The 2024 Bike EXIF guide to street-legal mini bikes
There’s a unique joy in riding a mini bike that instantly brings back childhood memories. But the appeal of the mini moto scene goes beyond nostalgia. These bikes are not just fun for leisure; they’re practical for navigating urban environments and developing riding skills. Their low seat heights, user-friendly ergonomics, and manageable power make them excellent entry points into motorcycling for beginners.
Whether you’re a new rider aiming for your motorcycle license or simply seeking a more exciting way to commute, the 2024 Street Legal Mini Bikes prove that thrilling rides can indeed come in small packages.
2025 Honda Grom
2025 Honda Grom: The Quintessential Street Legal Mini Bike
At a glance 124 cc, air-cooled four-stroke single, 9.7 hp, 10.4 Nm, standard 5-speed, 12-inch alloy wheels, 31 mm inverted fork, disc brakes.
Nearly a decade after its introduction, the Honda Grom remains central to any discussion about street legal mini bikes. Its distinctive and customizable nature has ensured its lasting popularity, and Honda has refreshed this iconic mini bike with a comprehensive update for 2025.
The Grom has always prioritized fun and accessibility, blending sporty aesthetics with compact dimensions and a low 30-inch seat height. Its fuel-injected, 124 cc four-stroke engine paired with a five-speed transmission provides predictable and manageable performance for new riders. It comfortably reaches a top speed of around 60 mph, making it suitable for city riding and backroad adventures.
2025 Honda Grom
Key features like the inverted fork, disc brakes, 12-inch wheels, and passenger pegs have become standard in the street legal mini bike category, largely thanks to the Grom. Suspension travel is approximately 4 inches [101.6 mm], typical for this class, meaning larger bumps will be noticeable. The Grom weighs 223 pounds ready to ride, boasts an impressive fuel economy of 166 mpg, and has a 1.6-gallon fuel tank.
In surfing terms, a “grom” is a young, promising amateur. This benchmark mini bike lives up to its name, offering thrills for riders of all skill levels. Built with Honda’s renowned quality and supported by a vast aftermarket, the Grom is set to remain a leading street legal mini bike for years to come. [Honda | Honda Grom customs]
2024 Benelli TNT 135
2024 Benelli TNT135: Italian Flair in a Street Legal Mini Package
At a glance 135 cc, air/oil-cooled four-stroke single, 11.3 hp, 7.4 Nm, standard 5-speed, 12-inch alloy wheels, 41 mm inverted fork, disc brakes.
The Benelli TNT135 combines sharp European styling with affordability, representing a successful blend of Italian design and Chinese manufacturing. More than just an alternative to the Grom, the TNT135 shows influences from Benelli’s 302S model, evident in its trellis frame and sleek bodywork.
Power comes from a 135 cc air/oil-cooled, four-valve engine producing just over 11 hp, coupled with a standard five-speed transmission. While similar in size to the Grom, the Benelli TNT135 features a more robust 41 mm inverted fork with 4.7 inches [120 mm] of travel. You’ll notice the extra 30 pounds of weight, but the TNT135 compensates with a larger fuel tank and a generally more substantial feel in key areas.
2024 Benelli TNT 135
The Benelli TNT135 stands out with its integrated turn signals, projector headlight, and twin-tip exhaust. While unchanged for the current year, it remains one of the most budget-friendly street legal mini bikes in its class, available in four vibrant colors.
In the US, the Benelli TNT135 is available through SSR’s dealer network. [Benelli]
2024 Honda Navi
2024 Honda Navi: The Accessible and Affordable Street Legal Mini Moto
At a glance 109 cc, air-cooled four-stroke single, 7.9 hp, 8.9 Nm, CVT automatic, 12”F/10”R steel wheels, 27 mm inverted fork, drum brakes.
The street legal mini moto market has seen significant growth recently, but manual transmissions and higher prices can still deter new riders. The Honda Navi addresses these barriers by offering simple twist-and-go operation, Honda’s trusted reliability, and a very accessible price point under $2,000 in the US. It’s an ideal gateway into the world of two-wheeled street legal fun.
2024 Honda Navi
Is the Navi a motorcycle or a scooter? It blurs the lines. Its upright ergonomics and CVT automatic transmission are scooter characteristics, yet its controls and overall feel are more akin to Honda’s mini moto lineup. It’s also more powerful than most scooters, with a 109 cc air-cooled engine producing 7.9 hp and reaching speeds over 50 mph.
The Navi is surprisingly well-equipped for its price, featuring electric start with a kick-starter backup, a 15-liter storage compartment, and a two-up seat with passenger pegs. Available in four vibrant colors, the Navi’s fit and finish belie its affordable price. Honda is also emphasizing customization for the Navi, as seen with this striking custom Navi from Steady Garage.
2024 Honda Navi Custom
If you’re critical, the Navi’s 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels and suspension travel (3.5” front, 2.8” rear [88.9 mm F, 71.1 mm R]) mean you’ll feel road imperfections more. However, these specs are typical for the class. It features drum brakes, which are linked when using the foot brake, and testers confirm they are adequate for the bike’s performance. [Honda]
2024 Kawasaki Z125 Pro
2024 Kawasaki Z125 Pro: The Sporty Street Legal Mini Bike Rival
At a glance 125 cc, air-cooled four-stroke single, 8.3 hp, 7.1 Nm, standard 4-speed, 12-inch alloy wheels, inverted fork—3.9″ stroke, disc brakes.
