Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle | Suggestions?

DeKay · 15th March 2022, 15:53

Posting on behalf of a friend:

I'm looking to buy my first big bike and would like to know what you guys would suggest in Mumbai.

I currently own a Benelli Leoncino 500 and Yamaha R15M. Would like to add a liter class naked to my collection.

With a budget of around 14-15 Lakhs, I've tested the Kawasaki Z900 and Ducati Monster so far. The Z900 feels great, but dated. The Monster on the other hand felt underwhelming.
Can you guys suggest a few more in the same class and type that I could test?

I'm 5'5" tall and I'll be using the bike quite regularly to travel to work (~200-250 kms every week), so ride comfort is important.

No cruisers or bobbers, since I don't prefer them. Also nothing with a very agressive riding position.

Thanks in advance for the help 😊

iamahunter · 15th March 2022, 16:46

Triumph Street Triple
Small size, Nimble and not very aggressive.
Will suit the physique as well.

Street Twins can also be considered, but they are again Retro styling like the Benelli Leoncino.

anandpadhye · 15th March 2022, 16:57

I would recommend Ninja 1000SX.

Riding posture is not very aggressive and I have done some rides of 300-500km without any fatigue, wind protection is good and quick shifter is addictive. I am short (5'4") and I can manage the bike, got the OEM Kawasaki low seat and then on it's become even easier. The Kawasaki inline 4 is a silky smooth unit with no vibrations anywhere in the rev range.

Good luck with your search

shivasuma · 15th March 2022, 19:26

I would suggest the Triumph Speed Twin. Perfect upgrade option for your friend. The riding position is comfortable, the bike is not too heavy and is very much manageable in traffic. And not to mention the killer looks. Ask your friend to test ride. I am sure he will love it.

shancz · 15th March 2022, 20:04

Not really liter class but do check out the Speed Triple R/RS.
The low weight makes up for what it loses in engine capacity and that 3 cylinder howl is intoxicating.

Outside of that :
- CB1000R : probably underwhelming going by your Z900 feedback
- S1000R

Good Luck.

GoBlue · 15th March 2022, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeKay

I'm looking to buy my first big bike and would like to know what you guys would suggest in Mumbai.

With a budget of around 14-15 Lakhs, I've tested the Kawasaki Z900 and Ducati Monster so far. The Z900 feels great, but dated. The Monster on the other hand felt underwhelming.
Can you guys suggest a few more in the same class and type that I could test?

There isn’t any litre class naked bike available in a budget of 14-15L, unfortunately. Z900/Monster are not litre class either.

The Triumph Speed Twin is indeed litre class as suggested by another gentleman, however I would not recommend it as a daily rider for Mumbai weather/traffic. Triumph retro roadsters emit crazy levels of heat, can make life uncomfortable. If it was intended to be used as a weekend machine, then it could’ve been suitable.

Extend your budget to either the BMW S1000R or the Triumph Speed Triple RS if you really want a litre class naked.

Else I would agree with BHPian AnandPadhye, the N1K seems like the best option for your budget. It has litre class power. No other bike that’s priced below 14L makes 140 HP/111 NM.

Axe77 · 15th March 2022, 21:28

When someone says litre class, I don’t really think classics like Speed Twin. Only inline 4 or even triples come to mind. Like GoBlue mentioned, 15L may not get you (quote / unquote) litre class bikes but the top options that come to my mind are listed below:

Ninja 1000 SX: This is hands down the best option money can buy you today for the requirements you spelt out. Its legit inline 4, 140 bhp, 1000 cc sports tourer that can be as easy to handle in the city as it is munching miles on the highway.

From here on, interpreting your requirements a bit more liberally, the options that come to my mind are the Street Triple RS, the Z900 and the BMW F900XR, all of them being high performance nakeds that move the needle very significantly forward from your current garage.

Further adding to the mix, I’d throw in the CB1000 also - if its still selling, although I suspect you may need to push the budget just a little higher or alternately look for recent sparingly used examples.

nitrogary · 15th March 2022, 22:45

For 14 lacs, your friend will be spoilt for choice in the wonderland of pre-owned bikes!
I know you may not have asked for suggestions like these but please look at a pre-owned BMW R1200R or something. It's only new once but the boxer engine isn't even fully run in also by 10000 km!
I often say this. Buy nice or buy twice.

Cyborg · 15th March 2022, 23:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeKay

With a budget of around 14-15 Lakhs, I've tested the Kawasaki Z900 and Ducati Monster so far. The Z900 feels great, but dated. The Monster on the other hand felt underwhelming.

Ask your friend to test ride the Triumph Street Triple RS since he has ridden Z900 and the Monster. The RS is very involving, top notch equipment and excellent fit and finish too. The RS heats up quite a bit in traffic and I wouldn’t use it for commuting on a regular basis.

