Without plastic, but with a bold character. By these signs you can recognize naked motorcycles. Just 30 years ago, bikes without fairings were not put into mass production. Owners of sports motorcycles removed the lining and windshield, rode out onto city roads, and inspired with their example those who were partial to aggressive riding. After all, plastic and glass left in the garage automatically remains intact and unharmed during sudden driving and falls. Later, the wave of popularity of “naked” motorcycles was picked up by global manufacturers. Thus, in 1993, the Ducati Monster was born. About him and other representatives of the class later in the article.
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BATTLE OF ALUMINUM SAMURAI. The recent debut of the Honda CB1000R motorcycle (see “Moto”, No. 1–2009) put all competitors on their ears. The giant once again showed who is boss in the den - and the new product delighted everyone with its design no less than with its technical gadgets. Judging by the speed of the reaction, the people most offended were those at the headquarters of Kawasaki, a concern that believes (and not without reason) that it has a special corner in this very den. After all, since the debut of the Kawasaki Z1 in the legendarily distant 1972, it has been claiming that its roadsters, if not the most powerful, are certainly the sportiest.
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The Z1000 series has always stood out for its non-trivial design: in the photo there is a motorcycle from 2003...
The Z1000 series has always stood out for its non-trivial design: in the photo there is a motorcycle from 2003...
This is how the Kawasaki Z1000 appeared on the scene - a motorcycle with an old name, but completely new content and design. Let's start with design. The first-born of the “new Zets” shocked us back in 2002 with its non-trivial appearance (remember those double “pipe” mufflers and the front “mask” sharpened to the sharpness of a samurai blade?). Four years later, the second generation Z1000 debuted, in which the riot of forms seemed to have reached its apotheosis.
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...and 2007.
...and 2007.
And here is the Z-2010... It’s even awkward to call it a naked bike! What kind of “naked” is this if even the fork is covered with covers right up to the hub, and the frame blends in so well with the facings that you can’t immediately tell where is aluminum and where is plastic? Most of all, the motorcycle looks like a samurai in traditional armor - a plate on a plate. And in technical terms, the Kawasaki Z1000 confidently drifts from classic roadsters to street fighters. We consider: the engine power has been increased - times. The frame has become stiffer - two. The suspension adjustment options have become wider - three. But first things first.
Modern representatives
The appearance and technical capabilities of naked bikes are constantly being improved. Manufacturing companies are offering more and more attractive and powerful models.
Many people mistakenly believe that a bike is a relative of a bicycle, equipped with a motor. But such a technique is a complex organism. A large number of electronic assistants control his vital functions.
Which naked bike models deserve special attention? First of all, these are the Brutale 1000 RR and Rush 1000, released by the Italian company. Experts were able to create real masterpieces from carbon fiber, aluminum and steel. Both naked cars are equipped with 998 cc “fours” producing 208 “horses”. These models were even nicknamed 2-wheeled rockets for their ability to quickly accelerate to 300 km/h.
Another well-established manufacturer of off-road bikes is the Austrian company KTM. Local specialists are especially proud of the naked 1290 Super Duke R. This model is popularly referred to as the “beast”. This equipment weighs just under 200 kg and is powered by a 1301 cc LC8 V-twin with a power rating of 180 horsepower. Among the main advantages are a comfortable fit and original design.
Would you like to become the owner of such equipment?
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The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 is like a samurai in traditional armor.
The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 is like a samurai in traditional armor.
Although the engine of the new “Z” is supposedly completely new, it clearly retains structural similarities with its predecessor (which, in turn, dates back to the engine of the ZX-9R sports bike of the 1998 model). The cylinder diameter was slightly reduced (from 77.2 to 77 mm), and the piston stroke was increased from 50.9 to 56 mm, which ensured an increase in working volume from 953 to 1043 cm³. The height of the engine has increased, and the designers tilted the power unit 5 degrees forward. Maximum power increased from 125 to 138 hp, and torque - from 98.7 to 110 Nm, and the increase was ensured throughout the entire speed range.
All the way
The motorcycle is equipped with an in-line 2-cylinder medium-sized engine, ideal for a purely urban vehicle. As has been said more than once, the cylinder block of the NC700S power plant is tilted forward, which lowers the center of gravity and loads the front wheel of the naked bike. The Japanese “two” has very moderate vibrations, which I would even call pulsations, and an unusual tuning that gives this weak and “bland” engine even some character.
