Many riders are intimidated by the high price points of modern motorcycles, especially if they’re just looking for a reliable bike for daily travel (and don’t mind forgoing the bells and whistles). Mini bikes are a great alternative, with lower costs overall and comparable performance.
Note that not all minimotos are street-legal mini bikes, but models like the Honda Grom and Benelli TNT 135 are ideal for city driving. Other models, like the Coleman CT200U, are better suited for offroading.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best mini bikes you can buy and whether they’re street-legal as-is. We’ll even throw some tips on how to store these mini bikes properly.
Honda Grom: A Cult Classic
- Average Price: $3,599
- Notable Features: 73 MPH top speed, LED head and tail lights, 1.6 gallon fuel tank, 224 lbs curb weight
The Honda Grom has earned its reputation as a cult classic in the world of mini bikes. At the heart of this little dynamo is a 124cc air-cooled engine, which boasts a higher compression ratio and a longer stroke for more power.
Hop on and discover Grom’s new five-speed gearbox, front suspension, and dual rear shocks. You’ll also get to enjoy this bike’s extra cushioned seat, which makes for a comfortable and sprightly ride through cityscapes. But don’t let its size fool you—the Grom packs a punch where it counts. Its braking system, featuring disc brakes with a dual-piston caliper at the front and a rear drum brake with a single-piston caliper, ensures quick stopping power.
Where this mini bike truly shines is in its fuel efficiency. Averaging over 160 miles per gallon, the Grom is gentle on the wallet without skimping on the fun. Overall, the Grom is one of the best street-legal mini bikes on the market.
Kawasaki Z125 Pro: Sporty Sibling to the Grom
- Average Price: $3,649
- Notable Features: 64 MPH top speed, 6 inches of ground clearance, 2 gallon fuel tank, 225 lbs curb weight
If the Honda Grom is the beloved classic of mini bikes, then the Kawasaki Z125 Pro is its sporty sibling. It turns heads with its aggressive headlight design and sharp LED taillight. Its design borrows heavily from its larger sportbike relatives, with distinctive shrouds and a sharp lower cowl that frames its 12-inch cast wheels.
The heart of the Z125 Pro is a 125cc air-cooled engine, delivering a top speed that can hit a breezy 64 mph, backed by a four-speed manual transmission for those who enjoy putting the power right where they need it.
The Z125 Pro has a slightly more aggressive stance and responsive suspension than the Grom, making it a hit among those who prefer a sportier ride.
Honda Monkey: Classic Appeal
- Average Price: $4,299
- Notable Features: 60 MPH top speed, 5-speed transmission, 1.5-gallon fuel capacity, 231 lbs curb weight
The Honda Monkey is not just a mini bike; it’s a nostalgic nod to the carefree spirit of yesteryears. Since its humble beginnings in 1961, the Monkey has evolved from a children’s attraction to a fully-fledged member of the motorcycle world. Today, it boasts a classic design that’s bound to turn heads.
From its iconic round headlight to its chunky tires and side-mounted exhaust, the Monkey proudly carries its history, all the while dressed in vibrant colors like Pearl Nebula Red.
While it may look like a blast from the past, the Monkey doesn’t skimp on modern amenities. The 124cc engine is paired with a five-speed transmission and front-wheel ABS, offering a ride that’s as reliable on city streets as it is on a light trail.
Benelli TNT 135: Italian Flair on a Budget
- Average Price: $3,199
- Notable Features: 70 MPH top speed, electric starter, 1.9-gallon fuel tank, & weighs 255 lbs
The Benelli TNT 135 offers a slice of Italian flair without the hefty price tag. It features a 135cc engine that pushes out 13 HP, edging out competitors like the Grom. The Italian-designed bodywork and steel trellis frame look stylish, but it’s just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the inside.
At a competitive price, the TNT 135 brings some advanced features, such as a full LED light package, dual disk brakes for both front and rear, an underbody muffler with dual exhausts, and a lightweight frame.
This bike is great for intermediate riders who want to zip around town.
Coleman CT200U: Inexpensive and Rugged
- Average Price: $849
- Notable Features: 20 MPH top speed, disc brakes, centrifugal clutch for a smooth ride, weighs 121 lbs
Coleman is known for creating a wide range of outdoor products, including everything from camping gear to water coolers. They also designed one of the most inexpensive mini bikes on the market: the Coleman CT200U.
These minibikes have large low-pressure tires meant for offroading. Plus, their metal fenders are built to endure the rough and tumble of the great outdoors. It has a 196cc engine with fuel injection that delivers torque that can easily propel you across varied terrain.
These bikes aren’t like dirt bikes, as they have far less get-up-and-go and lack the suspension required for rigorous offroading.
The CT200U is not available on Coleman’s website, but they’ve partnered with Amazon and Walmart as their primary retailers for this bike.
Super Cub C125: Honda’s Timeless Icon
- Average Price: $3,899
- Notable Features: 65 MPH top speed, four-speed semi-automatic, 1 gallon fuel tank, 238 lbs
The Honda Super Cub C125 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic design paired with modern functionality. Since its inception in 1958, the Super Cub has become more than just a motorcycle. Now, it’s an icon.
Underneath its timeless exterior lies a 124cc engine, modernized with features like front-wheel ABS and an electric starter. These perks make the Super Cub a reliable choice for today’s riders.
Protect Your Mini Bike with Proper Storage
While minibikes might be smaller than full-blown motorcycles, they still require a good amount of space to store. Even if you’ve chosen the smallest model, you’ll likely need at least a dozen square feet in your garage to store it.
Leaving your mini bike outside or under a carport isn’t advised because temperature changes and unexpected precipitation can wear down the vital components.
If you don’t have room in your garage, thankfully, there’s a way to store your mini bike close to home. Neighbor.com offers a peer-to-peer vehicle storage marketplace with hundreds of local storage options for your bike. All of Neighbor’s hosts are fully vetted, meaning that each location is safe–and often come at prices 50% lower than traditional motorcycle storage options.
