Can you have more fun than riding a good middleweight naked bike? I really don't think so...

Boasting quality chassis components, these sporty options seriously up the fun-factor in naked biking. Entertaining on a B-road if the mood takes you, these five are also more than happy to line up on a trackday and won’t embarrass themselves against sportsbike competition.

• Related: My pick of the best used middleweight twins on the market

In fact, if the track is tight and twisty, they may well spring a few surprises. With prices starting £3500, there is little not to love. If you want a bike that will encourage you to get up early on a sunny day, look no further.

Read on for our expert guide to middleweight naked bikes!

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MCN Recommended: 2012-2015 Ducati Streetfighter 848 – £5000-£7500

A feisty Italian naked motorcycle for sensible cash

Spec:

• Power 132bhp
• Engine capacity 849cc
• Seat height 840mm
• Kerb weight 199kg (wet)

One that failed to sell well, the Streetfighter 848 was overlooked due to a high price and some fierce competition. Powered by a beautiful V-twin, the Streetfighter can be a bit grumpy at low speed but once up and running is a fantastic sporty naked with a top-quality chassis, variable traction control and a seriously gutsy motor. Although it’s quite sporty and therefore firm in its ride (the suspension is fully adjustable), if you live near some smooth B-roads, you’ll have a ball.

Ducati Streetfighter 848 used buying advice

● Check the single-sided swingarm’s hub for not only being seized (ensure that the chain adjuster mechanism moves freely) but also to check the pinch bolts aren’t over-tightened as that can deform the rear hub.
● Check for misting in the dash, they are known to let water in, especially if hit directly with a pressure washer – so take it easy when you are cleaning the bike.
● Leaking clutch slave cylinders aren’t uncommon, so look for any moisture around it and also damage to the paint on the engine’s case due to corrosive fluid escaping.

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2018-2021 Yamaha MT-09 SP – £6500-£9000

The tempting triple that looks as good as it performs

Spec:

• Power 113bhp
• Engine capacity 847cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 215kg (wet)

Yamaha were surfing the crest of a wave with MT-09 sales and in 2018 they unleashed the MT-09 SP. The SP model adds an Öhlins shock, uprated fully-adjustable KYB forks, black levers, a stitched seat and a Silver Blu Carbon paint scheme. Just as barking as the stock model, the SP’s upgraded suspension gives it much better road holding. It’s a brilliant bike and worth the extra.

Yamaha MT-09 SP used buying advice

● The MT-09 runs a single-piece exhaust system. Check for any dings or leaks as replacing it can be a fiddle, especially if the nuts holding the header pipes are corroded.
● Inspect the MT’s radiator well for any damage or signs of corrosion. It is quite exposed and a new unit costs over £500 from Yamaha.
● Yamaha released an ECU update for the MT after some bikes had cutting-out issues. Check it has been completed or, better still, get the bike remapped by a dyno house.

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2011-2012 Kawasaki Z750R – £3500-£5000

Semi-sporty naked with an extra sprinkling of attitude

Spec:

• Power 104bhp
• Engine capacity 748cc
• Seat height 825mm
• Kerb weight 224kg (wet)

In 2011 Kawasaki attempted to inject a bit more edge into its Z750 through the creation of an R version. Featuring inverted forks with adjustable rebound damping as well as preload, an uprated shock, fourpiston radial brakes with a radial master cylinder and braided lines and an aluminium swingarm, the R version is actually quite different to the stock Zed model.

Kawasaki Z750R used buying advice

● The valve-clearance service is every 16,000 miles. A lot of used bikes are either approaching or have passed this figure, so check it has been done. It’ll cost about £450.
● Owners report rust spots on the frame. Check under the seat and in hidden areas where water can collect. It shouldn’t cause structural issues but needs to be treated.
● Check for damage on the lefthand side as the Zed’s sidestand isn’t the most stable, often leading to the bike tipping over.

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2016 Triumph Street Triple RX – £4500-£5500

This exclusive Street Triple model is worth seeking out

Spec:

• Power 105bhp
• Engine capacity 675cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 185kg (wet)

The RX only lasted a year before the 675 was replaced by the 765. Boasting a Daytona 675 tail unit as well as a sports screen and belly pan, the RX has a sharper look than the standard Street Triple. Fabulous to ride, the RX has a quickshifter as standard alongside switchable ABS and fully-adjustable suspension. One of the best B-road weapons you can buy, it’s hard to fault.

Triumph Street Triple RX used buying advice

● The Street Triple gained an immobiliser in this generation and a few bikes have suffered from the immobiliser’s antenna failing, causing it to not recognise the key.
● Ensure the suspension linkages are nicely greased as they suffer from a lack of lubrication and often seize up.
● If the bike fails to tickover nice and smoothly, assume it needs its throttle bodies balancing. It makes a big difference to how the bike feels at small throttle openings.

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2017-2020 Aprilia Shiver 900 – £4000-£6000

Tech-heavy Italian option offers something a little different

Spec:

• Power 93bhp
• Engine capacity 896cc
• Seat height 810mm
• Kerb weight 223kg (wet)

A surprisingly sporty naked, the Shiver boasts ABS as well as three power modes and three-level traction control but the standout feature is its engine. Remarkably relaxed and fun to ride (and also able to be made A2-compliant), the V-twin feels like a Suzuki SV650’s motor with some much-needed extra grunt – and that’s a good thing. Stylish, sporty and roomy.

Aprilia Shiver 900 used buying advice

● The Shiver can suffer camchain tensioner issues so listen for a rattle on start-up that doesn’t go away.
● If you want a bit more poke, swap the front sprocket for a 15-tooth item from its standard 16-tooth. The Dorsoduro runs this gearing to give its acceleration a bit more spice and the speedo’s reading isn’t affected.
● If you want to save a few quid, the Shiver 750 is a good bike that, although a little less powerful, stillhas a thoroughly sorted chassis. Prices start at £2500.