Stripped back raw excitement, and plenty of thrills! It's MCN's best naked motorbikes for 2024

Before sportsbikes gained race-replica bodywork, touring machines required weather-beating full fairings and adventure bikes donned screens, beaks and all manner of plastic add-ons, all bikes were naked.

Today, though, naked is the term we apply to unfaired, upright, uncluttered but otherwise modern machines that appeal for their pure simplicity, light ease of use and reasonable versatility.

What’s the appeal of a naked motorcycle?

Being unfettered and upright, a naked is often both affordable and easy to ride; especially when it comes to smaller bikes for novices. A middleweight naked can give a classic, wind-in-the-hair motorcycling experience a faired sports bike or tourer can’t match, while a large-capacity or sportster-derived super-naked can deliver superbike thrills but with upright comfort and added versatility.

Of course, there are downsides, too: being exposed to the elements means a naked can be more tiring over distance and lacks the luxury faired bikes can offer, but for a pure motorcycling experience there’s none better.

2020 acted as a battle ground for a new breed of hyper nakeds with superbike-rivalling power figures and top-level components. That battle has carried on all the way to the present day with new options like the 207bhp BMW M1000R and updated Ducati Streetfighter V4 S.

But a new benchmark in performance has brought with it a new benchmark in price, and most riders in the real world won’t feel the benefit of all that tech and power anyway. So, here’s our pick of the best real-world naked motorbikes around right now.

Jump to:

• Best naked motorcycles in 2024
• Bespoke naked bikes
• Used nakeds – naked bike bargains from previous years
• Electric naked bikes

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Best naked motorcycles in 2024:

• Yamaha MT-09SP
• KTM 990 Duke
• CFMoto 800NK Advanced
• Honda CB750 Hornet
• Suzuki GSX-8S
• Triumph Street Triple RS
• Ducati Monster 937 SP
• Aprilia Tuono 660
• Triumph Trident 660
• Yamaha MT-07

2024-on Yamaha MT-09 SP

• Highlights: Brembo Stylema calipers / More electronic adjustability plus keyless ignition / Enhanced electronic features make it even more useful and slick to use
• Specs: Engine size: 890cc Power: 117bhp Seat height: 825mm
• Price: £11,800 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth Yamaha MT-09 SP review
• Review: The 2021 version of the MT-09 SP was great, and now in 2024, it’s better than ever. Naturally, it shares all the updates to the core engine and chassis introduced earlier in the year on the base £10,102 MT-09, but the usual SP refinements (Öhlins shock and KYB forks, R1M-inspired blue/black/silver paint with a clear-coated brushed-aluminium swingarm) are supplemented with Brembo Stylema calipers (a first for Yamaha, who use the oft-maligned ADVICS stoppers on every other big bike), keyless ignition (operating the ignition, steering lock and fuel cap but you’ll need the pull-out blade to unlock the pillion seat) and new electronic options. The most notable digital change is the ability to deactivate the rear anti-lock braking function, which is to satisfy part of the SP’s expanded design brief that it can handle moderate track use.
• Buying advice: While the handling has vastly improved on the previous models, the previous model was far from being a bad bike and is worth considering on the used market.

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2024-on KTM 990 Duke

• Highlights: Parallel-twin grows from 889cc to 947cc / 121bhp, 76lb-ft / Tougher new chassis
• Specs: Engine size: 947cc Power: 121bhp Weight: 179kg Seat height: 825mm
• Price: £12999 (new) – £11000 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth KTM 990 Duke review
• Review: KTM’s supermoto-inspired roadster Duke range has an engine capacity to suit all levels of rider from learner-friendly 125 through to the fire-breathing 1390 Super Duke R. The 990 is the sportier of the Austrian firm’s middleweight Dukes. It’s a single-minded but immensely capable motorcycle that MCN’s Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves described as one of the finest handling road bikes money can buy. If you fancy the odd bit of touring or carrying a pillion, this probably isn’t the bike for you. But if all your miles are done for fun on sunny weekends or at trackdays, this could be the perfect fit.
• Buying advice: Online reviews for KTM have taken a hit recently, with people losing confidence due to the a 790/890 camshaft issue. That being said, KTM stand by their 990 platform and owners are also singing this bike’s praises, saying it has plenty of power on tap, and is so much fun to ride.

