The Best Lightweight Motorcycles

A light motorcycle flatters everyone: easier to manoeuvre at a stop, more fun in the corners, and far less intimidating for newer riders. These are the best lightweight bikes (under 175kg) on sale.

1. 01
   01© Aprilia
   Aprilia · sport

   Aprilia RS 457

   8.3

   A genuine small-bore sportbike with adjustable suspension, ride-by-wire modes, and full 35 kW A2 power in a light, premium-feeling aluminium chassis.

   Consensus from 1000PS · MCN · RevZilla

   Price

   $6,799

   Engine

   457cc

   Power

   48hp

   Seat

   800mm

2. 02
   02© base of this picture is the file named above by Benutzer:Priwo
   KTM · naked

   KTM 125 Duke

   8.2

   The sharpest, best-equipped 125 on sale: a punchy single, full-colour TFT and grown-up chassis make it feel like a much bigger bike.

   Consensus from MCN · Bennetts · Visordown

   Price

   $5,499

   Engine

   125cc

   Power

   15hp

   Seat

   820mm

3. 03
   03© Kawasaki
   Kawasaki · sport

   Kawasaki Ninja 500

   8.0

   A polished, easy-going A2 sportbike that builds on the brilliant Ninja 400, and one of the best-resolved entry sportbikes you can buy.

   Consensus from RevZilla · MCN · Cycle World

   Price

   $5,299

   Engine

   451cc

   Power

   51hp

   Seat

   785mm

4. 04
   04© KTM
   KTM · naked

   KTM 390 Duke

   8.0

   The sharpest, most feature-rich small naked on the market: fast and flickable, though vibration and patchy finish stop a clean sweep.

   Consensus from RevZilla · Cycle World · MCN

   Price

   $5,899

   Engine

   399cc

   Power

   44hp

   Seat

   820mm

5. 05
   05© Yamaha
   Yamaha · sport

   Yamaha YZF-R3

   8.0

   A refined, low-seat twin-cylinder entry sportbike that handles crisply on track and street, held back only by modest mid-range punch against single-cylinder rivals.

   Consensus from 1000PS · Cycle World · Motorcycle.com

   Price

   $5,499

   Engine

   321cc

   Power

   42hp

   Seat

   780mm

6. 06
   06© AVMOTO
   Yamaha · sport

   Yamaha YZF-R125

   8.0

   A proper miniature supersport with R-series looks, variable valve timing and a quickshifter, the aspirational 125 for learners who want the full experience.

   Consensus from MCN · Bennetts · Visordown

   Price

   $5,499

   Engine

   125cc

   Power

   15hp

   Seat

   825mm

7. 07
   07© AVMOTO
   Yamaha · naked

   Yamaha MT-125

   7.9

   The R125 in streetfighter clothing: same VVA single and quickshifter, lower bars and a lower seat, one of the most fun ways to learn.

   Consensus from MCN · Bennetts · Visordown

   Price

   $5,299

   Engine

   125cc

   Power

   15hp

   Seat

   810mm

8. 08
   08© Calreyn88
   Aprilia · sport

   Aprilia RS 125

   7.9

   The most track-focused 125: full-fairing RSV4 styling, adjustable riding modes and a race-bred chassis that rewards as you improve.

   Consensus from MCN · Bennetts · Visordown

   Price

   $5,799

   Engine

   125cc

   Power

   15hp

   Seat

   820mm

9. 09
   09© Honda
   Honda · naked

   Honda CB300R

   7.8

   A charming, featherweight urban naked whose premium chassis outshines its modest single, making it a top-tier first bike.

   Consensus from MCN · RevZilla · Cycle World

   Price

   $5,149

   Engine

   286cc

   Power

   31hp

   Seat

   803mm

10. 10
    10© Luenibaer
    Honda · naked

    Honda CB125R

    7.8

    A featherweight, premium-feeling Neo Sports Café 125 with upside-down forks and radial brakes, flattering and reassuring for new riders.

    Consensus from MCN · Bennetts · RideExpert

    Price

    $4,999

    Engine

    125cc

    Power

    15hp

    Seat

    816mm