NAKED ATTRACTION

When it comes to key sectors, the naked middleweight market’s a bloody important one. So much so that we decided to get off our arses and bring seven of the best together for some all-out warfare.

The evolution of the naked class is something we all take for granted, and it’s a class that’s now responsible for a healthy chunk of sales in Europe. As the supersport segment slowly dwindles, the various naked derivatives have taken up the slack, supplying newfound flexibility in today’s society as well as offering supersport thrills. Gone are the days of horrendous wind protection and consequent terminal neck pains, not to mention parts-bin specials. Most of the current crop of stripped-back sporties are perfectly acceptable at 90mph and have taken precedent over their fully-faired brethren in many garages, with bespoke builds and masses of effort from (some) manufacturers.

The supernaked sector may be the sexiest and most aspiring, but it’s the middleweight arena that’s proving to be the most hotly contested – so much so that we could have a 15-bike shootout in these hallowed pages. Instead, we’ve selected seven of the best for a naked party up norf. Perhaps the most hyped of the seven is Triumph’s Street Triple RS, which is almost in a class of its own (through no fault of its own). It’s dear too, though it packs superior technology. And there are six other nakeds all vying for the prize.

At the other end of the RS’s pricing spectrum is the WK 650NK. At just £4,799, the Chinese-made WK offers serious bang-for-buck and, as recognised in recent years, is just as reliable as its Asian counterparts. Japan’s submissions include the new Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki’s new(ish) GSX-S750 and Yamaha’s MT-07 – something for the little WK to get its teeth into.

Joining the Triumph in the European corner is the 2017 Ducati Monster 821 (that’s being replaced as we speak with minor tweaks) and the only single-cylinder in the game, KTM’s Duke 690. The MV Agusta Brutale 800 was also primed for its competitive debut, although eleventh-hour politics prevented its inclusion.

Rather than just another test, we spent three days ruthlessly spanking the seven steeds, accumulating 800 miles on each bike while touring the North-East of England. There isn’t a more definitive test around.

Bruce is reppin’ for the Asian bikes on test, while I’m taking care of Europe. Well, I wish I could take care of Europe…