sunny Sunday rides, the Bonneville 900 ticks every box. Triumph gave the Bonnie a 360-degree crank in its parallel-twin as opposed to the 270-degree other 865s run to inject a bit of smoothness and it works wonders. As well as looking cool, this old-school Triumph oozes retro charm and is ripe for customisation. And, best of all, it doesn’t leak oil or rely on a kickstart to get it going!

Triumph Bonneville used buying advice

Early Bonnies are 790cc, growing to 865cc in 2006 and gaining fuel injection in 2008. While £3000 will just about secure an older 790, if you can hold out for an 865 they’re better quality. Be wary of corrosion, especially on the spokes, sticking brake calipers. Misfires due to water trapped by the coil are also common. Condition is key, but at this price beggars can’t be choosers.

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2009-2019 BMW F800R – £2691

Best Budget Option

Spec:

• Power 798cc
• Engine capacity 87bhp
• Seat height 800mm
• Kerb weight 177kg

Launched 2009 in a bid to attract younger riders to the brand, the BMW F800R has generally failed to appeal to UK buyers’ tastes and as such can be found for a very reasonable price. The parallel-twin motor is very frugal and delivers impressive power while the chassis excellent. Only annoying vibrations (heavier bar end weights help damp this) dim the shine on what is otherwise a solid naked middleweight.

BMW F800R used buying advice

The F800R benefits from the usual array of BMW accessories and heated grips, 12V socket, high or low seats, onboard computer etc are all popular so look out for one with accessories already fitted. Always check when the ABS was last serviced (it should be every two years) as any contamination in the fluid can lead to a damaged ABS unit and a hefty bill!

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2016-2018 Honda CB500F – £2499

Best For Big Miles

Spec:

• Power 471cc
• Engine capacity 47bhp
• Seat height 785mm
• Kerb weight 190kg

Reinvented in 2013 as an affordable, A2 licence-friendly commuter, the Honda CB500F offers no-frills motorcycling to novice riders and on this score is hard to fault. Easily averaging 70mpg, able to top 70mph, armed with ABS and looking fairly cool, the CB is what it is and that’s why commuters love it.

Honda CB500F used buying advice

There are three CB500 models: the sporty, fully-faired R, roadster F and adventure-styled X with each having their own plus and minus points. Despite its price tag, the CB’s build quality is impressively high so watch out for consumables such as tyres, chain and sprockets and brake pads as replacing them can quickly make a cheap bike expensive. Crash damage is common, so watch for bent bars and scuffed engine cases, too.