Best Middleweight Naked Bikes for UK Roads
Comparing the Yamaha MT-07, Honda CB750 Hornet and Suzuki GSX-8S? Discover their performance, specifications and strengths for UK roads.
You don't need 200bhp and a superbike riding position to have a brilliant time on a motorcycle. In fact, a good middleweight naked bike can make more sense on British roads, where traffic, tight bends and unpredictable weather are all part of the deal.
Three bikes worth putting on your shortlist are the Yamaha MT-07, Honda CB750 Hornet and Suzuki GSX-8S. All three have parallel-twin engines and upright riding positions, but each has its own character. Here's how they compare.
Yamaha MT-07: the everyday favourite
The Yamaha MT-07 uses a 689cc parallel-twin engine producing 73.4PS and 68Nm of torque. Its appeal has always been accessible performance without making the bike feel unnecessarily complicated.
The latest generation adds updated suspension and braking hardware, along with modern electronics and a five-inch TFT display. Its 805mm seat height should suit plenty of riders, although the best way to judge that is to sit on one yourself.
The MT-07 makes a strong case as an everyday bike. It's lively enough for a weekend blast, manageable around town and versatile enough to handle a regular commute.
Best for: riders looking for an entertaining, versatile all-rounder.
Honda CB750 Hornet: strong performance for the money
Honda's 755cc parallel twin produces 91.8PS and 75Nm of torque, giving the CB750 Hornet the highest quoted peak power of these three bikes.
It also comes with riding modes, traction control, a five-inch TFT display and Honda RoadSync connectivity. Its seat height is 795mm, making it the lowest of this trio on paper.
Recent UK models come with Honda's E-Clutch. This system automates clutch operation while keeping a conventional six-speed gearbox, and you can still use the clutch lever whenever you want. It isn't the same as a fully automatic transmission.
For riders who want plenty of performance without moving to a larger-capacity machine, the Hornet deserves serious consideration.
Best for: riders who prioritise performance and useful technology.
Suzuki GSX-8S: a different take on the middleweight
Suzuki takes a slightly different approach with a 776cc parallel twin producing 83PS and 78Nm. It has less peak power than the Honda but the highest quoted torque figure of these three bikes.
The GSX-8S comes with a five-inch colour TFT display, riding modes, traction control and a bi-directional quickshifter. Its 810mm seat height is worth considering if you prefer to have a little more room between the seat and the footpegs.
It's a well-equipped option for riders who want a modern middleweight with a distinctive engine character. Whether it's the right choice comes down to how you get on with the bike, rather than the capacity figure alone.
Best for: riders looking for a well-equipped middleweight with strong quoted torque.
How do the specifications compare?
| Bike | Engine | Power | Torque | Seat height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha MT-07 | 689cc parallel twin | 73.4PS | 68Nm | 805mm |
| Honda CB750 Hornet | 755cc parallel twin | 91.8PS | 75Nm | 795mm |
| Suzuki GSX-8S | 776cc parallel twin | 83PS | 78Nm | 810mm |
Specifications can vary by model year and version, so confirm the details for the exact bike you're buying.
What about price?
Prices depend on the model year, specification, promotions and dealer offers. If you're looking at a used Hornet, don't treat an earlier bike without E-Clutch and a newer E-Clutch bike as the same-priced machine.
Rather than choosing based on a headline list price, compare the current UK prices for the exact versions you're interested in. Remember to factor in insurance, servicing, tyres and any accessories you'll actually need.
Which one should you buy?
My advice? Don't choose on horsepower alone. Sit on all three, take a test ride where possible and pay attention to low-speed control, comfort, throttle response and how the bike feels on the sort of roads you actually ride.
The Honda has the highest peak power, the Suzuki has the highest quoted torque and the Yamaha offers a more modest power figure in a package built around everyday versatility. None of those numbers, by themselves, tells you which bike you'll enjoy most.
The best middleweight naked isn't necessarily the fastest one. It's the bike that feels right when you're filtering through traffic on a Tuesday and makes you want to take the long way home on Sunday.