As an off-road enthusiast or ATV rider, understanding the weight differences based on engine size is crucial for making informed decisions. It directly impacts your ATV’s performance, maneuverability, and transportation convenience. If you want to know which ATV is the lightest out there based on engine size, then this article is a threat for you.
The short answer is this! The lightest ATV currently available on the market is typically one with an engine capacity of 250cc, particularly in the sport model category. On average, a 250cc ATV weighs around 410 pounds.
A prime example of this lightweight ATV for adults is the Honda TRX 250EX, which weighs approximately 360 pounds. Another option is the Yamaha YFZ 450, weighing in at about 350 pounds. It’s worth noting that quad bikes with lower cc capacities, such as 50cc to 90cc, are generally designed for children and will be the lightest options available.
This article explores the intriguing relationship between weight and engine size, equipping you with the essential information to make well-informed decisions for your thrilling off-road adventures. Keep reading to gain valuable insights that can enhance your ATV experience!
Weight by Engine Size: A Breakdown of Light ATVs
Here is an overview of various engine sizes and their corresponding weights, highlighting some notable models in each category.
1. 350cc ATVs
There are light ATVs available with a 350cc engine, averaging around 490 pounds. The Yamaha Raptor 350 weighs 375 pounds, while the Arctic Cat 350 is the heaviest in this category, weighing 588 pounds.
2. 450cc ATVs
Considered light in the market, 450cc ATVs typically weigh around 520 pounds. In this class, there are two categories: sports models and utility models. Sport models are lighter, weighing sometimes even 400 pounds or less. The Yamaha YFZ 450 is the lightest in this class, weighing about 350 pounds. On the other hand, utility models are heavier, ranging between 500 and 700 pounds. An example is the Polaris Sportsman 450.
3. 700cc ATVs
In the class of 700cc ATVs, the Yamaha Raptor 700R stands out as the lightest, weighing just 396 pounds. However, the Arctic Cat 700 Diesel takes the cake for being the heaviest at a whopping 809 pounds. On average, 700cc ATVs weigh around 645 pounds. In the 700-1000cc class, most ATVs fall between 500 and 700 pounds.
Why Look for a Lighter ATV
Many people will prefer purchasing a light ATV for their recreation, sports or just riding around. These are some of the reasons why a lighter one is preferred by many.
• Light ATVs are easier to push
In case of something like a breakdown, you will be able to push the ATV to the nearest service station. Unlike a heavy one where you will be forced to leave it. Supposing you were alone in the forest hunting and the quad bike broke down. If it’s a heavy one then you will have to leave it there to go looking for help if you can’t tow it. This, of course, puts your bike in danger of theft if left unattended or someone to look after it.
• With light ATVs you can handle easier while riding
A light ATV will also be easy to take control and even in muddy areas, it will be easy to try to maneuver your way out unlike a heavy quad bike. With a light bike, you will be able to take on sharp bends with a lot of ease since you can be able to tilt and lean a bit.
• Light ATVs are easier to maintain
There are a few things you could check out on a light ATV, unlike a heavy one. The heavy ATV will mean that its internal structure and components are bigger, heavier, and harder to deal with. It’s harder to lift a heavy ATV out of the mud for instance. Or pick up the front and put it on a jack stand to work on.
• Light ATVs are faster
A lighter ATV is ideal for sports racing as the lightness property makes it able to move very fast. A heavy one will derail fast movements because of the weight it carries with it.
Uses of Light ATVs
Light ATVs are mostly used for sporting activities. Most of these bikes will have a capacity of 250cc to 700cc. They have great suspensions that can handle turns, bumps, and high jumps by the ATV. These sports quads are highly modified to fit the activities. These lighter quads are designed to handle the stress of racing without tipping over so easily
A light ATV will also be very ideal for trick riders who perform tricks for a living or just for recreational purposes. A light quad bike will easily do a flip, but with a heavy one, you can be sure that is not possible. Heavy ATVs will be an issue even just lifting the front end, it will not bend for certain degrees lest it topples over possibly injuring the rider. The ATV has to be very light so that the owner will be able to perform multiple tricks over and over again.
Lawn raking of your garden or backyard could also require a light ATV. The lawn rake uses no fuel and gets dragged by the ATV. You will only be required to pull the rake over the area you need to be cleared. If you get a heavy ATV then it will destroy your garden with huge tracks left behind after the raking is complete. Therefore a light ATV will be very useful in such an instance even for your backyard.
Light ATVs by Engine Size
In this section of this article, we are going to see the lightest ATVs according to their engine. It is obvious by now that the smaller the engine the lighter the ATV. So the ATVs with an engine capacity of 250cc are the lightest excluding the kids’ ATVs.
The Suzuki LT250R is the lightest one with an engine capacity of 250cc. This ATV was built between 1985 and the year 1992. It has good handling and is easy to ride while it also has a lightweight frame. Some of the features of this ATV are:
• Manual transmission, the clutch is also present.
• Powerful lightweight engine.
• It has hydraulic disc brakes and also a chain drive.
There is also the CAN-AM DS 250. This ATV is sporty and can be used for sporting activities. It has an engine capacity of 249.4cc. The quad bike also has an automatic CVT transmission that has a chain final drive. It has an A-arm suspension that houses adjustable shocks. The front shocks do have travel inches of 5.5 while the rear provides 6.7 inches.
I once owned a 2 stroke Yamaha Blaster 200cc. That quad was light and quick. Wheelies were too easy, you could pop up the front end without even trying.
Bottom Line
We have covered some of the light ATVs and discussed how they could be useful to you. If you prioritize easier transportation, you may prefer lighter ATVs. On the other hand, heavier ATVs offer more power and are better suited for tasks like winching and towing. However, for you, the lightest ATVs on the market are typically those with an engine capacity of 250cc, such as the Suzuki LT250R and the Honda TRX 250EX. It’s important to note that anything lighter than that is primarily intended for children. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right ATV for you.
As always ride safe. Check out the recommended section of this site to see my top-rated safety gear.
Thanks for reading to the end!