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2024-on CFMoto 800 NK Advanced

• Highlights: KTM-derived parallel twin engine / Keyless ignition, cruise control, tracker / Apple CarPlay in its 8in TFT dash
• Specs: Engine size: 799cc Power: 94bhp Weight: 186kg Seat height: 795mm
• Price: £7499 (new) – £6500 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth CFMoto 800NK Advanced review
• Review: There is a definite feeling that Chinese firm CFMoto are gathering momentum and the 800NK Advanced is a very impressive middleweight naked motorbike. Far from just a re-badged 790 Duke it shares many parts with, the NK is a distinct model with its own styling and also slightly more relaxed character than the KTM. Considering its price tag the level of spec is remarkable and while it’s a shame they haven’t pinched KTM’s angle-responsive traction control and ABS, that’s a fairly small omission on an otherwise hard to fault product. Could it be the bike that springboards CFMoto into the mainstream? That depends on the dealer network, but if you are comparing like-for-like, and ignoring the name on the tank, it’s a very tempting sporty middleweight.
• Buying advice: It’s too soon to tell if any KTM engine issues have filtered through to the CFMoto platforms. But with an increasing dealer network through using KTM dealers, and a bargain price new, its hard not to be tempted.

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2023-on Honda Hornet CB750

• Highlights: Gutsy 91bhp, 755cc parallel twin / Generously equipped /Superb value for money
• Specs: Engine size: 755cc Power: 91bhp Weight: 190kg Seat height: 795mm
• Price: £6999 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth Honda Hornet CB750 review
• Review: A big surprise of 2023 and a strong performer even in 2024 amongst the latest contenders to the naked bike category. Its in-depth review gave it the full five stars, primarily because of its exceptional parallel-twin engine and entertaining handling. But then again, its typical Honda build quality coupled with a hugely tempting price also combine to make this among the most desirable bikes in this feature. It even gets a bunch of standard kit, with more available as optional extras to spec your bike as you want it. 
• Buying advice: As a newer bike you’ve got a choice of Honda dealers to speak to. We’d suggest moving quickly to secure a bike at the sub-£8k price point, though, because it’s likely the cost will increase. Additionally, its bigger sibling has just been released, the Honda Hornet CB1000 which we have yet to review but are excited by the stats released so far.

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2023-on Suzuki GSX-8S

• Highlights: All-new 776cc parallel-twin with a chunky midrange / Forgiving, stable handling that lets you ride hard too / User-friendly digital interface and rider aids
• Specs: Engine size: 776cc Power: 82bhp Weight: 202kg Seat height: 810mm
• Price: £7999 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Suzuki GSX-8S review
• Review: 2023 was a big moment for Suzuki, releasing an all-new bike with a new engine, forgiving handling that inspires confidence, and a price tag below £8k. Still a strong contender to the latest crop of nakeds released in 2024. The engine is a real peach, with loads of mid-range to pull you through corners. It’s got rider modes too, and even fairly decent fuel economy. Standard kit includes and up and down quickshifter, a five-inch TFT screen and radial calipers.
• Buying advice: As a newer bike, the GSX-8S is a bit of a steal at the price, so get in there quickly before the cost increases. To hear more about MCN’s thoughts on the Suzuki GSX-8S check out our long term test review of it.

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2023-on Triumph Street Triple RS

