Strip down, power up | Top 10 BEST Super and Hyper Naked Motorcycles of 2023

Apart from a few obvious other little things - such as, say, a global pandemic, economic meltdown and Boris Johnson leading a party while not knowing what one is - the last few years have been tough on the mind, body and soul... so we think the time has come for you to nourish it.

Yes, you could take up yoga, spend less time on social media or learn how to speak Spanish, Italian or Klingon.

Or - and this would be our recommendation - you could treat yourself to a brand new Super Naked or Hyper Naked motorcycle...

Pandemic or not, there has been plenty of activity at the upper end of the 'nude' scale, the most recent of which have been the updated Ducati Streetfighter V4 - not to mention its more mild-mannered V2 sibling - the plush new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS and a brand-new Yamaha MT-10. 

So the competition is stiff in this Super Naked class (fnar, fnar...), but which comes out on top when you measure them up? Never fear, Visordown is here to guide you... 

Top 10 Best Super Naked and Hyper Naked Motorcycles

10. BMW S1000R

Following on from the S 1000 RR sportsbike, its naked BMW S 1000 R sibling was finally given an overhaul for 2021.

Gone - thankfully - is the mug-eyed front-end in favour of a slightly more traditional single headlight, though while it makes the new bike look slightly less gawky it does have a hint of the R 1250 R.

That S 1000 RR-derived unit means fans of the bike will have 165bhp on tap and 84 lb-ft of torque. 4th, 5th, and 6th gear now run taller ratios, helping the bike to meet the latest noise and emissions standards, while an updated assisted slipper clutch is now available together with engine drag torque control (MSR).

The fully configurable Dynamic Pro mode is also available with a wider range of setting options as part of the Riding Modes Pro option. With Riding Modes Pro, the new S 1000 R also features the engine brake control.

It satisfies with the BMW loyalists perfectly but it isn't the most exciting selection among some accomplished rivals.

9. Suzuki GSX-S1000

With the iconic GSX-R1000 fading from price lists, its (distant) naked relative - the Suzuki GSX-S1000 - soldiers on having received its last significant update in 2021.

While the sunken, minimalist front-end arrangement won’t be to everyone’s taste, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 succeeds in looking more contemporary than what lies underneath that edgy exterior. Nevertheless, the GSX-S1000 has stood the test of time well with its involving riding experience, while the 999cc inline-four keeping things brisk out on the open road.

Its age notwithstanding, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 is well priced in this company at £11,499, while its mechanicals are sturdy and the SIRS (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) is a value added boon.

Visordown Review | Suzuki GSX-S1000 [2021]

8. Honda CB1000R

Honda has never had any trouble when it comes to practical, comfortable, sensible motorcycles, which is probably why the Japanese giant has always struggled when it comes to building bonkers, bad-ass ones.

Based on the previous generation CBR1000RR Fireblade, the Honda CB1000R never quite cut it when first introduced in 2008, criticised mostly for being - at a detuned 130bhp - a little soft and with its smooth four being a touch characterless, even if it was a decent, all-round bike. 

But this latest version, updated for 2021, gets closer to the 'super naked' brief but remains a long way off its distant cousin, the new generation Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.

Dominated by its 'Neo Cafe' styling, the chiselled looks are still sharp, while the introduction of the Black Edition flagship during the last update gives the Honda CB1000R range more gravitas with its modest, yet stealthy all-black livery. 

Alas, the CB1000R is now lacking in most areas compared to newer competition, not least in the power stakes with its 143bhp looking pedestrian by comparison. Nevertheless, it's refined and has a sporty undertone, while the chassis encourages you to push on even if there is nothing 'too super' about it in the racy sense.

This should all change quite soon though with a new, more powerful generation CB1000R based on the CBR1000RR-R in the works. 

Visordown Review | Honda CB1000R Black Edition [2021]

7. KTM 1290 Super Duke R

When 'Super' just isn't enough, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is the archetype 'Hypernaked'

The first generation was launched in 2013 with a then class-leading 160bhp and equally pioneering electronic rider aids that lived up to its billing as the most potent naked then available.

Things have since stepped up further, leading to today's 177bhp KTM Super Duke R, complete with updated styling and suspension and gizmos. Referred to as 'The Beast', the KTM is indeed just that when on the track, while the Austrian firm has continued to refine and tweak the package by offering the more 'track day' focused 1290 Super Duke RR and 1290 Super Duke Evo.

While KTM hasn't made the largest of its Dukes more powerful than its predecessor, the current generation model does demonstrate improved refinement and manners to make it a more rounded machine than ever.

It's a bit of a hooligan and it's no looker, but if you want to get noticed, no other model in this category will create as much of an impact.

Visordown Review | KTM 1290 Super Duke R [2020]

6. Kawasaki Z H2

Cut from a similar cloth as the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, the similarly bonkers Kawasaki Z H2 is beginning to look a little tired in this company, even if it remains a riot of fun.

