6 Great Motorcycles Under 500 Pounds

If you’ve ever tried threading the needle at slow speeds in traffic or just meandering your way around a busy parking lot, you know how difficult it is to deftly helm a heavy motorcycle. There are advantages to riding a lighter motorcycle in these situations since they’re generally more nimble. They’re also easier to lift should you drop the bike. But that doesn’t mean you want to ride something featherweight on a daily basis, since you also need a modicum of power. We've settled on 500 pounds as a great middle ground for bikes that are easier to ride and steer, but still come with enough displacement and power to get you where you need to go.

Yamaha SR400 - 384 lbs

The SR400 hasn’t looked this good since, well, 1981 when it last showed up. And the bike looks largely unchanged, and that's a very good thing because it’s a classic. Thankfully, it does get modern brakes, suspension and tires. The 399cc engine doesn’t seem big, but the low end torque is good for a smaller bike, and the kick starter is reliable each and every time thanks to electronic fuel injection. The SR400 is a narrow bike with a 30.9 inch ride height, which means it’s easy to maneuver and bring to a stop. The fact that it’s a great urban bike with plenty of classic style is all the more reason to consider it.
$5,990 http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/models/sr400

READ MORE: Review: The Insanely Nimble, Incredibly Fun Yamaha FJ-09 | RideApart

BMW F700 GS - 461 lbs

If ADV riding is your thing and you happen to love Beemers, then the F700 GS is worth a look. It’s not in the big leagues of power and hauling capacity like the F1200 GS, but it is substantially lighter—by about 64 pounds. The low weight makes it superbly manageable, while the 75 hp, 798cc engine provides ample power both on and off road. Comfort is one of the F700 GS’s bragging rights thanks to the upright riding position, and it’s eminently capable on both street and trail with the proper tires. ABS is standard on the F700 too, so you know that control along with lightness makes for ideal safety.

$9,990 http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/bike/enduro/2012/f700gs/f700gs_overview.html

Triumph Bonneville - 496 lbs

When it comes to production motorcycles, it’s hard to find a more classic bike than the Bonneville. Iconic, handsome, and easy to ride, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate riders.

It will always look timeless thanks to the design and great urban riding stance—the fact that it’s light is just a solid bonus. The 865cc parallel twin isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but rumor has it that the Bonneville will finally get air cooling next year and a welcomed power bump as a result.

$7,899 http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/bonneville/2014/bonneville

Ducati Scrambler - 410 lbs