8th Place — Yamaha YBR 125
At first glance, this seems like one of the least suitable motorcycles for gymkhana. It has weak suspension, no low-end torque, and limited lean angles. One might reasonably ask: why include it in the ranking at all?
The answer is simple: affordability. You can find a YBR for around £2,000 – £2,300, making it a viable option for starting in gymkhana. Its very tight turning radius and quick handling of technical elements make it competitive among beginners and even scooters. And after all, it’s still a motorcycle!
7th Place — KTM Duke 390
This bike combines a short wheelbase, low weight, decent suspension, and a lively engine. It allows for good lean angles, confident throttle application on exits, and stability on the course.
However, there’s a caveat: the single-cylinder engine is quite jerky at low RPMs. This requires precise throttle and clutch control, which isn’t ideal for gymkhana. Additionally, this motorcycle isn’t particularly popular in Japan, meaning there are few instructional videos featuring Japanese experts on it.
6th Place — Honda CB400
One of the most popular training motorcycles. The CB400 is suitable for both practicing gymkhana and achieving decent results. Yes, it’s a bit heavy and lacks low-end torque, but the engine is forgiving and comfortable.
The main advantage is its prevalence. Spare parts and donor bikes can be found at any scrapyard. It’s like a “grown-up YBR”, just stronger and larger.
5th Place — Honda CBR 600 F4i
A legendary sportbike, the dream of many beginners. But for gymkhana, simply buying it isn’t enough. You’ll need to modify it: replace clip-ons with handlebars, install crash bars, and increase the rear sprocket size. The reward is a motorcycle capable of winning competitions.
If you need a versatile bike for both road and gymkhana, just avoid aggressive tuning. In this case, you’ll get a comfortable motorcycle with potential.
4th Place — Stels Flex 250
Surprisingly, the Chinese can do it! With proper preparation and good tires, this lightweight and inexpensive motorcycle performs excellently. Low-end torque is compensated with sprockets, and weak brakes with your determination.
On the used market, you can find an undamaged unit for around £600. An excellent budget option: one motorcycle for daily use, another for gymkhana.
3rd Place — Suzuki GSX-R 750
The “blue dream” of liter-bike owners. It weighs like a 600cc but performs like a liter-bike. Excellent low-end torque, short wheelbase, making it one of the most popular sportbikes in the gymkhana world.
But! To make it perform as needed, you’ll have to remove all the fairings, install handlebars, reflash the ECU, change sprockets and brakes. Only after all these modifications will you understand why the “Gixxer” is truly top-tier.
Moreover, it falls into the Japanese SB-class (motorcycles over 700cc), where it outperforms heavier liter-bikes.
2nd Place — Suzuki DR-Z400SM
A “real man’s motorcycle” and one of the most beloved in gymkhana. It has an ideal wheelbase, excellent low-end torque, and requires almost no tuning. Just show up and win.
Very versatile, popular, powerful, yet not heavy. Drawbacks include the suspension and excess weight; more dynamics would be desirable. But overall, an excellent option for a confident start and growth in Class C.
1st Place — Honda VTR 250
A legend! And, incidentally, a rarity. These motorcycles are disappearing en masse from the market, the “VTR gang” is buying them up for gymkhana. Why?
Because it’s the perfect motorcycle for both beginners and advanced riders: lightweight, with excellent low-end torque, maneuverable, and affordable. Buy it and you’re ready to go. Almost no modifications needed.
In Conclusion
To practice gymkhana, you don’t need to buy an expensive superbike. A suitable motorcycle can be found for almost any budget, from a simple YBR to a tuned DR-Z. The main things are desire, practice, and a bit of sensible tuning.
And of course you need supporting community of motorcyclists!
Good luck on the course, and may the cones be with you!
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