Are small displacement motorcycles the future trend in motorcycling?

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Seeing the popularity of motorcycling decline over the years, I’ve been intrigued by the Royal Enfield lineup of motorcycles and especially the Himalayan 400. I see they’re coming out now with the water cooled 450 Himalayan and a street version 450 Guerrilla. The Honda XR 150 also looks interesting as well. The Honda Grom has been popular for many years and seems to have a following. The reason smaller displacement motorcycles may take hold is…

1. Easy transition to small displacement motorcycle for many riders on e-bicycles.
2. Less expense for first time riders and less weight to handle.
3. Lighter weight for aging motorcyclists and with that comes possibly more fun and enjoyment
4. With a lot more traffic on the road, a small smaller motorcycle is less intimidating and more inviting.
5. Many people seem to be less adventurous, meaning that they’re not venturing too far from home on two wheels so these would be ideal for them.

It will be interesting to see if many of the major motorcycle manufacturers jump into the smaller displacement market and if those offerings take hold and sell and possibly bring back a new golden age of motorcycling.

[guzzisteve]

Not in USA, horsepower rules. As always.

[nwguy]

I had a 2020 Husqvarna Svartpilen 402 for a few years. It's everything you describe. Loved it. Bought a rear hitch mount rack for it for my van and did a best-of-the-west day ride thing with it:

http://nwguy.fun/mc/Van2023/index.html



Super easy to get on and off the rack by myself, and an absolute hoot at 9k RPM on traffic-free curvy backroad. But... on a recent local ride with it I felt compelled to ride aggressively as I sometimes do, and now at 67 decided a more stately yet sporty ride should be the next chapter. So I bought a 99 Bassa and sold the Svart. It was great, but been there done that for a while at least.

Incidentally, I acquired it by trading my 07' Norge to another, younger guy.

[faffi]

There is a lot to like with small bikes, low weight and potentially superior handling being the primary benefits to me. I find most bikes being heavier than they need be, especially cruisers. The 1982 Guzzi V65, with a full tank of gas, was just 410 lbs, way lighter than the 495 lbs Honda CX500 from 1978. The Honda XBR500 single was just as heavy when introduced in 1985, 50 lbs overweight. The Guzzi V7 Classic from 2007 gained 30 lbs, despite its smaller fuel tank now also being made from plastic.

When a 1000cc street legal race rep, fairing, big brakes and an inline four is about 440 lbs, there is no reason for a 400 single to be more than 330 lbs wet. Yet most of them are. Heck, even 300cc single cylinder dual sport bikes weigh more than that. More than the 1983 Honda XL600.

The 600cc CCM Maverick is 325 lbs wet, which is more like it. The Svartpilen 401 is around 365 lbs. Still, the bike I would want if I were young and rich is the Langen 2-stroke 250. 76 hp and just 275 lbs

[Dirk_S]

Y’all do know this trend started over 4 years ago, right? It’s not the future trend, it’s a growing, current trend. Now that liquid cooling is everywhere, including most of the cheaper thumpers, allowing for 40+ hp, and with magazines having been talking up mid-size ADV bikes, and prices gawddang…

Now, keep in mind—the rest of the world already accepts smaller displacement bikes. It’s North America we’re really talking about.

[DoubleGuzzi]

I had a 2020 Husqvarna Svartpilen 402 for a few years... Bought a rear hitch mount rack for it for my van ..

You almost made the European grade, then blew it.   

[Perazzimx14]

But the vast amount of riderd that buy small displacement low HP bike withgin about 4 hour of ownership are joining forums and asking what exhaust give the most HP increase or how do uncork my get 200cc Zongshen so it'll will run with 600cc I-4's

I also dont get that Europeans are that much more conservative than Americans and choose smaller CC bikes just because. Their license tiering system, registration costs and insurance play a huge factor in what bikes they can afford not what they want.

 

[twowheeladdict]

I've had 250 to 400 cc bikes in the garage since 2006.

Carried them on work trips where i needed more than i could carry on the bike alone.







And allowed me to explore places I couldn't on the bikes I would ride to those locations.
















Now that I am retired my accommodations have gotten better.

