The Honda HalkGT NT650, has been considered by many to be the first production naked motorcycle.  Honda was the first motorcycle manufacture to catch on to the stylistic removal of fairings.  This bike, produced for the 1988 production year, was key in developing the naked bike cult-like following. 

The NT650’s soul was a twin 647cc SOHC (Single Over Head Camshaft) engine.  Not a particularly striking engine but it seemed to do the trick.  As I look at this bike I think the combination of aluminum frame and engine is ugly.  It really should be a sport bike with fairings.  Honda did not spend enough time on the frame design to make it aesthetically appealing.  The frame is boxy and cuts through the middle of the engine area leaving holes under the gas tank take that draw your eye to nothing.  The single sided swing arm is a nice touch but the stock exhaust destroys the affect. In fact, this bike is so ugly that people decided to produce fairings to return it back to its sport bike heritage. 

The one redeeming feature of this bike is the wheels.  I particularly like the styling of the wheels.  The triple spoke design with a fan like twist is quite nice looking and the best design feature of this bike.  They are the only piece of this bike that indicates it could go fast.