Naked middleweight motorcycles have surged in popularity in recent years. At one point, they were little more than stripped-down versions of supersport bikes, but now, they’ve grown into what are arguably the best and most sensible options on the motorcycle market.
We’ve reviewed the manufacturers’ lineups to dig up the best middleweight nakeds you can buy right now. There are models available to suit almost every budget, and power outputs range from mild and beginner-friendly to wild and hairy-chested, so you’re almost guaranteed to find something that suits you.
How We Picked These Bikes
To create this list, we focused on middleweight naked motorcycles generally falling between 650cc and 950cc, emphasizing a mix of value, performance, style, and character.
While horsepower and price played a role, this wasn’t a spec-sheet showdown. We factored in real-world rideability, reputation among riders, tech features, and how much fun these bikes are to live with. Whether you’re a beginner moving up or a seasoned rider downsizing from a liter bike, every entry here offers something worth swinging a leg over.
Suzuki SV650
We may as well start with the most obvious motorcycle in this segment, the Suzuki SV650. It’s been around since 1999, and although it’s now in its fourth generation, the formula remains the same.
An excellent 650cc V-twin engine churns out just over 70 horsepower, which makes this bike very approachable to newcomers, and the well-sorted chassis makes it fun to ride. It’s a bit basic and long in the tooth, but it’s also one of the cheapest middleweight bikes on the market.
Kawasaki Z650
Just like the Suzuki SV, the Kawasaki Z650 has been a popular choice for a long time. It’s been around longer than most people think, starting out as the ER-6 in 2005 and adopting the Z650 name in 2017. Its full-fairing sibling, the Ninja 650, has even seen some success at the Isle of Man TT.
Recently updated, the Z650 is undoubtedly a more modern bike than the SV650, and we also think it looks better, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better choice. Due to its low power and compact dimensions, it’s a great choice for smaller or less experienced riders. If you want something a bit more exciting, check out the Honda Hornet or Yamaha MT-07.
Yamaha MT-07
Yamaha first introduced its MT lineup in 2013, and while these modular bikes were considered entry-level budget models, they’re still tons of fun to ride.
The Yamaha MT-07 has a 689cc parallel-twin engine that produces just over 70 horsepower, which is on par for a twin-cylinder bike, and one of the best chassis in its class. However, while it used to be the number one choice, the superior Honda CB750 Hornet has now knocked it down a notch.
Honda CB750 Hornet
Last year, Honda introduced an all-new Hornet, and it may be the most important bike the Japanese manufacturer has launched in years. The CB750 Hornet will serve as the foundation for a wide range of middleweight models using the new twin-cylinder unit.
Honda has managed to undercut most of the competition in terms of price, yet also beat them black and blue with its 90-horsepower 755cc unit, excellent choice of components, and great riding dynamics. The CB750 Hornet is the perfect choice for somewhat experienced riders looking for a fun motorcycle, and thanks to its size, even taller riders will feel at home here.
Honda CB650R
If you want a four-cylinder middleweight naked bike, there aren’t many options to choose from. In fact, only the Honda CB650R comes to mind. This neo-retro café-style bike looks stunning, and it’s also packing some excellent components.
While it’s a stable and comfortable bike, even for bigger riders, its “old-school” four-cylinder engine has some drawbacks. All the horses live high up in the rev range, so it must be caned to deliver any real performance. As much as we love the CB650R, we can’t think of many reasons to choose one over the new Hornet.
CFMoto 800NK
The CFMoto 800NK has turned quite a few heads lately, and for good reason. It’s based on KTM’s LC8C 799cc parallel-twin engine, you know, the same one found in the 790 Duke, but it comes with a drastically more affordable price tag.
The 800NK cranks out 100 horsepower and features adjustable KYB suspension, ride modes, and traction control. Its aggressive styling and surprising spec sheet make it a serious contender in the segment, especially for those seeking maximum value per dollar.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 801
Husqvarna’s Svartpilen 801 brings Scandinavian minimalism to the middleweight naked scene. Underneath the designer bodywork is KTM’s 799cc twin, tuned for 105 horsepower.
WP Apex suspension, lightweight trellis frame, and sharp geometry make it a scalpel in the corners, and while its style won’t be for everyone, it certainly stands out from the crowd. It’s a solid option for those who want performance with a side of flair.
MV Agusta Brutale 800 R
True to form, the MV Agusta Brutale 800 R is by far the most expensive bike in the middleweight segment. You can almost buy two of the cheaper bikes for the same amount. However, this is the bike to get if you want something exclusive.