[Mwether]

...The reason smaller displacement motorcycles may take hold is…

1. Easy transition to small displacement motorcycle for many riders on e-bicycles.
2. Less expense for first time riders and less weight to handle.
3. Lighter weight for aging motorcyclists and with that comes possibly more fun and enjoyment
4. With a lot more traffic on the road, a small smaller motorcycle is less intimidating and more inviting.
5. Many people seem to be less adventurous, meaning that they’re not venturing too far from home on two wheels so these would be ideal for them.

I edited your observations to match my experience and make them more universal, but on the whole, I agree completely.

First, I had a 2000 Kawi Super Sherpa that was amazing. Never should have sold.

Currently, I commute of a 2021 Piaggio Liberty S 150. (”S” for speedy!) It’s a 155cc that maxes out around 70mph. I’ve never owned a twist-and-go/CVT bike, and it’s ridiculous fun. I had no idea what I was missing. My round trip is 12 miles on surface roads, and I can commute all week for less than 1.6 gallons of gas.

The bike before the Liberty was a 2005 Multistrada 1000 S DS with all sorts of carbon, Termis, and Öhlins front and rear. It was an amazing bike by many measures that I was forced to sell due to an ugly tax error, but I don’t miss it (or the maintenance) nearly as much as I thought I would.

I bought the scooter after visiting my son during his semester in Rome. Romans (and much of the rest of the world) have urban commuting figured out, and it involves thousands of small PTWs. Weather is mostly irrelevant. With a lap skirt, heated vest, and barn-door screen (no ice or snow on the roads) I was commuting when the temp was in the 20s.

For roads with 15-45 mph speed limits the Liberty is exceptional. I don't think you really need anything more. For example, it (and any other capable scooter, i.e. NOT 50cc) is one of the best BRP bikes I can imagine. OTOH, it is completely out of its element on divided highways or the slab, which is why I’m hunting for a California!

The old




The new

[Moparnut72]

If you follow the motorcycling press 300 to 450cc bikes are making big inroads even here in the US.A lot of it is the older crowd, like myself trying to reduce weight one way or another. I haven't mentioned it here but I had a mishap last week that has me rethinking things. Most of all I am looking at reducing weight and bulk. I thought about selling my Mandello even as much as I love the bike. I have decided that my V7lll will now become my tourer. It is much lighter, lower and the cases are much less bulky and lighter to boot. It is much narrower so I won't be stressed to split lanes here in Cali when I get stuck in one of our infamous traffic jams. I waited under a bridge for over an hour last week due to stop and go traffic which due to my injured left leg I couldn't do nor was I comfortable splitting due to the width of my bike and the leg. My side cases are just over 10 lbs apiece. Consequently I am reorganizing things in my mind and while I am recuperating starting with the mini kitchen I carry. As I mentioned I was seriously considering selling my Mandello but seeing`what dealers are selling leftovers for selling it will just result in my taking a bath. I am gonna keep it for day riders with no bags or excess weight. The V7 will fill the touring bill nicely, I don't need to be passing traffic at 100+ mph anymore. So I see a lot more older riders doing the same and smaller lighter bikes fill the bill. When I was younger before huge bikes became the norm I rode a major portion of the country on an R75/5, I don't see why I can't do it again but not as far.
kk

[Tom H]

Remember when the CB750 was a super fast and super powerful bike???

I do have smaller easier to handle bikes as I age, both my Loops fit that. Even the R75's, though a touch tall fit that. My EVT is a bit top heavy, so I worry about a foot slippiing at a stop light and tipping over and not being able to pick it up. My HD is heavy, but carries it's weight well and oddly enough, if it tipped at a light I'm sure I could pick it up.

Would I buy a 250cc something, not likely. When it's time to give up the Loops, it's time for a car or some assisted driver like Uber or the like.

Just my $.02,
Tom

[SIR REAL ED]

There is a lot to like with small bikes, low weight and potentially superior handling being the primary benefits to me. I find most bikes being heavier than they need be, especially cruisers. The 1982 Guzzi V65, with a full tank of gas, was just 410 lbs, way lighter than the 495 lbs Honda CX500 from 1978. The Honda XBR500 single was just as heavy when introduced in 1985, 50 lbs overweight. The Guzzi V7 Classic from 2007 gained 30 lbs, despite its smaller fuel tank now also being made from plastic.

When a 1000cc street legal race rep, fairing, big brakes and an inline four is about 440 lbs, there is no reason for a 400 single to be more than 330 lbs wet. Yet most of them are. Heck, even 300cc single cylinder dual sport bikes weigh more than that. More than the 1983 Honda XL600.

