KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Before the rise of sportsbikes, touring bikes, adventure bikes and all manner of finely focused bikes, there were just bikes. Bikes that didn’t look entirely unlike the middleweight nakeds that we have in this test. But do they have a place in this age of niche-within-niche bikes? Only one way to find out…

Many riders treat middleweight bikes as a stepping stone to the litre-plus category, or a step down when the performance, weight and size of bigger machines get a bit much. But there are some absolute pearls in this cc section of motorcycling. Whether you’re after a sporty pocket rocket, a comfy tourer or just something fun to carve up backroads with, there’s plenty of choice in the middle of the market.

We took three popular Japanese nakeds out for a test to see what they’re like. Each of these bikes has its own traits and characteristics – and therefore its own loyal fans – but riding them all back to back proved that they are all high achievers in their own way.

What was evident from the start was that these are not touring bikes – the lack of luggage strap hooks, minimalist weather protection and limited pillion provision dictate that. Nor do they have the luxurious ride quality of adventure bikes, or the race-oriented sharpness of sportsbikes. But what they do have is a great big dollop of fun factor – take any of these bikes for a day ride around your favourite roads and the smiles per miles ratio is high. Guaranteed!