Best Motorcycles for Beginners: A Guide for First Time Buyers

Every seasoned rider knows how important it is to choose a motorcycle that matches your riding style, physique, and, most importantly, your skill level. To decide on the best starter motorcycle, let’s get familiar with the different types of two-wheelers on the market.

Table of Contents

• Getting Started on Two Wheels
• What Makes a Beginner Motorcycle
• Types of Motorcycles
  • Cruisers
  • Sportbikes
  • Standard or Naked
  • Dual Sport
  • Adventure
  • Electric

Getting Started on Two Wheels

Before you start looking for your first motorcycle you have to be sure you are equipped with all the necessary riding prerequisites. The first step of any motorcycle story starts with knowing how to ride said motorcycle. For some people who grew up riding dirt bikes, getting your motorcycle license will be easy, but for others, who are totally new to the scene, the best way to go about learning how to ride is an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation.) The benefits of taking a motorcycle safety course are limitless because riding a bike is an entirely different beast than driving a car, which means it comes with countless hazards that car drivers won’t ever know.

On top of learning how to ride a motorcycle, different types of bikes, road laws, and other must-know info, you’ll also get your endorsement for your motorcycle license. This means that you can immediately register for your license after finishing your basic rider course. The laws on how to get your motorcycle license vary state by state, so make sure to check the information for your state on how to apply for your license.

Once you are armed with your motorcycle license and riding knowledge, all you need is your riding gear and you’ll be set to go. Any seasoned rider will give you advice which includes ATGATT, or All The Gear All The Time, and it's might just be the piece of advice that will save your life (literally.) The right riding gear is just as, if not more, important as being a road-ready motorcycle rider. You might be surprised at how much cash you’re shelling out on initial gear, but everything you’re buying is an investment in keeping you alive in the worst-case scenario. As the old rider saying goes “You have to dress for the slide, not for the ride.”

• A DOT-certified helmet, preferably a full-face helmet to keep bugs, dust, and other hazards out of your eyes and face.
• Motorcycle gloves to keep your hands warm, help you keep a firm grip, and to protect your fingers in the event of a crash.
• Motorcycle jacket and long pants/full riding suit: The choice is yours, depending on the motorcycle you are riding, speed, weather, and other factors. Whether it’s a jacket or a suit, it needs to be leather or ballistic nylon and the pants need to not be baggy.
• Footwear that covers your ankles. Sure, it's easy to ride in sneakers but you’ll be in a world of pain when a rock flies up and hits your ankle.

What Makes a Beginner Motorcycle?

There’s no “perfect first motorcycle,” but there are elements that make a motorcycle more suited for your first bike. If you get your endorsement from the MSF Basic Rider Course, you will have learned to ride on a 250 cc (cubic capacity) sized motorcycle. Also, engine size is a big contributing factor, there’s also the weight and size (seat height, riding position) of a motorcycle to think about too. Someone who is buying their first bike who is tall might not be comfortable on someone’s bike who is on the shorter side. The best option for buying your first motorcycle is to buy it used, because, let’s be real, you will most likely drop it or scrape it. The last thing you want to do is shell out cash for a brand new bike and scratch it up the next day.

Here are a few considerations to take into account if you are in the market for your first motorcycle:

• Weight - A bike between 300 - 400 lbs is a good weight and is not too hard to find.
• Engine size - Anywhere from 150 - 600 cc will give you enough power, but not overwhelming
• Price - A good used bike can be purchased for as low as $1,500 but we go up depending on the size, type, and brand.
• Speed - Beginners don’t need more speed than they can handle with their first bike. Look for something between 80 - 130 mph.
  
• Technology - Anti-Lock Braking System is a must. Newer motorcycles have some upgraded tech such as GPS, digital systems, audio systems, and other mechanics.
• Manufacturer - Most major manufacturers make motorcycles that are a good fit for new riders.
• Community - You will find that different motorcycles come with a different community of riders to engage in.
• Terrain - Motorcycles can handle different types of terrain. You’ll need to know where you want to ride “street, dirt, both” before committing to buying.

Cruisers

Cruisers are the best beginner motorcycles, by far. Characterized by a low-slung saddle and a variety of engine sizes (from 500 to 1,800cc), cruisers feature a relaxed riding position, making them ideal for touring and long jaunts between cities. They aren’t equipped for racing or high-performance situations, which is just not a great idea if you don't know your way around a motorcycle. Cruisers are the Harley-Davidson bike or what comes to mind when you think of a motorcycle.

The community of people with cruisers can consist of young and older riders who are looking for a chill time. Part of the "cruiser personality" that can be unfavorable is biker gangs, which is a Hollywood personification and not always true. You will see a lot of these motorcycles at rallies, specifically Sturgis, where Harley-Davidsons dominate among other cruiser brands like Indian or foreign brands that make every style of bike.

Best Cruisers for Beginners:

• Harley-Davidson Street 500
• Yamaha V Star 250
• Honda Rebel 500

Harley-Davidson Street 500 - The Street 500 is a bike that has the perfect balance of power and performance for a new rider. The low seat height and lighter weight helps a rider build confidence and skills. The cruiser community is largely dominated by Harley Davidson bikes and this is a great place to start.