Although the maximum power of the NC700S engine is, to put it mildly, not impressive (only about 46 hp at the rear wheel), the nature of its output in the Japanese “two” is the most “correct”: absolutely linear, smooth and predictable. But the most interesting thing is on the torque graph, where the thrust curve soars upward like an impregnable cliff already at 2400 rpm and beyond, fluctuating only slightly in value, with a smooth plateau “lasting” until the hard cutoff at 6325 rpm.
Due to this nature of the torque, the NC700S dynamically accelerates almost from idle, and is also extremely tolerant of “pull” driving, errors in gear selection and other typical awkwardnesses of a city dweller tired of moving through traffic jams. An interesting feature of the NC700S is the unobvious moment when the rev limiter is triggered: after several days of testing and several hundred kilometers driven behind the wheel of a Japanese naked bike, I still haven’t learned to determine at what point it’s time to upshift when accelerating!
Neither did any of my colleagues succeed, who, after a test ride, returned the motorcycle in bewilderment with the diagnosis “It doesn’t run, it’s monstrously “choked”... Tests of the NC700S on a dynamometer showed that it does run, and even very well for a 46-horsepower engine. ! And the reason why it is almost impossible to feel the moment at which the tape tachometer scale hits the insurmountable wall of the limiter, which quite harshly cuts off the engine power, is in the torque characteristic of the motor.
Usually, after reaching the maximum thrust value of the power plant, the torque decreases quite quickly, and the motorcycle pilot feels this change in engine operation well. But this does not happen in the case of the in-line “two” naked Honda! Take a look at the torque graph: here at 4785 rpm the maximum thrust value, but at 6325 rpm the limiter is triggered - and the difference in torque is small. In other words, the inexhaustible flow of thrust abruptly bumps into the electronic “noose”, and therefore this moment is unexpected every time.
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The liquid-cooled inline-four traces its ancestry to the Ninja ZX-9R sportbike.
The liquid-cooled inline-four traces its ancestry to the Ninja ZX-9R sportbike.
Perhaps the main innovation in the design of the Z1000 is the frame: the steel duplex (with an aluminum subframe of the power unit) has been replaced by a spatial structure of five aluminum castings. Its torsional rigidity is 30% higher (with equal longitudinal rigidity), while the weight is 3 kg less. The engine, equipped with a balance shaft to reduce vibrations, is attached to the frame at four points (three rigid mounts and one through rubber blocks) and also serves as a load-bearing element of the chassis.
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The Kawasaki Z1000's diagonal frame members extend over the engine to reduce the width of the machine at the rider's knees.
The Kawasaki Z1000's diagonal frame members extend over the engine to reduce the width of the machine at the rider's knees.
The inverted telescopic fork (enclosed in a protective housing) is fully adjustable, and the rear monoshock is adjustable for spring preload and hydraulic rebound. By the way, the designers installed the shock absorber almost horizontally - so they “took it away” from the hot muffler and placed it closer to the center of mass. At the same time, the suspension kinematics are almost the same as those of the traditional Kawasaki Uni-Trak. Braking system, with petal-type discs and radial front calipers, optional with ABS. It seems that this element of equipment is becoming mandatory for roadsters - at least as an option.
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There are no dial gauges on the Kawasaki Z1000 dashboard - even the engine speed is shown in a diagram.
There are no dial gauges on the Kawasaki Z1000 dashboard - even the engine speed is shown in a diagram.
The juxtaposition of Kawasaki Z1000 and Honda CBF1000 in one article seems unjustified - after all, Kava is clearly driving away buyers from another Honda, the CB1000R model. But what can you do if we are talking about new products, and these roadsters are so different! - debuted almost simultaneously. To understand the difference between the two machines, just look at the half-fairing of the CBF1000 - with glass adjustable in height by 120 mm - and its comfortable two-seat saddle (also adjustable - it can be set 15 mm higher or lower). Highway Express! But not a racing car. But its engine is descended from the engine of the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade sportbike! But when transplanted into the roadster chassis, the power unit was subjected to a “peace enforcement” operation, which made it not only user friendly, but also economical.
Europe
At the presentation of one of Honda's new products in Europe - it seems it was a test drive of the VFR1200X Crosstourer - a journalist from Switzerland, an elderly man with a gray beard, with sparkling eyes, told his colleagues how impressed he had recently been with the NC700S. The most frequently used words in his narrative were “diesel” and “truck.”
