When we think about motorcycles, we often imagine sleek machines with aerodynamic clothes called fairings. However, the term “What is a Naked Bike” refers to motorcycles stripped of these fairings, revealing a raw and unadorned look. The concept of a naked bike didn’t need a descriptor until aerodynamic clothes were invented. Originally, all motorcycles came into this world naked, free from the added shells and coverings.
Fairings, typically made of ABS plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, offer several advantages. They help reduce air drag, which improves fuel consumption efficiency and allows for higher speeds with lower engine rpm. This can be a major benefit for those looking to get the most out of their ride, especially if they have a big budget. However, these shells also have pitfalls. They can be costly to fix when damaged, reduce ground clearance, and take up more space around the bike, making it difficult to cram into tight spaces. Additionally, some riders find them aesthetically unappealing.
In opposition to the fairing draped performance motorcycle is the minimalist naked bike. These bikes, without the bulk of fairings, focus on the essentials, exposing the engine components and other mechanical parts. While they might lack the protective function provided by fairings, they offer a more direct and unfiltered riding experience. The simplicity and rawness of a naked bike appeal to those who prefer a straightforward approach to motorcycling, free from the complications and potential drawbacks of additional coverings.
Back to Basics
Naked bikes, as Robert Hoekman Jr., the author of The Build, explains, are flexible machines meant for daily riders. These bikes are built for various activities, whether it’s navigating through town, enjoying afternoon rides, or simply cruising on a paved road.
Unlike sport performance bikes, which are often loaded with plastic accouterments and a substantial windscreen, naked bikes go back to the basics. They are stripped down with little to no fairings, leaving the essential components exposed without streamlining or camouflaging. This design makes them distinct from modern motorcycles, which tend to hide their mechanics behind plastic and other coverings. Naked bikes are defined by what they lack, offering a raw and straightforward riding experience.
Sport or Modern Classic?
The naked bike class includes various stylistic subsets like the street tracker, brat, café racer, bobber, and cruiser. These bikes are often stripped down, giving them a retro or vintage feel with a nostalgic visual treatment. However, a wrench has been thrown into this sentiment with the advent of streetfighter bikes. These bikes, arguably as naked as modern classics, have aggressive styling that gives them the look of a distinctly contemporary motorcycle.
Take the 150hp Harris Magnum streetfighter from Bike EXIF. In essence, a streetfighter is a sportbike that’s been stripped to a naked status and stylized with lean yet powerful lines. Converting a traditional sportbike into a streetfighter often means removing fairings, introducing an aftermarket headlight, and opting for clip-on or motocross style handlebars. This innovative custom culture has begun to thrive, leading manufacturers to follow suit, making the streetfighter readily available for purchase as stock models.
Popular examples of streetfighters include the Triumph Speed Triple, Ducati Streetfighter, Yamaha FZ series, and KTM Super Dukes. These bikes embody the essence of both modern classics and aggressive styling, offering riders a blend of traditional and contemporary motorcycle design. The appeal lies in their raw, unfiltered aesthetic combined with the performance of a sportbike, making them a unique choice for enthusiasts.
Benefits of Naked Bikes
Naked bikes are loved for their barebones aesthetic, which can be seen as a pro or a con depending on your preferences. They offer better torque at lower RPMs, making it easier to accelerate on busy streets. When riding in the city, using motorcycle helmet speakers that match the surrounding noise level can help you hear important traffic sounds more clearly. Beginners will appreciate being able to sit up straight, making long-distance riding more comfortable with straight, raised handlebars and forward-positioned footrests.
Naked models also cost about $500 less than their full-fairing counterparts because they have fewer and smaller casings. These bikes tend to get better mileage, especially in the city, making them a practical choice for urban riders.
Downsides of Naked Bikes
The lack of fairings on naked bikes exposes the engine to more dust and debris, which can lead to rust. It’s important to shield your bike from rain and snow. Not having a fairing can increase drag at high speeds, which can negatively impact your fuel efficiency. Additionally, naked bikes don’t go as fast as sport bikes, and you’ll need a windshield to drive on the highway.
Naked is a Spectrum
Naked bikes encompass a wide variety of eras, manufacturers, and styles. From a Royal Enfield Classic to a Ducati Streetfighter, the lack of fairings is the common thread. These bikes strip away the plastic to reveal the bare bones of a motorcycle. This all-inclusive term covers any bike that pares down to its essentials, showcasing the true essence of motorcycling across different periods and designs.
FAQs
What is the difference between a sports bike and a street bike?
A sports bike is built for speed with fairings that reduce drag and increase mpg. In contrast, a street bike like a naked bike has a barebones design with no fairings, exposing the engine and essential parts. This design leads to better torque at lower RPMs but increases drag and reduces top speed.
What is the best type of bike for casual riding?
For casual riding, a naked bike is ideal. Its barebones aesthetic and lack of fairings make it light and easy to handle. With better torque at lower RPMs, it’s perfect for city streets. The straight, raised handlebars and forward-positioned footrests offer a comfortable riding position. Plus, naked bikes cost less and get better mileage than their full-fairing counterparts, making them a practical choice for everyday use.
What's the best motorcycle for a beginner?
For beginners, a naked bike is an excellent choice. Its barebones aesthetic makes it easy to handle and maintain. The straight, raised handlebars and forward-positioned footrests allow riders to sit up straight, making it more comfortable for long rides.
Is a street bike like a dirt bike?
A street bike is quite different from a dirt bike. While street bikes are designed for paved roads with a focus on comfort and speed, dirt bikes are built for off-road conditions with knobby tires and suspension suited for rough terrain.
What is the difference between a road bike and a regular bike?
A road bike is designed for paved roads, emphasizing speed and efficiency with lightweight frames and thin tires. In contrast, a regular bike is more versatile, suitable for various terrains and typically featuring thicker tires and a more comfortable ride.
