The 10 best A2 naked motorcycles

How to use this selection

These ten documented variants offer concrete comparisons across different layouts, using public catalogues checked on 30 September 2026. This is neither an exhaustive market survey nor a road-test ranking. Documented models are listed in catalogues; dealer availability needs confirmation. A used motorcycle with the same name may belong to a different generation.

The order moves from smaller native A2 bikes to middleweights requiring configuration. The first four avoid restriction; the remainder compare twins, a triple and a four-cylinder. No reliability or comfort rating is inferred from specifications.

Specifications: variants and markets

UK figures describe the British catalogue, France figures the French catalogue, and Europe refers to Yamaha’s 2026 European brochure. They are documented reference points, not a substitute for the specification of the bike sold in your country. British prices are not converted into French prices.

Mass labels: H = Honda kerb/running-order figure; Y = oil and full fuel tank; T = Triumph published wet weight; K = Kawasaki curb/running-order figure; B = BMW road-ready mass, fluids and at least 90% fuel. Definitions are retained rather than converted to dry weights. Seats are standard unless stated otherwise.

1. Yamaha MT-03

A daily-use candidate when parking manoeuvres and seat height matter more than engine capacity. The 321 cc twin provides a useful comparison with larger A2 motorcycles that require restriction. Wind protection remains a naked-bike compromise.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: 2026, Europe.
• When test riding and getting a quote: try legroom and parking manoeuvres; check the generation because national brochures do not all list the same weight.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

2. Kawasaki Z500 SE

The Z500 SE is a compact alternative to compare with the MT-03 and CB500 Hornet. Its published mass makes a stationary handling check worthwhile, but does not establish how the seat fits your inseam. Compare SE equipment and quotes with another SE rather than a standard Z500 advert.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: 2026, France.
• When test riding and getting a quote: check ground reach and steering clearance in your usual riding kit.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

3. Triumph Speed 400

The single-cylinder engine and classic styling offer a different direction from sporty-looking naked bikes. Consider it for local journeys and leisure rides. Cylinder count alone cannot establish vibration levels or enjoyment: evaluate both at your normal riding pace.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: sheet checked 30 September 2026; model year unspecified, UK.
• When test riding and getting a quote: check controls, knee room and how it feels on the journeys you actually make.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

4. Honda CB500 Hornet standard

It reaches the A2 power ceiling without starting from a higher-output variant. It is worth comparing for longer ownership, provided the ergonomics suit you. The E-Clutch version has a different mass; this row describes the standard motorcycle.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: 2026, France.
• When test riding and getting a quote: compare stationary balance with lighter candidates and request a quote: the source page contains an inconsistent promotional date.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

5. Yamaha MT-07 manual

The MT-07 offers a middleweight twin format with a documented A2 configuration. Compare that format with native A2 bikes rather than assuming the larger engine makes it easier. Manual and Y-AMT versions differ in both mass and controls.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: 2026, Europe.
• When test riding and getting a quote: try the manual clutch and obtain documentation for the 35 kW configuration.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

6. Kawasaki Z650

The 790 mm seat provides a useful comparison with taller middleweights. Kawasaki documents a 35 kW kit, but its installation on the actual motorcycle needs checking. The source also flags incompatibilities between some exhaust accessories and the A2 conversion.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: 2026, UK.
• When test riding and getting a quote: check the restricted configuration and fitted accessories, then try the control reach.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

7. Honda CB750 Hornet 35 kW

The French specification explicitly distinguishes a 35 kW Hornet. Compare it with other restricted twins if keeping the same chassis after A2 appeals, without assuming the upgrade procedure. Put model year and transmission on the quote.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: 2026, France.
• When test riding and getting a quote: check 35 kW paperwork, a quote excluding promotions ending before this article appears, and passenger space.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

8. Triumph Trident 660

The three-cylinder layout is this candidate’s defining difference. Triumph lists an official A2 kit for the new generation. Do not transfer 2025 figures to the 2026 motorcycle: the current seat height and mass differ.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: 2026, UK.
• When test riding and getting a quote: try the updated seat and have the kit, fitting and delivered variant specified.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

9. Honda CB650R E-Clutch

The four-cylinder engine and E-Clutch provide a different proposition from the twins. Honda UK marks it as A2-compatible, but the standard 70 kW specification does not mean a showroom bike is already restricted. Clutch assistance does not remove the need to assess mass and ergonomics.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: 2026, UK.
• When test riding and getting a quote: request the A2 configuration in writing and try the E-Clutch controls.
• UK: £7,999 recommended On The Road price checked 30 September 2026; restriction cost not established. Not a French price.

10. BMW F 900 R, base A2

It illustrates why the base variant matters: BMW distinguishes the 70 kW A2 base from the standard 77 kW version. Compare seat and suspension options at a retailer; they also affect the quote and sometimes suspension travel.

Sources Manufacturer specification

• Documented variant: sheet checked 30 September 2026; model year unspecified, UK.
• When test riding and getting a quote: do not buy the standard 77 kW bike assuming an A2 conversion; verify the approved variant and ergonomics.
• Complete price not established: request a local quote including fees and equipment.

A2 compatibility: check the paperwork

In Great Britain, check A2 output, power-to-weight and original-power requirements against the delivered motorcycle. A 35 kW listing alone does not establish the compliance of every example. Ask for evidence covering the actual restriction kit and fitted accessories.

Shortlist three, obtain comparable quotes and try similar journeys. Record problems when stopped, at the controls and with luggage. Changing again after a full A licence remains optional.

Compare the price of the bike you will take home

The few prices shown are British snapshots from 30 September 2026 for the stated variants. Other complete prices were not established on a consistent basis: request a local quote including fees, any restriction, mounts, panniers and fitting. Bare-bike and luggage-equipped offers are not directly comparable.

For a used motorcycle, compare model year, condition, history and equipment first. No deduplicated advert sample was collected for this article, so it provides no used-price valuation or range. Quote immediate work before comparing with a new bike.