• Highlights: Moto2-inspired engine upgrades / Racier brakes and steering geometry / Smaller fuel tank
• Specs: Engine size: 765cc Power: 128bhp Weight: 188kg Seat height: 836mm
• Price: £11,295 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Triumph Street Tripple RS review
• Review: Triumph’s smaller sporty upright was launched as a naked version of the original Daytona 675 in 2007 and proved a masterstroke, exploiting the flexibility and character of the 675cc triple in a stylish, affordable, versatile and fun middleweight package that appealed to novices and experienced riders alike. It’s been updated successively but the biggest change came in 2017 with a growth to 765cc, addition of electronics and, significantly an expansion to three variants: the base 111bhp S, 116bhp R with Brembos and fully-adjustable suspension and this range-topping RS complete with more power, top-spec electronics, TFT screen… the works. It’s a brilliant, all-round, midi super naked. For 2020 the Street Triple got new Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa rubber as standard and a Euro5 engine tweak that boosts mid-range. And then in 2023 Triumph ushered in its learnings from Moto2. The previous model was already one of the finest sports nakeds around and hardly needed to improve, but in the face of ever tougher competition from the likes of Ducati with its Monster SP, the Yamaha MT-09SP and KTM 890 Duke R, they’re desperate to stay ahead of the game. The latest model gets a host of engine, chassis, styling and electronics mods and it is now such an accomplished track weapon it’s feels every inch a full-on race bike with straight bars. Acceleration and handling are sharper and with such a friendly riding position and power delivery it’s a cinch to ride fast.
• Buying advice: The Street Triple’s been around in 765cc form for five years now and so there are plenty around on the used market. From the saddle you’d be hard pressed to tell the 2020 model from the 2017 so there’s some money to be saved on the used market. The Street Triple’s history is solid and Triumph’s higher-spec bikes are well-built and classy. By its nature, though, it can be thrashed and suffer novice damage so with plenty out there shop around.

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2023-on Ducati Monster 937 SP

• Highlights: Fast road/track focused Monster / Öhlins suspension / Brembo Stylema calipers
• Specs: Engine size: 937cc Power: 109bhp Weight: 186kg Seat height: 840mm
• Price: £13,995 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Ducati Monster 937 SP review
• Review: SP has been a badge of honour for the chosen ones ever since, with the odd ‘R’ thrown in for good measure along the way. Now it’s the fourth-gen Monster’s turn to get the SP treatment.
• Unlike those old Bologna superbikes, sprinkled with unobtanium like parmesan on a spicy plate of penne, the new Ducati Monster SP isn’t ‘full factory’. Instead, it’s a regular production model and costs £2700 more than the base Monster, which isn’t bad when you look at the goodies you get. But is it worth is high ticket price? Viewed as a stripped back, minimal naked probably not and you’d need to be a SP anorak to notice the difference over the standard Monster. But it oozes quality and, ultra-focused Hypermotard aside, it’s easily Ducati’s most playful pure road bike and one that refreshingly, doesn’t take itself too seriously. With its firmer suspension, sportier riding position, stronger brakes and reduced weight the Monster’s character transforms from mild-mannered roadster to something approaching Hypermotard levels of lunacy.
• Buying advice: Have a love for SP version Ducati’s then this monster is for you. The latest Monster is brand-spanking-new and so there’s few out on the used market and it’s a completely different proposition to the old version. However it’s also around £2500 more than main rivals that include the KTM 890 Duke R, Yamaha MT-09 SP or Triumph Street Triple RS. Its worth checking any used bikes that come to market to avoid the initial costly hit. To hear more about MCN’s thoughts on the Ducati Monster 937 SP check out our long term test review of it.

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2022-on Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory

• Highlights: Thrilling to ride at road speeds / Top-notch handling / Slightly more powerful than the standard Tuono 660
• Specs: Engine size: 799cc Power: 99bhp Weight: 181kg Seat height: 820mm
• Price: £10,000 (new) – £6700 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory review
• Review: Just as the full-sized Tuono V4 is based on Aprilia’s RSV4 superbike, the Tuono 660 is a flat-barred version of the firm’s popular RS660 sportsbike. The bike is even more user friendly than the RS, which is already easy to live with. The Factory also gets an IMU as standard for lean-sensitive electronics, plus a claimed 2kg reduction in weight, and a smidge under five extra horsepowers – taking it out of the realms of an A2 licence holder and closer to more powerful rivals like the Yamaha MT-09. Like its big V4 brother, the Tuono 660 Factory has excellent handling; the wide bars mean it is very easy to lever into bends and the chassis rewards your efforts as you press on. 99bhp may not sound like much compared to some of the other bikes on this list but in the real world it’s more than enough to put a smile on your face.
• Buying advice: To avoid taking the hit on a new bike price, look to MCN’s classifieds for a second hand Factory bargain. However, the Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory is brilliant fun to ride, but £10,000 is an awful lot of money for a twin-cylinder naked producing less than 100bhp. Two grand less from new and it would get five stars for value, but at that price it becomes a rival to the Yamaha MT-09 and KTM 890 Duke which both produce over 10bhp more.

