As an Amazon Affiliate DirtBikePlanet.com earns from qualifying purchases.
Grime biking is a riot of enjoyable. Should you’re new to the game (or bear in mind while you first realized) the best bike to trip would be the lightest bike to your weight.
General, the lightest grime bike out there may be the FX5 Mountain Moto. Present 2019 fashions weigh about 132 kilos to 136 kilos relying on the precise mannequin.
There’s a lot to this bike, so lets dive proper into it!
What Makes FX5 Mountain Moto Bike so Mild?
The FX firm makes use of a mix of elements from motocross, mini-motocross, trial bikes, pit bikes, and Enduro. As such, the FX5 Mountain Moto is a unbelievable combo of highly effective path grime bikes and agile mountain bikes.
After all, this bike isn’t as highly effective has a few of its heavier counterparts, and that is smart. In case you are on the lookout for a lightweight bike, then that is clearly primary, however in case you are on the lookout for pace then I might look elsewhere.
The kind of individual that will personal this bike is any person who needs one thing between a mountain bike and a dust bike. You aren’t going to set any pace information, however the bike is so gentle that it might deal with loads of actually fascinating conditions that different grime bikes or mountain bikes can’t.
FX5 Mountain Moto Fashions:
For the FX5 Mountain Moto, three fashions can be found. The three fashions every have a 125 cc 4-stroke engine, a chrome molybdenum metal chassis, and a four-speed auto clutch.
Past this primary, vital similarities, every mannequin has the identical high quality and related light-weight however a number of completely different options.
Metal:
The metal mannequin of the FX5 Mountain Moto weighs about 136 lbs (62 kg) ready-to-ride, which is by far one of many lightest bike weights I’ve ever seen for a dust bike.
This mannequin additionally sports activities an Ollé Shock, metal coil spring. And has an ordinary stage trial fork.
This mannequin, which continues to be superb, solely has one seat/bike colour possibility. However in case you’re not too choosy, this can be the bike for you, being essentially the most economical (at $4,395 from the corporate or much less if purchased used) of the three fashions.
Gold:
The Gold mannequin of the FX5 Mountain Moto bike has a ready-to-ride weight of 134 lbs (61 kg), which is an astounding weight for a dust bike.
This mannequin capabilities with an Ohlins Shock, metal coil spring and a “racing” stage trials fork.
This mannequin has three choices for seat/body coloring, a chrome steel fastener set, and an FX-Works engine improve. these additional options do hike up the value somewhat extra, making this mannequin $7,995. But when these additional options float your boat, the value might be value spending.
Titanium:
The Titanium mannequin is, by far, the lightest of the three fashions or some other bike on the market. It weighs about 132 lbs (60 kg) ready-to-ride.
It has an Ohlins Shock, Titanium coil spring, and a system/tech manufacturing unit trials fork. This mannequin additionally options an FX-Works engine improve, and a titanium fastener set for high quality alternative and modification wants. Carbon fiber handlebars (which is likely one of the lightest supplies used for grime bike merchandise) are sported on this specific mannequin.
At $11,995, this mannequin is the most costly model of the FX5 Mountain Moto. In case you are on the lookout for the lightest, highest performing bike, this mannequin will provide you with the bang to your buck.
Execs and Cons of the FX5 Mountain Moto:
Execs:
In addition to being the lightest bike in the marketplace, the FX5 Mountain Moto can take you locations that bulkier, heavier bikes can’t go.
Due to their light-weight, this bike is straightforward to maneuver over obstacles corresponding to logs or fences when wanted, supplying you with a straighter, centered path to your journey with out having to take a detour.
This bike can be simple to manage. As proven within the overview video under, if you should cease the bike instantly due to an sudden impediment, you possibly can simply put your ft on the bottom and cease the bike sooner quite than chasing after it.
Cons:
The most important cons with this bike that I can see is that this bike doesn’t go as far or as quick as different bikes with larger cc engines.
Should you’re on the lookout for a motorcycle that you could trip for longer and/or on flatter terrain that you simply need to speed up on, the FX5 Mountain Moto going to carry out the best way the most effective in comparison with different bikes for this function.
