Ten Most Popular Standards of 2016
Practical motorcycles that you can use to comm
ute or hit the canyon roads at the weekend, the standard motorcycle class is highly competitive.
A standard or "naked" motorcycle is usually defined as combining an upright riding position, handlebar and footpegs positioned for comfort, and usually but not always without fairing or windscreen.
It’s also a term that is being used more and more, but most people still don’t fully understand. A “Standard” bike is somewhat of an evolution and a hybrid of Universal Japanese Motorcycles, classic British bikes, and modern technology.
Take a look at the top 10 standard motorcycles that made our 2016 list.
1. Yamaha FZ-07
The Yamaha FZ-07 is Yamaha's offering to the naked middleweight class and, for many, it's the clear class leader. The 74hp 689cc parallel twin cylinder engine makes the FZ-07 punchy, fast and more fun than it has any right to be. 50 ft-lb of torque pulls the 397 pound (wet weight) FZ-07 well and makes it surprisingly easy to wheelie, even in third gear. But this doesn't mean the FZ-07 is intimidating for new riders, on the contrary, the power is smooth and predictable. The lack of weight means the motorcycle is agile, while still holding the road well. At just a shade under $7,000 the FZ-07 is unbeatable value for money and our clear winner.
2. Yamaha FZ-09
A very close second and the big brother to the FZ-07, Yamaha launched the FZ-09 in 2013 and it has been stirring up a buzz ever since. The inline triple puts out 115 hp and a whopping 64.5 ft-lb of torque which, combined with a supermoto like seating position, encourages aggressive riding and isn't out of place doing some stunting. The chassis is well set up and, with 51 degrees of lean angle, ground clearance isn't an issue. This isn't a track day weapon, it's an everyday weapon, as happy covering the daily grind as it is popping a wheelie on the canyon roads.
3. Suzuki GSX-S750
The GSX-S750 is Suzuki's latest offering to the middleweight class, and it ticks all the boxes nicely. Essentially a naked sportbike, the GSX-S handles superbly and, with the right rider, will put out and out sportbikes to shame on some roads. The inline four-cylinder 750cc engine, taken from the 2005 GSX-R 750, has been retuned for more low and midrange grunt. The free revving engine holds no surprises and is smooth right the way through. The styling is wonderfully sharp and aggressive, which match the GSX-S750's performance.
4. Honda CTX700
The futuristic looking Honda CTX700 is a bike full of surprises. The most comfortable bike on the list, the CTX700 takes distance riding in its stride with a relaxed seating position. The CTX700 is comfortable enough to be used every day and integrated storage means it's practical enough too. A 670cc parallel twin engine makes for smooth, effortless riding with tons of torque spread throughout an even powerband. ABS and Honda's automatic dual clutch transmission (DCT) are optional extras, so prices will vary depending on what you opt for but start at $7,499.
5. Yamaha FZ6R
Yamaha offers a fun and practical bike in the FZR6. The 600cc inline four-cylinder engine produces 77hp and 44 ft-lb of torque, which won't rip your arms off is enough for both new and experienced riders to have fun with. The smooth power delivery means the FZ6R makes a great first 'big bike', or a capable all-rounder for a more experienced rider. Possibly the best thing about the FZ6R, you can pick it up for less than $7,000
6. Triumph Street Triple
The Triumph Street Triple is one of the most competent naked motorcycles to ever hit the market. Touted as 'revolutionary' when it launched first, the Street Triple is fast and agile enough to tempt 600cc sportbike riders away from their crotch rockets. At the heart of the Street Triple lies a 675cc inline three-cylinder engine, which produces 106hp and 51 ft-lb of torque. Often described as the best of both worlds, the with the pull of a twin and the rush of an inline four. The Street Triple will bring out the hooligan in even the most sensible rider, with oodles of wheelie and stoppie ability. The only problem with the Street Triple is, it sounds so good pinned wide open, you'll never want to close the throttle.
7. Yamaha FZ-1
What do you get when you put a retuned R1 engine in a naked bike? Big fun. The Yamaha FZ-01 is one of the most capable all-rounders on the road. Giant toppling power combined with all day comfort. The 150 hp inline four cylinder engine is housed in a high spec chassis, meaning the FZ-01 isn't just mind-bogglingly fast in a straight line, it holds its line in the corners too. Check out the new FZ-10 to replace this popular naked / standard street bike for some real fun!
8. Honda CB300
Naked sportbike looks with an entry-level displacement and price - just $3,999. The CB300 is a good offering from Honda for those who want Honda's smooth, friendly 286cc parallel twin engine but aren't into the sportbike styling. This engine puts out 30.4hp, which is plenty for a new rider to have fun with. A 30.7-inch seat height and 348-pound curb weight mean riding in traffic is a doddle. The CB300 returns a very economical 71 mpg and this, combined with its physical stats, makes it a competent commuter.
9. Yamaha XSR900
Another beautifully styled retro motorcycle on our list is the Yamaha XSR900, beating the Bonneville by a place because the performance is just outstanding. The XSR900 has an inline three-cylinder engine that puts out an impressive 115hp, taken straight from the Yamaha FZ-09. The handling is superb straight out of the box and, coupled with the engine, means you can keep up with most sports bikes on the twisties. If you want the performance of a new motorcycle but the classic looks of an oldie, the XSR900 is a fantastic option.
10. Triumph Bonneville
The Triumph Bonneville combines classic retro styling with a modern engine, chassis, and brakes - in many people's eyes, the king of cool. Triumph relaunched this classic motorcycle in 2000 with updates that made it a practical, everyday, motorcycle. The 865cc parallel twin engine has a 270° firing interval, so pulls like a torquey V-twin, meaning the power is there when you need it. A highly customizable motorcycle, with over 150 accessories available, you can make the Bonneville your own.