A2 naked motorcycles have been steadily improving in recent years, as manufacturers constantly refine their looks and performance. These are some of the most versatile bikes on the market, offering a fun but easy-to-manage ride experience, with striking designs, a good level of comfort, and, perhaps best of all - nice accessible price tags!
In this blog, we are going to be looking at the top 10 very best new naked motorcycles available for those riding on an A2 licence…
Let’s get into it!
10. Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 | Price: £5,599
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Starting off our top ten today is the trusty Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - a model that has lasted through the ages…
The Vitpilen 401 saw some major updates last year (2024) including an all-new steel-trellis frame and cast aluminium swingarm, some revised ergonomics, a lighter engine, the introduction Bosch 9.3 MP ABS as well as the updated 399cc (45hp) liquid-cooled engine.
Other updates can be found within the tech, featuring a full TFT colour display with smartphone connectivity, WP Apex cartridge fork suspension, and ‘Easy shift’ gear changes, all designed to give the bike a far smoother (and enjoyable) riding experience.
Regarding pricing for 2025, a brand new 401 will cost you £5,599 - pricing itself very competitively within this list today!
2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sporty aesthetics and design
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Limited space to carry a pillion
- Suspension is known to be a little stiff
9. Benelli Leoncino 500 | Price: £5,799
2025 Benelli Leoncino 500
Up next and in at number nine we have the Benelli Leoncino 500.
As you may know (and have seen) we mentioned the 500s big brother the Leoncino 800 in our 2025 naked bikes article. However, to make it A2 compliant, Benelli has made the 500 version, packing a 500cc liquid-cooled four-stroke twin-engine capable of producing 47hp and 46Nm of torque at 6,000rpm.
The reason why we have included the Leoncino on our list today though purely comes down to the styling and finish. Whilst the power output is pretty mediocre and can be seen in plenty of other models we mention, the styling is something that cannot be replicated.
Featuring the iconic lion located on the front wheel mudguard, as well as the arc-shaped headlight all encapsulated by the modern, advent guard style graphics - all make this bike so eye-catching and road-worthy!
For 2025, you will be able to bag yourself a Leoncino 500 brand new for around £5,799, also making it one of the more affordable options we shall rundown today (and you can’t argue with that now can you?).
2025 Benelli Leoncino 500 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good low-end torque
- The engine sports some real character
Cons:
- May be uncomfortable for taller riders
- Quite heavy
8. Triumph Speed 400 | Price: £5,195
2025 Triumph Speed 400
In at eighth today, we have the Triumph Speed 400.
This little beauty was added to the Triumph lineup in June last year as a collaboration bike between Triumph and Bajaj Auto, slotting itself perfectly into the A2 licence-friendly category.
It is packed with a 398cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, capable of pumping out 39.5hp and 37.5Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. By no means is this the most powerful A2 offering we mention on this list, however when Alex got to review the Speed 400 in sunny Valencia he said that this bike produces just the right amount of power - all whilst making some lovely firing noises too!
Onto tech and you will find an inlaid LCD display, simplistic switchgear, simple analog dial as well as a USB port. Again no, this bike doesn’t have some of the high-tech features or smartphone capabilities that other bikes have. However, if you are someone who prefers a ‘no frills’ way of riding then this may be the one for you.
For 2025, you will be able to pick yourself up a brand new Triumph Speed 400 in three different colourway options, starting from £5,195.
2025 Triumph Speed 400 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flickable lightweight agility
- Affordable price tag
Cons:
- A tad small in size
- Twitchy throttle in the first two gears at low revs
7. KTM 390 Duke | Price: £5,699
2025 KTM 390 Duke
Next up we have one of our favourites here at BikeMatters - the KTM 390 Duke!
