Last updated on September 23rd, 2026 at 08:01 pm
If you’re new to paramotoring, choosing an engine can be a bit hit-or-miss. There are plenty of engines to choose from, but it can be difficult to find genuinely independent reviews that give you a clear idea of what an engine is like to own and fly. I know several pilots who have bought brand-new engines and found that they didn’t live up to their expectations once they started flying them.
To give you a little help, I’ve listed six engines based on my own experience, a Facebook poll, their popularity, and plenty of research. Of course, you’re not limited to these six, but if you’re considering an engine that isn’t on this list, I’d recommend doing your own research and speaking to pilots who have experience with it.
The Facebook poll took 1131 votes and asked pilots which engine they’re flying, and there were 75 to choose from.
| # | Engine | Weight | Power | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vittorazi Moster 185 | 14.4 kg | 25 hp | All-round flying and heavier pilots |
| 2 | Miniplane Top 80 | 10.6 kg | 15 hp | Lightweight pilots and low weight |
| 3 | Simonini Mini 2+ | 18.3 kg | 26 hp | Heavier pilots and wheeled machines |
| 4 | Minari F1 | 14.4 kg | 27 hp | Average to larger pilots |
| 5 | EOS 100 Booster | 9.75 kg | 21.6 hp | Very lightweight setups |
| 6 | Vittorazi Atom80 | 10.4 kg | 16 hp | Lightweight modern setup |
1. Vittorazi Moster 185
Go to a big fly-in, and it will soon become clear which paramotor engine is the most popular. Not only does this engine dominate the field, but it also dominated the Facebook poll, with a quarter of pilots voting for the Moster.
Vittorazi is an Italian engine builder that was founded in the mid 1980’s. Their first paramotor and engine was built in 1996, on which Vittoriano Orazi was able to win first place at the world air games in Turkey.
Today Vittorazi is the leading paramotor engine manufacturer, with the Moster 185 being their most popular choice amongst pilots.
My 2016 version has been replaced with a few versions since, with the latest MY25 version receiving a number of important upgrades.
If you read my V3 review you’ll know about some of the teething problems I had with the Moster in the first 100 hours. These problems have been addressed by Vittorazi, and the newer versions have been given an upgraded airbox to prevent the common manifold failure, along with an upgraded exhaust to cut down on the amount of servicing required.
Overall the Moster is a super reliable, powerful, low maintenance engine. The fuel consumption isn’t the best at 4 litres per hour, but with an average sized fuel tank you’ll still be able to fly for many hours before landing to refuel.
Vittorazi Moster 185 specifications
Cycle: 2-stroke
Displacement: 184.7 cc
Power: 25 hp at 7.800 RPM
Thrust: 78 kg prop. 130 cm at 8.500 RPM
Weight: 14.4 kg Manual (pull starter) version
2. Miniplane Top 80
This little engine was first introduced way back in 1989, and was developed specifically for the Per Il Volo Miniplane which remains in production to this day. It came in at second place on the poll, with 10 percent of pilots owning one.
The Top 80 engine is produced in Italy and has been a top choice for competition pilots for many years due to its low weight, and low fuel consumption. I’ve flown one and was quite surprised at the amount of power it had for such a small engine.
But with that being said, it definitely isn’t an engine for the bigger guys. If you weigh any more than 175 lbs you’ll probably want to choose a different engine.
The Top 80 is very light at just 10.6 kg, which also makes it the go-to choice for those with back or knee problems, or pilots who just can’t lift the heavier engines.
It’s probably the least thirsty paramotor engine available. You can expect a fuel consumption of 1.5 – 2.5 litres per hour, so if you like cross country flying this is a great choice.
This paramotor engine has proven itself as a unit pilots can rely on. It’s easy to maintain (not that it requires much maintenance), with all parts being readily available.