Why would you desire a lighter bike?
Should you’re a newbie…
In case you are newly beginning out within the grime biking sport, lighter bikes are the best way to go, as a result of they’re simpler to manage. Lighter grime bikes enable you extra flexibility and response time to the obstacles that you’ll come throughout as you’re out driving. Heavier bikes are tougher to show and to cease due to their weight.
Should you’re a brand new grime biker, keep on with bikes between the 125cc and 250cc ranges till you will have gained some extra expertise.
Should you’re a smaller individual…
Typically talking, in case you are a smaller, lighter individual, you’re going to desire a smaller, lighter bike. Not solely will this allow you to management the bike and have an superior time, however you received’t should expend all of your vitality early in your trip.
Consider it this fashion, is it simpler to run with a heavy backpack or with out one? My suggestion is that you simply keep away from any pointless weight in your bike’s construct or provides. Should you’re questioning what bike dimension you need to get to your dimension, right here’s some useful top and bike info.
Should you’re going path driving…
In case you are the sort of one that is concentrated much less on motocross and extra on backcountry path driving, a lighter bike will serve you higher in your adventures.
Trails will be tough, particularly these which can be much less traveled. You’ll most probably come throughout logs, boulders fences and so many different obstacles. However, the excellent news is, lighter bikes permit you to maneuver round these main bumps within the street with higher ease than a heavier bike may handle.
Some riders would possibly discover it essential to carry their bike over a log or a fence with the intention to proceed on their journey. Though lifting a motorcycle over tons of obstacles all through the trip may develop into exhausting, a lighter bike will contribute to much less pressure and extra path freedom for these of us who aren’t Dwayne the Rock Johnson.
Should you’re on the lookout for pace…
Lighter bikes are usually quicker than different bikes. Referring to our backpack analogy, think about you’re working a race. Would you need to be equipped in cumbersome, heavy coaching footwear or in sleeker, lighter spike footwear?
After all, there are different elements to contemplate, corresponding to if the engine is 2-stroke or 4-stroke and what number of cubic centimeters (cc) it’s, in relation to pace. But when your engine is carrying much less weight, it received’t should pressure as laborious to get your machine as much as top-notch pace.
Lighter Bikes with Bigger Engines:
On the subject of pace, you would possibly need to look into bikes with larger cc ranges than the FX5 Mountain Moto. It’s the lightest bike on the market, however there are numerous grime bikes which can be nonetheless gentle whereas carrying larger engines.
After all, it’s vital to remember that your weight can affect how gentle your bike is. You desire a bike that may assist you and not using a downside. Right here’s some extra details about vital features you would possibly need to think about while you’re a heavier or bulkier rider.
250cc
Husqvarna FC 250:
A light-weight 250cc grime bike is the Husqvarna FC 250. It weighs 217.8 lbs (98.8 kg). This bike is heavier than the FX5 Mountain Moto, however it has extra energy and pace than a 125cc making it ideally suited for extra skilled rider’s who desire a lighter bike.
Yamaha YZ250F
The Yamaha YZ250F has a moist weight of 231.5 lbs and a strong engine. This makes it a couple of hundred kilos heavier than the FX5 Mountain Moto, however offers it the chance to assist a 250 cc 2-stroke engine.
This bike is a strong accelerator that makes up its weight with pace. It’s one you would possibly need to look into in case you’re contemplating shopping for a motorcycle that’s gentle weight however filled with energy.
300cc
Honda Montesa 4 Trip
The Honda Montesa 4 Trip is a very gentle 300cc bike. It weighs about 178.6 lbs (81.0 kg), making it solely 42-46 lbs heavier than the FX5 Mountain Moto. That is nonetheless fairly a bit heavier than the lightest bike talked about above however is definitely gentle, spectacular weight for the scale of its engine.
This bike is a superb possibility for extra skilled riders who’re on the lookout for bikes which have extra energy and pace whereas nonetheless protecting it gentle.
Beta Evo 300 Sport
The Beta Evo 300 Sport is a loopy machine with a surprisingly gentle weight at simply 149 lbs dry weight. This bike’s modern aerodynamics and 2-stroke engine give it the vibe of being constructed for pace.