Then I had not yet had a chance to ride an NC, and therefore I was very skeptical about the speech of a native of the country of chocolate, watches and pocket knives... Almost a year later, when I finally got around to testing this unusual Honda naked, I remembered the words of my European colleague - because he was one hundred percent right! The Honda NC700S is one of the weirdest city bikes I've ever ridden!
Absolutely everything about this device is surprising: from the atypical frame design and engine location to the unusual engine tuning and built-in trunk of a substantial volume. But all these features definitely benefited the model, and each of them only adds individuality to the Honda naked and makes it better. Once again, having decided on a bold experiment, the Japanese concern created a unique machine, which confidently took a place in the top five in my personal rating of ideal city motorcycles! /
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The exhaust system with two mufflers was replaced by a new one with one large muffler.
The exhaust system with two mufflers was replaced by a new one with one large muffler.
And for the 2010 model, as the concern’s engineers assure, they managed to improve efficiency by another 7% - managing to raise the maximum power from 98 to 107 hp. But the main change is, again, in the chassis: the steel backbone (which caused fair criticism of insufficient rigidity) was replaced by an aluminum alloy structure, the power circuit of which includes the engine. The possibilities for adjusting the suspension have become wider: the front fork now has spring preload settings, and the rear monoshock absorber is also adjustable for rebound. The braking system, as before, is available in two versions: “regular” or combined with ABS.
KTM Duke 890R 2021
It would be strange not to add the KTM Duke to the list, since it is very popular among urban motorcyclists. And the new Duke 890 R 2021 is definitely of interest. The redesigned engine produces 121 horsepower.
The traditional tan tubular chrome-moly steel frame is mated to a triangular subframe for improved rigidity, and the swingarm is mounted at a sharper angle. Maximum suspension settings for professional handling on city streets with the precision of a motorcycle racer on a high-speed track.
Tank volume is 14 liters, average consumption is 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers. The dry weight of the motorcycle is 166 kilograms.
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Honda CBF1000 with luggage cases installed.
Honda CBF1000 with luggage cases installed.
The list of custom equipment also leaves no doubt about the purpose of the motorcycle. It includes an anti-theft system, heated steering wheel grips and a wide range of luggage cases - side, top, different volumes (from 29 to 45 liters) and, if desired, with internal bags.
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The dashboard of the Honda CBF1000 is dominated by a large tachometer dial.
The dashboard of the Honda CBF1000 is dominated by a large tachometer dial.
Finally, one cannot fail to note the design of the new CBF. The old car was good - but in its appearance there was something like “life is good, it’s time to retire.” The new appearance is finally worthy of a motorcycle of Italian origin (yes, despite the brand, the CBF1000, like many other Honda models for Europe, is from this country). The view from the driver’s seat is especially good at the dashboard, made in the new traditions of the concern (a large round tachometer, two LCD displays on the sides and a cluster of indicator lamps on top).
Extraordinary appearance
The main features of the model include, first of all, the frame. Its unusual diagonal shape is very laconic, but quite strikingly included in the overall composition.
In general, the design of the bike turned out to be very harmonious; it is designed in the best traditions of Honda and the urban naked bike.
A wide dealer network opens up wonderful opportunities for improving motorcycles. Everyone can tailor the bike to their own needs and ideas. Often, the Honda Bros 400 is equipped with wind protection, additional lights, heated grips and other nice little things that make the difficult biker’s life easier on a cold windy night. More serious alterations include upgrading the seat - the plastic covering is completely removed from it, sometimes it is lifted higher. As with all sports, the back seat is minimalist, and some abandon it altogether. This alteration visually makes the structure lighter and more dynamic.
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The new generation Honda CBF1000 has finally sparkled with Italian design.
The new generation Honda CBF1000 has finally sparkled with Italian design.
DRESS ME. For the Suzuki concern, roadsters with a full sports-type fairing are, one might say, a signature dish. Back in 1983, he introduced the GSX550/750EF family, “packaged” in a similar way. And the direct ancestor of the fresh debutant - Suzuki GSX1250FA - can be called the GSX1100F model of 1988. The recipe for turning a roadster into a sports tourer is simple. We take a well-proven model (in this case, the Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit) and wrap it in a plastic shell.
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Suzuki GSX1250FA is a sports tourer with minimal means.