The Brutale 800 R has a 798cc 3-cylinder engine that produces 112 horsepower. To keep those wild Italian stallions under control, it comes with ABS, multiple rider modes, traction control, you name it. It even has the looks to match the high-revving performance and is easily the most gorgeous bike in this class.
Triumph Street Triple R
If the MV Agusta is too expensive, you’ll be happy to know that Triumph also offers a couple of triple-cylinder bikes. The Street Triple was first introduced in 2007 as a naked version of the Daytona 675 but has outlasted its fully-faired sibling and grown to 765cc.
As an added bonus, with 118 horsepower, the Street Triple R produces more power than the more expensive MV Agusta. It’s packed with quality components, such as Brembo radial brakes and adjustable Showa suspension. If you have a bigger budget and want more power, there’s also the top-spec RS version with around 130 horsepower.
Triumph Trident 660
Triumph even offers an even cheaper three-cylinder bike, the entry-level Trident 660. This one is a direct competitor to the Yamaha MT-07 and other twins in this class. The engine produces 80 horsepower and is smoother than some of the more “agricultural” twins.
The Trident 660 is easily among the top bikes in the middleweight segment, offering plenty of riding pleasure at a very competitive price. However, it doesn’t have any fancy components, so you’ll have to live with non-adjustable suspension and basic two-piston Nissin brakes.
Ducati Monster
The Ducati Monster is often credited as the godfather of the whole streetfighter naked bike segment and the savior of the Italian motorcycle brand. It’s been around since the early 1990s, and its most recent update has made it better than ever.
With the new 937 Testatretta L-twin engine, the Monster now delivers 111 horsepower, making it one of this class’s most powerful bikes. While it may no longer be the most beginner-friendly option, it’s still fairly approachable thanks to cornering ABS, traction control, multiple riding modes, and wheelie control. The Monster’s main problem is that it’s not cheap.
Suzuki GSX-8S
Suzuki introduced the brand-new GSX-8S in 2023, and it’s a direct competitor to the Yamaha MT-07 and Honda CB750 Hornet. Like its competitors, Suzuki went with a parallel-twin powerplant, and with 82 horsepower, it’s nestled right between the Yamaha and Honda.
Although it’s not as powerful as the Honda CB750, that’s not to say it’s a bad engine. Its engine is actually great and offers tons of midrange punch. The GSX-8S can’t match the Honda CB750’s price either, but it may be a better fit for taller riders since it’s slightly bigger.
Aprilia Tuono 660
Aprilia’s Tuono lineup isn’t as naked as models from other manufacturers, as the Italian bikes have a half-fairing setup. However, there’s a reason for Aprilia’s madness — the Tuono is a proper sports bike that can be ridden on the track and for a daily commute.
Its 659cc parallel-twin engine produces 94 horsepower, making it more powerful than the Honda CB750 Hornet, and its chassis is among the most agile in this class. The Aprilia 660 Tuono may just be the best twin-cylinder naked bike on the market today, but the Hornet is right behind it, and it’s cheaper.
KTM 790 Duke
That’s right, the KTM 790 Duke is back! The Austrian manufacturer introduced it in 2018, but it was replaced by the larger 890 in 2021. Now, the 990 has taken the 890’s place, leaving a gap perfectly filled by the 790 Duke.
This new 790 Duke is built by KTM’s new Chinese partner, CF Moto, which means it has a very attractive price tag. Its WP suspension lacks adjustability, but with a 95-horsepower twin-cylinder and agile handling, we think KTM is onto a winner here.
BMW F 900 R
BMW’s S1000R, the naked version of the S1000RR superbike, is arguably the German manufacturer’s best-known fairingless bike, but the F 900 R also deserves some attention.
Interestingly, BMW didn’t choose a boxer twin for its F lineup. Instead, it went with a 895cc parallel twin that produces 105 horsepower. The F 900 R doesn’t have the most exciting design, but the brand name, neutral handling, and vast selection of optional equipment are guaranteed to draw interest.
Streetfighter Style
The middleweight naked segment is arguably the sweet spot in motorcycling right now. These bikes offer plenty of performance, real-world comfort, and loads of character, without the intimidation or price tags of their bigger siblings.
Whether you’re into high-revving inline-fours, torquey twins, or exotic triples, there’s something in this category for you. And with new models entering the fray from unexpected corners like China and electric manufacturers, things are only getting more exciting. If you haven’t considered a middleweight naked bike before, now’s the perfect time to take one for a spin. You might be surprised at just how much bike you get for your buck.