As GoBlue mentioned the above bikes cannot be considered as litre class bikes. The standard BMW S1000R should be around 20-21 lacs on road in Mumbai. Since he already has two bikes, it may make sense to wait a bit, increase the budget and get the S1000R.

Cheers

SnS_12 · 16th March 2022, 12:45

Quote:

I'll be using the bike quite regularly to travel to work

If this is the main usage criteria then he needs to look at a light and easily maneuverable motorcycle with good low end torque as he will be riding 80% of the time under 4k revs.

I have taken my Busa only once to work and I left early to work in the morning and headed back home early in the afternoon to avoid the traffic and I still didn't enjoy it as I was barely exploring its potential.

A used CB400 is what comes to my mind (if I had to pick) as in the city limits it is always fun to ride a less powerful bike fast than riding a more powerful bike slow.

shivasuma · 16th March 2022, 13:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoBlue

There isn’t any litre class naked bike available in a budget of 14-15L, unfortunately. Z900/Monster are not litre class either.

The Triumph Speed Twin is indeed litre class as suggested by another gentleman, however I would not recommend it as a daily rider for Mumbai weather/traffic. Triumph retro roadsters emit crazy levels of heat, can make life uncomfortable. If it was intended to be used as a weekend machine, then it could’ve been suitable.

Extend your budget to either the BMW S1000R or the Triumph Speed Triple RS if you really want a litre class naked.

Else I would agree with BHPian AnandPadhye, the N1K seems like the best option for your budget. It has litre class power. No other bike that’s priced below 14L makes 140 HP/111 NM.

I recently bought one and have not faced any issues with heat let alone crazy amounts. Maybe I am used to it. I sometimes ride it with shorts though for shorter period of time like 30 mins and have never found it to be uncomfortable.

nutcracker · 16th March 2022, 14:17

The Ninja SX1000 is a great option. It has really good riding dynamics, it's a pretty versatile machine and while it's stance make it seem sporty, the riding position on it is pretty neutral. You can own it for years without any issues, and you have the room for a lot of aftermarket modifications.

Apart from that, I see no other option for you, but to wait for something like the KTM 890 Duke R. Sure, it is not litre class on paper. Focus phrase being "on paper".

Don't go for the Z900 if you're looking for litre class performance. IMHO, the Z900 is a poor mans litre class bike.

I have no experience with the S1000 so I can't say.

I would advise against looking at Ducatis. Earlier I was pretty enamoured by them, but the more I spoke to Ducati owners, and the more I test rode Ducatis, I have come to the conclusion that a Ducati is just not meant for our desi conditions: mechanically, financially and purposefully. Go buy a white elephant instead.

YDS · 17th March 2022, 10:22

Street triple and Hypermotard should also be checked as your friend is spending a huge amount and there is no harm in a test ride.

SNA411 · 17th March 2022, 10:45

https://youtu.be/VlJe7RLV1Ok

My very first reaction on reading the opening post was a Honda CB 1000R, and strangely its the only one that hasn't been brought up in the suggestions.

HYPERTOURER · 17th March 2022, 11:50

My advice would be to get a N1000SX. Its the best of both worlds. Can commute comfortably and also go touring. Infact its very nimble to use in traffic as well. If he wants to go the used bike route then there are many options. Italians are hard in summers and also they are a bit more expensive to maintain. If he can increase his budget then the Streerfighter would be the best naked, but its a huge budget increase. Since he wants a naked specially let him check out the street triple and if thats not sufficient then the speed triple. There is another beautiful bike but no longer available. Its got the same heart as of the Ninja1000 and thats the z1000. If he is ok with used then thats a huge saving since i have seen these bikes go for as low as 7. Find a clean example enjoy it for a while and save money and may be upgrade to a new bike in a few years?

15th March 2022, 15:53	#1
DeKay BHPian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bombay Posts: 751 Thanked: 1,569 Times	Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? Posting on behalf of a friend: I'm looking to buy my first big bike and would like to know what you guys would suggest in Mumbai. I currently own a Benelli Leoncino 500 and Yamaha R15M. Would like to add a liter class naked to my collection. With a budget of around 14-15 Lakhs, I've tested the Kawasaki Z900 and Ducati Monster so far. The Z900 feels great, but dated. The Monster on the other hand felt underwhelming. Can you guys suggest a few more in the same class and type that I could test? I'm 5'5" tall and I'll be using the bike quite regularly to travel to work (~200-250 kms every week), so ride comfort is important. No cruisers or bobbers, since I don't prefer them. Also nothing with a very agressive riding position. Thanks in advance for the help 😊
	(1) Thanks

15th March 2022, 16:46	#2
iamahunter BHPian Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mumbai. Posts: 750 Thanked: 3,824 Times	re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? Triumph Street Triple Small size, Nimble and not very aggressive. Will suit the physique as well. Street Twins can also be considered, but they are again Retro styling like the Benelli Leoncino.
	(2) Thanks

