The Most Exciting Naked Bike Coming In 2026

The naked bike segment has always been a sidekick to full faired sports bikes. But in recent times, these bikes have started doing their own thing in the aim to be much more than just sports bikes without fairings. The result is a large variety of nakeds to choose from, ranging from as small as 125cc options to all-out 200-horsepower Italian beasts.

Somewhere in the middle lies the most popular sub-category: middleweight nakeds. These offer punchy performance with low curb weights and sharp riding dynamics, while being easy on the pocket. That’s why all your favorite bikemakers have a player in this segment, and things will only get better in 2026. Why? Because the most exciting naked bike coming next year also belongs to the middleweight category.

The MV Agusta Brutale 950 Is The Most Exciting Naked Bike Coming In 2026

MV Agusta

We had been banging our heads on what to pick for this article for a few days. Then the specialists at MV Agusta made our lives a lot easier by teasing the upcoming Brutale 950. It easily takes the title of the most exciting naked bike coming next year. We say so as it marks a major refresh for the popular naked lineup by the exotic Italian brand. This will also mark the 25th anniversary of the first Brutale that debuted in 2001. What’s changing? In short, nearly everything, including the engine and chassis. You’ll still get the snazzy design, though.

Another consideration was the upcoming Ducati Monster. It’s been spotted testing overseas, armed with Ducati’s new 890cc V2 engine. This should equate to better reliability than the 937cc Testaretta engine, while maintaining the punch and peak power. You’ll also get an updated chassis, exhaust system, and a new Panigale V4-inspired swingarm. However, the design looks identical to the outgoing bike. Why didn’t we pick this? Because the updated Brutale will boast a larger refresh and the Monster’s future seems questionable, considering it will inevitably struggle with some family rivalry against the Streetfighter V2 (which has the same engine).

Kawasaki

Finally, there is the new-for-MY26 Kawasaki Z1100. It marks a comeback of the liter-class Z after a hiatus, post the Z1000 was discontinued some years ago. While we’re happy with the Z1100’s arrival, this seems like a rather disappointing effort from Team Green. Before you bash us, we say so because not much has changed here compared to the old bike. You get a similar chassis, a retuned engine (with less power), and an identical design. To make matters worse, the MSRP is set close to $15,000 in the US, which is a lot pricier than both its Japanese rivals: the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.

Exciting Naked Bikes Coming In 2026

• MV Agusta Brutale 950
• Ducati Monster V2
• Kawasaki Z1100

The New Brutale Will Feature MV Agusta’s 950 EVO Engine

Peak Power: >140 HP

MV Agusta

The current MV Agusta Brutale R is no short of exciting as it is. It has a three-cylinder 798cc engine with as much as 140 horsepower and 64 pound-feet on tap. That’s higher than all of your popular middleweights, be it the Ducati Streetfighter V2, Yamaha MT-09, or the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS. Yet, MV wants more, and that’s what the new Brutale promises. It will employ the company’s new 931cc triple-cylinder mill we see in the Enduro Veloce.

It produces 124 horsepower in the ADV, but here, the bikemaker claims it will have an ‘EVO’ version of the engine with more power than the outgoing naked. So the base bike could have around 120 horsepower, and the Brutale RR could promise over 140 ponies. In addition, the company claims a quicker, smoother throttle response with enhanced reliability and refinement. The latter is much needed, considering MVs are known for their temperamental nature.

2026 MV Agusta Brutale Expected Engine Specs

A New Chassis Will Underpin The 2026 MV Agusta Brutale

Said To Be Completely Developed From The Ground Up

MV Agusta

Like the engine, the underpinnings will receive a rehash here. While exact details are scarce, MV has boldly claimed the chassis is “completely redesigned and developed from the ground up.” This is topped with a new swingarm, suspension, and braking package. Judging from the images of the bike, we know the swingarm is single-sided, the suspension comes from Marzocchi, and the brakes have monobloc Brembo calipers at the front. 17-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli rubber round things off.

A similar rehash comes to the ergonomics. The bikemaker says the Brutale will offer a comfortable yet confidence-inspiring riding experience, contrary to the committed experience on the current bike. The peg position, handlebar, saddle, and geometry have all been tweaked to make the bike more usable for the regular audience. All the dimensions are under wraps till the full reveal, meanwhile.

2026 MV Agusta Brutale Expected Underpinnings

Electronic Features Have Gone Under The Knife, Too

While The Design Is Still Characteristic

MV Agusta

Last but not least, MV has focused on electronics and design, too. A new HMI interface is present with more intuitive and a new app lets you “configure, personalize, and experience the bike even while off the saddle.” We’re sure there will be a new TFT dash as well, probably similar to the Enduro Veloce’s display. All the while, you can expect the kitchen sink’s worth of electronic aids, such as:

• Cornering ABS
• Traction control
• Wheelie control
• Rear wheel lift mitigation
• Engine brake control
• Slide control
• Ride modes

Meanwhile, the design looks characteristically MV Agusta. It has edgy panels all over, complete with LED lights. Speaking of which, this now has an updated headlight and tail lamp, which take inspiration from the Brutale 1000. In typical MV fashion, you also get several nitty-gritty details that amp up the experience. The triple-tip exhaust is one of these things, along with air box intakes on the tank. More details will follow in November at the EICMA, so stay tuned to Topspeed.com.