If you wanted a small bike, what would it be?

well my younger brother has a Triumph T-200 and a Monkey

and my one nephew has a BMW 600, a KTM 790 a KTM 890 and a Grom

The other has an NC 750X and a Big Ruckus 250

they have what they call small bike days where they go out on backroads and ride around at 35-45 mph. They say it's a blast. I'm not ready for small bike days yet.

my wife and I did have a pair of 400 Majesty Scooters that were really cool

luQEVHi.jpg
 
they have what they call small bike days where they go out on backroads and ride around at 35-45 mph. They say it's a blast. I'm not ready for small bike days yet.
I can ride at 35-45mph whenever I feel like it, on my 1250 AND on my 1300.
On the interstates, I usually don't feel like it.
I don't need a small bike to ride slowly.
 
Small is as small feels. My first "big" bike was a 750-K4 after my 305 CL77. Then I went to the GL1000. THAT was big. A neighbor bought a 750-K5 and asked my to ride it home for him. Then THAT was small.

So yeah "small" is subjective. But 650 bikes are typically significantly smaller and lighter than ST class bikes so I'm not surprised at they're being a popular choice for "small". I've only owned Hondas (well one Duc) so I don't know about other bikes. But with a few type exceptions Honda seems to be married to a 30-31" seat height.

I'm not really ready to replace my ST for a small or smaller or smallest bike just yet.
"Replace" is a bad word. "Add" is a good word.
 
I can ride at 35-45mph whenever I feel like it, on my 1250 AND on my 1300.
On the interstates, I usually don't feel like it.
I don't need a small bike to ride slowly.
Yes but a 720 lb bike isn't much fun just riding at 45 mph tops. It will do it yes but it's a lot more fun on something 400 lbs less and nimble as can be.
 
I can ride at 35-45mph whenever I feel like it, on my 1250 AND on my 1300.
On the interstates, I usually don't feel like it.
I don't need a small bike to ride slowly.
My ST1100 doesn't mind speeds that low at all or much faster ones. Really a flexible bike which is why I like it so much.

I still think that my ST1100 is generally overkill for the little rough one-ish lane roads around here. Like squirrel hunting with a Barrett 50 cal. when a .22 will suffice.
 
EVERY garage needs a Grom!

But alas, you are in Texas Hill Country and you DEF need to clock at least 70 mph to avoid a stressful ride. I grew up in Kerrville area and recently rode through on my 250l Rally which would be the smallest bike I would suggest. Plus it being a dual sport, means you are not bound to the tarmac and there are PLENTY of gravel and caliche clay roads to ride and explore.
 

Attachments

  • PXL_20260329_192435838.jpg
    PXL_20260329_192435838.jpg
    163.6 KB · Views: 8
  • PXL_20260509_185900634.jpg
    PXL_20260509_185900634.jpg
    174.4 KB · Views: 8
  • PXL_20260224_212403161.jpg
    PXL_20260224_212403161.jpg
    163.1 KB · Views: 8
  • PXL_20260221_181647336.jpg
    PXL_20260221_181647336.jpg
    253.8 KB · Views: 8
Last edited:
But... If you don't want to deal with a tall seated dual sport all the time might I recommend a classic.. the VT500, V twin power and sound, shaft drive simplicity and Honda reliability.
 
EVERY garage needs a Grom!

But alas, you are in Texas Hill Country and you DEF need to clock at least 70 mph to avoid a stressful ride. I grew up in Kerrville area and recently rode through on my 250l Rally which would be the smallest bike I would suggest. Plus it being a dual sport, means you are not bound to the tarmac and there are PLENTY of gravel and caliche clay roads to ride and explore.
A 300 Rally would work. I only need to go 70 in a few places. I wouldn't dare ride it on 16 to Fredericksburg.
 
But... If you don't want to deal with a tall seated dual sport all the time might I recommend a classic.. the VT500, V twin power and sound, shaft drive simplicity and Honda reliability.
Only problem with classic Hondas is availability of parts. NLA is their middle name.
 
Sourcing parts is half the fun.. it expands your network and you meet some cool heads along the way
I had a 1992 Nighthawk and yes it was classic cool and elicited comments at bike night but waiting at times weeks for parts was no bueno. Old rubber and plastic parts ughh.
 
Back
Top Bottom