The 600cc CCM Maverick is 325 lbs wet, which is more like it. The Svartpilen 401 is around 365 lbs. Still, the bike I would want if I were young and rich is the Langen 2-stroke 250. 76 hp and just 275 lbs

Right you are.

I remember a bike coming from somewhere near your neck of the woods.  A Highlander?  950cc?  290 pounds?

Disgruntled Husky or Husaberg engineers?

I even had a sales brochure at one time.

Not sure if it was ever produced in significant numbers.

[bronzestar1]

After 40 years of riding, and owning nothing smaller than a 500, I've come to the realization that I have more fun riding a smaller displacement bike fast, than a larger displacement bike slow.  I have a '24 Guzzi V100 Mandello Navale, a '23 V7 Stone Special Edition, and a '24 Triumph Scrambler 400X.  That Scrambler is a lot of fun to ride, especially with a 15-tooth front sprocket and a British Customs exhaust tip.  It's easy to move around in the storage unit, easy to ride, good mpg, riding ergos are good, etc.  I'm making plans to trade in my V7 Stone on a '26 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory, should be another small displacement bike to ride that I'll enjoy. 







 

[michaell32]

I focus on the weight far more than the displacement.  As long as the bike has at least 500cc, it's enough power for me. 

[JJ]

2025 Moto Morini Calibro 700
* 700cc twin cylinder, DOHC, 68 HP, light and sporty...
* 443 pounds...Low seat height...(Both feet flat on the ground...)
* 6-speed, belt-drive, ABS brakes
* 3-year unlimited mileage warranty
* "What's not to like?!"

[blu guzz]

I will add one more observation.
When many of us were new to riding in the 1970s and 80s, there were at least 3 big motorcycle magazines.  Many of us subscribed to or picked up at least one each month.  Some of the truly committed, all 3.  What is the 1 thing they all had in common?  Quarter mile times were king.  Yes, handling was discussed and other aspects, but it was not uncommon to see a picture of what we then thought of as superbikes on the cover with a quarter mile time right there in bold contrasting print.  They knew how to market to a generation of testosterone laden young males.
Where are the magazines today?  Like all print media, very few have survived.
So, today's young men are not being fed a steady diet of quarter mile times so they can think about other things. 
I am so grateful to have been a part of those times - it was huge fun, but things change.
Also, keep in mind how much better today's small bikes are than they were back in the day.  Small bikes mostly got barely passable suspensions, the cheapest tires that could be spooned on, etc.  Today's small bikes are worlds better.
Your points about old men and lighter bikes are spot on of course.

[PeteS]

For those of us that had ridden since we could legally ride on the road its a bell curve of displacements.
Mine runs, 80cc, 350cc, 750cc, 850cc, 1000cc, 1100cc, 1800cc. Current stable is 850, 850, 800, 750, 650.

Thanks to improvement in technology small displacement doesn’t mean poor performance. 400’s now are as capable as 750s were 50 years ago.

Pete

[Tkelly]

Who cares?

[Moparnut72]

For those of us that had ridden since we could legally ride on the road its a bell curve of displacements.
Mine runs, 80cc, 350cc, 750cc, 850cc, 1000cc, 1100cc, 1800cc. Current stable is 850, 850, 800, 750, 650.0

I resemble that statement except that there will probably be a Vespa at the end. After all I started on a Bianchi scooter, displacement unknown now. In addition my V7lll is going to be my new tourer, the Mandello just for day riders.
kk

[twowheeladdict]

For those of us that had ridden since we could legally ride on the road its a bell curve of displacements.
Mine runs, 80cc, 350cc, 750cc, 850cc, 1000cc, 1100cc, 1800cc. Current stable is 850, 850, 800, 750, 650.

Thanks to improvement in technology small displacement doesn’t mean poor performance. 400’s now are as capable as 750s were 50 years ago.

Pete

My cube is a little different.

750cc, 700cc, 500cc, 400cc, 1200cc, 250cc, then arge and small at the same time with 200cc being the smallest, and 1750cc the largest. 

[DoubleGuzzi]

My cube is a little different..

You're weird. 

[faffi]

Right you are.

I remember a bike coming from somewhere near your neck of the woods.  A Highlander?  950cc?  290 pounds?

Disgruntled Husky or Husaberg engineers?

