Let it all hang out! Prepare for high-octane thrills on five of the best big-cc naked bargains

The popularity of naked bikes has been on the rise ever since our sports bike infatuation started to wane.

And is it any wonder? On a naked the exposed and upright riding position not only puts less stress on your wrists, it also encourages you to keep your speed pegged.

But that’s not the only advantage. Often blessed with roomy riding positions, nakeds are more comfortable for pillions, too.

And if you get a big-capacity model like the ones here, it will easily shrug off major trips and two-up touring.

So, here’s MCN’s pick of five of the best bargain big-cc nakeds!

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2008 – 2012 Suzuki B-King – £6,000 – £9,000

Sure-footed and fun but the styling can be divisive

Spec:

• Power 181bhp
• Engine capacity 1340cc
• Seat height 805mm
• Kerb weight 235kg

Yes, we all wish the B-King had come with its promised supercharger, but even in normally aspirated form the Suzuki’s engine is impressive. With the bike brimming with easy-going torque, riding the B-King is effortless and although it is undeniably a big old lump at low speeds, once rolling this weight translates into a very sure-footed ride. The look is a bit questionable, and the original twin exhaust pipes both rather odd and enormous, but the B-King still has loads of road presence and makes a great two-up machine.

Suzuki B-King used buying advice

● Check the dash for fault codes. If the exhaust valve sticks it displays a ‘C46’ error code, which is either a simple job to free it off or a total nightmare, depending on how stuck the valve has become!
● Always inspect consumable items such as the brake discs, head bearings, chain and sprockets, and rear tyre. The B-King is a heavy and fast beast and therefore can give its running gear a hard time. The cost of a new set of discs, rear tyre, chain etc soon adds up.

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2005 – ’10 Yamaha MT-01 – £4,500 – £7,000

Wow, what a whopper… 1670cc of low-revving V-twin poke

Spec:

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

Powered by an air-cooled cruiser engine and stuck in a fairly sporty chassis, the MT’s lazy low-revving nature and heavy kerb weight detracted from what was actually a pleasingly agile chassis. The MT-01 is fine if you don’t rush it but is far from a super-naked and instead is much more a cruiser that handles. A soulful option but one that won’t appeal to everybody.

Yamaha MT-01 used buying advice

● The gearbox is clunky as standard (it was designed for a cruiser) and when used hard can start to develop issues. Always check it engages gears precisely and doesn’t hop out.
● Inspect the engine for corrosion as it is very exposed. Overall the level of finish is excellent.
● If it hasn’t already been done, upgrade the MT’s rubber brake lines for braided steel items. It’s a heavy bike and benefits from the extra braking performance.

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1999- 2002 Honda X-11 – £1,500 – £3,500

Honda’s Blackbird-powered hyper-naked packs a silky punch

Spec:

• Power 134bhp
• Engine capacity 1137cc
• Seat height 795mm
• Kerb weight 222kg

Based around the Blackbird, the X-11 was Honda’s short-lived hyper naked. Quite why it failed so badly to appeal to riders is a bit of a mystery because it does a lot of things very well. The engine has bags of grunt, the chassis is stable and if you are after a good, reliable, day-to-day naked with creamy midrange and an excellent pillion seat, the X-11 is very tempting.

Honda X-11 used buying advice

● Listen for a rattle on start-up that indicates the cam chain tensioner is on its way out. Swap it out sooner rather than later. A new unit costs £129 from Honda.
● The reg/rec and generator are known weak points, so check that the voltage is being delivered back to the battery.
● Dirty fuel injectors are an increasingly common problem. If the bike hesitates or feels fluffy or woolly when accelerating, this could be the reason.

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2009 – 2015 BMW K1300R – £5,500 – £8,000

BMW’s big naked comes with a touch of class (and ugly face)

Spec:

• Power 173bhp
• Engine capacity 1293cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 228kg

Basically a stripped-down K1300S, BMW’s big-capacity naked has far more mod-cons (as optional extras…) than its rivals. More reliable than the K1200R and with a noticeable extra dollop of midrange, the K1300R’s Duo Lever front end does take a bit of getting used to but once you trust its feeling the BMW handles well, is comfortable and has a storming motor.

BMW K1300R used buying advice

● Radiators have a reputation for trapping dirt and water, leading to corrosion and eventually requiring a new unit. If you get it from BMW, it will set you back over £700.
● The Duo lever can develop play, which is when it requires a service and its ball-joints changed. At low speed, feel for weave that indicates slop in the system.
● The gearbox can develop issues. If a quick shifter is fitted (it was an official optional extra) be wary as they put extra strain on it.

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2013 – 2016 KTM 1290 SD R – £7,000 – £9,000

The big Super Duke R is mad, bad, and very, very good fun…

Spec:

• Power 160bhp
• Engine capacity 1301cc
• Seat height 835mm
• Kerb weight 210kg

The first Super Duke R was named ‘The Beast’ for good reason. Brutal acceleration from its massive V-twin makes the original Duke a bit of a handful as its electronics aren’t that sophisticated, but it is an absolute riot to ride. You need to be on your toes but if you put the effort in the rewards are huge. A proper barking super-naked that will get your pulse racing.

KTM 1290 SD R used buying advice

● All bikes built between 2015 and 2017 were recalled for a front brake master cylinder problem. Check this upgrade has been completed as it is a safety issue.
● Ensure that all the switchgear is working as it is known to fail due to water ingress and/or vibrations. Take time to go through it all.
● The early Duke’s Brembo brakes have a reputation for sticking pistons. Get the front up in the air (when stationary!) and listen for any dragging sounds.

While you’re here, why not check out our guide to the best kit for naked bike riders?