Bigger isn't always better! While motorcycles with bigger displacement engines are usually faster than those with lesser capacities, the latter can be equally badass. While it is generally believed that motorcycles should provide adequate speed and thrills to be exciting, it is a wrong conception, since a good motorcycle is so much more than just exhilarating speed.
If bikers are looking to have fun while riding a motorcycle and do not have the budget or the will to buy a motorcycle with a big engine, opting for the equally competent, slower motorcycles would be a wise choice. Most motorcycle companies offer a choice of smaller displacement bikes, so it has never been easier to obtain a terrific motorcycle in this range. Granted, they are slower than their larger counterparts, but in no way are they inefficient or any less badass.
10 Honda Grom
While the company is usually known for producing some of the best Honda models of the decade in the segment of cars, it also has a prominent presence in the motorcycle industry. If having a good time is at the top of a biker's list, the Honda Grom would prove to be the best choice of motorcycle. It is an unapologetic and unpretentious motorcycle that forces the rider to have fun while biking. Available with or without ABS, this motorcycle has the looks and design that should attract any bike enthusiast.
Being small and compact in size, it is also very easy to maneuver this beauty. The Honda Grom is powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder SOHC engine that is capable of producing 9.7 hp at 7,000 rpm, while creating a maximum torque of 8 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm, making it a reasonably powerful motorcycle given its engine size.
9 Honda Rebel 300
A cruiser motorcycle par excellence, the big brothers of the Honda Rebel have already been a crowd favorite since their launch and are definitely some of the best Honda motorcycles ever produced. However, this does not diminish the capabilities of this smaller capacity Rebel in the group that is powered by a DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 286 cc engine.
Donning the same classic looks like the rest of the Rebels in Honda's arsenal, the Rebel 300 might be slow, being able to only pull off a top speed of 85 mph, but it looks badass. The Rebel 300 is capable of 27.4 hp, a maximum torque of 19.9 lb-ft, and an impressive fuel efficiency of 71 miles per gallon, making it worth every penny of its price.
8 BMW G310 GS
The G310 GS from BMW is an ADV-motorcycle that shares a number of different components with the G310 R, the roadster sibling of the GS. These components include a tubular steel frame that has a rear subframe with bolt-on features, LCD dash, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine of 313 ccm, a swingarm of die-cast aluminum, headlight, seat, and brakes.
Having a curb weight of 377 pounds, the G310 GS is extremely lightweight and this works wonders in terms of handling for this motorcycle. Intrinsically an off-road bike, the G310 GS performs brilliantly on the street as well, capable of producing a torque of 19 lb-ft at 7,600 rpm and a max power output of 30 hp at 9,600 rpm.
7 Kawasaki Vulcan S
The internet has many stunning pics of Kawasaki bikes people are totally obsessed with and the Vulcan S is definitely one of them. Kawasaki's Vulcan S is a cruiser motorcycle that breaks all stereotypes associated with the segment. Having an extremely lightweight body with the lowest curb weight standing somewhere around 498 pounds, the Vulcan S is also perfect for beginners having a low-lying solo seat of 27.8 inches. The availability of the Ergo-Fit system from Kawasaki, further allows bikers to choose the seat and handlebar settings that best compliment their reach and height.
From a performance perspective, the Vulcan S is powered by a 649 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that is capable of producing 60 hp at 7,500 rpm and a max torque of 46 ft-lb at 6,600 rpm. It can also reach a top speed of 104.39 miles per hour, which although slow is not negligible. All these glorious specifications make it one of the best Kawasaki motorcycles ever made.
6 BMW G310 R
Claimed by BMW to be a motorcycle that has been made for the world markets, the G310 R is a small but immensely fun motorcycle that is also the first entry of the company into the sub-500 cc segment that they are exploring. Partnering with TVS, the prolific motorcycle manufacturer from India, BMW created this nimble and easy-to-handle roadster that can effortlessly grasp the attention of any bike enthusiast.
Powered by a single-cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine of 313 ccm, the G310 R performs as impeccably as the best BMW motorcycles. It is capable of producing a peak horsepower of 34, a peak torque of 20.7 lb-ft, and can reach a top speed of 75 mph.
5 CSC RX3 Adventure
Powered by a single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine with a counterbalancer, the CSC RX3 Adventure is a brilliant adventure tourer that allows the rider to experience a robust performance, while not making any dents in performance barriers.
Although moderate in terms of performance when compared to the larger dual-sports motorcycles available in the market, the RX3 Adventure's 250 cc engine is quite adept, churning out a power output of 24.8 hp at 9,000 rpm and a top speed of 84 mph. As an adventure motorcycle, the efficient suspension in this motorcycle allows sleek cornering for riders. All in all, it is a pretty badass motorcycle to own.
4 Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
One of the best Ducati bikes ever made, the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 is an impressive motorcycle from the Italian motorcycle manufacturers that is powered by a 399 cc, four-stroke, V2 engine. Ducati has launched this performance motorcycle in a new form with an integrated fuel-tank cover and an easily recognizable steel tank. The dedicated logo and graphics of this model are other noteworthy features of the Sixty2.
While there are many facts about Ducati that execs want to keep on the DL, the performance specs of the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 is no secret. The bike is capable of producing 40 hp of power output at 8,750 rpm and a peak torque of 25.5 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm. It might be slow, but it is no doubt a motorcycle with superb performance.
3 Harley-Davidson Street 500
Harley-Davidson is usually known for large displacement motorcycles, but with the Street 500, they hit the mark perfectly, producing a superb motorcycle that uses a 494 cc engine. The use of a liquid-cooled, V-twin, Revolution X motor in the Street 500, allows it to create a power output of 33.98 hp and a max torque of 29.5 ft-lb at 3,500 rpm.
Both front and rear ends of the bike are fitted with disc brakes of 292 mm and 260 mm respectively, and it uses a 37 mm telescopic fork suspension with adjustable twin-shock on the rear. Having a seat height of only 28-inches means even short riders can maneuver the Street 500 with comfort and ease. It is most definitely one of the best Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever made.
2 KTM Duke 390
If lightweight and responsive handling are the features a biker is looking for in the small-displacement motorcycle he/she purchases, the KTM Duke 390 would prove to be a perfect choice. Made after KTM's RC 390, which is a track-focused motorcycle, the 390 Duke uses a single-cylinder, 373 cc engine, and weighs only 350 pounds.
Definitely not a motorcycle that is exclusively for beginners, the KTM Duke 390 can still be managed by an amateur with relative ease if driven carefully. Producing a power output of 42.88 hp at 9,000 rpm the KTM Duke 390 can reach a top speed of 103.7 mph.
1 Royal Enfield Himalayan
Royal Enfield is one of the most reputable motorcycle companies from India that has made its mark in the world market and is known for having held their own in the motorcycle industry for more than a century, with the first production motorcycle from the company being released in 1901. The Himalayan is one brilliant example from the company that utilizes an air-cooled 411 cc engine capable of producing a power output of 24.4 hp at 6,500 rpm.
The single-cylinder, SOHC, four-stroke engine of this motorcycle allows it to deliver versatile performance and adventure-ready handling. Available with dual-channel ABS in the standard versions, the Himalayan offers the option of switching the ABS to the rear wheel to obtain a more controlled and engaging riding experience when traveling off-road.