You can expect an average motorcycle weight to be about 400 pounds (181 kg). Most lightweight motorcycle trailers also weigh about 300 pounds (136 kg).
The average motorcycle weight with trailer is around 700 pounds (318 kg).
In addition, the weigh of fuel is about 6.3 (2.9 kg) pounds per gallon of gas. Fuel tanks can range from sizes of 2 to 8 gallons, or 5 as a median size. When considering the weight of fuel, you can expect on average a full tank of gas to add 32 pounds (15 kg).
When looking at specs for different motorcycles, the weight will also be listed as dry or wet weight. Dry weight refers to only the frame without fuel. When the gas tank is full, that is known as wet weight.
For pulling motorcycles, it's recommended to use a vehicle (truck or car) that can tow at least 1,000 pounds. This would be for a towing a single motorcycle and trailer.
Make sure to check your vehicle's towing capacity. This can be found in your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website as your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
*All of the numbers given vary depending on the motorcycle type and trailer size.
Types of motorcycles (with their weight)
Depending on the type of your motorcycle, you can expect a wide variation in weight. The following list goes over the average weights of each different type of motorcycle.
#1 - Moped: 160-180 lbs (73-82 kg)
The moped comes in as one of the lightest "motorcycles" you can get. At only 160 to 180 pounds you can bring this anywhere. If you've got some muscle, you could easily lift this up stairs or into an apartment.
#2 - Scooter: 200-300 lbs (91-136 kg)
Coming in as a beefier version of the moped, the scooter weighs anywhere from 200 to 300 pounds on average. Some heavier models can even weigh up to 400 or 500 pounds for handling bumpier roads.
#3 - Cafe Racer or Scrambler: 400-500 lbs (181-227 kg)
The scrambler or cafe racer style motorcycle is like a small tank. The average weight can be anywhere from 400 to 500 pounds. The newer Ducati's tend to weigh more than a vintage bike. Although, this depends on add-ons and power.
#4 - Cruiser: 400-700 lbs (181-318 kg)
Cruiser motorcycles have the widest range of different weights. The average cruiser weighs in around 450 to 500 pounds. However, most Harley Davidson's can come in at 650 to even 700 pounds at the heaviest.
#5 - Bagger: 700 to 850 lbs (318-385 kg)
Bagger motorcycles weigh anywhere from 700 to 850 pounds on average. One of the heaviest bikes available, the bagger also has some rear storage which can add to the overall weight.
#6 - Sport Bike: 300-500 lbs (136-227 kg)
Sport bikes come in as a mid range weight bike, weighing in from 300 to 500 pounds. They have little storage, freeing up weight to maximize for speed and aerodynamics on the road. Weight varies most depending on engine size in these.
#7 - Touring: 800-1,000 lbs (363-454 kg)
The touring motorcycles have all the bells and whistles, which creates very heavy bikes. Touring motorcycles can weigh from 800 to 1,000 pounds on average. These bikes are some of the heaviest motorcycles you can buy.
#8 - Dirt Bike: 100-250 lbs (45-113 kg)
Dirt bikes come in as of the lighter "motorcycles" available. They range in different sizes with kids dirt bikes at about 100 to 150 pounds, and adult bikes at about 250 pounds for the heaviest. You can read more in our dirt bike weight and towing guide.
#9 - Adventure Bike: 500-650 lbs (227-294 kg)
A more road-fit version of the dirt bike would be the adventure bike. These bikes weigh a bit more at around 500 to 650 pounds. Depending on if your ADV bike has cargo storage can affect your total weight.
#10 - Chopper: 650-720 lbs (295-327 kg)
Clocking in as one of the heavier motorcycles, the chopper weighs anywhere from 650 to 720 pounds. Many older or vintage models can tend to weigh more based on the construction methods and styles of the time.
10 Example Motorcycle Weights
The following chart features example motorcycle weights of specific models ranging from the lightest to heaviest used on the road. Additional details can be found on the manufacturer's websites. Here's the motorcycle weight chart:
Motorcycle Model | Motorcycle Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Honda Metropolitan | Moped | 179 pounds (81 kg) |
Honda CRF250 | Dirt Bike | 224 pounds (102 kg) |
Honda PCX | Scooter | 289 pounds (131 kg) |
Suzuki GSX-R750 | Sport Bike | 419 pounds (190 kg) |
Cafe Racer Ducati | Scrambler | 432 pounds (196 kg) |
Tiger Explorer XR | Adventure Bike | 538 pounds (244 kg) |
Harley Davidson Soft-ail Fat Boy | Cruiser | 699 pounds (317 kg) |
Yamaha Raider S | Chopper | 719 pounds (326 kg) |
Harley Davidson Touring Street Model | Bagger | 829 pounds (376 kg) |
Indian Roadmaster | Touring | 920 pounds (417 kg) |
Additional Weight and Trailer Options
The additional weight you will encounter with a motorcycle will come from a few areas. Those areas being storage, add-ons, and gasoline (wet weight).
If you do not have a truck or open bed to toss your motorcycle in, then trailers are a good option. This also creates an additional weight to consider when towing and traveling with your motorcycle.
Make sure to refer to your vehicle's owners manual and read the section on towing capacity. It's always safer to leave some extra wiggle room to not damage your engine. Here's a few trailers that can tow motorcycles along with their listed weights:
Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier - 33.5 lbs with 400 lb. capacity
This lightweight aluminum trailer can carry anything from a dirt bike, moped, or scooter.
The trailer has a self-supporting ramp to make it easy for loading and unloading bikes.
Many people find them to work well without problems at a good price point.
Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Carrier - 98 lbs with 600 lb. capacity
This heavy duty steel trailer can carry anything from a sport bike, heavy scooter, scrambler, or standard motorcycle.
This trailer also has a self-supporting ramp to make it easy for loading and unloading bikes.
Many found it to be a compact transport solution for towing their motorcycle.
RHINO USA Ratchet Tie Down Straps
When buying a hitch trailer for your motorcycle, you'll also need a way to secure it to the trailer.
These straps are easy to tighten down and quite smooth to use.
Having a pair of good quality straps will save your motorcycle tumbling down the highway.
To Conclude
Motorcycles will give a fun mode of transportation on many different areas of terrain. Each different type also comes with it's own weights based on it's purpose and use.
It's important to know the correct weight when looking to tow and transport your bike. If you're unsure and want specific weights, you can always check the manufacture's website or go to a local cat scale to get a more accurate weight.