Five Great Large-Displacement Naked Bikes for 2023

[Hugh Janus]

Aprilia’s Tuono V4 1100 is one of the finest naked bikes money can buy. It’s also an exceptional value in its class. (The Piaggio Group/)

Few motorcycle categories move the soul as quickly as liter-and-above sized naked bikes. This streetbike segment offers superbike-like performance with added comfort and everyday road civility. Year after year, the class continues to grow with manufacturers vying for the top spot in our comparisons and in motorcyclists’ garages. Here are five options that performance-minded enthusiasts should consider.

2023 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100

The Italian factory basically invented the modern performance naked-bike segment when it shoehorned its original V-twin superbike engine into a stretched chassis with more upright ergonomics. Fast-forward to today, and Aprilia continues to manufacture one of the top specimens in the class, with its 2023 Tuono V4 ($15,999) and up-spec semi-suspension equipped Tuono V4 Factory ($19,499).

Both bikes are powered by a roaring 1,077cc 65-degree V-4 that will be written in the history books as one of the greatest internal combustion engines ever manufactured. Last overhauled for the 2021 model year, this V-4 configuration is good for more than 160 hp at the 200-section Pirelli. And it delivers it with an exhilarating powerband that makes riders want to yank on the twist grip.

It’s paired to a class-leading electronics package that allows fast laps to come with ease. We value the greatly improved user interface that modern Tuono V4s feature. This makes it easier to tweak vehicle settings to your liking. Well-thought-out ergonomics and suspension that is neither too rigid, nor too soft make for a pleasing daily ride, yet it has more than enough road holding for trackdays.

“Aprilia’s Tuono V4 Factory is awesome,” we said during our 2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory MC Commute Review video. “It’s fun. It’s fast. It’s charismatic. It’s comfortable. It looks neat. It’s a big improvement from the previous Tuono V4.”

2023 BMW S 1000 R

Originally introduced for the 2014 model year, BMW Motorrad’s Single R brings the German brand’s hardcore liter-bike sport performance to all with its 2023 S 1000 R ($13,945 starting price). Based off the new-for-2020 S 1000 RR superbike, the Single R naked bike features BMW’s new and improved ShiftCam-equipped 999cc inline-four with a lighter chassis and high-end and easy-to-use electronics package.

It’s hard to consider BMW as a value motorcycle, but the 2023 S 1000 R offers the most affordable base MSRP in this five-bike group. (BMW Motorrad/)

“BMW is also keen to point out some of the new R’s ‘real-world’ benefits: longer gearing in the top three gears, a tighter turning circle, and state-of-the-art rider aids and electronics like the new 6.5-inch TFT display,” we wrote during our 2022 BMW S 1000 R First Ride Review.

The S 1000 R offers upwards of 150 hp at the back tire and delivers it with a shrieking wail that only an oversquare inline-four delivers. This engine is characterized by its raw and visceral feel that makes for an entertaining ride as you row through the slick-shifting six-speed gearbox. Yet, it offers creature comforts like heated grips and smooth-riding suspension that helps shield the rider from the effects of worn out pavement.

“No matter what type of roadster you may be looking for, BMW Motorrad has a model for you,” BMW Motorcycle Communications manager Oleg Satanovsky says. “The 2023 165 hp [claimed] S 1000 R fits in perfectly between the 99 hp F 900 R roadster and the 205 hp M 1000 R roadster in terms of price and performance.”

Priced just under 14 grand in base configuration, it’s also the least-expensive motorcycle in this list, while boasting the most robust warranty coverage.

2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4

Ducati’s 2023 Streetfighter V4 (starting at $22,095) is easily one of the most droolworthy naked bikes on the road. Unveiled for the 2020 model year, the Streetfighter V4 is based on Ducati’s wildly successful Panigale V4—a superbike that helped Ducati regain its footing atop the podium at racetracks worldwide. It replaces the original L-twin-powered Streetfighter that was quietly retired a few years ago.

Devilish inside and out. That’s the best way to describe Ducati’s Streetfighter V4 (V4 S pictured). (Ducati/)

It’s powered by the Italian firm’s rev-happy 1,103cc V-4 engine that delivers a mesmerizing spread of power. Hang on tight, because the engine pumps out a whopping 208 ponies according to Ducati.

“The sound, character, performance, and overall smoothness of the V-4 are a highlight of the Streetfighter,” we wrote during the 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S MC Commute Review. “The engine delivers plenty of oomph at lower rpm and runs more smoothly than we recall the last time we rode the Panigale V4 S. The engine is playful at any rpm and things go into hyperdrive when the tach needle goes north of 10,000 rpm. The last time we dyno tested the Panigale V4 it churned out nearly 187 hp. The Streetfigher feels just as fast.”

In typical Ducati form, the Streetfighter V4 stands out in the aesthetics department. It commands attention with its devilish front end adorned with downforce-generating winglets. The color TFT dash display is easier to use than previous Ducatis and lets you tailor all aspects of the powertrain to your liking, including semi-active suspension adjustment on S models.

2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo

In lieu of production sportbikes, KTM focuses on the naked bike segment with its rowdy 2023 1290 Super Duke R Evo ($20,399). First introduced for the 2014 MY stateside, the Super Duke R features a huge 1,301cc V-twin engine that is unique in the class. Although a tad older in terms of architecture, it delivers the most amount of usable torque—making it difficult to keep the front wheel on the pavement.’