All 2-strokes need rebuilding eventually, and one thing to note is that the Top 80 may require top end rebuilds more regularly than the bigger engines, due to it producing its power at a much higher rev range. But don’t let this put you off, even a total newbie can easily rebuild the top end of a 2-stroke engine.
Top 80 specifications
Cycle: 2-stroke
Displacement: 80 cc
Power: 15 hp at 9500 RPM
Thrust: 49 kg prop. 125 cm
Weight: 10.6 kg
3. Simonini Mini 2+
If you need the extra grunt, the Mini 2 Plus from Simonini offers a huge 26 HP at 7500 RPM. This makes the engine super popular with the bigger guys, trike and quad pilots, and even single seat microlight pilots.
Simonini is an Italian company that offers a range of single cylinder paramotor engines and twin cylinder microlight engines.
So have you noticed a pattern emerging yet? the top 3 paramotor engines all come from Italy! It seems the Italians really know how to make a good paramotor engine.
Considering its size, the mini 2 plus has a very low fuel consumption of just 3.2 litres per hour at 5000 RPM. This, combined with its high power and proven reliability makes it a great all rounder.
If you’re fitting it to a wheeled machine then you won’t mind, but foot launchers should bear in mind that it does weigh a lot. You’re looking at a whole 7.7 KG heavier than the Top 80, so if you struggle to run with a paramotor you may wish to choose a lighter unit.
Simonini Mini 2 + specifications
Cycle: 2-stroke
Displacement: 202 cc
Power: 26 hp at 7,500 RPM
Thrust: 76+ kg prop. 125 cm
Weight: 18.3 kg with electric start
4. Minari F1
Yep, you guessed it… Another Italian paramotor engine! Minari is based in Parma and has a long history of engine building. They started out producing Motocross, Mini moto, and Karts engines, before realizing that there was a gap in the market for a powerful, low weight paramotor engine.
The F1 engine is offered in various forms including manual and electric start, a manual-electric start combo, and a version with in-flight battery charging. They also have a clutched version that is available as a 180 cc or a 200 cc unit.
The Minari came in much lower down the list on the Facebook poll at number 11. There were a few engines in between that, but based on my research at the time, I wouldn’t recommend any of them due to reliability concerns. For this reason it’s my number 4, although owners of the F1 suggest that it could be the best paramotor engine on the market.
I haven’t flown one, but speaking to Minari F1 owners suggests that reliability is fantastic, with no serious problems to mention. I contacted pilots who have experience with many other engines, and they all say the 180 cc version has heaps of power, and the throttle response is unmatched.
The 180 cc is suitable for average to larger pilots, while really heavy pilots may wish to choose the 200 cc version.
Minari F1 specifications
Cycle: 2-stroke
Displacement: 181.23 cc
Power: 27 hp at 8000 RPM
Thrust: 65 kg prop. 125 cm
Weight: 14.4 KG manual start non clutched version
5. EOS 100 Booster
You may be surprised that this paramotor engine isn’t Italian! It’s true, other countries can make good engines too! EOS is an Austrian company made up of flying enthusiasts who set out to design an engine that’s not only compact and light, but also powerful.
The EOS 100 was the company’s first engine, and the Booster was a later version weighing just 9.6 kg, making it one of the lightest (maybe the lightest) paramotor engines on the market. The EOS 100 has since gone through several generations of development, with the current version being the EOS 100 ICI RV5.
For such a small engine the EOS 100 Booster puts out an incredible amount of power, and produces a massive 61 kg of thrust with a 130 CM propeller.
When I wrote this section, the engine was still fairly new to the market, so long-term reliability data wasn’t yet available, but pilots seemed to be very happy with it.
Some comments include: a fuel consumption of 4 litres per hour, slightly higher than the quoted 3-3.5 litres per hour. Excessive exhaust spooge, probably fixable by changing the mixture. Max RPM: 9300 with 130 cm E-Prop, and a very good throttle response.