Since its 2015 debut, the Kawasaki Z125 Pro has been a direct competitor to the Grom in the street legal mini bike market. Online debates abound regarding which is superior, but the Z125 Pro is undeniably built for mini moto performance with comfortable ergonomics and sporty dimensions.
The Kawasaki Z125 Pro boasts a refined level of fit and finish, with more complete fairings and a sporty, full-length seat suitable for a passenger. The 31.7-inch seat height is slightly taller than the Grom, which is advantageous for larger riders. Suspension travel is roughly 4 inches [101.6 mm] at both ends, and the bike weighs 224 pounds with a full 2-gallon fuel tank.
2024 Kawasaki Z125 Pro
Kawasaki’s 125 cc engine is fuel-injected and paired with a four-speed transmission, producing 8.3 hp and reaching around 65 mph. While slightly less powerful and with one less gear than the Grom, the Z125 Pro’s sporty 46-inch wheelbase, lower gearing, and rev-happy engine make it arguably more engaging on twisty roads.
The Z125 Pro is available in three striking color schemes but is otherwise unchanged from the 2023 model. [Kawasaki]
2024 CAKE Makka flex
2024 CAKE Makka: The Electric and Eco-Friendly Street Legal Mini Bike
At a glance interior permanent magnet motor, 1.55 kW, 60 Nm, direct drive (hub motor), removable 31 Ah lithium battery, 14-inch spoked wheels, telescoping—3.54″ stroke, disc brake.
For those seeking a simpler, cleaner alternative, the CAKE Makka offers easy electric commuting with plug-and-play convenience, eliminating the need for oil changes and gasoline. This sophisticated electric street legal mini bike is a practical and eco-conscious choice.
The Makka is one of the most adaptable electric options available, featuring a clean step-through design, street legality, and extensive customization possibilities. Significantly lighter than gas-powered minis at 154 pounds, its 1.55 kW motor provides a range of 41 miles and a top speed of 28 mph.
2024 CAKE Makka flex
The Makka includes regenerative braking and multiple riding modes, allowing riders to optimize between top speed and battery life. A full charge from empty takes three hours using a standard household outlet, and the lithium battery pack is easily removable for convenient charging or swapping.
2024 CAKE Makka flex
While primarily designed for urban commuting, the Makka features surprisingly robust components for light off-road use, including a 6061-T6 aluminum frame, 14-inch Kenda trials tires, tapered handlebars, and long-travel suspension. CAKE also offers a wide range of accessories to tailor the Makka to individual needs and preferences, such as surf racks, top boxes, passenger seats, and stylish windscreens. [CAKE]
2024 CFMOTO XO Papio Racer
2024 CFMOTO XO Papio Racer: Retro Sportbike Charm in a Street Legal Mini Size
At a glance 126 cc, air-cooled four-stroke single, 9.4 hp, 9.2 Nm, standard 6-speed, 12-inch alloy wheels, 150 mm ground clearance, disc brakes.
Combining classic sportbike looks with a compact mini moto form factor is a recipe for instant appeal—think of the iconic Yamaha YSR50. CFMOTO drew inspiration from Yamaha in designing the 2024 XO Papio Racer (known as the Papio SS in the US). While mechanically similar to the Papio ST, the XO Papio Racer’s captivating aesthetics make it truly distinctive.
2024 CFMOTO XO Papio Racer
The Papio platform uses a steel frame around a 126 cc, air-cooled engine with Bosch EFI. A standard six-speed transmission maximizes the Papio Racer’s 9.4 hp and 6.8 lb-ft of torque, and the 12-inch alloy wheels are equipped with disc brakes and standard ABS. As approachable as any street legal mini bike in this group, the Papio Racer’s seat is just 29.9 inches high, and it weighs 251 pounds.
2024 CFMOTO XO Papio Racer
While the mechanicals are solid, it’s the visual package that truly sets the Papio Racer apart. Twin LED headlights are integrated into the blocky, fixed fairing, reminiscent of iconic sportbikes from the 80s and 90s. The design flows to the rear with twin taillights and a sculpted exhaust. The chunky 1.9-gallon fuel tank is seamlessly integrated, and it even includes a chin spoiler and clip-on handlebars.
The XO Papio Racer is uniquely appealing and embodies the fun spirit of the street legal mini moto scene. With CFMOTO’s growing presence in the US, we look forward to experiencing this bike firsthand. [CFMOTO]
2024 Honda Monkey
2024 Honda Monkey ABS: Iconic Retro Style Meets Street Legal Fun
At a glance 124 cc, air-cooled four-stroke single, 9.3 hp, 8.1 Nm, standard 5-speed, 12-inch alloy wheels, 31 mm inverted fork, disc brakes.
The Honda Monkey offers a distinct and charming take on the Grom’s mechanical foundation. Its design is inspired by the legendary 1970s Honda Z50, and despite being larger overall, it retains the same striking visual impact. This street legal mini bike is all about personality and retro appeal.
Beyond its retro styling, the Monkey differs from the Grom with its solo saddle instead of a full-length seat and passenger pegs. Dual rear shocks replace the Grom’s single shock, and the wheelbase is shorter at 45 inches. It’s also lighter at 231 pounds and slightly more fuel-efficient.
2024 Honda Monkey
With its retro fuel tank, chunky tires, and high-mounted fenders and exhaust, the Monkey evokes a more off-road feel than the Grom, even though it shares the same 4 inches [101.6 mm] of suspension travel. It comes at a premium of around $700 over the Grom, but for those with a taste for nostalgia, it’s a worthwhile investment.
The Monkey ABS is the sole model for 2024, offered in Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Black color options. [Honda | Honda Monkey customs]
2024 Honda Monkey
