Top 7 Great Middleweight Naked Bikes For 2022.
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS.
Following on from the success of the Z900RS, Kawasaki have announced the production of
the Z650RS for 2022.
In keeping with the styling of the bigger sibling the Z650RS is just as timeless in
its design, and unapologetically throws back to the original Kawasaki Z650 of the 70’s
with the utmost respect.
The Candy Emerald Green paint option is an absolute winner.
Powering the bike is a 649cc parallel twin which pumps out 67 horsepower which is quite
the step down from the bigger bike.
That doesn’t mean it is no good however, as the power is fully usable, it means the
rider can make full use of the engine; it is still more than enough to do pretty much
anything on.
It uses a lightweight trellis frame that is easy to flick around and take around town.
Kawasaki have produced the Z650RS as a user friendly model, aimed at novices perhaps,
or those that aren’t interested in top speeds.
The mid-range is perfect for everyday riding, and the excellent fuel economy will make this
a popular everyday motorcycle for many.
Prices from: £7,549, or $8.999. 2022 Triumph Trident 660.
The original Triumph Trident was the fastest thing on two wheels, the latest release bearing
the Trident name may be a triple-cylinder but it isn’t intended to be the fastest
thing on two wheels, it is just meant to be a really great middleweight roadster.
All intentions noted, and the fact is the Trident really is pretty good.
It has a unique balance of low-down torque matched with top end power, mating the best
of both worlds together, when so often bikes lack in one or the other.
79 horsepower and 64 Nm of torque come out of the 660cc motor and the bike weighs in
at 189kg.
You have a full TFT display, fully adjustable Showa suspension at the front and rear, cast
aluminium wheels, and a compact tubular steel frame.
Just because the Trident is a middleweight doesn’t mean that Triumph have slacked on
it.
The bike is full of useful rider features, like multiple ride modes, traction control,
ABS, and ride by throttle.
Prices from: £7,395, or $8,195. 2022 Triumph Street Triple RS.
Powered by a 765cc triple cylinder engine, which has been developed by Triumph’s Moto2
team, the Street Triple RS is performance focused Street Triple.
The RS is pumping with track level amounts of power and torque (121 horsepower and 79
Nm), but is engineered to be delivered on the street.
You get 5 riding modes controlled through the TFT instrument pack, so you can tailor
your ride to suit.
No expense has been spared, the RS comes with: Showa front forks and Ohlins rear suspension;
Brembo brake calipers; aluminium alloy wheels; aluminium frame and swingarm; 6 speed transmission
with Triumph Quick Shift.
The RS has an excellent power-weight ratio, it is the lightest in its class, with the
latest model having improved mid-range, as a result the bike handles like a dream for
all situations.
The My Triumph connectivity system comes as standard, which provides all relevant software
to support the Bluetooth module for GoPro and navigation.
Prices from: £10,700, or $12,850. 2022 Yamaha MT07.
The MT07, based on sales numbers, is quite possibly the best naked bike of all time with
over 125,000 units sold.
I often say you wouldn’t go far on the road without spotting an MT07 or MT-09 on the street,
they really were and remain that popular.
It is for good reason too, the 690cc CP2 engine paired with the compact chassis makes for
an agile all year, every circumstance motorcycle.
Arguably the greatest attraction of the MT07 is the fact the bike is so torque-rich and
wheelie friendly.
Hop on any young riders Youtube account and you will see endless riding videos of young
people having an absolute blast.
The MT range for Yamaha reinstated them as the king of hooligan machines, a title lost
for a while when their infamous two-strokes vanished from our roads.
The riding position is fantastic for ultimate control, which is greatly needed, it is lightweight,
agile, handles fantastic, and really is a do it all bike for all riders.
Without question it is also really well priced.
Prices from: £7,000, or $7,800. 2022 Suzuki SV650.
The Suzuki SV650 has perhaps gained an unfair wrap particularly in the UK for being just
a riding school motorcycle, the big bike you learn to pass your motorcycle test on, and
that is all its good for.
However, ask any SV650 owner about their bike and they will talk about it with a lot of
pride, it is reliable, steadfast in its power delivery, non-threatening but not boring and
quite capable of all road situations.
The bike is easy to ride, power delivery is linear, mid-range torque is brilliant, top
end isn’t over the top, it is lightweight, agile, comfortable and truly confidence inspiring.
It has been in production since 1999 and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, the power
plant is refined, lightweight, compact, keeping the center of gravity low and balanced.
ABS now comes standard as an added safety feature for the rider.
Prices from: £6,599, or $7,699. 2022 Husqvarna Svartpilen 701.
The Svartpilen 701 is the leader of the Svartpilen line with a 400cc and 125cc version also available.
Husqvarna have stepped outside of their traditional dirt bike/off-road bread and butter to produce
a series of naked bikes with the Svartpilen being one of them.
The naked roadster looks a little crazy, it is small, compact, narrow, uncomfortable,
but built for bags of fun.
The engine delivers 75 horsepower and 72 Nm of torque.
It does go like a bullet out of a gun in corners, raw and unfiltered is the method and this
can lead to certain madness.
It is agile, the lightest rider won’t have an issue managing the bike, and therefore
it is a great option for anyone looking for an insane looking, torque monster.
Prices from: £8,899, or $9,499. 2022 Yamaha XSR700.
The XSR700 offers an alternative smaller capacity for those who don’t want to shoot for the
XSR900.
It follows in the bigger siblings footsteps being traditionally styled while putting performance
at the forefront of the design.
It mirrors the bigger brother down to the LCD display, layout, LED headlights, casual
and sporty ergonomics, and advanced detailing.
The bike is lighter than the bigger version, making it more suitable for newer riders and
it is also more agile to throw around those bends with ease.
Prices from: £7,700, or $8,799.