2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: Naked

The 2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards will recognise excellence across 11 separate categories, after which we'll shortlist three finalists and then announce the outright winner on Friday, November 24 at the Sydney Motorcycle Show.

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This time out we announce the winner of the Naked category, and that bike is the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR.

Tuono means thunder in Italian, and a word that springs to mind in that translation is power. The Tuono V4 1100 RR is aptly named, because with 121Nm and 175hp matched to a short wheelbase and top suspension, it's a hoot.

Although more than capable at being thrown around a race track, this bike's real home is the street. Just turning the bike on and watching the dash flick into action is enough to make you feel good – and that’s even before you start it.

The extra torque the 1077cc Euro 4 engine punches out over the 999cc RSV4 RR sportsbike is telling. It doesn’t have to comply with competition rules, so this bike is basically just made to have fun. It still shares the perfect throttle response of the RSV, but it's even easier to ride and play silly buggers on. However, the Tuono can also be 'Mr Mellow' with the flick of a switch, making it almost learner-friendly such is the power of the electronics.

There's just so much muscle from about 4000rpm, and every click of the standard-issue quickshifter introduces another glorious wedge of power. It really is a case of holding on tight to the one-piece handlebar – and we wouldn't want it any other way. This is no garden variety powerplant.

With all that heat coming from the V4 kitchen, there's also launch and wheelie control – which can also be switched off if the mood takes you. And changing those settings is now much easier with a revised dash and joystick to toggle through the functions.

As well as pulling incredibly hard and stitching together turns in the blink of an eye, the enjoyment actor is off the scale. It's an X factor which really puts the Tuono in the upper-echelon of two-wheel practitioners.

This is more than just a 'warm-over' from the previous model – it's the Italian company's sharp retort to the likes of BMW and KTM joining the top-end nakedbike party.

The updates for 2017 also include the latest generation electronics packages (under the Aprilia Performance Ride Control moniker), a speed limiter and cruise control.

Congratulations Aprilia.

Honourable mention: Triumph Street Triple 765 R
Triumph's Street Triple has always loomed large in the sporty middleweight nakedbike category, with the sheer exhilaration and tactile nature of the machine an absolute winner. Triumph has now raised the bar again with three new 765cc versions – and a 660cc incarnation to meet the Aussie LAMS regulations. The R ($15,880 plus ORC) sits in the middle of the 765s in terms of spec, and the "definitive street fighter" produces 116hp/77Nm and comes with a multi-function, five-inch, joystick-controlled TFT screen, four riding modes, a slip-assist clutch, traction control, Brembo M4.32 calipers and fully adjustable Showa BPF forks. There is also a low-ride version, and a quickshifter (standard on the top-spec RS) is available as an accessory. The engine is a delicious piece of kit, with awesome acceleration and power characteristics that makes it probably the most satisfying of the new 765s, particularly on the road.

Honourable mention: Suzuki GSX-S750
Nimble, potent and value packed, Suzuki's latest streetfighter appeals to a broad array of riders. The GSX-S750 replaces the GSR750 and, like its predecessor, adopts the K5 (2005) GSX-R750 engine, but the mill has undergone extensive modifications to extract more power than that found in the GSR. The changes include new fuel injectors and an updated exhaust system. The GSX-S750 produces 114hp and 81Nm, as well as having a shorter final gear ratio for better acceleration, a new airbox inlet to enhance the bike's stirring induction roar, and a host of new electronics. The latter spans a three-level traction control system, Suzuki's one-touch start System and low rpm assist. There's also sticky rubber, new brakes and new styling. The bike isn't a fangs-out weapon like some streetfighters, instead more a comfortable, everyday ride – but one on which you can still have a helluva lot of fun. It's a sweet handler and the engine is remarkably responsive. At just $11,490 plus ORC, it's a red-hot deal that will sway many streetfighter buyers. It's fun to ride and priced to sell.

Best LAMS Naked: KTM 390 Super Duke
As KTM's first global model – it went onto be sold in every market where the brand operates – the 390 Duke has held up its end of the bargain very well with a rev-hungry single-cylinder powerplant, angular and aggressive but integrated styling, 'comfy but commanding' ergonomics, excellent slow-speed fuelling, quality finish and a nice spread of ratios in the six-speed gearbox. With competition coming on thick and fast, the updated 390 Duke has come at just the right time. Priced at $6995 plus ORC, the new model has a ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch, a larger fuel tank, revised rider and passenger seats, a side-mounted exhaust, LED lighting, a 5.2-inch TFT display, a bolt-on sub-frame and adjustable hand levers. The ride-by-wire throttle has taken refinement to another level, operating in absolute synchronisation with the best sub-500cc LAMS engine in the business. There's minimal vibration, too. It's a LAMS bike that even holds the interest of experienced riders for longer periods, which is why KTM is happy to pitch the little single against a variety of machines on the Aussie market.