Table of Contents
- 10 BEST BEGINNER MOTORCYCLES
If you are a beginner rider looking to purchase your first motorbike, it is critical to select a bike that is easy to operate, dependable, and minimal maintenance. Making a selection might be difficult with so many options available. We’ve studied and created a list of the best beginner bikes on the market, ranging from classic cruisers to sporty versions, in this post. We have you covered whether you’re a seasoned rider wanting to improve or a total rookie. Lean back, relax, and find the ideal beginning motorbike to let you confidently ride off into the sunset.
Power and performance, size and weight, ergonomics and comfort, safety features, and affordability are all significant factors to consider when purchasing a novice motorbike. Novice bikes should be powerful enough to handle highway speeds but not so powerful that they are overpowering or impossible to control. They should also be compact and lightweight enough for a rookie rider to readily handle and manage, with a comfortable riding posture, easy-to-reach controls, and decent suspension for a smooth ride. Improved safety features like ABS brakes, traction control, and adjustable suspension, as well as price, should be examined.
10 BEST BEGINNER MOTORCYCLES
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400
Motorcycle Type: Sportbike
Displacement: 399cc
Engine: 4-stroke, Parallel Twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Price Range: $5,299 - $5,499 (MSRP)
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a lightweight and quick sportbike that is simple to ride and manage, making it an excellent choice for novices. It has a smooth and quick engine, a comfortable riding posture, and contemporary appearance that appeals to a wide range of riders. The Ninja 400 also boasts sophisticated safety features including ABS brakes and traction control, which improves its overall safety and performance.
2023 Honda Rebel 300
Motorcycle Type: Cruiser
Displacement: 286cc
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Price Range: $4,899 - $4,999 (MSRP)
The Honda Rebel 300 is a lightweight cruiser with a low seat height, making it an excellent choice for shorter riders or those new to motorcycles. It has outstanding fuel economy, dependable performance, the classic Honda engine performance and a classic appearance that appeals to a wide range of riders. The Rebel 300 also boasts ABS brakes and a comfortable riding posture, which contribute to a smooth and safe ride.
2023 Yamaha YZF-R3
Motorcycle Type: Sportbike
Displacement: 321cc
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline twin-cylinder; 4-valves per cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed; multi plate wet clutch
Price Range: $5,499 - $6,099 (MSRP)
The new 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 is an entry-level sportbike with a comfortable riding posture, quick handling, and a smooth and powerful engine. It has contemporary style, outstanding fuel efficiency, and a number of technological technologies that improve safety and performance, such as ABS brakes and traction control.
2024 KTM 390 Duke
Motorcycle Type: Naked bike
Displacement: 373cc
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Price Range: $6,000 - $6,500 (MSRP)
The KTM 390 Duke is a naked bike with a strong single-cylinder engine that delivers a lightweight and nimble riding. Its stylish design, improved safety features, and comfortable riding posture make it an excellent choice for riders looking for a sporty and adaptable motorbike. The 390 Duke is also equipped with ABS brakes, adjustable suspension, and traction control, which improves its safety and performance.
More Info
2024 BMW G 310 GS
Motorcycle Type: Adventure
Displacement: 313 cc
Engine: Water-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke engine, four valves, two overhead camshafts and wet sump lubrication.
Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox integrated in crankcase
Price Range: $5,695 - $6,195 (MSRP)
The 2024 BMW G 310 GS is your ticket to everyday adventures that break the monotony of life. It’s not about grand journeys; it’s about experiencing the thrill of the ride in your daily routine. This bike is made for urban exploration, thanks to its Ride by Wire technology and a slipper clutch that makes navigating city streets a breeze. But it’s not limited to the city; it’s equally at home on off-road adventures. The G 310 GS boasts comfort, quality, and a range of features like adjustable clutch and brake levers, LED headlights, and handy luggage options. The G 310 GS captures the essence of adventure in everyday life, offering both practicality and excitement for riders seeking the #SpiritOfGS.
More Info
2023 KAWASAKI Z400 ABS
Motorcycle Type: Naked bike
Displacement: 399cc
Engine: 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Transmission: 6-speed, return shift
Price Range: $5,399 - $5,899 (MSRP)
The Kawasaki Z400 ABS is a naked bike with a quick engine and modern appearance that delivers a lightweight and nimble ride. It has a comfortable riding posture, superb handling, and sophisticated safety features like ABS brakes and traction control, making it an excellent choice for first-time riders looking for a sporty and versatile motorbike.
2024 BMW G 310 R
Motorcycle Type: Naked bike
Displacement: 313cc
Engine: Water-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke engine, four valves, two overhead camshafts and wet sump lubrication
Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox
Price Range: $4,995 - $5,495 (MSRP)
The 2024 BMW G 310 R is a naked bike with a strong single-cylinder engine that provides a smooth and dependable ride. It has a contemporary style, excellent handling, and advanced safety features, including ABS brakes, traction control, and ride-by-wire technology. The G 310 R also offers a comfortable riding position and a low seat height, making it an excellent choice for first-time riders.
