Standard bikes used to be a sensible option, but these days, they’re practically superbikes with the fairings removed and a more upright seating position. Thanks to the segment’s popularity, we’re now also seeing more high-performance versions than ever before.
I’m certainly not complaining, as it makes it possible to swing a leg over a properly fast bike without being a contortionist or needing to visit a chiropractor after an hour in the saddle.
By scouring manufacturers’ lineups, we’ve compiled a list of exceptional naked motorcycles packing large displacements and tons of power. Not all the bikes on this list are available from dealerships, but you shouldn’t have any problems finding them on the used market.
Ducati Streetfighter V4 S
Ducati basically removed the Panigale V4 superbike’s fairings, tweaked the ergonomics, and voilà, the Streetfighter was born. With stunning looks and plenty of modern technology, it may be the best standard motorcycle money can buy.
Part of what makes it so good is, of course, the 1,103cc V4 engine that produces 208 horsepower and a glorious soundtrack.
MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RS / RR
True to form, the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 is eye-wateringly expensive, whether you choose the RR or RS version. There’s no denying that bikes from the competition offer much more for way less. However, that completely misses the point of the Brutale 1000, one of the most exclusive and dramatic bikes available to regular people who don’t have a trust fund.
This is a raw, analog, naked superbike built for maximum performance on smooth asphalt. Its 1,000cc engine produces over 200 wild horses, and you must wring its neck to get the most from it.
Ducati Monster 1200 R
It’s been more than 30 years since Ducati introduced the Monster. During that time, it’s gone from a fun hooligan bike to an actual monster. I think the Monster 1200 R is the most impressive version of them all.
With a 160-horsepower L-twin engine and Öhlins suspension, the Monster 1200 R is a highly track-focused weapon that lives up to its name. Having owned some Ducatis in the past, I can tell you that ownership costs are also somewhat reasonable compared to older models, thanks to the extended service and valve adjustment intervals.
Honda CB1000R
Buying a Honda motorcycle means owning one of the most reliable bikes ever made. When the word reliable is mentioned, it’s usually a polite way to say something is boring, but there’s absolutely nothing boring about the neo-retro-styled Honda CB1000R.
This naked superbike has awesome retro styling, and with a 143-horsepower 998cc four-cylinder engine, it’s certainly not lacking in the performance department. At full throttle, the speedo eventually shows 143 mph, which is more than enough for road use.
BMW S1000R
As its name suggests, the BMW S1000R is the naked version of the S1000RR. It uses the same chassis and 999cc engine but with 165 horsepower rather than the RR’s 200+. Trust me, there’s no realistic scenario where you’ll need more power when riding on public roads… unless you enjoy playing cat and mouse with the police.
Luckily, the S1000R’s ergonomics are much more forgiving than those of its fully-faired sibling, making it surprisingly comfortable to ride in traffic. While it’s not the most powerful naked bike, it’s still among the fastest motorcycles available for real-world riding.
Suzuki GSX-S1000
Suzuki’s GSX-R was a game-changer when it was introduced back in the 1980s. Since then, it’s always been among the best superbikes on the market. The GSX-S1000 is the slightly detuned naked version, and in a road-riding scenario, it’s a better option than its full-fairing, track-focused sibling.
The GSX-S has 150 hp, which is enough to push it to a top speed of 150 mph. With no fairing to protect you from the elements, your helmet is now firmly pressed against your eyeballs, and you’ll need the grip strength of an arm wrestler to hang on to the bars. The GSX-S has a riding position that’s on the sporty side of neutral, but not so much that it’s uncomfortable in traffic. It’s also among the cheapest bikes in this segment, and that alone makes it a winner in my book.
Yamaha MT-10
While the Yamaha MT-10 is a slightly stripped-down version of the R1, it’s still good enough to make it on its own. Like the more aggressive R1, the MT-10 is packed to the rafters with tech.
Nestled neatly in its frame, we find a cross-plane crank 998cc engine that produces 166 horsepower, which, on paper, makes it sound like a scary beast. However, thanks to its relaxed ergonomics, excellent riding dynamics, different riding modes, and traction control settings, it’s really a gentle giant… if you treat it with respect. Ride it like a hooligan, and it might bite.
