You’ve just obtained an A2 licence. Congrats!
This means, however, that it’s the time to upgrade your ride. Bye by 125!
There’s a huge amount of choice out there. If you want the performance of a sportsbike but you don’t want a bike with a full-on riding position, then a naked bike – or roadster as they’re sometimes known – is a great option.
They’re not quite as out-and-out cool as a custom bike or cafe racer but they blend the best of the sportsbike and custom world. In this review, we’ve picked five great commuter-ready A2 licence-capable motorbikes that you can buy new from your local motorcycle dealer today.
The beauty of a naked bike is that it often shares the same engine and chassis as its sportsbike sibling but it has a more upright riding position and wide bars, making it far more comfortable to ride in town and better at getting through tight gaps.
If you’re only commuting 30 or so miles a day and you’re not clocking up regular motorway mile, then you really don’t need a fairing.
Check out the best A2 commuter bikes below.
Yamaha MT-07
Yamaha MT-07 Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline twin
- Max power output: 47bhp (35kW)
- Displacement: 499.6cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 800mm
- Weight: 210kg
This MT-07 is one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever ridden.
The eager parallel-twin-cylinder engine, great gearing and short swingarm make the Yamaha MT-07 a real get-up-and-go bike. The relatively low seat and lower weight ensure urban dexterity but it’s also a great bike for B-road blasts.
It doesn’t look like pillions were high up the designer’s priority list; nevertheless, it’ll do it. Excellent fuel efficiency and attractive price point are two other features that make it a favourite among new and experienced riders.
Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 Key Specs
- Engine: L-twin
- Max power output: 31kW
- Displacement: 399cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 790mm
- Weight: 167kg
If ever a motorcycle looked fun at a standstill, Ducati’s Scambler is it.
The new Scrambler delivers a safe, contemporary ride but stays true to the classic lines of past Ducatis. Its brand new Ducati Multimedia System enhances the driving experience, while a flatter saddle boosts comfort for both rider and passenger.
Its smooth but grunty twin-cylinder engine delivers effortless power. Customisable aluminium tank panels and vibrant tangerine colour add the final touches to this attractive all-rounder; no doubt, a great A2 motorcycle for commuting and exploring.
KTM Duke 390
KTM Duke 390 Key Specs
- Engine: 1-cylinder 4-stroke
- Max power output: 32kW
- Displacement: 373.2cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 830mm
- Weight: 149kg
Maintaining the characteristic naked bike lines KTM is famous for, the Duke 390 can face any challenge city-centre roads and traffic throws at it.
Lightweight, agile, and powerful for its size, it’s a fun bike that’s well-suited to tight town centres and busy A-roads.
Relatively inexpensive, it comes packed with state-of-the-art technology and those famous edgy KTM looks, making it a top choice for riders of all levels.
Yamaha MT-03
Yamaha MT-03 Key Specs
- Engine: 4-stroke parallel twin
- Max power output: 31kW
- Displacement: 321cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 780mm
- Weight: 160kg
A budget – and novice – friendly bike, the MT-03 is a chip off the bigger MT-07’s block.
Blending unmistakable style with road aggressiveness. One of the cheapest mid-range bikes, it boasts a lightweight chassis and 10-spoke alloy wheels that effortless handling.
It doesn’t have a surplus of power but it’s got plenty of zing to get you through city-centre traffic and it’ll be cheap to insurance too.
It may be more anonymously styled than other brands, but it undoubtedly brings unrivalled value for money.
Triumph Street Twin
Triumph Street Twin Key Specs
- Engine: Parallel twin cylinder
- Max power output: 47.8kW
- Displacement: 900cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 760mm
- Weight: 198kg
Another urban classic that blends authentic style with impressive character, the Street Twin from Triumph enjoys worldwide popularity.
It’s an excellent bike for the starter but has what it takes to impress an experienced rider. A relatively low seat and comfortable upright riding position make it very easy to handle despite the heavier weight. Innovative technologies include excellent traction control, ABS system, and electronic tyre pressure monitoring. Cool retro looks but packing the latest hi-tech gadgets.
The Best A2 Commuter for You
Delivering comfortable upright riding position, cheaper to maintain than other bikes, and perfect for commuters, the best A2 naked roadsters can satisfy most riders. Some can even compete with the sports bikes in terms of speed and performance, and all have a superb stance on the road.
Choosing the best is sometimes tricky, but once you’ve picked the style you like, all you have to do is visit your local dealer, try out the models, and see which bike truly fits the bill. No doubt, finding the right one for you shouldn’t be too hard.
The 1-minute insurance estimate
Do you know roughly what you’ll need to budget to insure your A2 motorbike?
We’ve created a motorcycle insurance estimator that asks no personal questions and takes just 1 minute to fill out. It’ll give you an accurate idea of what it’ll cost to insure your first motorbike.
Questions or Comments?
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