Suzuki GSX1250FA is a sports tourer with minimal means.
The approach does not shine with originality, but it allows you to reduce the price - due to the widespread unification of components. After all, the engine (in-line “four” liquid-cooled with a power of 98 hp, with fuel injection and the proprietary SDTV dual throttle valve system) and chassis were taken from the “Bandit” with virtually no changes. And the fairing with the headlight is not original: almost the same one is on the Suzuki GSX650F, which debuted two years earlier. Actually, the design of the chassis is dictated by budgetary considerations: a steel duplex frame, suspensions with adjustments only for the preliminary preload of the springs. But ABS braking is standard, the bike comes with a center stand, the saddle can be adjusted in height by 20mm up or down, and there is a gear indicator on the dashboard. What else is needed for a comfortable trip over several hundred kilometers? Only luggage cases and a windshield with a deflector from the list of custom accessories.
Why are naked bikes the best city motorcycles?
After customization, removal of plastic, and engine depowering, sportbikes acquired a specific appearance and rebellious character. Many people nicknamed naked bikes “street fighters,” but over time the concepts became divided. The former are considered mass production, while the latter remain the result of skillful tuning. However, both are called conquerors of the “concrete jungle”.
Naked motorcycle models have several advantages over classic bikes:
- The reduced overall width due to the absence of “extra” cladding makes them more passable between rows of cars.
- If it falls, the lining will not be deformed, which means that expensive repairs will not be required.
- Access to the engine, chassis and main mechanisms is simplified.
- The drag is increased and there is no windshield, which means the driver will not strive to develop “super speed”.
- Due to the lack of redundancy, the models have a low price and are more economical to operate.
Since “naked” bikes are in demand, manufacturers annually try to surprise and attract an even larger audience by increasing the comfort of models, adding new components, and improving electronics.
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Suzuki GSX1250FA dashboard.
Suzuki GSX1250FA dashboard.
Yamaha also joined the “dress me” game. A fully faired version of the XJ6 Roadster is now available in Europe (previously it was only sold in the USA). The new modification XJ6 Diversion F is a logical continuation of the model range, which also consists of the XJ6 naked bike and equipped with the XJ6 Diversion semi-fairing.
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Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F is the third model in the popular family.
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F is the third model in the popular family.
And the mechanical component of the entire triad is the same: an in-line 600 cc “four” with a power of 77.5 hp, a steel duplex frame, simple suspension with a minimum of adjustments, a brake system with ABS on request. Simple and inexpensive - just what the doctor ordered in a crisis.
ON THE WAITING LIST. The smokescreen of secrecy is not relevant today - while it’s dark, the buyer is likely to be intercepted by competitors. Therefore, the “protracted premiere” has become fashionable - to spoil a potential client so that he collects money and does not leak to a rival. So, a few months ago, Yamaha announced its plans to launch the FZ8 roadster on the market. What it will be is not yet known: only the designation of the future model and a photo of the naked version have been officially revealed (there will also be a version with a semi-fairing). But, by analogy with the FZ6 and FZ1, it can be argued: this will be a car with an 800 cc in-line “four” liquid cooling installed in an aluminum frame. For those for whom 600 “cubes” is not enough, but “liter” is too much.
Naked motorcycles TOP 7
There are many worthy examples of naked motorcycles, but let’s pay attention to the most striking representatives of the family.
Ducati Monster is an Italian representative and, according to many bikers, the progenitor of the class. It first came off the assembly line in 1993 and is still being improved to this day. Even on the latest models, designers maintain the recognizable outline of the frame, reminiscent of a “birdcage”. The first model had a power of 78 hp, and accelerated to hundreds in 3.5 seconds. The 2021 Monster 1200 R produces 160 hp, with improved brakes, reliable Ohlins suspension, a stylish color-coded instrument panel and comfortable running boards. The company manages to attract the attention of fans not only with technical characteristics, but also with competent PR. In 2008, a Guinness record was set for “the largest parade of motorcycles of the same brand and type,” in which “monsters” took part. A number of top celebrities are proud owners of the Ducati Monster and do not hide their enthusiasm for the model. Among them: Orlando Bloom, Usher, Alanis Morissette, Adrien Brody.
