As soon as a boy grows older, his first demand and wish are to get a beautiful bike. It is not because everyone else in his college has a bike, but the sweet ride makes you feel alive. The wind touches your face while you are riding your killer-looking bike! It is an adventure altogether to ride it on the beach. A large section of the people desire to own one, and you are one of them. The question in your mind is the following – How much does a motorcycle weigh?
Novices may not pay attention to this little detailing, but even the specs of a bike have ‘dry weight’ and ‘wet weight.’ You may think it is easy to know the weight of your bike, but it is a lot more complicated than that.
Let’s quickly define the dry weight and wet weight. So, the dry weight is basically your bike without any fuel or fluids. Fluids include coolant, gas, oil, brake fluid, final driving fluid, and battery. But please note that for a particular manufacturer, the dry weight has a different meaning as compared to another manufacturer of the bike.
Apart from these dry and wet aspects, it is also important to know the types of bikes out there. Here’s a post that answers the question mentioned above. Want to know how much does the motorcycle weigh? Keep reading!
Why Motorcycle Weight Matters
‘You’re only one bike ride away from a good mood.”
The motorcycle weight is different from one model to another. A lightweight model can weigh about 200 pounds, and a heavier one weighs up to 800 pounds.
A question comes to our mind – Why motorcycle weight matters? There are three parts to this. First is turning, the second is braking, and the third is parking.
Turning
Uneven weight distribution can lead to a painful fall. While a lighter motorcycle is more comfortable to turn at a stop, a heavy one requires careful turning. When you are turning a heavy bike towards the left, you put your left foot down. This is meant for even distribution of weight.
Another tip for bikers is that they should sit up straight to keep the balance of the motorbike.
Braking
Braking works differently for heavy bikes and a lighter one. Give yourself some extra room for putting a brake on heavier motorcycles. It will take some time to stop the heavy bike, but it is not the case with lighter motorcycles.
Parking
For heavier motorcycles, it is essential to park these on a flat surface. This ensures that the bike does not tip over. Park your lighter vehicle on the sturdy ground and not on dirt. If you park it on dirt or gravel, you will find a tripped over the bike.
For heavier vehicles, you must check whether there is enough space or not. Ideally, look out for hidden NO parking signs too.
Now let us get to the section where we discuss the different types of motorcycles. Considering there are different types, the weight will vary.
Different Types of Motorcycles
Motorcycle enthusiasts will be pleased to know that there are both lighter and heavier bikes available for use. Consider this as a guide to all the types of motorcycles. Let’s begin by explaining the types out there.
Choppers
These are showy in nature. There is chrome on the body of the motorcycle, and it has a reclined seat. Although these are not used for regular purposes. But one can sport this bike whenever they want. A chopper bike is heavy and is only recommended for those who can handle the recline. It can weigh about 650 lbs.
Cruisers
If you want an aggressive riding experience, choose the cruiser. These are macho-looking motorcycles. Usually, these are lightweight and are best for traveling to far-off distances. There are heavier power cruisers that are entirely different from the regular ones. It can weigh about 500 lbs. Whereas, a regular bike/cruiser would weigh about 250 lbs. Now you know why a Harley Davidson weighs so much!
Enduro Bikes
These are most commonly used for night-time riding. Enduro Bikes weigh less as compared to the power cruiser bikes. If you are traveling to far-off and difficult terrains, then this motorcycle will pass the test! An Enduro bike would weigh about 30-35 pounds.
Scooter
These are budget-friendly bikes that are best for driving from Point A to B within your vicinity. Scooters are smaller in size, and they are incredibly lightweight. A regular scooter would weigh about 200-250 lbs. When in heavy traffic, these are easy to turn and find your way out. Considering it is not as heavy, anybody can drive these.
Sports Bikes
You may have seen sports bikes on racing tracks. These are used for street riding and contest purposes. A good sports bike would weigh anything between 300 lbs to 500 lbs. The majority of the boys out there would love to own a sports bike, but the weight is extreme. Some boys may not be able to handle the weight.
Did you understand the difference? There are different types of motorcycles. Hence, the weight will be different as per the frame and other components. However, you can put your bike on a mechanical diet. How is that possible? Please read the next section to find out the ways to make your bike lighter!
The Mechanical Diet For Your Motorcycle
Now you know about the different types of bikes and why weight matters! Don’t let it disappoint you because there are mechanical diets for motorcycles as well.
What do you do when you put on weight? You go on a diet and exercise! The aim is to reduce your thighs, the stomach, and other parts of the body. Think of the motorcycle now! If you use lighter tires, it will weigh less.
What are the other ways to reduce the weight of the motorcycle?
You can:
- Get rid of the heavy tires. Opt for lightweight tires. Lighter wheels will reduce the weight a little.
- The next thing you can do is to shorten the seat. Although it is not a big change, it will have some positive output.
- If you have a toolbox on your bike, get rid of it. Do you need the toolbox attached to the motorcycle? It just adds unnecessary weight.
- Remove the rear and front fenders. This will reduce the weight of the bike significantly.
Although these changes would require some extra money, they will help you to put off some weight from the motorcycle. Isn’t a lighter motorcycle better than a heavy one? It is easier to ride, turn, and park!
Imagine yourself zooming out of a messy car parking situation. Even if traffic situations, a lighter bike is much-preferred.
Choosing A Suitable Motorcycle For You
Please know that YOU will be driving the motorcycle. It is essential to choose a bike that you are comfortable to ride. Your height and weight matter in this case.
If you are lightweight, you may not be able to handle a 500 lb bike. Think of all the practical things before investing in a motorcycle.
Go to a store, sit on the bike, and get a feel of it. Wise buyers would always check the product before buying it. Else, they will read the reviews. In your case, you HAVE to sit on the bike and see whether you can handle it or not.
Check the following before buying a motorcycle:
- Sit on the motorcycle and check the weight distribution on both sides.
- What is the distance between the seat and the hand/foot controls? If you are not able to reach these controls, it is best to avoid the bike. This can be dangerous! No matter how good-looking the motorcycle is, not reaching the basic controls can be lethal.
- When you buy a motorcycle, you must know that it is all about balance. If there is no balance, it is not the right bike for you.
Prospective buyers must buy a motorcycle that is comfortable to ride. When you are on the road, an unbalanced motorcycle could put you in danger. You may fall off or not be able to control the bike. Road accidents are relatively common! Also, do not buy a bike that is too heavy. It will make you uncomfortable, and you may not be able to handle it.
Final Words
‘Every day is a good day for a ride.’
Our final takeaway advice would be to be a wise buyer. Head to a motorcycle store and try out a few of them. See what best suits your weight and height. In the end, the weight of the bike matters!
You may also like to visit our recent review of- Motorcycle Maintenance Tips For Beginners Better Knowledge.