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory
Aprilia’s attempt at making a stripped-down sports bike still looks like a fully faired model. With a 175-horsepower 1100cc V4, it even offers more power than most motorcycles in this segment.
The Tuono V4 1100 Factory does offer a more comfortable riding position, and it does so without sacrificing agility, making it a perfect companion on both the road and track. While it looks very sports-focused, I can tell you that it’s a surprisingly good companion for weekend road trips. Then again, that’s coming from someone who once did a two-week road trip riding 2-up on a 125cc Honda scooter… with a puppy in a handbag!
Kawasaki Z1000
Kawasaki gave the Z1000 a design overhaul in 2014, and the famous Autobot Transformer-inspired styling still looks more aggressive than anything the competition has managed to come up with.
It’s a purpose-built road bike, lacking some of the tech often found on modern naked bikes, but that’s okay, as it’s extremely rider-focused. The 143-horsepower 1043cc engine isn’t the most powerful in the segment either, but again, with a 147 mph top speed, it’s one of the most capable street bikes available.
KTM Super Duke R EVO
KTM may have built its brand on off-road machines, but the Austrian manufacturer’s street machines are perhaps even more impressive. The Super Duke 1290 R has a 1301cc LC8 engine that produces 180 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque — more than some modern hot-hatchbacks.
In the hands of a capable rider, the Super Duke 1290 R will reach 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, and it’ll continue accelerating until the speedometer needle points at 168 mph. It both looks and sounds like a beast, but thanks to all the rider aids, it’s surprisingly approachable for somewhat experienced riders with an average skill level.
Kawasaki Z H2
At first glance, you might think this is the same bike as the Z1000 we mentioned earlier, but the Z H2 is a very different beast. The engine is a supercharged 998cc mill that sends 200 galloping stallions to the rear wheel.
The Kawasaki Z H2 has an excellent chassis; both the frame and suspension are set up to handle like a road bike, not a track tool. I might be hyping it up a little, but I honestly believe this may just be the best Kawasaki street bike money can buy. Feel free to prove me wrong.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
Years ago, I had a Triumph Speed Triple 1050, and of all the hooligan bikes available back then, that was the most insane option. If it had been a person, it would be the kind of guy who’s banned from every bar in town for always starting (and finishing) fights. Obviously, Triumph saw a need to kick things up to the next level, so they created the Speed Triple 1200 RS. It keeps all the elements that made its predecessors so popular, but with a dash more power and upgraded components.
Triumph is famous for its three-cylinder engines, and the 1160cc unit in the 1200 RS packs a mean 178-horsepower punch. It’s still a road bike, but take it to a racetrack, and the 1200 RS will really shine.
MV Agusta Rush
If you’re reading this and currently have around $50,000 burning a hole in your pocket, the MV Agusta Rush is the ultimate naked bike. It’s stunningly beautiful, yet at the same time aggressive (it seems the Italians have perfected the whole yin & yang thing), and the 998cc engine reflects that with a soundtrack that’ll make AC/DC blush. The fact that it houses 208 Italian stallions also helps.
While it certainly is an expensive bike, you do get a lot of high-end components for your money, such as electronically controlled Öhlins suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, electronic, bidirectional quickshifter, and the list goes on. If you have a bit of cash left over after buying it, and decide you need even more oomph, an optional racing kit increases power to 212 horses and reduces the dry weight to 405 pounds. Buy one! You know you deserve it!
Stripped Down Fun
Standard bikes used to be seen as stripped-down budget options, but that era’s long gone. These machines are full-on performance monsters, only now they come with handlebars, comfort, and a little extra swagger. Whether you want the visceral thrill of a V-twin, the growl of a V4, or a screaming inline engine, there’s a naked sports bike out there that’ll make your pulse spike every time you look at it.
So if you’re ready to ride something brutally fast yet surprisingly rider-friendly, any of the bikes mentioned here will get the job done. What’s your favorite bike? Let us know in the comments.