In-your-face, aggressive and loud, the Z H2 wears its supercharged heart on its sleeve, so while you're unlikely to sway anyone towards a Z H2 if their heart is set on a Streetfighter V4 S, spend a bit of time with the Kawasaki and you might find you'll have more fun.

The revvy 999cc, 197bhp engine gives the Z H2 ballistic-like qualities, while it certainly delivers when you unleash its full potential by being blisteringly fast with all the whistling blower drive and chirpy over-run that goes with it. 

While the jagged edges of the design - unashamedly Kawasaki though they are - won’t be to everyone’s taste, the Z H2 does feel well put together, is compliant at lower speeds and well-kitted out, though at a starting price of £17,299, it isn't terribly cheap.

Visordown Review | Kawasaki Z H2 [2020]

5. Aprilia Tuono V4 1100

Aprillia’s naked version of the superb RSV4 superbike has been impressing with both its performance and class-leading electronics for almost a decade now and is regarded as the best of all Super Nakeds. 

Eked out to 175bhp in its most recent 1100cc form in 2015, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 has been updated three times since, with two versions - the standard entry level version and the more formidable Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory.

Though certainly ageing against newer opposition, especially the increasingly anonymous styling, the Tuono V4 is brimming with clever tech and gadgets that have filtered down from Aprilia's successful MotoGP department.

Indeed, the latest Factory version is not only powerful and grunty, it comes with semi-active suspension and class-leading electronics - think of it as the purists' super/hyper naked...

Visordown Review | Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory [2022]

4. Yamaha MT-10

The big Daddy among Yamaha's Masters of Torque range - or 'MT' to you and me - the 2023 Yamaha MT-10 received a major overhaul in 2022 that brings it right back up to the sharp end of the super naked motorcycle ranking.

With a toned down version of Yamaha's divisive 'dark' theme styling direction, the MT-10 is all the better for it, appearing mean and moody, if a little fussy in places, while everything feels well put together and ergonomic once you throw a leg over.

Though some may feel a little shortchanged by Yamaha not chasing headlines by mimicking the R1's near-200bhp grunt, the MT-10 feels all the more useable with its 163bhp and a focus on providing more torquey pulling power lower down the rev range. 

Little tweaks over the still very capable previous generation have made a positive impact, proving fun to ride, quick enough, well-kitted out and - at a starting price of £14,250 - good value in this competition.

Visordown Review | Yamaha MT-10 [2022]

3. Ducati Streetfighter V4

Following its high-profile debut in 2020, the 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 has been given a replenishing nip-and-tuck for 2023 with minor but well-judged upgrades consolidating its status as the most accomplished model in this class dynamically.

With Ducati mostly fettling the electronics to provide more confidence in sketchy conditions, provide more fun on track and - perhaps most importantly - help calm things down a bit on the open road, the base Streetfighter V4 is every inch a playful machine no matter where you take it. This is largely thanks to Ducati's meaty 208bhp, 1103cc V4 engine.

For the more advanced rider, the lighter Ducati Streetfighter V4 S will get you to the ragged edge more quickly, but you won't find a more deliciously entertaining motorcycle in this class - so long as you don't mind splashing out on a hefty starting price of £21,095.

Visordown Review | Ducati Streetfighter V4 S [2023]

2. Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

As far as updates go, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS represents a leap over its predecessor in all areas, successfully stranding the accessibility of a milder Super Naked while tapping into some of the mania that defines the so-called Hyper Nakeds.

Launched in 2020, Triumph has blessed the Speed Triple 1200 RS with a more potent 178bhp triple-cylinder, which sounds irresistible and feels quick without the excess, while on the road it is responsive, yet still refined and flexible at lower speeds, an impression matched by the well-balanced chassis.

While the price have risen to just shy of £16,000, the Speed Triple 1200 RS complements this with a plethora of tech and equipment, all screwed together as well as would be expected from Triumph.

Better still, if the naked RS doesn't do it for you, there is no also the cafe racer-inspired Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR with its half-fairing and sportsbike leaning.

Visordown Review | Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS [2020]

1. Ducati Streetfighter V2

If the Ducati Streetfighter V4 is a touch too extreme and expensive for you, then fortunately the Ducati Streetfighter V2 successfully combines all of its bigger brother's qualities but puts them in a package that is more approachable and at a price less palpitating.

With almost identical styling to the V4, you'd need to know what you are looking for to fool friends into thinking you haven't halved your cylinders with your Streetfighter purchase, while - just like the V4 - it is endowed with the same high quality switchgear and racing-inspired instrumentation.

Naturally, things get a little different on the road but while the V2 lacks the sheer grunt of its sibling, it is all the better for it, with its top notch electronics package proving more effective when taming the still very potent 178bhp engine... all for a price more than £5k less than the V4, at £15,995

Visordown Review | Ducati Streetfighter V2 [2021]

*prices correct at the time of publication [March 2023]

 Top 10 Super Naked & Hyper Naked Motorcycles of 2023 | Key Specifications and Technical Details Comparison

Additional reporting by Ollie Barstow