15th March 2022, 16:57	#3
anandpadhye Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 3,060 Thanked: 3,346 Times	re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? I would recommend Ninja 1000SX. Riding posture is not very aggressive and I have done some rides of 300-500km without any fatigue, wind protection is good and quick shifter is addictive. I am short (5'4") and I can manage the bike, got the OEM Kawasaki low seat and then on it's become even easier. The Kawasaki inline 4 is a silky smooth unit with no vibrations anywhere in the rev range. Good luck with your search Last edited by anandpadhye : 15th March 2022 at 17:18.
	(6) Thanks

15th March 2022, 19:26	#4
shivasuma BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 872 Thanked: 471 Times	re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? I would suggest the Triumph Speed Twin. Perfect upgrade option for your friend. The riding position is comfortable, the bike is not too heavy and is very much manageable in traffic. And not to mention the killer looks. Ask your friend to test ride. I am sure he will love it.
	(1) Thanks

15th March 2022, 20:04	#5
shancz Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: BH Posts: 1,985 Thanked: 5,496 Times	re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? Not really liter class but do check out the Speed Triple R/RS. The low weight makes up for what it loses in engine capacity and that 3 cylinder howl is intoxicating. Outside of that : - CB1000R : probably underwhelming going by your Z900 feedback - S1000R Good Luck.
	(1) Thanks

15th March 2022, 21:28	#7
Axe77 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 8,833 Thanked: 27,744 Times	re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? When someone says litre class, I don’t really think classics like Speed Twin. Only inline 4 or even triples come to mind. Like GoBlue mentioned, 15L may not get you (quote / unquote) litre class bikes but the top options that come to my mind are listed below: Ninja 1000 SX: This is hands down the best option money can buy you today for the requirements you spelt out. Its legit inline 4, 140 bhp, 1000 cc sports tourer that can be as easy to handle in the city as it is munching miles on the highway. From here on, interpreting your requirements a bit more liberally, the options that come to my mind are the Street Triple RS, the Z900 and the BMW F900XR, all of them being high performance nakeds that move the needle very significantly forward from your current garage. Further adding to the mix, I’d throw in the CB1000 also - if its still selling, although I suspect you may need to push the budget just a little higher or alternately look for recent sparingly used examples. Last edited by Axe77 : 15th March 2022 at 21:30.
	(3) Thanks

15th March 2022, 22:45	#8
nitrogary BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 268 Thanked: 1,237 Times	re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? For 14 lacs, your friend will be spoilt for choice in the wonderland of pre-owned bikes! I know you may not have asked for suggestions like these but please look at a pre-owned BMW R1200R or something. It's only new once but the boxer engine isn't even fully run in also by 10000 km! I often say this. Buy nice or buy twice. Last edited by nitrogary : 15th March 2022 at 22:47.
	(1) Thanks

16th March 2022, 14:17	#12
nutcracker BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Delhi Posts: 227 Thanked: 442 Times	Re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? The Ninja SX1000 is a great option. It has really good riding dynamics, it's a pretty versatile machine and while it's stance make it seem sporty, the riding position on it is pretty neutral. You can own it for years without any issues, and you have the room for a lot of aftermarket modifications. Apart from that, I see no other option for you, but to wait for something like the KTM 890 Duke R. Sure, it is not litre class on paper. Focus phrase being "on paper". Don't go for the Z900 if you're looking for litre class performance. IMHO, the Z900 is a poor mans litre class bike. I have no experience with the S1000 so I can't say. I would advise against looking at Ducatis. Earlier I was pretty enamoured by them, but the more I spoke to Ducati owners, and the more I test rode Ducatis, I have come to the conclusion that a Ducati is just not meant for our desi conditions: mechanically, financially and purposefully. Go buy a white elephant instead.
	(1) Thanks

17th March 2022, 10:22	#13
YDS BHPian Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: UP80 UK15 Posts: 25 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? Street triple and Hypermotard should also be checked as your friend is spending a huge amount and there is no harm in a test ride.
	() Thanks

17th March 2022, 11:50	#15
HYPERTOURER BHPian Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Belgaum Posts: 98 Thanked: 463 Times	Re: Looking for my first 1000cc Naked Motorcycle \| Suggestions? My advice would be to get a N1000SX. Its the best of both worlds. Can commute comfortably and also go touring. Infact its very nimble to use in traffic as well. If he wants to go the used bike route then there are many options. Italians are hard in summers and also they are a bit more expensive to maintain. If he can increase his budget then the Streerfighter would be the best naked, but its a huge budget increase. Since he wants a naked specially let him check out the street triple and if thats not sufficient then the speed triple. There is another beautiful bike but no longer available. Its got the same heart as of the Ninja1000 and thats the z1000. If he is ok with used then thats a huge saving since i have seen these bikes go for as low as 7. Find a clean example enjoy it for a while and save money and may be upgrade to a new bike in a few years?
	() Thanks