Aprilia Tuono 1000R $12,599
Tuono 1000R Factory $17,599
Quicker and more comfortable than Ducati's standard Monster, the R-spec Tuono (right) is essentially a Mille without the bodywork--the quintessential Italian minimalist. Both bikes use the same 998cc eight-valve 60-degree V-twin. The Factory adds hlins suspension, O*Z magnesium wheels and tasty carbon-fiber lingerie.
BMW Rockster $11,230
This was your first clue BMW had scrapped the buttoned-down blue serge image for something more engaging. Beneath those avant-garde graphics is BMW's workmanlike R1150R. Its Telelever/Paralever chassis is plenty capable, but the 1130cc Boxer doesn't quite measure up to the new 1170cc version. Still, the price is much nicer.
Buell Lightning CityX $8695
XB12S $10,495
Welcome to individuality, American-style. Who else stuffs a hot-rodded Milwaukee V-twin--984cc for the CityX and 1203cc for the XB12S--into an aluminum frame that holds the engine's fuel and oil? What other naked bike steers a stubby 52-inch wheelbase with 21 degrees of rake? Nobody. That's the beauty of Erik Buell's unconventional genius.
Ducati Monster $6595 to $13,495
The original off-the-rack naked bike has not changed much since '93. There are seven Monsters in Ducati's '05 lineup, from the basic-black 620 Dark for $6595 all the way up to the 996cc desmoquattro S4R at $13,495 (1000 DS model shown). All share the same immortal silhouette, so add as much power and suspension as you can afford.
Honda 919 $8399
With more aptitude than attitude, Honda's 919 has always been a wallflower. The fuel-injected 919cc four is a gem, and like your enigmatically single cousin, it does just about everything well. It rarely heats your blood to the boiling point, but gets by on all-around ability. You could say the same of the discontinued 599, though '04 models are still available.
Kawasaki Z1000 $8499
Z750S $7099
Spiritual grandson of the legendary Z-1, the Z1000 is powered by a 125-horse inline-four derived from Kawasaki's ZX-9R. Nimble, quick and a little buzzy on top, the Z looks aggressive because it is. More than you need? The Z750S is more rookie-friendly and affordable.
Kawasaki ZRX1200 $8199
Back when men were men and Superbikes were naked, Eddie Lawson won a couple of AMA Superbike titles on a Kawasaki that looked something like this. Kawasaki's ZRX1200R, "Z-Rex" to its friends, is a lot friendlier than Ed's old KZ1000S1, and considerably easier to come by since Kawasaki only built 29 S1s. The ZRX is a great all-around naked sportbike that's also easy on the wallet.
Moto Guzzi Breva 750 $7990
Breva 1100 $11,990
The hardcore knows all there is to know about Moto Guzzi's four variations of the venerable V-11 twin. We also know the 750 Breva will be more appealing to apprentice Italophiles, while the 1100 is a thoroughly modern translation of Mandello del Lario's signature 90-degree Italian V-twin. Classic style and plenty of Italian character.
Suzuki Bandit 1200 $7399
If maximum motorcycle for minimum cash is what you seek, this is it. Powered by an evolutionary version of Suzuki's air/oil-cooled 1157cc GSX-R1100 lump, the big Bandit is plenty quick. There's just enough bodywork to break the wind for you, and it's painted blue and white as an homage to Suzuki's old GS1000S Superbike. Nice.
Suzuki SV650 $5949
SV1000S $8599
Looking for a naked V-twin without the Italian temperament? Polite handling and stone-ax reliability have earned the 645cc SV a loyal following that borders on fanatical. Strategic tweaks make the '05 1000 stronger than before, and less crankshaft inertia lets it spin up quicker as well.
Yamaha FZ6 $6599
Start with a 93-horse version of the YZF-R6's inline-four. Hang it in a svelte aluminum frame, bolt up plush suspension, run two mufflers under the seat and you've got the FZ6. Yamaha's broadband middleweight stirs up serious speed if you spin it, and it handles nicely, too.
MV Agusta Brutale S $13,995
Beautiful, buck-naked and excruciatingly Italian, MV's Brutale could threaten any domestic bliss you presently enjoy. Don't say we didn't warn you. The revvy, 749cc four is a little down on power relative to its liter-class competitors, but does a motorcycle that looks this good really have any competition? Better still, there's a stout 910cc variant on the way. Graze.