EOS 100 Booster specifications
Cycle: 2-stroke
Displacement: 102 cc
Power: 21.6 HP at 9500 RPM
Thrust: >60 kg prop. 130 cm
Weight: 9.75 kg (manual start version)
6. Vittorazi Atom80
Back to Italy for our sixth choice! Since I originally wrote this article, Vittorazi has introduced the Atom80 as a lightweight alternative for pilots looking for a compact engine with a little more power than the smallest engines. The current MY25 version produces 16 hp from 78.2 cc and weighs 10.4 kg.
The Atom80 uses a centrifugal clutch and produces 55 kg of static thrust with a 130 cm propeller. At just 10.4 kg, it remains a very lightweight engine, making it an interesting option for pilots who want to keep the weight of their paramotor down without going for the smallest engine available.
Fuel consumption is also low at around 2.7 litres per hour according to Vittorazi’s specifications, although real-world consumption will vary with propeller, pilot weight, flying style and throttle use.
Vittorazi Atom80 specifications
Cycle: 2-stroke
Displacement: 78.2 cc
Power: 16 hp at 9,500 RPM
Thrust: 55 kg static, 130 cm propeller
Weight: 10.4 kg manual start
Which paramotor engine do I choose?
If you’re new to paramotoring then it’s best to wait until you’ve completed your training before choosing an engine. When you fly the schools paramotors you’ll get a good idea of how much thrust you need, and how much weight you can lift and run with.
If you’ve completed your training but you’re still unsure, then start by looking at how much weight you can lift, but don’t just look at the engine + the paramotor. You should also add the weight of a full tank of fuel, and all of your equipment, as you’ll be surprised how much weight it will add on.
When you have a maximum take-off weight in mind you can look at the thrust available from different engines. Larger engines such as the Vittorazi Moster 185, Minari F1 and Simonini Mini 2+ are suitable for heavier pilots, while smaller engines like the Top 80 are better suited to lighter pilots. Always check the engine manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum take-off weight and intended use.
The last thing you want is an under-powered paramotor. You may struggle to get off the ground and achieve a safe climb rate, particularly in less-than-ideal conditions. An under-powered setup can compromise your safety, so make sure your engine, wing and all-up take-off weight are properly matched.
What about water or oil cooled engines?
As useful as water cooling can be, it’s generally not necessary on most paramotors. Air cooling works well, and when set up and maintained correctly you’re unlikely to overheat one.
With water cooling, you have the additional weight of the water pump, radiator, hoses, expansion bottle and other components, along with added complexity. These components can also require servicing or replacement, potentially adding to running costs.
Water cooling is great for motocross bikes that will get covered in airflow-blocking mud, but for paramotor engines that are kept clean, are constantly moving through cool air, and have added cooling from the propeller dragging cool air past them, it may offer fewer advantages for a typical paramotor pilot.
For a few more engine buying tips, check out this guide to choosing a paramotor.
Comments
Hi wer are you located in Australia
Hi I am looking for a engine for my fixed wing drone with a thrust of atleast 70 kg.
I saw engines with you can you guide me how can i go ahead and purchase one.
I am from India
Hi, nice article.. could you include an average range for each and a suitable pilots weight?
Id like to know wich is the best engine for a 180 lbs pilot looking to travel the farthest. Speed doesnt matter.
Hi Christian, at 180 lbs you’ll be OK with all of these engines except the Top80. The range will differ by choice of paramotor due to different fuel capacities, but I’ll get to work on including the average fuel consumption for each.
I know the Moster will burn about 4 litres per hour as I’ve clocked up a few hundred hours on one, although it varies slightly each flight it usually averages out at about 4L per hour. With the Top80 you’ll be looking at around 2-3 litres per hour, better but the engine will be a bit under powered for you.
Leuk artikel. Nieuw is de eos quatro.4takt. Zelf gebruik ik eos 150.fr. Aanrader om een luchtkoeler te monteren. En zuinig.Het bevalt mij goed in alle opzichten. Zelf vlieg ik met een snelle wing waardoor consumptie hoger wordt. Een aanrader voor de aanstaande piloot.
