There are really many motorcycles on the market that meet our requirements. On the other hand, finding a nice piece is not that easy — many machines have been in accidents or their condition leaves much to be desired. If we have a round «ten» in our pocket, it is worth remembering to have a certain reserve for a proper service or look for slightly cheaper machines to have a reserve of funds for not always minor repairs. In many cases, naked bikes are used as an introduction to sports motorcycles, which is why they should be treated similarly. With a budget, it is crucial not to focus on the newest year, but rather on the condition and accident history.

BMW R1150R

For around PLN 10,000, you can find a naked BMW with a valued boxer engine – the R 1150 R. The engine, proven in the iconic GS series, also works very well in the “naked”. Most of the design solutions are common to both motorcycles. So we have the Telelever front suspension and the rear wheel drive with a shaft carefully hidden in the swingarm (Paralever system). The entire R series from those years is considered to be very durable motorcycles, but there are a few details that we must pay attention to. The first of them is the braking system with power steering and ABS. These pumps tend to break down, and repair is very expensive.

Many owners decide to remove this contraption and convert the motorcycle into a classic version without ABS. Interestingly, the brakes without additives turn out to be quite efficient and even better dosed than in the original! As for other elements, we should pay attention primarily to leaks from the engine, and specifically to its connection to the gearbox. Repair requires “splitting” the motorcycle, and original BMW seals are relatively expensive. Let’s also check the condition of the gearbox and clutch.

Another element that is expensive to repair and requires specialist tools is the rear wheel drive system – bearings and seals of the bevel gear, swingarm bearings and drive shaft. Repair is expensive, but on the other hand, after it is done correctly, we have peace of mind for another 100,000 km (usually problems appear at this or higher mileage). The engine itself is very durable, problems are more often related to its correct adjustment than to serious failures.

There aren’t many used motorcycles, but you can find something within your budget. An example is an imported model with a set of cases, a windscreen and in quite a nice visual condition — the starting price is PLN 9,900. Only the almost 250,000 mileage may scare you away, but for brand experts it’s not a problem. A motorcycle with a damaged ABS module, but with a declared mileage of only 60,000 km, is available for a similar price. Further considerations about buying a given motorcycle are best continued during an inspection, and necessarily with someone who knows this model like the back of their hand.

Ducati Monster 600/620

In the price group that interests us, the Ducati offer is dominated by the smallest Monsters – 600 and 620. This is quite an interesting proposition for beginners, and air-cooled engines are not very prone to failures. Let’s pay attention to the timing belts (the lack of history means that you have to look into it immediately after purchase), engine leaks (especially in the head area) or front fork leaks. Other critical points are the clutch release bearing and electrics (charging, rotten harnesses). In addition, not everyone will be able to handle demanding servicing (desmodromic valve timing, timing belts).

Let’s take a close look at the motorcycle in terms of its accident history. Any traces on the frame (steering limiter, head) should be a warning light. The cheapest Monster 600 can be bought for around PLN 7,000. However, the example has no known service history and is an imported motorcycle. A machine already registered in Poland, after a major service (including belts) in one of the renowned independent services specializing in this brand, was priced at slightly over PLN 1,000 more. Here I will allow myself to quote a fragment of one advertisement: «A well-serviced piece of art can reward you with a trouble-free ride.» In the case of Ducati, this is true. Either way, when deciding on such a choice, it is worth taking a mechanic or a motorcyclist familiar with this brand with you for the inspection, who will know exactly where to look and what to pay attention to.

Honda CB600F Hornet

Honda’s recipe for a light, sporty naked was very simple. We take a slightly redesigned engine from the sport-touring CBR600F, a steel, dorsal frame, simple suspension, and finally spice it up with interesting styling. The resulting motorcycle turned out to be a bull’s eye, and also the «father» of the entire later CBF 500/600/1000 family focused more on versatility and touring.

The Hornet went on sale in 1998, but after only two years Honda decided to make some minor modifications. The most important of them was changing the diameter of the front wheel from 16 to 17 inches. And it was the right decision – the refreshed model not only handles better (it is less nervous), but also has no problems with choosing the front tire. The brakes and a few other minor elements were also improved. Further changes came in 2003 – we can talk about a new model, although the basic design assumptions have not changed – we have the same engine based on the good old CBR, the same steel frame and a slightly larger fuel tank (17 instead of 16 liters).

Minor corrections also concern the suspension and electrics. These changes are complemented by the introduction of upside-down suspension in 2005. In line with the spirit of modernity, there are also clocks, taken from the sports CBR600RR. The engine base of the completely new model prepared for 2007 also comes from this motorcycle. The new features also include fuel injection, a few more horsepower (102 HP instead of 94-95 HP achieved by carburettor versions), and above all, an aluminum frame.

Which model to choose? The answer will be simple — we should avoid only the first versions with a 16-inch front wheel. The rest is very similar in terms of technology (we are talking about carburettor versions, the newer, injection version is out of the budget). The engine based on the third generation CBR600F is a practically unkillable unit. A recurring problem is the noisy operation of the timing drive, but replacing the tensioner spring solves the problem in most cases. There are also typical Honda charging system failures, but many used motorcycles have already had the voltage regulator replaced.

The biggest problem with this model among the used ones available on our market is its accident history and, to put it bluntly, mindless abuse, wheelie riding, etc. Many examples are simply neglected, so look very carefully at the tires, drive and brakes. When inspecting, be sure to look under the fuel tank — the dorsal frame is not particularly strong, and after a frontal impact, it gives in precisely in the section carefully hidden under the tank. The CB600F can be obtained for less than PLN 7,000. We will find interesting examples for the titular «ten», although the year of production does not always go hand in hand with an increase in price. The choice is relatively large, you just have to find a motorcycle that is as least tired of life as possible.