When it comes to motorcycles, lighter often means faster, more agile, and immensely fun to ride. For enthusiasts who crave speed and precision without compromising on power, these lightweight machines pack a serious punch. In this article, we present a curated list of 20 of the lightest motorcycles that deliver exceptional performance, each accompanied by a detailed paragraph highlighting its unique features, design, and specifications. Whether you’re navigating city streets or carving through winding roads, these bikes are sure to impress with their perfect blend of weight and power.
Contents
KTM 390 Duke
The KTM 390 Duke is a lightweight beast with a trellis frame that contributes to its low weight of around 149 kg (328 lbs). Powered by a 373.2cc single-cylinder engine, it produces 43 horsepower. Its aggressive design, sharp lines, and vibrant colors make it stand out. Priced at approximately $5,500, the 390 Duke offers excellent power-to-weight ratio, making it nimble and quick in urban environments and twisty roads.
Yamaha MT-07
The Yamaha MT-07 weighs just 182 kg (400 lbs) and is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 74 horsepower. Its compact frame and upright riding position offer a perfect balance of comfort and agility. The MT-07’s design features a muscular tank and minimalistic bodywork. With a price tag of about $7,700, this motorcycle is known for its impressive torque and responsive handling.
Honda CB300R
The Honda CB300R, weighing 143 kg (315 lbs), is powered by a 286cc single-cylinder engine that produces 30.7 horsepower. Its neo-sports café design combines modern and retro elements, with a round headlight and sleek body. Priced at around $4,950, the CB300R’s lightweight frame and nimble handling make it ideal for both new and experienced riders looking for a punchy ride in a compact package.
Kawasaki Ninja 400
The Kawasaki Ninja 400, at 168 kg (370 lbs), features a 399cc parallel-twin engine delivering 49 horsepower. Its sharp, aggressive design is inspired by its larger Ninja siblings. With a starting price of approximately $5,000, the Ninja 400 offers superb power-to-weight ratio, making it a favorite among riders who enjoy both city commutes and weekend canyon carving.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, weighing 152 kg (335 lbs), is equipped with a 373cc single-cylinder engine producing 43 horsepower. Its design is a unique blend of scrambler and café racer styles, featuring minimalist bodywork and a rugged look. Priced at about $6,300, the Svartpilen 401’s lightweight and powerful engine make it a versatile bike for both urban and off-road adventures.
Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
The Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 weighs 183 kg (403 lbs) and is powered by a 399cc L-twin engine delivering 41 horsepower. Its retro design with modern touches includes a round headlight, teardrop tank, and high handlebars. With a price tag of around $8,000, the Sixty2 offers a light and manageable ride, perfect for those looking for a stylish and capable urban motorcycle.
Suzuki SV650
The Suzuki SV650, at 198 kg (437 lbs), features a 645cc V-twin engine that produces 75 horsepower. Its slim, lightweight chassis and upright riding position provide excellent handling and comfort. Priced at approximately $7,400, the SV650 is known for its versatility and strong mid-range power, making it suitable for both novice and seasoned riders.
KTM 690 SMC R
The KTM 690 SMC R, weighing 147 kg (324 lbs), is equipped with a 693cc single-cylinder engine that generates 74 horsepower. Its supermoto design features long suspension travel, lightweight wheels, and a minimalist body. Priced at around $11,800, this bike offers an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, making it a favorite for enthusiasts who love sharp handling and spirited rides.
Honda CBR500R
The Honda CBR500R, at 192 kg (423 lbs), is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine delivering 47 horsepower. Its aggressive sportbike design includes aerodynamic bodywork and a comfortable riding position. With a price of about $7,200, the CBR500R offers a balanced mix of performance and practicality, making it an excellent choice for both commuting and spirited riding.
BMW G310R
The BMW G310R weighs 158.5 kg (349 lbs) and is powered by a 313cc single-cylinder engine producing 34 horsepower. Its compact design features a muscular tank, sharp lines, and high-quality components. Priced at around $5,250, the G310R’s lightweight and responsive engine make it an ideal bike for city commuting and weekend fun.
Kawasaki Z650
The Kawasaki Z650, at 187 kg (412 lbs), features a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 67 horsepower. Its naked bike design is characterized by an exposed frame, aggressive styling, and ergonomic seating. With a price tag of about $7,350, the Z650 offers a light and punchy ride, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of performance and practicality.
KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure, weighing 158 kg (348 lbs), is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine delivering 43 horsepower. Its adventure bike design includes long-travel suspension, a comfortable seat, and rugged components. Priced at around $6,800, the 390 Adventure’s lightweight frame and capable engine make it ideal for both on-road and off-road exploration.
Yamaha YZF-R3
The Yamaha YZF-R3, at 169 kg (373 lbs), features a 321cc parallel-twin engine producing 42 horsepower. Its sportbike design includes aggressive bodywork, a race-inspired chassis, and a comfortable riding position. With a price of approximately $5,300, the YZF-R3 offers a lightweight and high-revving engine, making it a great entry-level sportbike with plenty of performance.
Honda CB500F
The Honda CB500F weighs 189 kg (417 lbs) and is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine that generates 47 horsepower. Its naked bike design features minimal bodywork, an exposed frame, and a comfortable upright riding position. Priced at around $6,600, the CB500F’s light and agile nature makes it a versatile choice for both city riding and longer trips.
Aprilia RS 660
The Aprilia RS 660, at 169 kg (373 lbs), is equipped with a 659cc parallel-twin engine that produces 100 horsepower. Its sportbike design features aerodynamic bodywork, a lightweight frame, and advanced electronics. Priced at about $11,300, the RS 660 offers a thrilling combination of lightweight agility and powerful performance, making it a standout in the middleweight sportbike category.
Triumph Street Triple R
The Triumph Street Triple R weighs 168 kg (370 lbs) and is powered by a 765cc inline-triple engine delivering 116 horsepower. Its naked bike design includes a minimalist frame, aggressive styling, and high-quality components. With a price tag of approximately $10,800, the Street Triple R offers exceptional power-to-weight ratio and nimble handling, making it a favorite among streetfighters.
Suzuki GSX-R600
The Suzuki GSX-R600, at 187 kg (412 lbs), features a 599cc inline-four engine producing 124 horsepower. Its sportbike design includes aerodynamic bodywork, a race-inspired chassis, and advanced suspension. Priced at around $11,400, the GSX-R600 offers a lightweight and high-revving engine, making it a top choice for track enthusiasts and spirited riders.
Ducati Monster 821
The Ducati Monster 821 weighs 180.5 kg (398 lbs) and is powered by an 821cc L-twin engine delivering 109 horsepower. Its naked bike design features a muscular tank, trellis frame, and aggressive styling. Priced at approximately $11,995, the Monster 821 offers a potent combination of lightweight agility and powerful performance, making it a popular choice for urban riders and weekend warriors.
Yamaha MT-09
The Yamaha MT-09, at 193 kg (425 lbs), features an 847cc inline-triple engine producing 115 horsepower. Its naked bike design includes an exposed frame, sharp lines, and a comfortable riding position. With a price tag of about $9,500, the MT-09 offers an impressive power-to-weight ratio and versatile performance, making it a favorite among riders who enjoy both city and canyon rides.
KTM 790 Duke
The KTM 790 Duke weighs 169 kg (373 lbs) and is powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine that generates 105 horsepower. Its naked bike design features a minimalist frame, aggressive styling, and advanced electronics. Priced at around $10,500, the 790 Duke offers a lightweight and powerful package, making it a top choice for those seeking a thrilling and agile ride.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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