Mid‑ to large‑displacement naked and standard roadsters launched or reviewed for 2025–26, with focus on performance and everyday usability
Midweight & Big Naked Roadsters 2025–26
The 2025–26 mid- to large-displacement naked and standard roadster segment continues to assert itself as one of motorcycling’s most compelling and versatile categories, adeptly merging timeless design cues with cutting-edge technology and everyday usability. This segment’s persistent popularity stems from its ability to cater to diverse rider profiles—from urban commuters and weekend adventurers to light tourers—offering machines that deliver spirited performance, rider comfort, sharp handling, and sophisticated electronics.
Tradition Meets Technology: The Core of the Segment’s Enduring Appeal
What distinguishes this segment is the seamless fusion of heritage-inspired aesthetics with modern engineering and electronics. The ongoing neo-retro trend remains robust, appealing to riders’ emotional connections to classic motorcycling eras while providing contemporary reliability, safety, and performance. This blend is epitomized by models like Ducati’s Monster V2 Limited Edition Formula 73, which draws deeply from Ducati’s 1970s racing legacy, and Triumph’s Speed Twin 1200 RS, which channels British roadster heritage through a modern lens.
The latest developments further reinforce this narrative, with Ducati unveiling the all-new 2026 Monster (N8), a reimagined flagship that advances the Monster lineage with fresh styling, refined performance, and updated electronics—strengthening Ducati’s influence in the segment.
Expanding the Segment Landscape: Key Models and Latest Highlights
Ducati Monster Series: A New Chapter with the 2026 Monster (N8)
The 2026 Ducati Monster (N8) arrives as a pivotal update, blending classic Monster DNA with modern refinement. A recent first-ride review highlights several standout features:
- Engine and Performance: Retaining the lively 937cc Testastretta twin, the N8 delivers a crisp throttle response and punchy midrange torque, ideal for both city riding and spirited backroad blasts.
- Styling Evolution: While preserving the iconic naked silhouette, the N8 introduces sharper lines and a more aggressive front end, balancing muscularity with sleekness.
- Chassis and Handling: The updated frame geometry and suspension tweaks enhance agility and rider feedback, making the N8 exceptionally confident in tight corners without sacrificing stability at speed.
- Electronics Suite: Advanced rider aids include cornering ABS, multiple customizable ride modes, and Ducati’s refined traction control system, all integrated to preserve rider engagement while boosting safety.
- Ergonomics: The semi-upright riding position remains comfortable for extended use, with thoughtfully designed controls and seating that accommodate diverse rider sizes.
The Monster V2 Limited Edition Formula 73 continues to serve as a stylistic muse across the segment, its vintage racing-inspired livery and details reinforcing the emotional resonance of heritage designs.
Triumph’s Balanced Offerings: Trident 800 and Speed Twin 1200 RS
Triumph’s Trident 800 remains a go-to for riders seeking approachable performance combined with nimble handling and strong value. Its smooth triple-cylinder engine and refined ergonomics make it a versatile choice for commuting and casual rides.
The Speed Twin 1200 RS has garnered positive long-term reviews, praised for its:
- Engine Character: A torquey 1200cc parallel-twin delivering smooth power with a satisfying midrange punch.
- Riding Comfort: Semi-upright posture and plush seats enhance both city and longer-distance comfort.
- Chassis Dynamics: Agile handling paired with compliant suspension balance performance with ride quality.
- Styling: Classic British roadster looks enhanced with modern details, sitting firmly within the neo-retro tradition.
These attributes make the Speed Twin 1200 RS a strong contender for riders valuing style, comfort, and engaging rideability.
Kawasaki Z900 (2026): Refinement and Aggression
The Z900 continues to impress with its 948cc inline-four powerplant, now paired with suspension upgrades and enhanced electronics. Its aggressive styling and broad torque curve make it equally capable in urban environments and spirited canyon runs.
Honda CB900 and CB1300 Super Four: Versatility and Touring Comfort
Honda’s middle- and large-displacement nakeds offer a spectrum of rider experiences:
- The CB900 provides a balanced package of modern electronics, updated ergonomics, and everyday usability.
