Naked Vs. Sports Motorcycles: A Detailed Comparison

Many motorcycle companies nowadays produce naked versions of their fully-faired sports bikes. The well-known naked bikes include the Kawasaki Z650 modified from the Kawasaki Ninja 650, the KTM Duke 390 built from the KTM RC 390, and the Yamaha MT-07 made from the Yamaha YZF-R6. This does not necessarily mean that sports motorcycles and their naked versions share the same features. Naked motorcycles are lightweight, better for performing stunts, and have laid-back riding ergonomics compared to sports motorcycles. This article will provide a comparison between naked and sports motorcycles.

Naked motorcycles are sports bikes with their fairings removed, often referred to as “standard motorbikes.” However, motorbikes without fairings, like custom motorcycles, café racers, cruisers, and adventure sports motorbikes, are not necessarily naked motorbikes.

Sports bikes are equipped with powerful engines, capable of sharp handling, and have aggressive styling. Japanese manufacturers like Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, and Suzuki are the primary producers of sports bikes. Other sports motorbike manufacturers include Ducati and Triumph.

Depending on a rider’s preferences, this will determine whether the motorcycle they wish to ride will be a naked or sports bike. If a rider is looking for a motorcycle to ride on a racing track, then a sports motorcycle is the best option. If a rider is looking for a vehicle suited for daily commutes, a naked motorbike is a right choice.

Some people love sports bikes’ fully-faired look and an aggressive feel, while others prefer the naked bikes’ exposed engine and machinery.

If you are a motorcycle racing fan, the fairings on a sports motorcycle help reduce air drag due to their aerodynamic design. They also help protect the engine from mud or debris, preventing damage to vital machinery in case of an accident. Also, for professional sports motorcycle racers, there is enough space on the fairings to place the logos and slogans of sponsors. Overall, riders who want a high-performance racing motorcycle with bulky looks tend to go for sports motorcycles.

A naked motorbike does not come with full fairings, with its engine and other components being visible. The naked motorbike’s handlebars are either slightly raised or straightened and the footrests are moved forward to ensure an upright riding position.

Sports motorcycles are capable of high speed and powerful performance on racing tracks. Their framework ensures less air drag and sharper handling. Sports motorcycle engines provide more torque towards the top end of the powerband. Sports bikes are better suited for experienced riders rather than beginners, designed for high speed and quick acceleration.

On the other hand, naked motorbikes may share the same engines and specs as their sports motorcycle counterparts, but their engines are tuned to provide more torque at mid-range. Their engine’s powerband is set to a lower rpm and has a controlled power output which ensures safer riding on busy roads.

Overall, sports motorcycles are capable of greater speed compared to naked motorbikes, but this does not mean that naked motorbikes cannot perform faster. Many naked motorcycles are perfect for navigating through traffic and quickly accelerating, including the Ducati Monster 1200, MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR, Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, KTM Super Duke R 1290, Kawasaki Z1000, BMW S1000R, and more.

Sports motorcycles have aggressive riding ergonomics, forcing the rider into a hunchback posture and the feet being positioned towards the rear to reduce air drag. The sports motorbikes’ aggressive stance makes it uncomfortable for long rides. Its clip-on handlebars can cause sprains in the wrists, especially if the roads are bumpy. Overall, sports motorcycles are intended for high-speed performance but sacrifice comfortability as a result.

Naked motorbikes have upright riding ergonomics evident in the positioning of the footrests and handlebars. The rider has a better view of the road and provides better comfort for daily use and long rides. The robust suspension and centered foot controls maintain maximum comfort even on bumpy roads.

Sports motorcycles tend to cost more than their naked counterparts because of their high-speed performance and additional components. For example, the fully-faired Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS variant costs $8,499, while its naked counterpart, the KTM 390 Duke ABS costs $8,049.

• Faster than naked motorbikes
• Have better acceleration, braking, and cornering capabilities
• Engines are well-protected from mud and debris
• Consumes less fuel while riding on highways.

• Costs more than naked motorcycles
• Heavier than naked motorcycles
• Not ideal for daily commutes and riding through traffic
• Not beginner-friendly
• Uncomfortable riding position
• Not suited for longer rides

• Lightweight
• Better for daily commutes
• Offer a comfortable riding position
• Can be easily parked
• Better fuel-efficiency than sports motorcycles
• Beginner-friendly
• Good for performing stunts
• More affordable than sports motorcycles
• Can be modified with aftermarket parts

• No protection for engine from debris
• Do not come with additional features
• Difficult to ride on highways due to lack of windshield
• Riding at higher speeds is not smooth and comfortable

Naked motorcycles are safer compared to sports motorcycles since they don’t travel at breakneck speeds. They are perfect for riding around city traffic and provide a clear view of the road because of their upright riding position. Meanwhile, sports motorcycles are built for high speed and have aggressive riding ergonomics that may be too much for beginners to handle.

Yes, naked bikes are good for touring because they have a comfortable riding position, are lightweight, and are fuel-efficient. With the help of aftermarket parts available at Viking Bags, the naked motorbikes can be modified to be better suited for touring and long trips. To increase storage capacity, there are different LUGGAGE options, including SADDLEBAGS and SISSY BAR BAGS. Other modification options include HANDLEBARS, SISSY BARS, CRASH BARS, and FAIRINGS.

Beginners should ride motorcycles with engines below 600 cc. Riding a motorcycle equipped with an engine above 600 cc can endanger the safety of beginners and other drivers.

Sports motorcycles are designed for high-speed travel and naked motorcycles for daily use in the city. Overall, naked motorcycles have more advantages if you are looking for a daily commuter, while sports motorbikes are advantageous on racing tracks.