TRANSLATED TEXT:
Nice article. New is the eos quatro.4takt. I myself use eos 150.fr. Recommended to mount an air cooler. And economical. I like it in every way. I myself fly with a fast wing, which increases consumption. Highly recommended for the future pilot.
Hi Darrell,
Very informative article and I wished I read your articles before I bought my Blackhawk Lite 125 a little over a year ago. I’ve had so problems I’ve finally decided to buy a new paramotor and use it only as a back up, once I fix it again!
I’m 5’7” 155# and I’m in very good shape for a 60 year old man. I’m looking to buy a Macfly w/ moster 185. I’ve tried on my buddies and it was definitely manageable. What’s your opinion?
Why no water cooled 2 stroke or longer living 4 stroke engines? Wheres the Minari 200 with water cooling?
As cool as water cooling is, it’s really not necessary on a paramotor. Air cooling works well, and when set up and maintained correctly you’re unlikely to overheat one. With water cooling, not only do you have extra weight of the water pump, radiators, hoses, expansion bottle etc, which we really do not want, but you also have the added complexity, and components that may fail, and will eventually need servicing or replacing, adding to running costs. They’re great for motocross bikes that will get covered in airflow blocking mud, but for paramotors that are clean and constantly moving through cool air, they’re pretty pointless.
What about the polini thor 130 or 190?
Do you have any recommendations?
How about Pollini?
Hope. Have you had any experience with the UK made wasp paramotor? I’m in the market for a new machine and there are lots out there to consider. Cheers
I’m thinking about buying a paramotor, but first I need to gain as much information about it as possible.
I like the Vittorazi Moster 185, but was also looking at the Air Conception Nitro 200. Any thoughts on the Nitro as it compares to the Moster?
The last I saw had poor molds and low-quality manufacturing features. Eric Farewell did deal with them and then quit. He has a lot of inventory laying around if you need some parts. That was a few years ago.
Any suggestions on an engine that would lift a big guy at 280-290 lbs? Is this even possible?
Hi Mike, the Moster will lift you just fine. I’ve seen it used by lots of tandem pilots and it easily lifts two people.
The Air conception Tornado 280
Hello
Great article , do you have an opinion on the Hirth Monster engine?
I’m surprised you didn’t mention the MEGA HUGE problem with all Vittorazi engines: the exhaust cracks within 13 hours of use and they keep selling the same piece of crap exhaust. Incredibly, people still throw thousands of dollars at this grossly-flawed Paramotor.
Hi Brady, this isn’t a problem if the exhaust is maintained as recommended by Vittorazi. I’ve put more than 260 hours on my Moster Plus with no sign of cracking, and all I’ve had to do is change the exhaust ring every 18 hours.
Vittorazi recommend changing the ring every 25 hours, but mine has needed changing sooner due to breaking up. Many friends of mine have changed theirs at 25 hours with no issues.
The new Moster has a completely different exhaust system, so the rings now last much longer, and they recommend changing them at 50 hours, which obviously makes them more desirable.
I know there have been a few exceptions over the years (all old models), but let’s be honest, you only hear about the bad ones! I know many pilots, and even schools that are using the Moster, and they’re all extremely happy with them, and have had no exhaust issues. I think they’re a great engine and will definitely buy another when the time comes for a new engine.
Hi,
i am supprised that you dont have Polini Thor 130 EVO and SKY 110 S on your rating.
It is any issue wit this machine?
Hey, I think the Sky 110S is a great engine. I based this list on reliability as well as popularity, so unfortunately Polini won’t make the cut at the moment. I’ve seen multiple 130 EVO units blowing out the flash starters in under 20 hours, and the bigger engines melting pistons, even after receiving upgrades from Polini. They seem to have good after-sales and customer service, but the engine reliability just lets them down unfortunately.
I am surprised too. Especially if Fresh Breeze is using Polini Engines !