Naked Bike Group Test: Naked & Naughty - Streaking Was Never This Much Fun

Is that your final answer?-
Because these six bikes cover such a price range, we didn't include a ratings chart with this test, nor will we name a winner. Our testers' picks, as described in the accompanying SROs, cover just as wide a range as the bikes do. It really depends on what you want to do with your bike naked...er, naked bike. And let's not forget the other offerings in the always-expanding class; check out our sidebar to see where these bikes fit in.

SUGGESTED SUSPENSION SETTINGS
APRILIA TUONO R
FRONT: Spring preload: 4 lines showing; Rebound damping: .75 turns out from full stiff; Compression damping: 1.5 turns out from full stiff; Ride height: 4mm fork tube showing above triple clampREAR: Spring preload: 17mm thread showing; Rebound damping: 19 clicks out from full stiff

DUCATI MONSTER S4R
FRONT: Spring preload: 4 lines showing; Rebound damping: 9 clicks out from full stiff; Compression damping: 1.5 turns out from full stiff; Ride height: set fork tubes flush with triple clampREAR: Spring preload: 16mm thread showing; Rebound damping: 8 clicks out from full stiff; Compression damping: 6 clicks out from full stiff; Ride height: 4 threads showing

KAWASAKI Z1000
FRONT: Spring preload: 5 turns out from full stiff; Rebound damping: 1 turn out from full stiff; Ride height: 8mm fork tube showing above triple clampREAR: Spring preload: 10mm thread showing; Rebound damping: .5 turns out from full stiff

KTM SUPER DUKE
FRONT: Spring preload: 5 turns out from full stiff; Rebound damping: 18 clicks out from full stiff; Compression damping: 15 clicks out from full stiff; Ride height: set fork tubes flush with triple clampREAR: Spring preload: 10mm thread showing; Rebound damping: 18 clicks out from full stiff; Compression damping: 18 clicks out from full stiff

MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 910R
FRONT: Spring preload: 6 turns out from full stiff; Rebound damping: 15 clicks out from full stiff; Compression damping: 10 clicks out from full stiff; Ride height: set fork cap flush with highest part of triple clampREAR: Spring preload: 13mm thread showing; Rebound damping: 5 clicks out from full stiff; Compression damping: 12 clicks out from full stiff; Ride height: 21mm linkage rod showing

YAMAHA FZ1
FRONT: Spring preload: 4 lines showing; Rebound damping: 21 clicks out from full stiff; Compression damping: 5 clicks out from full stiff; Ride height: set fork caps flush with triple clampREAR: Spring preload: position 5 from full soft; Rebound damping: 1 click out from full stiff

Performance Numbers

STREAKER'S GUIDE
The many ways to go naked
While we've showcased a sampling of the standards currently available, the naked-bike class grows each year and is filling every conceivable niche. There are naked or semi-naked bikes for everyone, from the budget-conscious new rider to the experienced, wealthy sport rider that's tired of being hunched over and everyone in between.

Stark Naked
For the always-popular streetfighter look, this is the way to go. Look for a big headlight up front and not much else in the way of wind protection for a long trip. These bikes are better suited for city riding or twisties that are close to home--the freeway is not much fun without a fairing. Of the bikes in this test, the MV Agusta Brutale fits here.

Honda's still-available 919 packs a fun punch and is typical of the liter-sized (or thereabouts) standards. A leftover sportbike motor combines with budget running gear for okay performance but loads of fun.

The Thong
Covering up a little bit is the modest thing to do, and it's certainly nicer on a longer ride. Even the tiniest of fork-mounted fairings can make a difference, more in terms of smoothing the airflow rather than outright protection. The Ducati S4R, Kawasaki Z1000, KTM Super Duke all slot in nicely here.

Typical of the bikini-faired bikes, Buell's XB12Ss Lightning Long is all the fun of a true naked bike but offers a bit of comfort with a fork-mounted fairing.

Briefs
This interesting subclass contains bikes with small fairings that are mounted to the frame rather than the front fork--as in the case of the Aprilia Tuono R tested here. With mirrors still attached to the handlebar rather than the fairing, these bikes typically sacrifice the least in comfort and performance while still retaining the naked look.

The BMW K1200R Sport fits in between the fully faired K1200S and naked K1200R, with a frame-mounted faring and bar-mounted mirrors.

Boxers
Capable of all-day touring as well as canyon strafing, this class offers typically the most comfort short of a sport-touring bike. The FZ1 slots in here, with a large, frame-mount fairing. Expect that comfort and civility to add weight, however, with an appropriate step down in performance from a full-on sportbike or the more-naked models.

We tested Suzuki's new-for-'07 Bandit 1250S earlier this year ("Cross Dressing," July '07) and figured it had "the best standard/naked-bike engine yet." Overall, the Bandit rates higher than the FZ1 in our book.