The BMW F800R is a combination of classic streetfighter looks and German perfectionism. The biker has at his disposal a manual transmission, 90 horsepower, a 2-cylinder 800 cc engine, an impeccable reputation and a lot of electronic features. Driver comfort and safety are ensured by: ASC stability control, Brembo brake calipers and Bosch ABS, ESA adjustable suspension, RDC wheel pressure sensors. The BMW naked motorcycle takes responsibility for your comfort!
Yamaha MT-07 is a bike whose name encodes its main advantage “Masters of Torque”. The Japanese “torque master” was created not with the goal of overtaking competitors in terms of power or technology, but in order to ensure maximum performance on the track due to the torque, which is maintained at a maximum value of 68.0 Hm already at 6.5 thousand revolutions. The seating position is slightly tilted forward, which makes you feel like you are in the saddle of a sportbike. Compact dimensions open up opportunities for maneuvers in the city. Acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in 3.8 seconds, and the maximum declared speed is 201 km/h.
The Honda CB650F is the case when even a novice biker can buy a naked motorcycle. The reason is the budget, ease and simplicity of operating this model. The bike looks stylish due to the diagonal frame. The owner of the “iron horse” receives a 650 cc liquid-cooled engine, ABS brakes, and a 6-speed gearbox. Gasoline consumption per 100 km. According to the manufacturer, it is 3.99 liters. Those looking for a more dynamic and brutal streetfighter should pay attention to the CB650R Neo Sports Cafe, in which engine performance is increased by 5%, a smooth increase in power is realized, and torque is increased by 1000 rpm.
The Triumph Street Triple R is one of the best naked bikes on the list according to British bikers. Modern, technological and self-confident - this is how the English Triumph can be described. It has everything you need for city driving: a 106-horsepower engine, adjustable suspension, ABS system, engine speed indicator, “sport” and “rain” modes. The gas tank volume is 17.4 liters, and fuel consumption is 4 liters per hundred kilometers.
The Kawasaki Z650 is an agile and easy-to-control bike with a minimalist design for those who value practicality and maneuverability. The frame, made from strong and attractive steel, lightens the bike's weight compared to the ER series. The total weight is only 187 kg. Propulsion is provided by a 650cc engine, 6-speed manual transmission, and slipper clutch. The brakes are equipped with an ABS system. Excellent maneuverability and response are ensured by a low center of gravity.
KTM 390 DUKE is a youth representative of the class. Its small displacement engine and low cost make it the best option for beginners. The 390cc 4-stroke engine has 44 hp. The gas tank holds 13.4 liters. gasoline, which requires 3.46 liters per hundred kilometers. The 2021 configuration pleases with an updated TFT display, LED optics, synchronization with a smartphone, and an improved exhaust system. KTM 390 DUKE is the choice of those who value their time and money.
You can choose a naked motorcycle from a photo, get acquainted with the technical characteristics in detail and buy used equipment without mileage on Russian roads in our motorcycle catalog. Here are the current lots from Japanese motorcycle auctions, among which, for sure, is your future bike.
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Official photo of the new Yamaha FZ8.
The motorcycle will also be produced in a version with a Yamaha FZ8 Fazer semi-fairing (inset). Official photo of the new Yamaha FZ8. The motorcycle will also be produced in a version with a Yamaha FZ8 Fazer semi-fairing (inset).
Recently, rumors arose that BMW will show a new generation boxer roadster - with overhead heads. True, informed comrades claim that it will be not so much a roadster as a neoclassic in the style of the famous BMW R90S of 1973.
Summarizing
On city roads this bike behaves quite confidently. It is not for nothing that it is positioned as a city motorcycle. Its relatively small dimensions provide it with remarkable maneuverability, and in a city traffic jam you will be glad more than once for your choice made in favor of the Bros.
As a rule, this model is chosen by those who are experiencing a turning point in life associated with outgrowing small cars. Some bikers who switched to the Bros from motorcycles with 125 or 250 cc engines note its mischievous character and incredible obedience. He is stable on the trajectory, he can handle the uphill road, and he easily maneuvers in the flow of cars.
Sometimes the Honda Bros 400 becomes the very first motorcycle. Those who switched from this brand to something heavier confidently recommend it to beginners. You can often find this “iron horse” under the saddle of a beautiful girl motorcyclist.
So, this motorcycle model can well be considered as the optimal transport for the city. If your goal is not crazy racing, but driving at the pace of metropolitan life, then perhaps the Honda Bros will be your dream come true.
