When you need a machine to do it all, it’s hard to beat the undoubted charm of a race car. The recipe is simple and usually no more than slapping a high-mounted exhaust, high fenders, and lumpy rubber on your average cruiser. Don’t confuse them with off-road vehicles, but by improving the key factors of ground clearance and traction, street racing cars are amazingly capable and, above all, fun! Not to mention the claim you made a ride.
Today, we are spoiled for choice in the crypto car market, so before you sign the dotted line, you should consider a few key factors. In addition to the usual bike buying considerations, you should take into account the balance between the terrain and the terrain you’re aiming for, and whether your dream machine is more mentally solid or practical. . Engine size is another important factor, as more displacement will get you there faster, but at the expense of weight and ground clearance. And on top of that, it’s pricing and availability.
These six under 650 cc race bikes all exhibit great fun and manageable weight, while being cheaper than larger bikes of the same class.
Brixton Crossfire 500 XC A bold mix of new and old, Brixton Crossfire 500 XC repeats everything we love in a modern racing car. Much of its mechanics comes from the street-riding Crossfire 500, including the chassis, KYB suspension that can be adjusted at both ends, and a 47-horsepower twin 486 cc engine. Accordingly, it weighs about 430 pounds, but it is in the details that the rugged nature of the 500 XC begins to shine.
Strong Pirelli Scorpion rubber keeps things on track and the 19/17-inch, spoked outer wheels are particularly eye-catching. A variety of armor has been added to the vehicle in key areas, including engine skids, radiator guards, crash bars and headlight guards. The exhaust system is completely stainless, but seems a bit vulnerable at the bottom.
The ergonomics of a classic race bike, with its slim full-length saddle and mid-height crossbars, and its large 3.6-gallon fuel tank allowing for longer off-road excursions. The lighting is nicely done, pairing a classic-looking round LED at the front, with small indicators and hidden taillights, and the number plate is an interesting touch.
With a reported top speed of over 100 mph and a Bosch ABS system, the Brixton combines its off-road performance with top-notch on-road behavior. The MSRP for Brixton costs around $8,400, which is on the higher end of the spectrum. Brixton motorcycles are sold throughout Western Europe, East Asia and South America, but unfortunately there aren’t any dealers in North America at this time. [Brixton]
Royal Enfield Scram 411 Based on the famous Himalayan adventure bike, Royal Enfield Scram 411 is an affordable air-cooled Scrambler with a big personality. It closely resembles the transparent Himalayan, but is sportier designed for road and dirt use.
For starters, the 19-inch rear wheel replaces the Himalayan’s 21-inch front wheel for better off-roading. The ADV’s front rack has been removed in favor of a smaller size pack and cover, and the new one-piece saddle has the traditional appeal of sports cars.
Scram’s mechanics are quite handy. Its air-cooled 411 cc SOHC engine makes 24hp at the crankshaft and the transmission is a 5-speed base. Considering its low 31-inch saddle height and manageable 408-pound curb weight, the Scram 411 is well-suited for entry-level riders.
Scram won’t wow you with bells and whistles, or big-name components, but it’s the perfect machine to launch on a tight budget. Its MSRP is just $5,099, making it more affordable than most other bikes in the category and likely to appeal to both dual sport and entry-level street bikers. enter. [Royal Enfield]
Honda CL500 Honda didn’t invent racing cars, but it’s hard to think of a company that has built up more over the years. The latest chapter in Honda’s racing history is based on the familiar Rebel 500 platform and bears the iconic CL name.
The modern Honda Rebel is instantly recognizable thanks to its extremely low saddle height and high fuel tank, placing it firmly in bobber territory. It needed a completely redesigned rear subframe to raise the saddle and reposition the twin rear shock absorbers, and the CL500 excels with a slim, full-length saddle. The latches have been moved to the rear and the shape of the fuel tank has also been changed.
To increase ground clearance, Honda removed the Rebel’s 16-inch wheels, replacing them with 19-inch front wheels and 17-inch rear wheels. No Scrambler is complete without the CL500’s high-mounted muffler, and 2-in-1 exhaust adds a huge visual impact — even if it takes up some ground clearance.
From Honda CL500 Equipped with only a radiator guard, it’s less off-road than other products, but scores Honda’s respectable build quality. The 471 cc DOHC twin engine is still reliable and produces 46 hp through a six-speed transmission. The MSRP costs $7,450 and the bike is available in Europe, the UK, and Asia. [Honda]
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a powerful tool from Husqvarna that has pushed the KTM Duke platform to the next level. With a stout body and a 373 cc single engine, the Svartpilen is an urban warrior that will take you beyond the confines of the city.
Starting from the road Husqvarna Vitpilen (and KTM Duke), the Svartpilen 401 adds Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber and taller bars to this proven street platform. The unique color scheme and the fuel tank holder make it even more distinct from the Vitpilen. Based on a steel trellis frame, the bike weighs just 335 pounds.
The Svartpilen struggles a bit with ground clearance and off-road protection, but has proven WP Apex suspension front and rear, and a powerful, 373 cc single-cylinder engine that delivers power. 43 hp. The standard six-speed transmission also comes with a slip-resistant clutch and an easy-shift sensor, allowing clutch-free gearshifts.
Even so, the Husqvarna name costs more, and the Svartpilen 401 starts at around $7,200. [Husqvarna]
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR Translated six and a half hours from Italian, Seiemmezzo is a 649 cc bike platform from the recently revived version Brand Moto Morini. In addition to the street-ready STR model, the company also unveiled the Seiemmezzo SCR race car, boasting 61 hp and nearly 40 lb-ft of torque.
The Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR based on a steel trellis frame, with adjustable front and rear suspension and reverse travel fork. DOHC, liquid-cooled 650 comes from CFMoto and creates great power for this car. In the style of racing cars, the Seiemmezzo SCR sets itself apart with its tall collapsible saddle, wire wheels, taller bars and high mounted fenders.
Since the SCR is relatively new to the scene, you’ll likely be the only one riding this one, and this bike has great neoclassical appeal. However, with significantly more displacement, the SCR is a heavier bike at 440 pounds and retails for nearly $8,680. With its recent entry into the United States, Moto Morini bikes are already available in the states and countries adjacent to their headquarters in Italy. An Asian dealer network is also said to be active. [Moto Morini]
Fantic Caballero rally 500 Remember when we said you shouldn’t mistake a Scrambler for an off-road vehicle? Yes, the Fantic Caballero rally 500 may have to be an exception, and we’re here for it. The Caballero combines the timeless looks of the Scrambler range with legal off-road equipment, taking the Scrambler market to the next level. If dirt is your favorite playground, this is the playground for you.
Unlike most race cars, the Fantic Caballero starts with a dedicated all-terrain platform, consisting of a chrome steel tubular chassis, 43mm upside-down forks and an aluminum rear swingarm. The suspension is adjustable at both ends and offers 8 inches of travel, which is competitive even in the performance dual sport scene. Peak power is rated at 40 hp, thanks to a liquid-cooled 449 cc four-valve engine sourced from Zongshen. The transmission is a standard six-speed.
To adjust the ground for scrambler use, Fantic equips the Caballero with a classic 3.2-gallon gas tank and a slim scrambler saddle, and you still get the passenger latches! Tall fenders are mounted front and rear, and the Caballero is also equipped with engine skids, radiator guards and headlight guards. The double-ended exhaust is made by Arrow in Italy, and although it may be a bit exposed up front, the wow factor certainly makes up for that.
The Fantic’s Caballero 500 Rally is a classic bike, in a league of its own. The higher end market price is around $9,100 and this bike seems to be available only in parts of Europe. [Fantic]