I even had a sales brochure at one time.

Not sure if it was ever produced in significant numbers.

You are correct. I have a brain seizure at this moment and the brand eludes me, but yes, there was a small volume very light 900 or 950 twin made for a short time. The name will come to me, and when it does, I will report back.

[faffi]

Y’all do know this trend started over 4 years ago, right? It’s not the future trend, it’s a growing, current trend. Now that liquid cooling is everywhere, including most of the cheaper thumpers, allowing for 40+ hp, and with magazines having been talking up mid-size ADV bikes, and prices gawddang…

Now, keep in mind—the rest of the world already accepts smaller displacement bikes. It’s North America we’re really talking about.

Living in Europe, that is what experience I draw upon. For instance, in Germany - with no speed limits on their highways back then - for several years the Yamaha SR500 was the number one selling machine. And it was limited to 27PS.

Even in USA, small bikes used to rule many moons ago. In 1968, Honda sold 350.000 of their 350 models - more than the combined number of all bikes sold be the other manufacturers combined. You could perhaps say that small bikes were on a long break Still, haven't bikes like the Suzuki DR-Z400, Kawasaki GPz/Ninja250 and 500, Honda Grom and Rebel 500, and Yamaha TW200 and V-Star250 and Virago 535 sold quite well over quite long periods? 

[faffi]

For those of us that had ridden since we could legally ride on the road its a bell curve of displacements.
Mine runs, 80cc, 350cc, 750cc, 850cc, 1000cc, 1100cc, 1800cc. Current stable is 850, 850, 800, 750, 650.

Thanks to improvement in technology small displacement doesn’t mean poor performance. 400’s now are as capable as 750s were 50 years ago.

Pete

Hm, never thought about it, but the displacement of my motorcycles have jumped more up and down over the years. I probably do not remember them all, but here are from the top of my head:
100, 100, 50, 500, 750, 350, 550, 1100, 400, 250, 500, 650, 500, 1300, 500, 800, 600, 400, 500, 900, 1400, 500, 900, 600, 400, 650, 750, 1100, 650, 650, 800, 1100, 850. I have the two last ones currently.

[Ncdan]

Hm, never thought about it, but the displacement of my motorcycles have jumped more up and down over the years. I probably do not remember them all, but here are from the top of my head:
100, 100, 50, 500, 750, 350, 550, 1100, 400, 250, 500, 650, 500, 1300, 500, 800, 600, 400, 500, 900, 1400, 500, 900, 600, 400, 650, 750, 1100, 650, 650, 800, 1100, 850. I have the two last ones currently.

The average CC of all those bikes would be interesting🤔

[NoDebt]

The average CC of all those bikes would be interesting🤔

= 640.909090909

[Tom H]

Slight thread drift. Interesting on the CC thing. Smallest I have "owned" was a 500cc Honda CB500 from the '70's (think I remember riding some 125-250cc dirt bikes). My current riding fleet is 750cc to 1598cc (HD 96"). Though I'm quite happy with 850-1000cc for my riding (Loops). And then again the EV 1100 is a freeway mile muncher.

Hmmmmm,
Tom

[Brand X]

Small bikes are fun, but sometimes they weight more than the 650 cc bikes In fact my Baby G-310 GS weighs  more than my G-650 X county by 30 + pounds..Little less MPG too..The smaller single cylinder engines generally vibrate less, but since you are spinning them fast its mostly a wash at road speeds..  If the Little Motors handle Up gearing then sometimes that can make them pretty good there.My 390 duke was pretty dang smooth at 70 MPH geared up..Insurance is the same.

[yackee]

The 600cc CCM Maverick is 325 lbs wet, which is more like it. The Svartpilen 401 is around 365 lbs. Still, the bike I would want if I were young and rich is the Langen 2-stroke 250. 76 hp and just 275 lbs

I ride 2-stroke vespas all year long and love them. But I did have to laugh at the review of the Langen (which looks awesome I should add) that said, paraphrasing, "unlike most 2-stroke dedicated race bikes that require the top end to be renewed every 200-300 miles, the service interval for the Langen is 1,800 miles for a piston and ring examination". How many owners are going to pull the head every 2,000 miles?

[Brand X]

Speaking of Maintenance, Had one of these,  Aprilia SXV 550, not sure if many could compete in the area of weight..The BMW Rotax is much more reliable, but not even close for fun..