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2021-on Triumph Trident 660

• Highlights: Cheap to own / Well equipped / Street Triple DNA
• Specs: Engine size: 660cc Power: 80bhp Weight: 189kg Seat height: 805mm
• Price: £7,895 (new) – £4800 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Triumph Trident 660 review
• Review: The Trident is Hinckley’s low-cost naked bike, aimed at new riders but with more than enough talent to satisfy those with much more experience. 2025 brings a few updates to the Trident, namely Euro5+ emissions compliance, along with enhanced tech, updated suspension, and fresh new colours. The highlights are that wonderful three-cylinder engine and the ride/handling balance, which manages to be comfortable yet highly entertaining at the same time.
• Buying advice: Our owners’ reviews indicate there have been a number of mechanical issues with the bike, but nothing seems to be very common. It’s more a case of one-off problems. Many people, including Gareth during our long-term test, complain about wet-weather riding as the mud gets slung up your back. An A2 licence restrictor kit is also available to reduce power to 46bhp@8750rpm and torque to 44ftlb@5250rpm.

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2021-on Yamaha MT-07

• Highlights: Quality Michelin Road 5 tyres as standard / Larger front discs and wider bars added / Small update over second-gen MT-07
• Specs: Engine size: 689cc Power: 72bhp Weight: 184kg Seat height: 805mm
• Price: £7,500 (new) – £4800 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Yamaha MT-07 review
• Review: A little older now, but this bike still packs a punch for the price. Basically a smaller, cheaper twin-cylinder version of the already brilliant MT-09 triple, the MT-07 has been a sales sensation across Europe since its launch in 2014 due to its irresistible combination of perky, flexible performance, great handling stunning value and an almost unique ability to appeal both to novices as a first big bike and experienced riders as a Sunday toy. The 2021 update brought a styling update to match the MT-09 and some other minor tweaks over the previous version, which had already taken care of the soft forks on the original. Yes, it’s a little basic and lacks long-legged versatility (Yamaha have the 700 Tracer or Ténéré 700 for that), but for the money, the MT-07’s virtually unbeatable. We think that pound-for-pound, its one of the best bikes out there.
• Buying advice: The CP2 parallel-twin engine has been proven in loads of different platforms over the years and is pretty bullet-proof but the rest of the MT-07 is built to a price and likely to suffer from novice neglect. Its popularity means there’s plenty of the older models to choose from on the used market.

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Something a little more bespoke:

2025-on CCM Street Moto

• Highlights: Base and premium R-models / Different wheels, shocks, exhaust / Hand-built in the UK
• Specs: Engine size: 600cc Power: 55bhp Weight: 141kg Seat height: 830mm
• Price: £9,995 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert CCM Street Moto review
• Review: Hand built custom utopia, the Street Moto and the Street Moto R (£11,495) are exciting roadsters. The R switches to forged-aluminium Dymag UP7X wheels, a high-level, bigger-bore exhaust and a remote-reservoir YSS shock, plus a carbon sump cover not fitted to the standard model. Is it an everyday machine? No (unless you’re committed, borderline bloody-minded), but neither is it pitched as such. For novices or technology fans, it’ll be a bit lacking: no ABS, no traction control, and the LCD dash clearly displays the bare minimum of information, but nothing else. It’s not even emissions-standard compliant, having to go through individual type-approval for road use in the UK.
• Buying advice: CCM’s sprawling range is slightly baffling, especially when you consider they’re highly customisable – some models are available in a theoretical 4000 different specs, by the time you’ve configured hard parts, accessories and finishes. They’re also premium-priced (for a 600cc single) with a few bikes now trickling down into the used bike market, you could find yourself a bargain second hand close to the spec you want.

