NAKED bikes are a burgeoning scene in the UK, with more un-faired examples sold than pretty much every other sector. So, it’s natural that the A2 motorcycle licence crowd will want to get in on the act.
The selection of naked bikes on offer is as vast as any other type of bike, with everything from single-cylinder machines to four-cylinder, high revving sportsbikes falling neatly into the category. In this top ten we are featuring on the bikes that are A2 licence friendly but will need to be restricted to meet the regulations. The bonus with these bikes is they can transform into a full power motorcycle once you have completed your test!
10. Moto Guzzi V7III Special
Starting out our top ten is the leftfield option of the Moto Guzzi V7III. It’s not the first motorcycle you think of when considering A2 licence motorcycles, although it’s 51bhp, 770mm seat and good-natured power delivery make it perfect for the new or aspiring rider.
It’s not the cheapest option on the list though, with a list price of £8,199 making it the choice for the more mature or well-heeled new rider.
9. Harley-Davidson Street Rod
The Street Rod is the ideal route into old-school Harley-Davidson ownership. It’s a classic combination of V-Twin power, modern design and sports-cruiser ergonomics. With 70bhp on tap the Street Rod will need restricting, but once you have you’ve got that look and feel that only comes with a Harley-Davidson, all for £6,795.
8. Honda NC750S
If you are looking for an A2 licence motorcycle that will rarely let you down, the NC750S is a very good place to start. It’s not the most inspired or exciting bike to ride, but it is extremely comfortable, well equipped and offers phenomenal fuel economy. Another added bonus of the NC750S is the option to include the Honda DCT dual-clutch transmission, turning the 750cc machine into a big, comfy and fairly quick twist and go!
7. Yamaha XSR700
Launched in 2016, the XSR700 takes the MT-07 platform as a base and adds a hefty chunk of retro cool! The star of the show, aside from the styling, is the supremely tractable and good-natured CP2, cross-plane crank engine.
The 270° crank almost gives the feel and delivery of a V-twin with none of the downsides that come from planting a long and slim engine in a motorcycle’s frame.
6. Suzuki SV650
The Suzuki SV650 is one of the longest-running bikes on this list, having been in production (in one variant or another) since 1999. And the reason the SV’ has stuck around for so long, it’s easy to ride, lightweight, reliable and above all else, very good value at just £5,999.
The latest bike boasts twin-spark technology, a lightweight chassis and an anti-stall system to help the rider at low rpm.
5. Triumph Street Cup
If you ask somebody who doesn’t ride bikes to draw a motorcycle, the chances are they will pen an outline that resembles the Triumph Street Cup. And there’s a reason the design of this bike is so memorable and iconic, Triumph has been building bikes to this basic format. It might not be the most practical machine on the list, but when it comes to an authentic-looking motorcycle – few can match Triumph’s attention to detail. While the Triumph is old-school on the outside, the design, manufacture, and tech within it is all bang up to date.
4. KTM 790 Duke
If you want to ride a bike that brings out the hooligan inside you, the KTM 790 Duke is probably the bike for you. It’s scalpel-sharp handling mean it’s at home on the track as it is on a B-road, just be sure to keep an eye on the speed limits as this bike can easily get you into trouble.
The 790 Duke is also great value at the moment, as the biking public await the incoming 2021 KTM 890 Duke.
3. Honda CBR650R
On the press launch for the CBR650R I remember thinking to myself that the little red Honda might really be the sportsbike you can ride every day. It may not be the banzai machine the CBR600RR was, but for me it’s better because of it.
I’ve also been lucky enough to ride the bike on the track with the Ron Haslam race school at Donington Park and it certainly does not disappoint on that front either!
2. Yamaha MT-07
The Yamaha MT-07 is constantly in the top-five naked bikes sold in the UK end of year reports. Using the same CP2 engine as its XSR700 sibling, the MT-07 is exciting, easy to ride and supremely usable thanks to its manageable power delivery.
1. Kawasaki Z900
Having just come back from the launch of the full-power Z900, I can personally vouch for how much of a brilliant B-road blaster this machine is. Even in restricted 47bhp form, it’s still more than capable enough to keep a rider entertained while they wait to pass their full bike test. It also has something not many other bikes have in this class, the best TFT dash going and Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can track, log and share your riding stats with your friends.