Should you’re on the lookout for a light-weight bike that has a bigger engine than a 250cc however much less bulk than a 450cc, this simply is likely to be the bike for you.
450cc
KTM 450SX-F:
The KTM 450SX-F has been thought-about one of many lightest 450cc bikes in motocross. It has a weight of 220.9 lbs (100.2 kg), which is definitely rather a lot heavier than the FX5 Mountain Moto, however a lot lighter than different 450cc bikes such because the Suzuki RM-Z450 which is 240 lbs (108.9 kg).
For heavier riders who’re on the lookout for a motorcycle that may assist them up a hill and numerous terrain, this bike is an efficient match for pace and power.
Kawasaki KX450
The Kawasaki KX450 has a complete curb weight of 242.4 lbs with the gas ranges above 90% capability. For a 450cc engine, this machine is a slim, gentle bike that’s positive to provide the pace you’re on the lookout for with out being too cumbersome.
Plus, who mentioned it’s a must to have each potential gear and gear on this bike? A great way to maintain the burden down is to be extra selective about what you select to hold with you when you’re driving.
How are you going to make the bike you have already got lighter?
There are a number of methods that you could lower the burden of your bike. After all, relying on how a lot you’re prepared to spend on modifications, you possibly can shrink the general weight by rather a lot. However there are some changes you may make that received’t completely break the financial institution.
Unsprung vs. Sprung Weight:
On the subject of determining learn how to make your personal grime bike lighter, it’s higher to give attention to reducing unsprung weight than sprung weight.
Unsprung Weight:
Unsprung weight consists of every little thing under the bike’s suspension’s springs. This consists of not solely the tires but in addition the fork legs, brake calipers, rims, spokes, rotors, hubs, linkage, tubes, swingarm, and rim locks.
Unsprung weight performs the most important a part of the additional weight and drags your bike can tackle whereas driving. Whereas driving, your unsprung weight will go up into the chassis while you hit the bottom. In case your unsprung weight is lighter, your suspension could have a quicker response time as a result of it received’t be strained by the additional weight.
The heavier the shifting elements in your unsprung weight can have a big effect on how briskly your engine can transfer them. The heavier they’re, the tougher your engine has to work. That’s why reducing the unsprung weight as a lot as you possibly can finally profit you when driving.
Lightening Unsprung Weight:
You can begin eradicating pointless unsprung weight by getting lighter tires that may nonetheless be appropriate to your driving wants. One other good notice is to think about using skinny tubes as an alternative of heavier, thicker ones. It’s the little issues that may make a giant distinction when there are loads of them which can be hooked up to your bike.
Sprung Weight:
Sprung weight is the burden of the higher a part of the bike above the suspension’s springs. It consists of the engine, higher fork tubes, controls, body, shock physique, plastic, and saddle. Briefly, the sprung weight is every little thing that’s a part of the chassis of your grime bike.
Your sprung weight doesn’t have as a lot affect on the full weight of the bike in the course of the efficiency because the unsprung weight does. It is because the sprung weight of your bike is supported by your suspensions springs. Subsequently, while you’re out driving, the springs soak up the affect of the path earlier than the chassis is affected.
Lightening Sprung Weight:
In case you are seeking to take away much more weight after you’ve taken care of the unsprung weight, you possibly can look into modifications to your sprung weight. The most important factor is to keep away from bling except you want it.
Whenever you’re including issues like handguards or skid plates, think about choosing ones which can be made from a lighter materials. I might even look into carbon fiber supplies, which could not even be that costly in comparison with different heavier supplies like alloy.
Conclusion:
The FX5 Mountain Moto is a uniquely gentle efficiency and path bike, however there are additionally a number of nice choices to contemplate when on the lookout for a lighter bike. Not solely are there lighter bikes obtainable for every engine dimension, however it’s also possible to take your personal measures to lower the sprung and unsprung weight of your bike with out having to fork out an excessive amount of cash. No matter you select to work towards, quickly you’ll be driving free of additional weight.
