When it comes to motorcycles, lightweight doesn’t always mean slow. In fact, many smaller bikes pack impressive acceleration that can rival much heavier machines. Whether you’re looking for a quick ride through the city or an adrenaline-pumping track day, these lightweight motorcycles prove that strong performance can come in a compact package. Here are 18 bikes that deliver surprising speed and agility despite their size.
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Kawasaki Ninja 400
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 offers a perfect blend of power and agility, making it a standout in the lightweight sportbike category. Equipped with a 399cc engine delivering 48 horsepower, this bike weighs just 366 pounds. This power-to-weight ratio allows it to hit 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 4.3 seconds. Its nimble handling combined with strong acceleration makes it a popular choice for riders who want both speed and control.
Yamaha YZF-R3
Renowned for its balance of power and lightweight design, the Yamaha YZF-R3 is a go-to option for many sportbike enthusiasts. Powered by a 321cc engine, it generates 42 horsepower while weighing just 375 pounds. This setup allows the YZF-R3 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 5 seconds. Its agility, paired with its smooth power delivery, makes it a superb option for riders looking for spirited performance in a small package.
Honda CBR500R
The Honda CBR500R may not be the lightest on this list, but its 471cc engine ensures strong acceleration. Delivering 47 horsepower, it reaches 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds despite weighing 423 pounds. The CBR500R stands out for its smooth power curve, offering solid performance at low and mid-range speeds. This bike strikes an excellent balance between performance and comfort, ideal for those looking for an easy yet thrilling ride.
KTM 390 Duke
Known for its lightweight frame and thrilling performance, the KTM 390 Duke is a powerhouse in the sub-400cc class. Weighing only 329 pounds, it’s powered by a 373cc engine that churns out 44 horsepower. This bike’s rapid acceleration takes it from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. With its responsive throttle and aggressive torque, the 390 Duke is perfect for city riding and weekend adventures alike.
Suzuki SV650
Although the Suzuki SV650 fits into the middleweight category, it’s light enough at 432 pounds to be included here. With its 645cc V-twin engine producing 75 horsepower, this bike’s acceleration is nothing short of impressive. It can blast from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, giving it a thrilling edge. The SV650’s broad power band and manageable weight make it a versatile option for riders seeking performance across a range of conditions.
Honda CB300R
The Honda CB300R is a naked bike that offers surprising performance in a lightweight package. At just 317 pounds, its 286cc engine generates 31 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in around 6.2 seconds. The CB300R’s nimble chassis and responsive engine make it ideal for urban commuting. With sharp handling and a quick throttle response, this bike is a solid choice for daily riders who need something light yet quick.
BMW G310R
BMW’s G310R is one of the lightest bikes in its lineup, weighing only 349 pounds. Its 313cc single-cylinder engine produces 34 horsepower, providing enough punch to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. Designed for urban agility, the G310R offers smooth acceleration and easy handling. This bike is perfect for newer riders seeking BMW quality without the intimidation of a larger machine.
Kawasaki Z400
The Kawasaki Z400, a naked version of the Ninja 400, shares the same 399cc engine but with a lighter frame. Weighing in at 364 pounds, the Z400 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds. It offers both agility and power in a stripped-down design, which appeals to those who prefer a more aggressive, minimalist look. Its lightweight build makes it highly responsive, perfect for quick maneuvers.
Yamaha MT-03
Light, quick, and nimble, the Yamaha MT-03 offers excellent acceleration in the lightweight naked bike category. Sharing its 321cc engine with the YZF-R3, it generates 42 horsepower and weighs just 373 pounds. This combination allows it to reach 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds. Riders appreciate the MT-03 for its lively performance and upright riding position, making it ideal for both city streets and longer rides.
KTM RC 390
With its sharp styling and race-inspired design, the KTM RC 390 is built for performance. Its 373cc engine produces 44 horsepower, and with a weight of 324 pounds, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. This lightweight sportbike is renowned for its agility and track-ready characteristics. The RC 390’s powerful engine and light frame offer riders a thrilling experience on both the street and the track.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Combining modern design with retro aesthetics, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 delivers performance beyond its weight class. Weighing 333 pounds, its 373cc engine generates 44 horsepower, allowing for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in about 5 seconds. The Svartpilen 401’s responsive throttle and lightweight build make it a top choice for riders seeking agility and style.
Honda Grom
The Honda Grom might look like a toy, but its performance is anything but childish. With a tiny 125cc engine, it only produces 9.7 horsepower, but its featherweight frame of 229 pounds makes it quick off the line. Though its top speed is around 56 mph, the Grom is surprisingly zippy, especially in tight urban environments. Its acceleration feels brisk, making it a fun and practical option for city commuters and weekend warriors alike.
Aprilia RS 660
At 403 pounds, the Aprilia RS 660 delivers an extraordinary balance of power and weight. Its 659cc engine produces 100 horsepower, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. This lightweight sportbike offers superb acceleration, handling, and modern electronic aids, making it a dream for performance enthusiasts. Riders love its nimble feel paired with its robust power delivery, setting it apart from many bikes in its class.
Suzuki GSX250R
The Suzuki GSX250R may be geared toward entry-level riders, but its 248cc engine and 392-pound weight provide a surprisingly fun ride. With 24.7 horsepower, this bike is capable of reaching 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds. While it’s not the fastest on the list, the GSX250R offers smooth and predictable power delivery.
Yamaha XSR700
Yamaha’s XSR700 is a retro-styled bike that offers impressive acceleration thanks to its 689cc engine. Producing 74 horsepower, it propels the 410-pound bike from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. The XSR700 combines classic looks with modern performance, making it an attractive option for riders seeking both style and speed. Its lightweight design enhances its agility, delivering a smooth and powerful riding experience.
Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
Ducati’s Scrambler Sixty2 offers a unique combination of retro charm and modern performance. Weighing 403 pounds, it’s powered by a 399cc engine that delivers 41 horsepower, making it quick off the line with a 0-60 time of around 5.8 seconds. The Scrambler’s lightweight build and torquey engine provide an exhilarating ride, perfect for those who want a blend of style and substance. Its nimble handling makes it an ideal choice for city and backroad adventures.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
The Royal Enfield Himalayan might not seem like a speed demon, but its 411cc engine and 421-pound weight make it capable of surprising acceleration. It produces 24.3 horsepower and is built to handle both city streets and rugged terrain. With a 0 to 60 mph time of around 8.2 seconds, the Himalayan isn’t the fastest, but its low-end torque makes it perfect for off-road and adventure riders.
CFMOTO 300NK
The CFMOTO 300NK is an underrated contender in the lightweight naked bike market. With a 292cc engine producing 27 horsepower and a weight of just 333 pounds, it offers quick acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of under 6 seconds. The bike’s sleek design and responsive power make it a fun and affordable option for new riders. Its lightweight frame ensures excellent handling and performance on both city streets and twisty roads.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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