“Since its introduction the Beast has continued to keep changing the naked bike segment,” KTM’s North America’s media and product manager Tom Moen says. “It underwent its most radical reinvention in 2020, boasting a number of tweaks and engineering improvements, including a reworked 1,301cc LC8 engine and an all-new chassis.”

Like the Ducati, KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R Evo is one the more rowdy riding liter-and-above class naked bikes. (KTM/)

“Short-shift and run a gear high, or pin the throttle in the lower cogs until redline,” we wrote during the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Review First Ride. “The orange bike is well suited to either riding style. Plus the optional electronic quickshifter keeps the engine spinning in the meat of its wider powerband. The last time we dyno tested the 2018 Super Duke R, it belted out 154.7 hp. We estimate the updated mill is good for another 3–4 ponies at the top.”

Not to rest on its laurels, the Austrian brand continues to evolve its Super Duke R.

“In 2022, the latest incarnation of the Beast was launched and dubbed the EVO, thanks to the evolution of the second generation WP Apex Semi-Active Suspension,” Moen continues to explain.

Those seeking a hard-hitting naked bike that rides as aggressively as it looks, with its praying mantis–inspired bodywork, the 1290 Super Duke R is worth a look.

2023 Yamaha MT-10

Aside from Aprilia, the Tuning Fork brand has the most storied history of manufacturing capable liter-class naked bikes. Overhauled last year, the 2023 MT-10 ($14,199) is sharper (and more expensive) than ever.

“The 2023 Yamaha MT-10 is the pinnacle of Yamaha’s Hyper Naked range boasting the iconic 998cc CP4 engine, YZF-R1-derived frame, and six-axis IMU based electronics,” Yamaha Motor’s US street motorcycle communications specialist tells us. “It offers superbike levels of performance in a refined, street-focused package.”

Overhauled last year, Yamaha’s MT-10 is one of the more affordable bikes in this list. We love the character of its unique crossplane crankshaft-equipped 999c inline-four and high-end electronics package. (Yamaha/)

“Over the years, this bike has become one of our favorites,” we wrote during the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 Review. “It has good feel at the business end of the Bridgestone Battlax S22 tire and is very playful. The implementation of the YZF-R1′s IMU and electronics takes this naked into the modern era.”

As usual the highlight of the MT-10 is the crossplane crankshaft-equipped 999cc inline-four. This configuration gives a unique character both in terms of sound and engine power pulses. At lower rpm, the engine behaves much like a traditional rumbling V-twin. Hold the throttle wide and you’re greeted with a euphoric rush of inline-four power to the tune of over 160 hp, claims Yamaha Motor Europe.

“Overall we like what Yamaha’s done with the ‘22 version of the MT-10,” we said in the Is Yamaha’s 2022 MT-10 the Best Naked Bike in its Class? article. “We like the styling, we like the R1-based electronics; it’s all a nice step up, especially for track riders; street riders may find this upgrade less of a big deal.If we were looking for a high-end, liter-class naked, this would be on our shopping list.”

Source

[Sir Fallsalot]

How is that  Tuono classed as a naked bike, sorry but not one of those does anything for me.

 

 

[boboneleg]

Why are bikes so fecking ugly now, at least the Royal Enfields and BSA's look like motorcycles.

[Saul]

6 hours ago, boboneleg said:

Why are bikes so fecking ugly now, at least the Royal Enfields and BSA's look like motorcycles.

Totally agree with that, even the ones that are retro styled have fooking great rads and weird looking exhausts.  I saw a Kawasaki yesterday, believe it was an H2, with stupid looking little winglets on it. FFS.  

[Buckster]

7 hours ago, boboneleg said:

Why are bikes so fecking ugly now, at least the Royal Enfields and BSA's look like motorcycles.

Unfortunately they are shit.

[boboneleg]

1 hour ago, Saul said:

Totally agree with that, even the ones that are retro styled have fooking great rads and weird looking exhausts.  I saw a Kawasaki yesterday, believe it was an H2, with stupid looking little winglets on it. FFS.  

We've had a H2 and a V4 Panigale on the dyno this year both with the winglets .

 

[skyrider]

i was in leyland today and a bsa 650 golden flash went past a nice well looked after machine 

[Pedro]

34 minutes ago, boboneleg said:

We've had a H2 and a V4 Panigale on the dyno this year both with the winglets .

 

Did you need to tie them down, or were they producing downforce even standing still?

[Sir Fallsalot]

5 minutes ago, Pedro said:

Did you need to tie them down, or were they producing downforce even standing still?

He said they were ok once the desk fan was pointed at them on setting three 

[Gus Petrol]

I don't know how they get away with calling it a naked, the flat bars I guess, but the Tuono V4 handles so well, they could call it the Bikey McBikeface and I'd still buy it (if I was single and had $16K).

p.s. even with the stock pipe, it sounds phenomenal.

[XTreme]

5 hours ago, Gus Petrol said:

I don't know how they get away with calling it a naked, the flat bars I guess, but the Tuono V4 handles so well, they could call it the Bikey McBikeface and I'd still buy it (if I was single and had $16K).

p.s. even with the stock pipe, it sounds phenomenal.

Hi Gus!