Vulcan Drifter Riders

The latest super-nakeds coming off the production line boast performance that rivals that of some superbikes. The new KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is as rowdy as they come. (KTM/)

Time was when naked motorcycles were just regular sportbikes with bodywork stripped off and fitted with taller handlebars, but these days the best of them rival superbikes for performance, while still maintaining those sane ergos. The rowdiest ones offer power, agility, and the latest tech, with some capable of speeds that will definitely put your license at risk. Below are some of the quickest offenders; we list some manufacturers' and other claimed speeds where possible, but none have been real-world tested. Also check out the Best Naked Bikes 2024 and Best Middleweight Naked Bikes 2024 articles.

(We're almost positive your list is different, so drop what bikes you think we missed in the comments below.)

The original Tuono was designed as a "super-naked" and 20 years on, the V4 Factory continues the theme. (Aprilia/)

2024 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100  | $19,599  | Top Speed: 167 mph

The Tuono brings qualities you wouldn't find on a true naked—quite a bit of bodywork, extraneous aerodynamics, a windshield—which is maybe why Aprilia calls it a "hyper-naked." None of that changes the fact that the 1,077cc V-4 engine is a truly refined beast that tames its 175 hp with the addition of rider aids, an aerodynamic "double fairing," and an exceptional chassis. Street riders looking for a ripping ride won't care about semantics anyway; the original Tuono was itself was a "crashed" racebike built for the streets but developed on the track, and 20 years later, it's still a superbike killer. The

Factory version uses Öhlins semi-active suspension, while the base model has manually adjustable Sachs units, but any version of the Tuono stands out due to the classic V-4 sound and an overall refinement that makes it one of the most beloved naked bikes around.

Related: 2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory First Ride Review

A fairing-free fire-breather that puts down more than 200 hp—and looks good doing it. (BMW/)

2024 BMW M 1000 R | $21,695 | Top Speed: 174 mph

To create the astounding M 1000 R, BMW took the ShiftCam engine from the S 1000 RR superbike and stuffed it into the S 1000 R's naked chassis, meaning it makes the same power and torque as the track-focused RR. We're talking about a hyper-naked so capable and fast that the claimed 205 hp peak is almost beside the point, though top speed is a quoted 174 mph, 16 mph higher than the standard S 1000 R. On our First Ride, we said, "The new M 1000 R makes startling, close to market-leading power, while its electronic package of rider aids and riding modes are both extensive and class-leading. Add accurate and lightweight steering, agile handling, and awesome braking power—not to mention the M look and a high level of finish—and suddenly the 200 bhp naked club looks like an interesting place to be."

Related: 2023 BMW M 1000 R First Ride Review

Still setting the standard for sporty nakeds, the Streetfighter V4 is an absolute beast on the road or track (especially in S trim). (Ducati/)

2024 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S | $27,795 | Top Speed: 168 mph

Basically a naked superbike, Ducati's Streetfighter V4 S is the middle (but not middling) offering in the Italian brand's series of naked machines. With key components like the front frame and 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine pilfered straight off the Panigale superbike, it shouldn't be all that surprising the Streetfighter puts down 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 90.4 lb.-ft. of torque at 9,500 rpm, while tipping the scales at a svelte 430 pounds. It has all the bells and whistles you'd want on a premium machine, with upgrades from the base model including forged aluminum wheels and semi-active Öhlins suspension; MotoGP-derived electronics and top-shelf Brembo Stylema brakes appear on both. Level up to the more exclusive V4 SP if you've got an extra $10K to burn and you want a more track-focused package, but whichever trim you choose, hang on.

Related: 2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S MC Commute Review

Starting price for the hyper-hooligan 1390 is $21,499, but you'll probably want to add KTM's optional electronic and suspension packages to get the most out of it. (KTM/)

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo | $21,499 | Top Speed: 180 mph

Apparently its 1290 naked model just wasn't rowdy enough, so KTM brought out the new 1390 Super Duke R Evo for 2024, to (more?) fully embrace the hooligan vibe. The powerful 1,350cc V-twin engine is good for a claimed 188 hp and 107 lb.-ft. of torque, while the semi-active WP suspension (with seven modes),

slipper clutch, super-compact cockpit, and agile chassis will have pilots eagerly searching out the limits of the Super Duke's five ride modes. There's even a Track mode that can fully unlock the machine's potential, with key data displayed on the restructured 5-inch TFT screen. Those features are responsible for humanely carting around just 467 pounds of ready-to-ride weight, so any overly aggressive launches on KTM's latest hooligan should be very entertaining indeed.

Related: 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo First Ride Review

The SP's supersharp styling is backed up by a solid feature set that makes this hyper-naked as fun on the track as it is capable on the street. (Yamaha/)

2024 Yamaha MT-10 SP | $16,999 | Top Speed: 160 mph (unconfirmed)

All torque and midrange muscle, Yamaha's top-of-the-range MT-10 SP naked is an absolute ripper, and offered at what you might call a bargain price. The SP's crazy-good 998cc CP4 engine is derived from the lauded YZF-R1 mill and serves up a peak of 164 ponies, delivered in a smooth, torque-rich manner across the rev range. A

quickshifter and four ride modes with a variable speed limiter and a six-axis IMU make the SP brutish when it needs to be but practical to ride for everyday jaunts too. Premium bits include semi-active Öhlins suspension, cornering ABS, and lean-sensitive traction control along with a full-color TFT display to help you keep an eye on things. The SP's a looker too, and as capable on the track as it is on the street.

Related: Yamaha MT-10 SP Review MC Commute

Related: Santa Claus Rides the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP