Naked motorcycles have taken over the market, offering something for everyone. The brash Austrians, exotic Italians, the reliable Japanese in-line fours and twins, British triples, and Indian beginner bikes - something for everyone. So, what should you do if you are in the market for a used naked motorcycle? Some research, to begin with. The naked bike market is saturated with bikes of all kinds, some excellent, whereas others, not so much.
Some motorcycles offer value, reliability, and fun, unlike others in the market, and some are terrible to own and ride. And a select few are nothing short of a financial suicide. Let's look at the bikes you should consider buying, as well as a few terrible ones you shouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole.
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Triumph Speed Triple, the aggressive naked from Triumph, is a cult classic that suits almost all riders. The hefty liter-class motor produces enough grunt to almost move earth but with a composure that will surprise you. The bike is also quite nimble for its dimensions.
But find a post-2000 model as they have many improvements over their predecessor. Expect to get one for around $5,000, and if you want more, go for one of the recent ones that can rival even the frenzied 1290 Super Duke R, and it comes with various modern features.
If you are looking for a superbike-like naked bike, avoid the Suzuki B-King. When its concept was first shown, it seemed like an exciting proposition, almost too good to be true. And it was. The B-King that was launched was far from the concept and, in terms of experience, far lacking than the Hayabusa.
With 181 hp on tap, oversized and heavy stature, and disproportionate design (especially the tires), the B-King leaves a sour taste in your mouth after you ride it. And unlike the Hayabusa, a touring special, the B-King is neither for touring due to wind blasts, nor for the streets due to its bulk. And forget taking it to the track unless it is arrow straight, and still, a modern liter-class naked will chew it up.
Perhaps the best-used naked bike, the Suzuki SV650, is something no one should overlook. Yes, there are a million of these in the classifieds, but they are just so good - the SV650 is one of the most balanced, reliable, and exciting motorcycles ever produced. And considering how cheap and accessible these are, it's no surprise that every beginner wants to get started on them.
Most SV650s produce around 80 hp, thanks to the 645cc V-twin, which is more than enough for anything that comes its way; the trellis frame is also agile and versatile. The clean lines and the minimalist styling make this one super palatable for most bikers. So, whether you are a beginner or new to naked bikes, you can never go wrong with the SV650 - no one can!
The Kawasaki ER6N is a punchline that doesn't quite land well, no matter how the joke is said. First, the looks are wacky, often not in a good way for most people. Second, the motorcycle does not feel planted, especially at high speeds or tight corners. Third, it is reportedly a scary bike to ride but not like the H2.
Intended to be a well-balanced street naked, this bike now comes off as lazy, not-so-spirited, and just average compared to the competition. It trembles at high speeds, feels washy on corners, and the wind buffeting would make you feel like you are riding in a storm. So, it's best not to be a Rider on the Storm and avoid the ER6N.
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Despite the SV650 craze, it may still be too tame for some riders, especially if transitioning from sports bikes. In that case, the Yamaha MT-07 is worth considering. This twin-cylinder Yamaha comes with enough torque to plaster a grin on your face while being reliable and lifting the front wheel in initial gears. Besides the agility, the MT-07 is also a capable tourer, albeit with a bit of wind blast. And it can handle slow-moving traffic without heating up like the sun, making it a genuine jack of all trades. Pick up one for around $4,000 and add an Akrapovic full-system for the best experience.
One of the classic middle-weight naked motorcycles is the Aprilia Shiver 750. A gorgeous motorcycle in all its rights, but otherwise, it is not worth the classic title. This motorcycle is one of the many reasons for Aprilia's harsh reputation. Yes, the motor is sweet, and the build is unmistakably Italian, but the bike feels top-heavy, underpowered, and is notorious for electrical issues. Plus, its running temperature is always a few degrees away from overheating. Not worth it.
If there is one motorcycle that feels over-engineered it is the Kawasaki Z400, with Ninja-ness at its core. It is the well-balanced Ying to the chaotic Yang of the KTM Duke 390; it inspires confidence in new riders and challenges experienced riders to push themselves in a small package, thanks to its sporty yet balanced approach.
The Z400 is a lightweight, parallel-twin motorcycle you can learn, scrape footpegs in the twisties or commute on. But if you are a serious corner carver or like the crotch-rocket appeal, you can even get the Ninja 400 - both the siblings are pretty similar in terms of handling and performance, but looks are one department where the Ninja 400 will always win.
One motorcycle that aimed to do what the Z400 does was the Buell Blast, but it failed epically. The 492cc thumper was nice to look at (for some), but it was slow, boring, the engine was vibey, the brakes were terrible, and ergonomics were best suited for hobbits. Another problem with the Blast was the poor transmission - you need strong legs to shift gears. The only benefit of owning a Blast is that they cost under $800 in most states, and there will always be new bikers wanting to take it off your hands for around the same price.
The long-standing champion of the sub-400cc segment is the KTM Duke 390, offering a cerebral experience that's hard to find even in segments above it - not kidding. Riding a KTM Duke 390 is akin to riding a through-bred European naked, but this one's made in India.
Don't let that dissuade you, though. The parts are dirt cheap, which can't be said for most European bikes, and thanks to its featherweight design, the bike is QUICK for a sub-400cc bike. If the 790 Duke is "the Scalpel," think of the 390 Duke as a Precision Tweezer; it's an exciting little bike with an astonishing power-to-weight ratio. It will surprise you.
BMW makes race-bred motorcycles for the street, and they are amazing. No doubt about it. But for a used naked, you should avoid the BMW S 1000 R. Yes, it offers an impressive blend of performance, power, and control - a cerebral experience that's way more intense than the Duke 390. But it has some problems.
It is unreliable and suffers from various issues, especially electrical gremlins that are a pain to fix. And given that it's a BMW, it's also not DIY-friendly. Expect to shell serious dough to have it repaired every time it breaks down, which will happen a lot. This bike is a money pit.