Lightweight Class of 2025

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The lightweight class is gaining more prominence on the world stage. For years, this class has been loved by many, and now it’s finally getting the attention it deserves. The MotoAmerica Twins Cup kicked things off in 2018, followed by the Aprilia Cup keeping the momentum alive in 2021. In 2024, BSB introduced a twins class, with Yamaha further supporting this trend through the Women’s Cup on R7s. By 2025, we’ll see even more emphasis on these lightweight twins machines in racing. Here’s a look at the machines commonly used in the twins’ classes, both professional and amateur.

2025 Suzuki SV650 (MSRP: ~$7,100)

The SV650 remains the heartbeat of lightweight racing—a machine that has earned its stripes over two decades. Its familiar balance and reliable performance have made it a favorite for racers who love to modify and master a proven platform.

• OEM Specs:
  • Horsepower: Approximately 75 hp
  • Curb (Wet) Weight: Around 430 lbs
• Why It’s Great:
  With a wealth of aftermarket parts and a reputation for rugged dependability, the SV650 is as versatile as it is iconic. Whether you’re swapping cams or refining the suspension, this bike still offers the best value for racers who know where to look.

Sam’s Opinion: The SV650 should still be the #1 choice for club racers. Any generation SV will get the job done. Out of all the machines listed here, the SV still teaches the rider many aspects of racing the best. The SV offers fun at the lowest price point.

2025 Suzuki GSX8R (MSRP: ~$10,200)

Suzuki’s modern challenger, the GSX8R, builds on the legacy of its smaller sibling while stepping up the performance. Designed for those who crave more power and a more refined chassis, the GSX8R brings a fresh edge to the lightweight class.

• OEM Specs:
  • Horsepower: Approximately 76 hp
  • Curb (Wet) Weight: Roughly 450 lbs
• Why It’s Great:
  With increased displacement and modern suspension geometry, the GSX8R offers an aggressive performance package right out of the showroom. It’s a bike that’s not only about raw numbers but also about the innovation that teams can unlock with smart modifications.

Sam’s Opinion: The GSX8 doesn’t excite me much . The engine displacement makes me want to exclude it from the lightweight twins class but it’s not a high-performance engine so it fits this new class of higher horsepower lightweight twins thanks to the RS660. Talking to a MotoAmerica team owner that raced both the SV650 and the GSX8, they preferred the SV650 in nearly every way however the GSX8 ended up being a bit cheaper to build as it didn’t require massive engine or chassis modifications like the SV650.

2025 Aprilia RS660 (MSRP: ~$11,000)

Blending Italian design with race-ready engineering, the Aprilia RS660 adds a dash of flair and finesse to the lightweight field. Its bold styling and finely tuned performance have quickly won over both enthusiasts and competitive racers alike.

• OEM Specs:
  • Horsepower: Approximately 85 hp
  • Curb (Wet) Weight: Around 405 lbs
• Why It’s Great:
  The RS660 offers a perfect marriage of aesthetics and performance. With its advanced electronics and finely balanced chassis, it’s as at home on the street as it is tearing up the track—an ideal platform for racers looking to push the envelope.

Sam’s Opinion: I love these machines. They are the best machine out of the box. The chassis is amazing. The powerplant and electronics complement each other so well. The bad? This is not a bike for the average club racer because of the electronics. If something goes south, you need the official Aprilia software to clean up the mess and you won’t have that unless you’re in the right paddock.

2025 Yamaha R7 (MSRP: ~$10,800)

Born from the acclaimed MT-07 platform, the Yamaha R7 has been reimagined specifically for modern track demands. Yamaha recognized a few years ago that these twins were the future and updated the FZ/MT into a slightly better version for the track. Yamaha is serious about this with the introduction in 2024 to the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR).

• OEM Specs:
  • Horsepower: Approximately 72 hp
  • Curb (Wet) Weight: About 415 lbs
• Why It’s Great:
  The R7 shines with its responsive power delivery and upgraded chassis dynamics. Factory refinements combined with the potential for custom tuning make the R7 a thrilling choice for racers looking to blend reliability with performance.

Sam’s Opinion: While I do not have any experience riding the R7, I have ridden a fully built FZ07 and I was not a fan of the chassis. The R7 is more of the same with a flimsy frame but the engine can be very user friendly. Stock they are not much to look at due to the restrictive airbox but built they are fast as anything else in the class. Out of this list, I’d get it 2nd to last just in front of the Kawasaki.

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 650 (MSRP: ~$8,000)

Rounding out the class is the Kawasaki Ninja 650—a bike that might not boast the same aggressive flair as some rival. Its simple, modification-friendly design has made it a solid entry point into lightweight racing. It’s taken a massive backseat now that the Aprilia RS660 and Yamaha R7 have become the main developed machines for this class of racing.

• OEM Specs:
  • Horsepower: Approximately 67 hp
  • Curb (Wet) Weight: Around 430 lbs
• Why It’s Great:
  The Ninja 650 offers a well-rounded platform that’s easy to work on and modify. For racers seeking a dependable, no-nonsense bike with room for growth, this model provides an accessible entry into competitive racing without compromise.

Sam’s Opinion: The Quacker still has the exact same place it did before, behind the SV on the bike to race. It’s okay and has a very reliable powerplant. Built, they make 90-100hp however the massive gas tank makes for a very awkward position while riding it. Nothing special. Nothing horrible. Like the SV650, the Ninja is a safe and easy bike to get into racing with but don’t expect greatness.

Final Notes

If you’re looking to race in the MotoAmerica twins cup class and you feel you have a chance at a podium; it’s safe to assume you’ll be spending $20,000 or more on your race machine for any of these bikes.

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