Naked / Standard
The all-rounder with no fairing
What are naked bikes?
A naked bike (also called a standard or roadster) is a road motorcycle without a large fairing, so the engine and frame are on show, with a wide handlebar and an upright riding position.
The riding position is upright, the handlebar is wide, and the bike is easy to control. Nakeds are the most popular choice for a first "real" motorcycle.
- Best for
- Beginners, city riders and anyone who wants one bike for everything.
- Riding position
- Upright, slight lean forward
- Typical engines
- 125–1300 cc, singles, twins, triples and fours — Engines
Pros
- Easy, natural riding position
- Light and agile in traffic
- Affordable to buy and insure
- Huge choice of models
Cons
- No wind protection at highway speeds
- Limited luggage space
- Passenger comfort is average
Example models
Yamaha MT-07Kawasaki Z650Honda CB650RKTM 390 Duke
Frequently asked questions
What does "naked bike" mean?
The name simply means the bike has no bodywork covering the engine — it is "naked". Manufacturers also call them roadsters, standards or streetfighters (the sportiest naked bikes).
Is a naked bike good for beginners?
Yes. Light, upright naked bikes in the 300–700 cc range are among the most popular first motorcycles because they are easy to control at low speed and comfortable in town.
Naked bike vs sport bike — what is the difference?
Many naked and sport bikes share the same engine. The sport bike adds a full fairing, low clip-on bars and a forward crouch; the naked bike keeps an upright position and wide bars. Read our full comparison in the blog.
Similar motorcycle types
Electric motorcycle
Silent, instant torque
Modern Classic (Café racer, Scrambler)
Old-school looks, modern tech
Scooter & Maxi-scooter
Twist-and-go city transport
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