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Which Naked For The Track ?

Discussion in 'Trackdays & Rider Skills' started by Android853sp, Oct 10, 2021.

  1. Looks like Father Time and Mother Nature are catching up with me and riding a focussed hyper sports bike on track is becoming something that is getting too uncomfortable. I’m not giving up track days any time soon so have started to look through the choices of good naked bikes that, with a bit of little time and maybe some money, could be great bikes for the track.

    The criteria I have used to look so far is, seat height, not more than 830mm; (eventually) weigh about 185kg wet; approximately 150 (crank) hp; 17” wheels and the rear wheel size has to be compatible with modern track tyres; needs to have modern electronics, QS/Blipper compatible and ECU re mappable; ideally it will have Ohlins manual suspension but happy if Ohlins or KTech manufacture an OE replacement; new or used, not fussed.

    Ruled out the hyper motard style as the seat height is too high and although I might be missing a trick, I have also ruled out the adventure style despite my love affair with my Multistrada.

    Two bikes seem to be standing out to me, the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory and the Yamaha MT10 SP. I know the Tuono has a few enthusiastic fans on here but I know nothing about the MT10.

    As always, happy for informed opinion and other suggestions for alternatives I have missed.
    Andy
     
  2. Triumph Speed Triple RS worth a look but if it were me the Ape would be the one.
     
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  3. Not sure if you remember the Rutter Test from Performance Bikes Magazine of a few years back - the MT 10 SP was not that quick although much enjoyed.

    I had an MT-10 SP myself and thought it was a luscious road bike - too good for throwing into gravel traps !

    Michael Rutter used to properly put them through their paces and put together this league table - up until 2018 I think it was. A bit out of date now but some familiar names on there .....

    upload_2021-10-10_13-39-14.png
     
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  4. Thank you for the pointer, I’ll have a poke around the internet. A trip into the gravel is always a risk but not a risk that’s influenced my choice of bike. Andy
     
  5. Nice looking spec which ticks a lot of boxes, thank you for the suggestion. Andy
     
  6. I'm an Aprilia fan boy so for me it would have to be a tuono.
    But McWilliams used to frighten the living daylights out of the fast group at almeria on a Superduke so have you considered one of them?
     
  7. Seat height and no local dealership rules it out plus (and please don’t shoot me) I am not a fan of KTM. Andy
     
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  8. Meant to be very good on track these. Check out some of the YouTube reviews.
     
  9. Chopsy gave the RS a thrashing around Oulton Park - quite a long vid but maybe worth watching if you are interested in getting one of these. Looks Ace !

     
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  10. I took my v4 streetfighter to cadwell last weekend as my track bike is on the way to jerez. Really enjoyed it
     
  11. Mmm, food for thought. Andy
     
  12. Good timing for you. Fast Bikes naked sports bike of the year review to be released soon. Here's the teaser video....

     
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  13. Brilliant, thank you. Andy
    Edit : No Yamaha M10 though which I find odd as it is in the class of bikes tested.
     
    #13 Android853sp, Oct 11, 2021
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2021
  14. Simple. Tuono. Lots about, full fat motor unlike the BMW and the S has decent suspension and electronics. You won’t have to worry about seat height.
     
  15. Ignoring seat heights etc, if you're after a more track focused naked it has to be either a Tuono and SFV4S, they're both superbikes with flat bars and a couple of tweaks.

    The Triumph seems to also be more track bias from the reviews I have seen, but that doesn't do anything for me.

    Obviously I am slightly biased here as I've owned one of the current crop for the last 12 months - Gen3 Superduke R, and without a doubt it's the best bike I've owned for shits and giggles, so much so the Pani hasn't moved in that year! I know the KTM isn't on your radar though, I'd still say ride one though even if it is just to tick it off the list.

    I don't think there's a bad naked out there these days, it's whatever suits you and your budget and this sector is only going to grow in the next few years.
     
  16. seems that Tuono comes out top of the list for track antics, I'm like you in that I would be happy to not see another KTM road bike on the road for the rest of my time, I'm sure they are capable but they just have nothing about them that I would like, and there stupid buy the quickshifter and unlock the buttons 'sport packs' are slightly annoying.

    My friend just bought a Tuono V4 1100, he loves it, hasn't tracked it yet but says its got smooth power everywhere, really lovely.

    Speed Triple RS or even better the Speed Triple RR would be my 2nd choice
     
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  17. My neighbour Danny got his new KTM SuperDuke 1290 in April. I think he's done half a dozen track days including Oulton, Donington and Cadwell. He rates it on track!
     
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  18. Had a squint through the classifieds and there is a '19 (59) registered '20MY Tuono for sale just up the road from me. Popped over to have a look and sit on it and was pleasantly surprised to be offered a test ride. It's a lot of money given Riders in Bristol have a new one for sale with £1600 discount but if I like it after the ride tomorrow, I'll have to dust off my negotiating skills :D Andy
     
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  19. The dealer in Stowmarket have a new Tuono VS Factory on the showroom floor (or at least they still had when I went a couple of weeks ago) that was offered to me for £16K cash, an extra £500 off the sticker, which itself was a substantial reduction.
     
  20. M&P in Swansea were selling Tuonos (2020 specs) in April this year for £14.5k :)
     
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