There is a frequently asked question among motorcycle fans: should I get a sport bike or a naked bike? Many riders struggle to choose one of these two. Which one is faster? What can I afford? Which style is better?

The truth is that, while sport bikes look awesome, they may not be the best option in most cases. Find out the pros and cons of each model and choose your favourite one.

A matter of practicality

Most motorcycle fans love bikes for the same reasons. They are drawn to the feeling of power that comes from riding a fast and responsive vehicle. We all want to look cool with an impressive machine like the classic model manufactured by Honda: Fireblade. Yet, this approach can limit the person regarding the features that they actually need.

If you live in the countryside, that’s a different story. However, for life in the city, a sport bike may not be the best option. Riders will find that opening their minds to new alternatives is beneficial. So, what’s the difference between a fully faired bike and a naked-style model?

Sport bike vs naked motorcycle

We analyse the differences under the following categories:

• Aesthetics
• Performance
• Maintenance
• Ergonomics
• Purpose
• Pricing

Aesthetics

This is a subjective matter, but fans of either model have their reasons. Sport bikes are chosen by those who like to speed. The colourful fairings are not just there for the looks: they fulfil an important task for optimal racing performance. Fairings reduce air drag while protecting the engine from damage. Professional racers can display their sponsors’ logos on this surface.

But other people consider the bike’s machinery its true beauty, and they don’t like it hidden by flashy ornaments. It makes sense that they would prefer the charming style of a street-oriented model.

Performance

Sports bikes are faster since they are designed for racing. Their engines will provide more torque at the end of the powerband. But this doesn’t mean that naked models are not fast. In many cases, they share the same engines. The main difference is that the naked bike provides more torque in the middle range, making it more adaptable to day-to-day usage.

Maintenance

Naked bikes are easier to work on because the machinery is more available. For example, you don’t have to remove the fairings to reach for the oil tank. Every bike will need regular care like chain and air filter maintenance, oil changes, etc. If you don’t particularly like to work on your bike and want to save money on mechanics, choose an easy-to-care-for naked bike.

Nonetheless, this has a downside. Your bike’s important parts are exposed to any fall or bang. You need to be extra careful because these are hard to replace. There are many motorcycle manufacturers, and the price and availability of replacements vary depending on the brand. Some of them may be very expensive or bike specific.

Ergonomics

Naked bikes offer riders a more upright position. The positioning of foot controls and handlebars make the arms higher and the back straighter. As a result, the rider sits more comfortably and has a better view of the road in the mid and long distance. This is why naked bikes are the preferred alternative for long rides. Besides the obvious reason of having a more comfortable seat, long trips are more pleasant thanks to the riding position. It helps to absorb bumps on the road. These are softened by the suspension and the leg position compensates for any additional shock.

On the other hand, sport bikes are mainly focused on aerodynamics. These models are not intended for long trips but speed optimization. The rider is thus hunched over with feet near the rear and the handlebars are lower than his chest. While this position reduces air drag when racing, it is far not the best one for commuting or travelling. Bumps on the road, for example, can strain your wrists when riding a sport bike. The next video shows the difference in body positions with sports and naked models during cornering.

Purpose

A naked bike serves many purposes while the sport motorcycles’ main advantage is speed. Naked models also perform well off-road.

If you can’t afford an adventure bike, you can adapt your naked-style vehicle to different road conditions. By adding accessories like a windscreen or bags, a naked model can be perfectly adapted to uneven terrains. This is not the case with sports models which would be very uncomfortable to ride through, let’s say, a forest.

Pricing

The performance-oriented features of a sport bike make it more costly. The extra components increase the price of fully faired models in comparison with their simpler counterparts. In some cases, two bikes have the same engine, chassis, and general features, yet the sports version is more expensive. The reason for this is that racing bikes are very purpose oriented. Nonetheless, naked models can give you the same power and speed at a more accessible price.

Conclusion: Why choose a naked motorcycle over a sport bike?

When comparing these two options, we see a tie when it comes to performance and speed. The naked models come with important advantages like cost-effectiveness, easy maintenance, and comfort. While sport bikes perform better at high speeds, you are rarely going to drive that fast unless you are a professional racer. A naked model is more flexible. It will be useful in the city, on the road, and can be adapted to off-road adventures.