Looking for an affordable naked? I think you should check out these middleweights for just £3500

Naked middleweights make perfect sense. As well as being ideal for newer riders, they make brilliant commuters, fun back-road blasters and reliable second bikes for when the weather makes taking your pride and joy out less than appealing.

Armed with a budget of £3500, it is remarkable the depth and breadth of machinery available to you. Here is our pick of the often overlooked, and therefore cheaper, models.

• Related: Naked bike riding gear guide

Read on for our expert guide to middleweight nakeds for £3500.

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MCN Recommended: 2009 – 2012 Yamaha XJ6 – £2500 – £3500

A charming and relaxed naked for sensible cash

Spec:

• Power: 77bhp
• Engine capacity: 599cc
• Seat height: 785mm
• Kerb weight: 216kg

The Yamaha XJ6 was the firm’s budget-friendly middleweight entry aimed at those who wanted a practical and easy-going machine. Comfortable and unintimidating, it is a solid option that makes for a superb workhorse capable of eating up miles. It may not be the sexiest of bikes, but what it lacks in kerb appeal it makes up for in usability.

Yamaha XJ6 used buying advice

• The XJ6 was made in three variations. The XJ6 is the naked bike, the XJ6 Diversion has a half-fairing and the XJ6 Diversion F has a full-fairing. They all share the same chassis and engine, however only the faired models have ABS as standard. On the naked bike it was an option and is worth having for peace of mind on the commute.
• The XJ6 was updated in 2013 with a slightly modified look but little else. Surprisingly there was also an XJ6 SP launched – however it was just a new paint scheme and some ‘carbon-look’ details.
• The XJ6’s exhaust collector box is made from mild steel and rusts badly from the inside out, so check it well for any holes or leaks.

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2006 – 2010 Suzuki GSR600 – £2000 – £3500

Suzuki’s sporty naked middleweight

Spec:

• Power: 88bhp
• Engine capacity: 599cc
• Seat height: 785mm
• Kerb weight: 184kg

Suzuki have made a plethora of naked middleweights over the years but the one riders never seem to remember is the short-lived GSR600. Powered by a re-tuned GSX-R600 K4 engine, it is a sporty naked that also looks pretty cool thanks to its twin underseat pipes. If you want a Suzuki middleweight, the GSR has more flair than the Bandit 600 and is better handling too.

Suzuki GSR600 used buying advice

• The gearbox can be a bit fragile, so always check during a test ride that the cogs engage smoothly.
• The finish is fairly poor, so give the bike a good inspection. If it appears well looked after then you are onto a winner as a lack of cleaning can lead to pitted forks, a corroded and leaking radiator, seized fasteners, etc.
• The fuel injection system is quite snatchy as standard but if the bodies aren’t balanced or a throttle position sensor is on its way out, it can be even worse.

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2007 – 2016 Aprilia Shiver – £3000 – £5000

The often overlooked twin is a cheeky little number

Spec:

• Power: 95bhp
• Engine capacity: 749cc
• Seat height: 800mm
• Kerb weight: 189kg

Powered by a water-cooled V-twin, the Aprilia Shiver is a sporty naked that is loved by those who remember it exists! Smart-looking and well equipped with Brembo radial brakes from the Tuono, the Shiver’s engine is a beauty with bags of stomp and its chassis is impressively agile. While some question its reliability, owners refute these claims and praise its high level of spec and build quality.

Aprilia Shiver used buying advice

• The cam chain tensioner is a weak point, so listen for a rattle when starting from cold. It’s not a major job to fix so long as no other damage has been caused internally.
• ABS was offered as optional extra on the Shiver in 2009, so check the spec of the bike you are buying if you want this safety assist. The 2009-onwards bike gained three power maps in a small update.
• In 2009 Aprilia launched a GT version with a half-fairing to lend it added practicality.

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2008 – 2013 Honda CBF600 – £2500 – £4000

Honda’s middleweight workhorse is no slouch

Spec:

• Power: 76bhp
• Engine capacity: 599cc
• Seat height: 770mm
• Kerb weight: 218kg

The rather subdued Honda CBF600 was first released in 2004 using a Hornet motor but the 2008-onwards model gained a (very heavily…) detuned version of the CBR600RR’s inline four. A touch ‘beige’ in its styling, the CBF is easy to ride, comfortable and pleasingly swift. A brilliant workhorse that will run forever and record wallet-friendly economy figures while doing so.

Honda CBF600 used buying advice

• The wiring loom earths against the frame on the left just below the petrol tank. This area can trap water, causing the loom to corrode.
• If the speedo starts to malfunction, this is an early sign that all is not well.
• Watch out for the ABS warning light being illuminated as damage to the sensors and/or the sensor ring is fairly common on this model.
• If you want a bit more weather protection, the CBF600S adds a half-fairing (which does nothing for the looks unfortunately…).

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2008 – 2012 Ducati Monster – £3000 – £5000

The 696 is a Monster in name, not necessarily in attitude

Spec:

• Power: 79bhp
• Engine capacity: 696cc
• Seat height: 770mm
• Kerb weight: 178kg

It is very easy to get confused about which one is which as there have been so many versions over the years, but the Monster 696 took over from the 695 and brought a touch more power to the table. With 79bhp and 51ft.lb of torque, this baby Monster is peppy enough to be fun yet its low seat height and easy-going nature remain. A cool bike with timeless styling and an evocative name.

Ducati Monster used buying advice

• The clutch slave cylinder is a weak point, so look for any signs of leaks.
• The valve-clearances require checking every 7500 miles with the cam belts changed at 15,000 miles/two year intervals. Some owners take a chance and extend it to 15,000 miles/five years, which is the interval later Ducati models run. It’s a risk so always check the service history. If in doubt, get the belts changed asap.
• A 696+ version adds a micro bikini fairing around the dash as well as a colour-coded seat cowl.