ROYAL ENFIELD METEOR 350
Motorcycle Type: Cruiser
Displacement: 349cc
Engine: Single cylinder, 4 stroke, 5 speed, oil.air cooled.
Transmission: 5 speed, constant mesh
Price Range: $4,499 - $4,799 (MSRP)
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a classic cruiser with a smooth and quick engine that delivers a comfortable and calm riding experience. It has a traditional design, improved safety features, and decent fuel economy, making it an excellent choice for riders looking for a classic, easy-to-ride motorbike. The Meteor 350 is also equipped with ABS brakes and a slipper clutch, which improves its safety and performance.
2023 YAMAHA MT-03
Motorcycle Type: Naked bike
Displacement: 321cc
Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves
Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed; wet multiplate clutch
Price Range: $4,999 - $5,499 (MSRP)
The Yamaha MT-03 is a naked bike with a quick engine and modern appearance that delivers a lightweight and nimble ride. It has a comfortable riding posture, decent handling, and sophisticated safety features like ABS brakes and a slipper clutch, making it an excellent choice for riders looking for a sporty and versatile motorbike. Accessories for the MT-03 include baggage, windshields, and LED illumination.
2023 HONDA CBR500R
Motorcycle Type: Sportbike
Displacement: 471cc
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Price Range: $7,299 - $7,799 (MSRP)
The Honda CBR500R is a sportbike with a contemporary design and improved safety features that provide a smooth and responsive ride. It has a comfortable riding posture, excellent handling, and a variety of extras including a slip-on exhaust, a fast shifter, and LED lights. The CBR500R also has sophisticated safety features like ABS brakes and adjustable suspension, making it an excellent choice for riders looking for a fast and flexible motorbike.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BEGINNER MOTORCYCLE
These are essential standard criteria to look for in each motorcycle that should help you when you’re shopping for your new adventure. If you’d like to know more about the particular types of motorcycles, please visit our Beginner’s Guide to Types of Motorcycles.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Size Less than 600cc | A 600cc engine size is a general starting point for beginner riders. A 600cc cruiser may have half the horsepower of a 600cc sport bike, so it will depend on the rider to find where they are comfortable with the type of motorcycle they are interested in. Secondly, a larger rider may find a 600cc motorcycle is too small to fit comfortably. In comparison, a smaller rider may find the same motorcycle too large. |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Most motorcycles have a standard braking system that doesn’t involve a computer to keep the brakes from locking with too much application. Some models you’ll find will have an anti-lock braking system as standard fare, but most will keep it as an add-on feature if you want to purchase it. ABS is notable because it will keep the tires and brakes from locking and skidding if you apply the brakes too hard. As a new rider, you’ll be more likely to over-apply the brakes than worry about not applying them enough in a panic-stop situation. |
| Windscreen/Fairing | Having a windscreen or fairing on the front of your motorcycle will allow you to tuck behind it to stay out of the wind and weather. Having to lean forward to fight against the force of the wind as you ride will tire you on a longer ride. The higher speed also equates to more wind force, so a highway ride without a windscreen may cause more fatigue than riding with something to block the wind. A windscreen will also block small rocks and bugs as you ride, like the windshield in your car. |
| Seat Height | As a new rider, one thing to remember is the seat height and how it reflects on your inseam. When you reach a point where you need to stop and put a foot or both feet down, the seat height will need to accommodate the length of your legs. If the seat is too high, a shorter inseam will require you to lean the motorcycle over to put a foot down or possibly have to stand on your tiptoes to keep the motorcycle upright and stable. Conversely, a shorter motorcycle and a longer inseam may also be uncomfortable because touching the ground is almost too easy. |
| Handlebar Height | Like seat height, handlebar height affects your rider posture, which affects your fatigue level and comfort while you ride. It would be best if you reached the hand controls quickly when seated on the motorcycle. It would help if you didn’t have to reach too far to use the controls or lean too far to reach the controls. Your elbows should be slightly bent when you sit on the motorcycle and reach for the controls, allowing you to stay comfortable and alert as you ride. |
Takeaways
In conclusion, finding the best beginner motorcycle is all about striking a balance between power, reliability, and ease of use. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top beginner motorcycles that offer the perfect combination of all three.
Whether you’re looking for a classic cruiser or a sporty model, there’s a beginner bike out there that’s perfect for you. Remember to consider your personal preferences and needs when making your decision, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from more experienced riders.
With the right beginner motorcycle, you’ll be well on your way to a lifetime of enjoyable riding. So take the plunge and start your journey today!
Michael Padway
Michael Padway uses his expertise in personal injury and motorcycle accidents to represent a broad spectrum of clients dealing with life-changing and permanent injuries for the first time. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St., Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. Oakland, CA 94601. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511.
Featured Articles
A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Motorcycles
Looking to buy a motorcycle but not sure which one? Learn about the different types of motorcycles and how to choose the best one for you!
What is the Safest Motorcycle Helmet?
There are numerous types of helmets, but the three main designs are the full face, ¾, and the ½ helmet. The full-face helmet is the safest choice of the three.
How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Body Armor
Learn everything you should know about the importance of motorcycle body armor and how to choose the best one for you.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Recieved the most up-to-date motorcycle news delivered straight to your inbox!
