Jason Stephens | December 21, 2021 | Texas Law
If riding a motorcycle is your passion, one bike may not be enough. After all, motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe it’s time to try something different!
But before you spend money on a new bike, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the laws in Texas. And if you are interested in something smaller, you might want to start with the question, “What’s the smallest street-legal motorcycle?” This post will cover everything you need to know.
A Brief Overview of Texas Motorcycle Laws
Before diving into sizes, let’s cover the basics. To ride a motorcycle on Texas roads, you need these qualifications:
- Pass a Basic Motorcycle Operator Training Course
- 16 years or older
- Pass a written test and a road test (or have an existing Class A license)
Once you have these qualifications, you’ll be able to obtain a motorcycle license. Your bike must have these pieces of safety equipment:
- Exhaust system
- Brake lights and tail lights
- A valid vehicle identification number
- License plate lamp
- Operational brake system
- Mirrors
- Horn
- Rear red reflector
Make sure you’re riding with a helmet, too.
From there, you actually have a lot of flexibility in the type of vehicle you choose. As long as the motorcycle has an engine with 50cc or higher, you should be good to go.
Most motorcycle manufacturers make bikes with street legality in mind. So if you are buying a vehicle from a reputable manufacturer, it is likely street legal.
A List of the Best (and Smallest) Street-Legal Motorcycles
If you are new to the world of small street motorcycles, there’s a lot to cover. Remember, this is a list of the smallest bikes that are street legal. You can go smaller, but just don’t expect to ride your motorcycle on public roads if you do.
The Honda Z50 Monkey
Honda is a reliable brand in general. So if you’re looking for a safe bet, the Z50 Monkey is a great place to start. Plus, its retro design makes it a classy investment.
The engine is fuel injected and 125 cc. Plus, it has a self-cooling mechanism via an air-cooled single cylinder. The Z50 Monkey has a seat height of 776 mm and is 1710 mm in length. It’s lightweight and easy to ride.
The Kawasaki Z125 Pro
This bike is another with a 125 cc engine. But the Kawasaki Z125 Pro has a much sportier look than the Z50 Monkey, which sets it apart. The engine is also four-stroke and fuel injected. So on this bike, you’ll have pretty good control and fairly decent fuel economy as well.
The Zero FXS Electric Motorcycle
Electricity is the fuel of the future. So if you’re looking for a modern investment, consider the Zero FXS. It’s perfect for commuters, whether they travel on city streets or highways. Plus, it weighs less than 300 lbs, which makes it nimble and easy to store.
Call an Attorney if You Have an Accident
Riding your new mini bike should be fun and exhilarating. But it’s important to follow safe practices when riding. Make sure that you wear protective gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, long pants, and sunglasses.
Because motorcycles can be harder for other drivers to see, riders are at increased risk of a motorcycle accident. If you’re injured in an accident caused by another driver, make sure to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000