300NK (MY2019)

The 300NK is a small naked built around one idea: keep it light and keep it easy. A liquid-cooled 292 cc single makes 27 hp and 18 lb-ft, hung in a steel trellis frame with an upside-down fork, and the whole bike weighs 333 lb (151 kg) wet. What lifts it above the bare-bones norm for this class is the equipment: a TFT display with smartphone connectivity, ride modes, ABS and an LED headlight all come standard. That's a lot of kit on a bike whose real talent is costing you very little. Smart package.

It's predictable in the best sense. The single delivers its power without surprises, so heavy traffic is easy and tight backroads become a place to learn rather than survive. Running costs are tiny, and 65 mpg does its part. That makes it a natural first motorcycle, and an honest choice if you want a cheap city bike that still enjoys a twisty road. The caveat is plain: 27 hp and an 87 mph (140 km/h) top speed mean highways are something you get through, not something you enjoy. Know that going in.