When considering the manageability and handling of a motorcycle, less translates to more. Therefore, less weight gives you much control of your motorcycle. Most riders want lightweight bikes for comfort and, for racing purposes, to gain a competitive edge.
Motorcycles generally weigh around 500 pounds; some can reach over 1000 pounds. This means that when you stop the motorcycle, your legs have to support that weight. Therefore, it is only fair to say that people who are short, less strong, or unable to hold a motorbike in position should consider lightweight motorcycles.
What constitutes lightweight motorcycles? You may ask. These bikes are fitted with smaller engines and lighter frames. Lightweight bikes also do not move at higher speeds like their two-wheeled counterparts, but they still get the job done. These bikes can weigh between 300 to 350 pounds and are great choices for beginners, short riders, and the larger population of women riders.
While there are lighter versions under 200 pounds to consider, you will rarely find them in the market. But, lucky for you, we have compiled a list of 17 bikes weighing under 200 pounds that might interest you.
1. KTM 50 SX Mini (88.3 pounds)
The KTM 50 SX Mini has topped the list of motorcycles weighing under 200 pounds since 2008. It is one of the lightest motorcycles that is motocross ready for all kinds of terrains.
The bike weighs roughly 88.3 pounds and is equipped with a 50 cc engine for younger riders. To improve its handling. It uses premium quality materials to keep the bike lighter than air.
2. Honda CRF50 (110 pounds)
Honda CRF50 is among the best motorcycles, weighing less than 200 pounds. This motocross bike presents all the best features to perform on different terrains. At only 110 pounds, it has a four-stroke engine that provides more power for such a light bike.
In addition, the frame and the suspension are upgraded to premium lightweight materials for agile performance. As a result, even young riders will find it easier to control this bike when braking and cornering.
3. Suzuki DR-Z70 (121 pounds)
The Suzuki DR-Z70 is among the top three lightest bikes weighing under 200 pounds. It features a 67 cc air-cooled four-stroke engine. In addition, its components are designed with the rider in mind, making it a good option for both kids and young adults.
Furthermore, considering it is half the size of a typical motorcycle, it is a great option for on- and off-road competitions.
4. Yamaha TTR-50 (126 pounds)
The Yamaha TTR-50 weighs only 126 pounds, placing it among the few performance motorcycles weighing under 200 pounds. This bike is designed for on-road riding and motocross racing events. With its 50 ccs four-stroke engine, it can be ridden by kids aged seven and youth within the 20-22 age bracket. In addition, it is built using premium-steel components to keep the weight below 150 pounds.
5. Mountain Moto FX5 (132 pounds)
The Mountain Moto FX5 could be the slimmest and one of the lightest motorcycles in the world. At only 132 pounds, this dirt bike combines elements of a mountain bike and a motorcycle.
Initially, this bike targeted weight of 125 pounds but ended up slightly heavier after production. With a 125cc YX engine and a lowered ground clearance, this bike is best suited for beginner riders.
6. Honda C100 (143 pounds)
The Honda C100 is a line of new generation lightweight motorcycles that provide comfort and high-level performance. These scooters weigh only 143 pounds, ranking them among lightweight bikes under 200 pounds.
This motorcycle is built with plastic and metal components, contributing to its light frame. It runs on a four-stroke single-cylinder engine that displaces 49 ccs.
7. Honda C102 (154 pounds)
The Honda C102 is one of the highest-selling motorcycle units in the world, with over 50 million units. It is still in production, with most components upgraded to modern quality to make the scooters lightweight.
The Honda C102 weighs around 154 pounds, making it a great scooter for moving around the town. However, due to its lightweight structure, the 49 cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine can only reach a top speed of 50 mph.
8. Honda XR-100 (165.3 pounds)
Since its introduction in 2002, the Honda XR-100 has been one of the lightest motorcycles weighing under 200 pounds.
It weighs 165.3 pounds and runs on a four-stroke single-cylinder motor. This bike is built with lighter components to improve road handling and rider comfort.
9. Kawasaki KX100 (170 pounds)
Kawasaki KX100 was built with kids in mind but favored youth riders. At only 170 pounds, it is among the top ten bikes that weigh under 200 pounds. Despite its lightweight construction, this motorcycle has a 99 cc two-stroke engine that outperforms most bikes.
