Thumping big V-twin nakeds are full of character and make a brilliant used buy. Here's my top five

Nakeds are always popular but not everyone wants a full-on super-naked. So how about a cool-looking ride with a bit of soul thanks to a thumping V-twin engine? The good old V-twin is something of a rare beast nowadays. Well, in new bike showrooms anyway. But dip into the used market and there are plenty of options. From the sporty Monster to the wayward but legendary TL1000S via the stylish MT-01, quirky (and fairly challenging to own) Buells. Here are a few of our favourites…

Related: Best kit for naked bike riders

Read on for our expert guide to big naked V-Twins!

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MCN Recommended: 2005 – 2010 Yamaha MT-01 – £5000 – £8000

Yamaha’s oddly appealing naked/cruiser/sporty thingy…

Spec:

• Power 90bhp
• Engine capacity 1670cc
• Seat height 825mm
• Kerb weight 265kg

The first MT (Master of Torque), the Yamaha MT-01 is a strange beast and you get the feeling the firm weren’t quite sure what the final goal was when designing it. Powered by a fairly sedate cruiser engine and remarkably heavy, the MT is surprisingly sweet in bends due to a chassis that has a fair degree of potential. Stylish, beautifully built and quite a head-turner, the MT has a worldwide fanbase and lots of scope for tuning or customisation. Owners adore them.

Yamaha MT-01 used buying advice

● The MT-01 is known to suffer from gearbox issues if pushed hard. Higher mileage bikes (or just those ridden with enthusiasm) can start to develop false neutrals, so check all is well on a test ride.
● If the OE rubber brake lines haven’t been replaced by braided items (Yamaha state they should be changed every three years) swap them now.
● Ensure that the red immobiliser key is included in the sale because without it you can’t easily reprogramme black blank keys. This can lead to big headaches if overlooked.

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2003 – 2010 Buell XB12S Lightning – £3500 – £6000

Erik Buell’s oddly appealing naked machine

Spec:

• Power 100bhp
• Engine capacity 1203cc
• Seat height 765mm
• Kerb weight 179kg

Designed by Erik Buell, the XB12S Lightning has loads of talking points such as its fuel in frame/oil in swingarm design and rim-mounted brake disc. It rides really well – if a little quirkily. As long as you don’t rush the gearbox (it’s a modified Harley Sportster engine), the Buell is quick enough to be fun and its looks sure stand out but parts are rare and reliability isn’t great.

Buell XB12S Lightning used buying advice

● All XB Buells eat rear wheel bearings (swapping the tensioner helps reduce this), so check for play.
● There is an oil pump drive gear mod that needs to be completed as if it hasn’t been done, the gear can fail, leading to disaster. Post-2006 models had it as standard.
● The reason Buells snap their belts is down to the tensioner, which is fixed and therefore puts extra strain on the belt. Swapping it for an aftermarket variable tensioner helps.

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2003 – 2008 Suzuki SV1000 – £2000 – £4000

It’s a bit budget but some smart tweaks pay dividends

Spec:

• Power 118bhp
• Engine capacity 996cc
• Seat height 810mm
• Kerb weight 208kg

Suzuki played it safe and while the SV1000 has a TL-derived V-twin, it’s nowhere near as feisty. Built to a budget and aiming to entice owners of the popular SV650 to upgrade, the SV1000 never really took off due to its rather poor finish and disappointing level of spec. The SV is one of those bikes that benefits from basic upgrades (suspension, brakes, tyres, exhaust, bars).

Suzuki SV1000 used buying advice

● The V-twin is smooth, so be wary of any overly lumpy-feeling bikes. Often it is the throttle bodies that need balancing but it could be a cam position sensor, and that’s about £250 to remedy.
● Give the radiator a proper inspection as it has a reputation for corroding and leaking. A new unit costs £716 from Suzuki with used or pattern items going for £90.
● A few SV owners have experienced cam chain tensioner issues on higher mileage bikes.

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2003 – 2005 Aprilia Tuono – £3000 – £4500

An everyday Italian naked with stacks of attitude

Spec:

• Power 128bhp
• Engine capacity 998cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 196kg

The first ‘single-pipe’ generation Tuono is a bold and bolshy naked that is also surprisingly practical. With a large and roomy upright riding position, not to mention a small screen, you can cover miles on one in relative comfort and when you reach your destination, the RSV-based chassis over-delivers in bends. A great-handling machine packing a hysterical V-twin.

Aprilia Tuono used buying advice

● Listen for a slipping or squeaking sound on start-up, which hints that the sprag clutch is on its way out. Swapping it will cost you about £300 (if all goes well).
● If the bike is a pig to get into neutral, look at the colour of the clutch fluid. Replacing the fluid and bleeding the system is easy and should be done regularly.
● Swapping the rear sprocket for a 42-tooth item lowers the gearing and makes the Tuono lots more fun (standard gearing is 16/40).

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2005 – 2008 Ducati Monster S2R – £3500 – £5500

The over-looked two-valve Monster is worth a punt

Spec:

• Power 77bhp
• Engine capacity 803cc
• Seat height 800mm
• Kerb weight 193kg

Effectively a pimped-up Monster 800, the Ducati Monster S2R (‘2’ because it has the two-valve head) features the S4R model’s single-sided swingarm as well as the firm’s APTC clutch, which reduces the lever effort, and twin-stacked high-level pipes. It’s a beautifully balanced bike to ride with enough power to be fun, and the Monster is fairly cheap to service, reliable and great-looking.

Ducati Monster S2R used buying advice

● The finish on the motor is pretty poor and flaking paint is a common complaint. Check around the clutch slave cylinder because these weep, leading to damage to the paint.
● Inspect the wires leading into the starter motor (under the front cylinder). They corrode and often break, requiring a new starter.
● Ensure the eccentric adjuster on the swingarm moves freely (ask the seller to demonstrate this). Check the pinch bolt isn’t over tightened, it should be set to just 33Nm.