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Used naked bikes to consider:

2019 BMW R1250R

• Highlights: Smooth ShiftCam boxer engine / Comfortable roadster riding position / Impressive chassis and brakes
• Specs: Engine size: 689cc Power: 134bhp Weight: 239kg Seat height: 820mm
• Price: £10,500 – £8400 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the BMW R1250R review here
• Review: The ‘R’ (for naked Roadster) has been, certainly in Britain, the largely overlooked version of BMW’s legendary boxer twin but ever since the first new-generation, 1100cc ‘oil-head’ in 1995, it’s also been one of the best. It combines pleasing purity with decent all-round performance and BMW’s traditional class, despite sometimes oddball looks. The 2006-on 1200 model remains the basis of the brilliant R nineT retro while, since evolving into the canbus version in 2015, which saw a return to telescopic forks from Telelever, 125bhp and much improved looks. It’s become a truly great all-rounder and 2019 sees the new 134bhp ShiftCam motor, classy TFT screen and more, while the optional extras catalogue means you can make it what you want. Yes, it’s a little sensible and sober and not cheap but you won’t be disappointed.
• Buying advice: BMW quality is fairly good, the later 1200 and new 1250 are problem-free and the R tends to be owned by mature owners so are generally looked after and serviced properly. Options such as heated grips and luggage are worth looking out for, though.

Other naked motorbikes to consider:

There are loads of used naked motorbikes for sale to consider as well as the new ones we haven’t mentioned in this article, like the Kawasaki Z650 or brilliant Suzuki SV650.

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Electric Nakeds:

2024-on Livewire S2 Del Mar

• Highlights: Battery powered roadster / 83bhp, 194lb-ft / 20%-80% charge in 78 minutes
• Specs: Power: 83bhp Weight: 198kg Seat height: 818mm
• Price: £16,990 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Livewire S2 Del Mar review here
• Review: Yes, electric motorbikes are still both a motorcycling rarity and novelty, while the best examples also remain prohibitively expensive. But there’s also no doubt that, of the current crop, Livewire’s S2 Del Mar is the best, a MCN best electric bike winner – and is a naked, too. So, the S2’s battery power suits a fun roadster more than any other kind of big electric bike. Its monstrous torque is delivered smoothly and the chassis is just as polished. It’s comfortable, easy to ride and flows serenely through corners. The Livewire’s tautness, handling and all-round togetherness puts its electric rivals in the shade and is so well-rounded it’s every bit as engaging to ride as its petrol competition.Yes, it’s expensive and the infrastructure is slowly getting there, but this is the best naked electric you can buy.
• Buying advice: New to the market so time will tell, but from our experience the Livewire S2 was extremely well put together. Additionally, the infrastructure is growing and owning an electric bike is now even more feasible, if you can get over the initial cost.

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What to look for when buying a used naked bike?

• Start your search: with looking at MCN’s used naked motorbikes for sale, once you have found a bike you like, start checking off the list below. Also dont forget to insure your new bike, head straight to MCN Compare for competitive quotes. Happy hunting.
• Engine and frame numbers: check they match up to the V5 (vehicle logbook)
• Chain, sprockets and final drive: check them for wear, it’s a good indication of whether the bike has been well cared for. A few of the above bikes are shaft drive, so enquire as to when the fluid was last checked and changed. As mileage creeps up on the bikes now becoming second hand, final drive bearings in differentials could need changing
• Consumables: check things like brake pads and tyre tread remaining as these things may need replacing so it can be used as a good negotiation point
• Electrical gremlins: check the wiring loom where possible. If any aftermarket parts have been added such as heated grips or additional lights, then look for tidy wiring and neat connections. It’s very easy to overlook the loom and then run into problems after you have bought the bike. You then have to unpick the birds’ nest of cabling carried out by the previous owner, making it difficult to diagnose any issues
• Peak tech of the time: A lot of secondhand nakeds are now filtering down through the market which were previously the pioneers of tech at the time. Kit like preload suspension systems or rider modes, traction control and ABS modules are things to watch out for. Be sure to check all of these as replacement parts or rebuilds for more complex systems like the suspension can quickly add up
• Engine: an obvious one, is it running? Check that the engine starts and runs from cold and hot, making sure it doesn’t have any horrible noises or rattles. Also look at the condition of the oil if possible to check it’s relatively fresh. If the seller allows it, take it for a test ride and make sure you can select through the gearbox smoothly
• Road Tax (VED): it isn’t transferable to the new owner when a bike is sold, so be sure to renew it before you hit the road. Additionally, a bike with a current MOT is a more reassuring buy than one that hasn’t got it. Be wary of bike sales which describe the a bike sating ‘it will fly through’. It’s better that the seller fund the MOT and any potential issues flagged by it, rather than you find them out after the sale