In addition, it is only 34 inches high and with an adjustable handlebar making it versatile for any rider. While it is primarily marketed for kids, adult riders can have fun with this bike.
10. Honda Super Cub 50 (174 pounds)
The Honda Super Cub 50 has undergone numerous changes and upgrades to make it lighter and slimmer for modern traffic. As a result, this motorcycle is only 174 pounds heavy and only has seating space for the rider alone.
It also has a lightweight carrier that can handle over 150 pounds of load. These motorcycles are available in 50 ccs and 110 cc displacement for various rider categories.
11. Honda Metropolitan (179 pounds)
The Honda CHF50 is a lightweight scooter made by Honda and marketed in the United States as Honda Metropolitan.
This bike features a 49 cc engine with classic Vespa styling and modern mechanical parts. This moped weighs only 179 pounds, making it one of the few motorcycles weighing under 200 pounds.
12. Honda PS250 ‘Zoomer’ (185.2 pounds)
Honda Zoomer NPS250 is a scooter motorcycle built by Honda for the American and Japanese markets in 2002. It is also called the Ruckus or Zoomer in different markets and is closely related to the Honda Metropolitan.
It features rugged components that make it slightly heavier at 185.2 pounds. The modern Honda NPS250 has a lightweight chassis that enables proper handling and ride comfort on smooth, rough road surfaces.
13. Honda CRF150R (187 pounds)
Even with its low seat height, the Honda CRF150R offers more off-road capabilities than heavier bikes weighing over 200 pounds. Weighing only 187pounds, it has a 149 cc single-cylinder engine at 34.1 inches tall.
In addition, it is built with a high-tensile steel frame that is very light and with front and rear settings for optimal impact absorption. As a result, the Honda CRF150R offers superior performance with extra lightweight body components to keep the bike nimble.
14. Husqvarna TC125 (193 pounds)
At first impression, the Husqvarna TC125 is a small capacity bike, but it compensates for size with capabilities. The bike features multiple components that only add up to around 193 pounds. To make the bike lighter, the company built a lighter crankshaft that balances perfectly to reduce vibration.
Its position also minimizes the impact of rotational mass on handling. Its frame is also high-pressure die-cast production to keep the weight down. In the end, you get a solid dirt bike under 200 pounds.
15. KTM 125 SX (195 pounds)
The KTM 125 SX is among the high-performance off-road motorcycles you can get for under 200 pounds. This bike is light enough to race through the desert, rocks, and other challenging terrains.
This bike has a dry weight of around 195 pounds, providing faster lap times. The frame is made from high-tech steel, optimized for excellent rider feedback.
While this bike is customizable, riders must keep it as lightweight as possible.
16. Yamaha TT-R125 (198 pounds)
The Yamaha TT-R125 is a 125 cc air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder dirt bike featuring a 5-speed transmission and clutch. This lightweight bike was developed in 2000 to rival the Honda XR100 as a perfect beginner dirt bike.
This bike weighs only 198 pounds which is lighter than most dirt bikes available on the market. Anyone who is under 5’6” can comfortably ride this bike.
17. Yamaha YZ125 (200 pounds)
The Yamaha YZ125 has been in showrooms for over 40 years and has been one of the lightest bikes under 200 pounds. This motorcycle has undergone multiple improvements to make it lighter.
It has modern parts like Pro Taper fat bars, Nissin Brakes, Dunlop Geomax MX52 tires, wave rotors, and Excel rims. These components push the weight to 200 pounds, providing extra racing benefits.
18. Peugeot Kisbee (200 pounds)
The Peugeot Kisbee is among the lightest 50 cc motorcycles but still heavier than the Honda Metropolitan and Honda Zoomer. It has small wheels and diminutive overall proportions, making it sizeable.
This scooter weighs 200 pounds and is versatile enough to ride across various terrains. It is also built with comfort in mind, and anyone can take it out for a ride, including youths and grannies.
Lightweight motorcycles are built with a relaxed sitting and low- to mid-range torque. Most people, therefore, use these bikes to commute around town and to carry light goods. However, on this list, we have more scooters and dirt bikes. Lighter dirt bikes are great for off-road competition to roll over rocks and improve traction on dirt and sand.
These bikes also have lightweight frames for easy handling when cornering, braking, or doing a wheelie. Scooters, however, are great for commuting and shopping around town. Kids and youth can also handle them without exposing them to accidents.