Last year we saw some really big updates to the 390 Duke, now coming equipped with a revised bigger engine with 44 bhp, a new chassis and frame setup, new style, new 15-litre metal fuel tank, new wheels, a smartphone-connectable TFT dash, rider aids (rider modes, ABS (and switchable rear ABS), cornering traction control, launch control) and WP Apex adjustable suspension with side-mounted rear shock.
However, the riding fun has stayed the same (if not better), all thanks to that LC4c, 399cc liquid-cooled engine that pumps out a pretty respectable 45.3 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm at 6,500rpm - 2hp more than the previous edition, as well as complying with the new Euro 5+ regulations.
One of the main selling points of the 390 Duke is just how many boxes it manages to tick. With a huge amount of tech included to match its sharp performance, all for the price of £5,699!
2025 KTM 390 Duke Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Hooligan character
- Premium components
Cons:
- Not the best-looking bike
- Brakes could have a bit more bite
6. Honda CB500 Hornet | Price: 6,199
2025 Honda CB500 Hornet
Sixth is the Honda CB500 Hornet!
As many of you may know, the Hornet is largely based on the previous CB500F with the same 471cc parallel twin engine, putting out 46.9hp with 43Nm torque peaking at 6,500rpm. The excellent Showa USD forks and Nissin radial mounted brakes remain the same too but if it isn’t broken, no need to fix it.
One of my favourite things about the Hornet has got to be the tech it comes packed with. For 2025, you will find a full colour 5” TFT display, smartphone connectivity, a Honda Road sync app for turn-by-turn navigation, and torque control all as standard. However, if you would prefer to add a quick shifter, you can (but this will come at an extra cost).
The price on a 2025 CB500 Hornet starts at £6,199 and considering the high spec and suite of features, I think it could well become a top contender in the category.
2025 Honda CB500 Hornet Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Perfect option to step up from a 125
- Good build quality
Cons:
- Suspension could be improved
- Performance isn't groundbreaking
5. Kawasaki Z500 | Price: £5,699
2025 Kawasaki Z500
Positioning itself in the middle of the list we have the Kawasaki Z500.
As with all these A2 machines, the manufacturers have recognised that riders still want a bike that looks cool despite the smaller size. As a result, the Z500 is designed to fit right in alongside the other bikes in the Z range and shares the aggressive angular design that works so well.
The Euro 5+ liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine has been increased to 451cc whilst still adhering to A2 licence restrictions. The overall power output is the same as the previous model at 44.7hp but the maximum torque has been increased to 42Nm, which should give it a little more bite. The addition of a slipper clutch as standard is a nice touch to get some effortless gear changes in.
For 2025, the Z500 will come with both a standard (metallic spark black/metallic matte graphensteel grey) and an SE edition that adds a full-colour TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a unique SE livery - starting from £5,699.
2025 Kawasaki Z500 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simplicity. Switch on and go
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Lack of rider aids
- Vibey pegs (may improve after run-in period)
4. Yamaha MT-03 | Price: £6,250
2025 Yamaha MT-03
In fourth we have another model we have managed to get our hands on in the BikeMatters HQ, the Yamaha MT-03.
The MT-03 has seen some pretty vast updates for 2025. Aside from the usual Euro 5+ engine retuning, the smartphone connectivity and rider applications/controls have been improved. This means that MT-03 riders can be notified of incoming calls, as well as messages (that can be seen on the LCD meter).
The latest MT-03 also sports a unique front end with a sleek triple headlight setup, while the rest of the design fits in nicely with the muscular street vibe the MT range is famous for. It also emulates the riding style of its bigger brothers, with some nice low-down torque and strong engine braking to create that hooligan style, albeit with considerably less power. Still, the 2-cylinder 321cc engine puts out a decent 42hp, which combined with its 168kg wet weight, there is plenty of fun factor for any A2 rider.
In terms of riding position, the MT-03 has a slightly forward-leaning ride stance, which still offers the comfort of an upright naked but with a bit more added aggression - all for the price of £6,250.
