Three years ago we reported on the FX Mountain Moto, which was claimed to be the world’s lightest adult-sized dirt bike. Incorporating both motorcycle and mountain bike parts, it tipped the scales at just 57 kg (125 lb). This week, FX Bikes unveiled its burlier but still-lightweight descendant, the Mountain Moto FX5.
In order to beef up its performance and durability, the only mountain bike component left on the FX5 is its Truvativ downhill handlebars. Most of its other parts are designed for trials, motocross or enduro racing.
It has the same seat/handlebar/footpeg triangle as the heavier (99.5 kg) KTM 350 Freeride motorbike, although its ground clearance has been lowered to that of a trials bike. Power is provided by a 4-stroke, single-cylinder, 125cc YX or Daytona-Japan engine, although upgrades up to 190cc are possible. Both manual and automatic clutches will be available.
That's all very well and good, but how much does it weigh? Well, at 60 kg (130 lb), the FX5 development bike shown is a little heavier than the original Mountain Moto – it may shed a few pounds by the time it reaches production, though. In any case, it should still be light enough for users to easily carry on the back of a vehicle, heave over obstacles, and take places in which heavier bikes would get bogged down ... which is of course the advantage, and point, of such a lightweight design.
Although FX Bikes is based out of New Zealand, production of the FX5 is planned to begin in Italy next summer (Northern Hemisphere). Prices will range from US$3,995 to $11,995, depending on whether buyers go for the Steel, Gold or Titanium edition. The company is currently taking reservations and seeking investors.
Full specifications aren't available yet, as the bike is still in the testing phase. You can get a bit of an indication of what to expect, however, by checking out the specs of the 4th-generation Mountain Moto at the link below.
Source: FX Bikes
