BMW R1250R
Of wonderful examples Z H2 might be others are The MT-07 and these but we think motorcycles to be had naked are deals too — and there worth a look
BEST BIG STREET BIKE 1 BMW R1250R, £11,515 134bp 106lb·ft 239kg
A brawny torque-filled motor in a tidy, nimble and tuned-for-the-road chassis means the R1250R is one of the most effective motorcycles you can buy, delivering amazing overtaking potential and an easy-going manner which means it works brilliantly in B-road Britain.
A wonderful example of why manufacturers should chase midrange rather than top-end power, the Shiftcam boxer twin works so well. Riding position the most comfortable of any naked, too.
Myriad options mean getting an attractive trade-in spec will push cost up to almost £15k though.
Fancy a deal? BMW is adding £1000 to the trade-in price against new R models until 30 September.
BEST COMMUTER
2
SUZUKI SV650, £6299
75bhp 47lb·ft 198kg
We’re huge fans of the SV thanks to its proven, bulletproof mechanics and keen price. An accessory screen is all you need and the latest one would make a great commuter with its peppy V-twin, neat handling and a cost far less than even the Yamaha MT-07.
Fancy a deal? As we went to press, Suzuki was offering a £500 reduction on the SV, just for taking a rest-ride.
BEST A2 BIKE
3
KTM 390 DUKE, £4799
43bhp 27lb·ft 149kg
Quite simply, KTM has made the most effort of any manufacturer to produce a credible, capable A2 bike. Its 373.2cc single is masterclass in small-engine technology, allowing free-revving power, flexibility and more than a little comfort. The handling is the sportiest in its class, it is packed with rider-aids, has a TFT dash and build quality that’s as good as any other KTM. Bought by many mature riders as a cheap, fun, thrashable second bike, it’s great for post-test young ‘uns, too
Fancy a deal? KTM is renowned for discounting. By the time you read this, you’ll have just missed out on a £500 discount on the Duke, but we suspect more is coming.
4 BEST STREET MIDDLEWEIGHT YAMAHA MT-09, £8747
113bhp 65lb·ft 193kg
The MT-09 boasts one of the best engines to come out of Japan: a flexible, sonorous powerhouse that has all the best bits of a Triumph triple but feels utterly indestructible too. The MT’S 847cc lump is a joy to use and the latest MT-09 handles well enough for brisk street riding without feeling like it only works on a racetrack. Best of all, MTS are bikes that respond well to modifications, giving you the choice to tailor it to be a comfortable, perky mile-muncher or something more lairy. The basic platform is strong enough to succeed at any role you choose.
Fancy a deal? Yamaha dealers are starting to sell demo bikes. We’ve
recently spotted an ex-demo with 62 miles on it for £7695 and more are coming online all the time.
5 BEST SPORTS
MIDDLEWEIGHT TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE R, £9100
116bhp 57lb·ft 188kg
It’s a popular misconception that the high-end Street Triple RS is the best of all Speed Triples, but it isn’t. The cheaper R version handles just as well, loses nothing in real performance and has suspension that works better when you’re not on the limit on road or track — you’re just not paying for the Brembo and Öhlins brand names. This is where the smart money is.
Fancy a deal? The Triumph is keenly priced — your best strategy is to get accessories chucked in. We’d haggle for a flyscreen, heated grips and tail-tidy.
6 BEST SUPER-NAKED APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 FACTORY, £17,199
173bhp 90lb·ft 209kg
Hugely expensive, but there is no getting away from the fact that the Tuono is the most extreme bike here. In essence, this is little more than an RSV4 with motocross bars and an upright riding position, but few bikes combine such a level of performance with the ability for day-long sessions in the saddle, decent comfort and the ability to do everything — and do it all very fast. If it’s too crazy, a BMW S1000R does the same job with a tad more civility, though.
Fancy a deal?
As we go to press, a number of dealers are knocking £2200 off Tuonos and adding £1000-worth of Akrapovic pipe, cutting the price to £14,999. Stocks are limited, though.