For reasons we here at
Motorcycle.com don't quite understand, American motorcycle enthusiasts don't give naked and standard bikes the love they deserve. A harsh example of this reality is how Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, after only one model year following the first revision of the Z1000, has dropped that bike from its 2009 US street model line-up. Naked and standards just don't do that well in US sales, and that's a darn shame! Don't you people know what you're missing?
More than enough power and abundant useable torque coupled with an open and upright rider triangle are the underlying traits of naked, or "streetfighter" machines. These sportbike-derived scoots offer the same great handling, braking and overall performance that their racer-type brethren do, but in an everyday, usable package.
More:
2009 Streetfighters Shootout: Aprilia Tuono 1000 R, Buell 1125CR, Triumph Speed Triple on Motorcycle.com
2009 Streetfighters Shootout: Aprilia Tuono 1000R, Buell 1125CR, Triumph Speed Triple