- The CB1300 Super Four emphasizes muscular retro styling combined with cornering ABS, ride modes, and improved chassis tuning, making it a comfortable and stable platform for longer rides and light touring.
BMW R 1300 R: Redefining Large-Displacement Nakeds
BMW’s R 1300 R has made a significant impact by demonstrating that big-capacity naked bikes can be comfortable, practical, and highly agile daily riders. Key features include:
- A boxer twin engine delivering robust low- and mid-range torque.
- A relaxed yet semi-upright riding position for long-distance comfort.
- Surprisingly nimble chassis dynamics despite its displacement and weight.
- Sophisticated electronics, including cornering ABS, multiple ride modes, and traction control.
BMW’s approach challenges traditional assumptions about large nakeds, offering a refined blend of performance, technology, and comfort.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 750 and Zontes ZT 703R: Niche and Emerging Players
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 750 maintains its appeal with vintage café racer styling and modern safety features like ABS, targeting urban riders who prize distinctive looks and straightforward functionality.
The Zontes ZT 703R is rapidly gaining attention as a competitively priced, feature-rich middleweight naked. With standard cornering ABS, multiple ride modes, and sharp, aggressive styling, it represents a compelling alternative for cost-conscious riders seeking modern amenities.
Segment Defining Characteristics: Performance, Comfort, and Electronics
- Engines: Offering a blend of excitement and manageability, the segment spans torquey twins (Ducati, Triumph), smooth triples (Trident), and refined fours (Kawasaki, Honda).
- Ergonomics: Semi-upright postures dominate, balancing aggressive handling with comfort, suitable for varied riding conditions—from city commutes to extended touring.
- Chassis and Handling: Models like the Ducati Monster V2 and new 2026 Monster N8 exemplify cornering confidence and responsive dynamics, while BMW’s R 1300 R surprises with agility for its size.
- Electronics: Cornering ABS, traction control, and multiple ride modes are now standard fare, enhancing safety without compromising rider involvement. Ducati and BMW stand out for their seamless integration and rider-customizable options.
- Styling: The spectrum is wide—from Ducati’s Italian flair and Triumph’s British elegance to Honda’s muscular retro and Royal Enfield’s neo-classic charm—allowing riders to express identity through design.
Matching Riders to Machines: Use-Case Insights
- Urban Commuters: Triumph Trident 800, Royal Enfield Continental GT 750, BMW R 1300 R, and Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS all excel with manageable power delivery, comfortable ergonomics, and advanced electronics that ease stop-and-go traffic.
- Highway and Touring: Honda CB1300 Super Four and Kawasaki Z900 offer muscular engines, stable chassis, and comfort features suited for long-distance highway riding.
- Spirited Riding: Ducati Monster V2 (including the new 2026 Monster N8) and Triumph Trident 800 reward riders seeking dynamic handling and engaging throttle response.
Outlook: A Segment Poised for Growth and Refinement
The mid- to large-displacement naked and standard roadster segment remains a cornerstone of the motorcycling world, continuously evolving through a blend of heritage styling, mechanical refinement, and electronics sophistication. The introduction of the 2026 Ducati Monster (N8) adds a fresh, compelling chapter to the Monster saga, reinforcing Ducati’s leadership in mid-capacity nakeds.
Triumph’s balanced offerings, Kawasaki and Honda’s refined fours, BMW’s innovative large-capacity approach, and emerging contenders like Zontes ensure a vibrant, competitive marketplace catering to a wide spectrum of rider preferences.
Heritage continues to be a powerful narrative force—visible in the Ducati Monster V2 Formula 73 and Triumph’s Speed Twin 1200 RS—demonstrating that classic aesthetics married with modern technology resonate strongly with today’s motorcyclists.
With ongoing advances in engine technologies, chassis tuning, ergonomics, and electronics integration, this segment is well positioned to maintain and grow its appeal—serving urban commuters, spirited weekend riders, and touring enthusiasts alike—and securing its vital role in the future of motorcycling.