Naked, roadster, scrambler and cruiser are four segments that have in common the preference for good exposed mechanics and a ride that is never exhausting, but always enjoyable. The market confirms that they continue to be among the preferred choices and even in 2023 we tried all types, also because there was no shortage of novelties in these sectors.
CFMOTO CL-X 700 Adventure
A design full of personality and even a little daring is the calling card of this Chinese scrambler full of substance. It’s a well-built bike that fits into the scrambler scene with credibility also thanks to the twin-cylinder engine with 70 hp of power at 8,500 rpm and 60 Nm of maximum torque at 6,500 rpm, integrated into a six-speed gearbox for thrilling performance and low fuel consumption. The front wheel is 18 inches and the rear 17 inches and between them a convincing frame.
CFMOTO NK800
CFMoto’s naked sports bike hit the market in 2023, after attracting attention for its bold design. The signature is that of the Modena40 studio, in fact the European RD of the Chinese brand, and there’s a further trace of the Old Continent beneath its shape. The 799 cc, 95 hp twin-cylinder engine comes from the partnership with KTM (CF Moto also builds the KTM 790 Duke), but it’s not identical in every respect to the Austrian naked. The NK800 also impresses with the level of finish, as well as the impressive 8-inch TFT screen.
Fantic Caballero 700
On the other hand, the largest of the Caballero family is a motorcycle built with great care and dedicated to those who want to enjoy asphalt or dirt roads. There are advanced electronics (TFT, traction control, switchable ABS) and one of the best motorcycle engines: Yamaha’s CP2 with 74 hp of renewed power. An agile, light but also stable bike that doesn’t vibrate, doesn’t get hot, but protects little from the air and the handlebars are very wide.
Ducati Scrambler 800
The next generation of the Ducati Scrambler 800, a much-loved bike all over the world. While the style and taste have remained the same, the new Scrambler in 2023 has changed a lot. The Desmodue has 73 hp and 65 Nm and its curb weight is 185 kg.
Ducati Diavel V4
After twelve years, Ducati radically changed the design of the Diavel, one of the most arrogant motorcycles you could wish for: sport naked handling, cruiser stance, masterpiece design. After 45,000 units sold, the V2 was abandoned and the V4 Granturismo arrived with 1,158 cc and a beauty of 168 hp at 10,750 rpm and 125.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The V4 also features the extended rear cylinder deactivation system, which allows the engine to run on just two cylinders during stops with the engine running and when operating at low engine loads up to 4,000 rpm.
KTM 790 Duke
The 790 Duke had left the scene, replaced by the 890, only to return in 2023. And thanks to the partnership between KTM and CFMOTO, its return also brings a more competitive price due to Chinese production. The twin-cylinder now has 95 hp and is still well within reach, and the weight is just 174 kg. The suspension is WP and the fast gearbox is optional.
Honda CL500
The inspiration comes from the 1960s (and it shows), but the technical basis is modern: the CL500 inherits some references from its CL72 ancestor and the two-cylinder 500 of the current CB series, which allows it to be ridden with an A2 license. Black tubular steel frame, 150 mm fork travel, wide handlebars and an upright, comfortable, typically scrambler stance. The 12-liter fuel tank and average consumption of 28 km/l promise long journeys with this easy-to-ride bike, even for novice riders.
Honda CB 750 Hornet
The Hornet was – along with its Transalp sister – one of the most eagerly awaited returns of 2023. In reality, little or nothing remains of the old Hornet apart from the spirit: the new CB 750 is a very modern naked in appearance and substance, with an incredible ratio between cost and riding pleasure. The electronics are sophisticated, but the price list is affordable and the chassis is agile and fast. We’ve had the opportunity to ride it a lot this year and to make several videos with it in all situations and it convinced us with a brilliant engine and the right sporty feel.
QJ Motor SRK 400 and SRK 700
The Chinese company QJ Motor is rapidly entering our market with a wide and credible range. In 2023, we had the opportunity to test their SRK 400 and SRK 700 sports bikes for the first time. The former is an entry-level bike offering a 45 hp twin-cylinder with a slipper clutch. It weighs just 150 kg, has very compact dimensions and essential equipment. For those who want more than just performance, there’s the SRK 700. The engine is still an in-line twin-cylinder, but the power goes up to 73 hp.
QJ SRV 300 engine
We continue at QJ to present this interesting cruiser that is vaguely reminiscent of the Sporster, but smaller and more economical. With a 296 cc Euro 5 twin-cylinder engine with a power output of 37 hp (22.6 kW) at 9,000 rpm and 26 Nm of maximum torque at 7,000 rpm, it delivers the classic V2 feel with a performance more suited to the city than the highways.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Based on the twin-cylinder front engine from the Interceptor and Continental GT, the Super Meteor made its debut in early 2023 as Royal Enfield’s new top of the range. Lots of metal, an elegant finish and a very pleasant look, like a real cruiser. The market immediately showed that it liked it. Its strengths lie in aesthetics and comfort, a rounded and pleasant ride with performance that can always be appreciated, and a very attractive price.
Suzuki GSX-8S
This time Suzuki comes to the market with a bike of great substance. An 800 cc twin-cylinder gearbox shared with the new V-Strom and an elegant frame with a steel structure and an aluminum swingarm with great attention to mass distribution. By the way, the weight is 202 kg and the power is 83 hp at 8500 rpm.
Triumph Street Triple RS Moto2 Edition
The Street Triple is considered the benchmark mid-range naked sports bike. Its three-cylinder in-line engine is a real pleasure to ride and is also the basis of the engine that Triumph supplies to all Moto2 teams. That’s why in 2023 the Moto2 Edition was introduced to the range, a special version dedicated specifically to the world speed championship. It’s based on the RS trim, which is why we’re comparing them. With the 2023 version come many improvements and an impressive 130 horsepower at 12,000 rpm. While the maximum torque (80 Nm) is released at 9,500 rpm. The suspension combines the Ohlins STX40 monoshock and the fully adjustable Showa BPS fork for a refined bike that weighs just 180 kg. The Moto2 Edition was manufactured in 765 colors and the fork is an Öhlins NIX30 inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, extension damping and preload.