2025 Yamaha MT-03 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Styling and design is some of the best on the list
- Ideal for inner city commuting
Cons:
- Ride quality can feel a bit stiff at points
- Power drops off a bit once you hit 60mph
3. CF Moto 450NK | £4,299
2025 CF Moto 450NK
Kicking off our top three today, we have this lovely little offering from CF Moto, the 450NK…
Why have you placed this bike so high I hear you ask? Well, let me tell you. Over the past two years, CF Moto has upped its game, producing some really great (and great-looking) affordable bike options for the masses.
After seeing this bike in the flesh at Motorcycle Live, the first thing that stood out to me was the styling. This bike has a road presence like you wouldn’t expect and I think that is all thanks to the split-seat design, side-mounted exhaust and exposed engine - really emulating what a naked bike is all about.
Underneath the hood, you will find a 449cc, two-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that packs a respectable 46hp and 39.3Nm of torque at 7,750rpm. Again, this isn’t particularly impressive or ‘special’ to this individual bike, however when you consider the 450NK competitors that are a few hundred (sometimes even thousands) more for the same levels of performance. It makes you think…
In terms of tech, you will find J.Juan/Hangate brakes, adjustable suspension, ABS, projector-style LED headlights, and traction control all come as standard. Which when you consider that this is a budget-friendly (£4,299) Chinese motorcycle, isn’t half bad…
2025 CF Moto 450NK Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very budget friendly
- Packed with some great tech
Cons:
- Only has single disc brakes at the front
- Limited pillion space
2. Honda GB350S | Price: £3,949
2025 Honda GB350S
In at second today, we have a brand new offering for 2025 - the Honda GB350S.
Set to rival the very popular Royal Enfield models including the HNTR 350 (£3,899), as well as the Meteor and Classic 350 (£4,459), the GB350 has been priced very competitively coming in at the £3,949 mark.
In terms of output, the GB350S sports a 348cc, air-cooled SOCH engine that produces a rather generous 20.8hp and 29Nm of torque. No, this isn't going to be the most power-driven model on this list, however, if you are someone who prefers a good-looking bike that can get you from A to B safely yet enjoyably - then this model is going to be one well worth considering.
For this pricepoint, you aren't going to see many 'tech-heavy' bits included on this bike. However, that being said, you will find Honda's trusty selectable torque control, full LED lighting all around, an assist slipper clutch as well as a simple round analogue display. Again, this won't be everyone's cup of tea, but as we have seen with the success of the HNTR and Classic models of RE, the demand and want for these types of machines is there!
2025 Honda GB350S Pros and Cons
Pros:
- It's a Honda for under £4k
- Another great option for those looking for their first A2 bike
Cons:
- Tech is limited
- Little on the heavier side
1. Aprilia Tuono 457 | Price: £6,630
2025 Aprilia Tuono 457
Stealing the crown today we have the all-new and updated for 2025 Aprilia Tuono 457!
Coming packed with a 457cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine with Ride-By-Wire throttle is capable of producing 47.6hp and 43.5Nm of torque at 6,700rpm. This does mean that you will be able to ride this middleweight bad boy on an A2 licence, however, in my opinion, it packs just enough to fulfil both A2 and full licence riders.
In terms of looks and styling, you will find (in true Aprilia style) a triple full-LED cluster headlight, small spoiler, low seat height and 159kg aluminium frame. All paying homage to the legendary Tuono 1000 R, whilst packing some excellent power-to-weight ratio - some of the best on this list today!
Lastly, onto pricing and the 2025 model of the Tuono 457 will cost you £6,630, admittedly a little more expensive than many of the models included in our list - however, I'm going to say I would argue it is 100% worth it!
The Last Stop!
So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed my rundown of the top 10 best A2 naked motorcycles for 2025.
For those of you who have your full licence, why not check out our top 10 middleweight naked bikes for 2025 list?
Last but not least, if you are in need of insurance for your very own naked motorcycle, then make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!
