Maxinakeds are among the motorcycles that make you dream the most: they have displacements of around 1000 cm3, very high performance and “first in class” technical equipment. Before the advent of crossovers, they were the companies’ flagship models, the ones with which you can show what you are capable of… and when new they cost a lot. However, these are motorbikes that sell well: there is never a shortage of opportunities on the used market. If you want to give yourself a nice gift, here are 10 models to look for and focus on with your eyes closed.
Aprilia Shiver 900 – 95.2 HP
The successful 750 version was the first motorcycle on the market with a ride-by-wire accelerator. The 900 proves to be a good bike, with a mixed steel and aluminum frame and suspension set to be soft (helps on potholes) but adjustable. It is easy to ride, immediate, precise and progressive. The 896 cm³ twin-cylinder is not very powerful, but it delivers CV smoothly and vibrates little. Three engine maps and traction control as standard.
What to check
Electrical system (lights and displays). Oxidation on the exhaust.
Prices from: 2500 euros
BMW S 1000 – 165 HP
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The 4-cylinder engine pushes hard from low revs and has impressive acceleration. On the road the S 1000 R always behaves safely and predictably, the front end is quick and ready to follow the rider’s commands. Look for models with electronic shifting. The rigid setup makes you feel all the potholes. Braking is very good, assisted by an impeccable ABS system. The clutch is hard to operate and tires the hand in traffic
What to check
Delicate plastics. Check that the catalytic converter has not been damaged.
Prices from: 6,000 euros
Ducati Monster 1100 – 95CV
One of the most dreamed of and successful naked bikes. Precise chassis, quality suspensions and the 1,079 cm³ air-cooled twin-cylinder that “pumps” fun: the power is just right for enjoying the roads, but it is the vigorous push towards the medium regimes that conquers. Quick and reassuring, it brushes curves with precision. Traction control is standard. The driving position is sporty.
What to check
Official and regular coupons.
The clutch must not tear. Possible oxidized electrical contacts.
Prices from: 5000 euros
Honda CB 1000 R – 145 HP
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The four-cylinder is reliable (even after having covered many kilometers) and offers smooth and regular delivery right from low revs. The suspension is well tuned and firm, especially the shock absorber which in previous versions is a bit poor. There is some excessive vibration at medium speeds. Complete electronic equipment: 4 riding modes, traction control and engine braking.
What to check
Coupons made by network official and in compliance with the established deadlines from the house.
Prices from: 6000 euros
Kawasaki Z 1000 – 142 HP
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It’s not very light (it suffers a bit in the city) but it instils confidence when cornering because it’s precise and stable. It also has a great engine: the 1,043 cm³ four-cylinder It has some vibration, but it pushes hard already from 2,000 rpm and from medium speeds it is a marvel. The electronics are reduced to the bare bones: there is only ABS. The suspension (adjustable) and braking are good. Sporty and lightly padded saddle.
What to check
Condition of the collectors. Chain and crown wear and steering bearings.
Prices from: 4500 euros
KTM 1290 Super Duke – 180 HP
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Its nickname is “The Beast” because it has an exaggerated engine, a supersport chassis and is quick through the curves. The Austrian 1,301 cm³ twin-cylinder it pushes with malice at all regimesbut is kept at bay by refined electronics with riding modes for every type of rider and (above all) ABS and cornering traction control.
What to check
Electrical system. Possible leakage from the engine crankcase. Steering head fluidity.
Prices from: 6500 euros
Moto Guzzi Griso – 110 HP
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It is not light nor very agile, but on routes with not too sharp curves it is very popular for its stability and precision in maintaining trajectories. At speed, thanks to the classic Guzzi front end, it is always safe and precise. I like the engine: it gives its best at mid-range, but also has a decent amount of acceleration. The braking is powerful and adaptable, while the chassis is quite rigid, you can feel the potholes.
What to check
Regular maintenance (better if official). Functionality of the electrical system. Transmission status.
Prices from: 5,500 euros
MV Agusta Brutale 990 – 139 HP
It has a 998 cm³ four-cylinder engine with 139 hp (measured) which gives its best at high revs. The trellis frame and quality suspension ensure effective road holding. The Brutale is quick in descending the bend and precise in its trajectories. There are engine maps and traction control, even if they are not very refined. Poor comfort.
What to check
The distribution must be done every 24,000 km, regular coupons.
Prices from: 4,000 euros
Yamaha FZ1 – 150 HP
The four-cylinder engine is powerful: at low and medium speeds it has a fluid delivery, but from 6,000 rpm it changes character and begins to push with determination. The stiff monoshock makes you feel potholes; the fork which is adjustable is better. In the city the FZ1 turns out to be unexpectedly easy to handle, while braking is always effective and well manageable.
What to check
Distribution is done every 40,000 km. Delicate exhaust valve. “Dancer” mirrors.
Prices from: 2,000 euros
Yamaha MT-09 – 119 HP
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The three-cylinder engine at low revs it is lively, then from 4,000 rpm it becomes angry and stretches strongly (on the first series however it also had a bit of on/off). The braking is convincing, as are the traction control (standard since 2016) and the three engine maps. On roads with many curves the MT is a lot of fun: the fine chassis and the low weight allow you to go downhill and exit in a flash
What to check
Chain, crown and sprocket don’t last long. Distribution problems on early models.
Prices from: 4,500 euros