• Engine Revolution X™ V-Twin
• Displacement 494 cc
• Bore x Stroke 69.0 x 66.0 mm (2.7 x 2.6 inches)
• Engine Torque 40.00 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs) @ 3750 RPM
• Fuel system Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
• Cooling Liquid
• Compression ratio 10.5:1
• Transmission 6 speed
• Length 87.2 inches
• Seat height 28.3 inches
• Wheelbase 59.8 inches
• Front brake Single disc
• Rear brake Single disc
• Front tire 100/80-R17
• Rear tire 140/75-R15
• Fuel capacity 3.50 gallons
• Dry weight 491.6 pounds

Yamaha V Star 250 - The V Star 250 is a motorcycle known to be light and nimble. The engine is powerful enough but won’t overwhelm new riders. It has been a long-standing choice when it comes to entry-level bikes.

• Engine SOHC 60° V-twin
• Displacement 294 cc
• Bore x Stroke 49.0mm x 66.0mm (1.9 x 2.6 inches)
• Engine Torque 20.6 NM (2.1 kgf-m / 15.2 ft-lb @ 6,000 rpm)
• Fuel system Injection Mikuni® 26mm
• Cooling air
• Compression ratio 10.0:1
• Transmission 5 speed
• Length 86.2 inches
• Seat height 27 inches
• Wheelbase 58.7 inches
• Front brake Hydraulic disc, 282mm
• Rear brake 130mm drum
• Front tire 3.00-18 CHENG SHIN C-916
• Rear tire 130/90-15 CHENG SHIN C-915
• Fuel capacity 2.5 gallons
• Dry weight 324 pounds

• Engine SOHC 60° V-twin
• Displacement 294 cc
• Bore x Stroke 49.0mm x 66.0mm (1.9 x 2.6 inches)
• Engine Torque 20.6 NM (2.1 kgf-m / 15.2 ft-lb @ 6,000 rpm)
• Fuel system Mikuni® 26mm
• Cooling air
• Compression ratio10.0:1
• Transmission 5 speed
• Length 86.2 inches
• Seat height 27 inches
• Wheelbase 58.7 inches
• Front brake Hydraulic disc, 282mm
• Rear brake 130mm drum
• Front tire 3.00-18 CHENG SHIN C-916
• Rear tire 130/90-15 CHENG SHIN C-915
• Fuel capacity 2.5 gallons
• Dry weight 324 pounds

Sportsbikes

You might’ve heard the term “crotch rocket” in reference to this class of motorcycles at some point, which can be attributed to its riding ergonomics and performance level. On a sportbike, riders lean forward, their knees nearly touching their chest, feet balanced on a pair of footpegs towards the rear. Sportbikes are designed to withstand high speeds (125+ mph), their engine displacement rarely ever exceeds 750cc, and they’re often ridden in a competitive context. Fairings and windscreens are standard on this bike type, too.

The community of sportbike riders can have some negative connotations including “Squid” which means a rider that is pretty reckless when it comes to their riding styles. We’ve all seen them, the riders that are wearing tee shirts, going WAY too fast, illegally splitting lanes… you know the ones. The reason that most people choose a sportsbike is that they are a good combination of performance and aesthetics. Sportsbike riders are in it for the precise control, the agility, and of course, the speed. Sportsbikes stand out in a crowd and demand attention.

Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki are some of the most popular and best sportbikes for beginners, and favorites of the millennial and gen Z crowd.

Best Sportbikes for Beginners

•  Honda CBR 500
• Kawasaki Ninja 400
• Yamaha MT-03

Honda CBR 500 - The Honda CBR500R is one of Honda’s most popular sportbikes because it checks all the boxes. It’s the right weight, power, and price for an entry-level sportbike that you can get comfortable riding, but also keep riding even after you feel more comfortable.

• Engine Parallel-twin, DOHC
• Displacement 471cc
• Bore x Stroke 67.0 x 66.8mm (2.6x 2.63 inches)
• Engine Torque 43 Nm @ 6500 rpm
• Cooling liquid
• Compression ratio 10.7:1
• Transmission 6 speed
• Length 81.89 inches
• Seat height 30.9 inches
• Wheelbase 55.5inches
• Front brake 320 mm disc
• Rear brake 240 mm disc
• Front tire 120/70R-17
• Rear tire 160/60-17
• Fuel capacity 4.5 gallons
• Dry weight 432 pounds

Kawasaki Ninja 400 - The Kawasaki Ninja has a long legacy and the Ninja 400 was voted the best beginner motorcycle by Popular mechanics because of its tech, power, and ease of upkeep. If you are looking for a sportsbike, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 will keep you happy for years to come.

• Engine 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC
• Displacement 399cc
• Bore x Stroke 70.0 x 51.8mm (2.7x 2.14 inches)
• Engine Torque 38 N⋅m (28 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm
• Fuel system Injection 32mm x 2 Keihin
• Cooling liquid
• Compression ratio 11.5:1
• Transmission 6 speed
• Length 78.3 inches
• Seat height 30.9 inches
• Wheelbase 53.9 inches
• Front brake 310 mm disc
• Rear brake 220 mm disc
• Front tire 110/70–17 (tubeless)
• Rear tire 150/60–17 (tubeless)
• Fuel capacity 3.7 gallons
• Dry weight 370 pounds

Yamaha MT-03 - The MT-03 is a perfect entry-level bike that delivers on power, but not too much, and smooth rides. The power and ride, along with the aggressive styling, make this a good-looking and great-performing beginner sportsbike.

• Engine Twin-Cylinder, DOHC
• Displacement 321cc
• Bore x Stroke 68 x 44.1mm (2.7x 1.74 inches)
• Engine Torque 56 N⋅m (41 lb⋅ft) @ 5,250 rpm
• Cooling liquid
• Compression ratio 11.5:1
• Transmission 6 speed
• Length 82.3 inches
• Seat height 30.7 inches
• Wheelbase 54.3 inches
• Front brake 298mm disc
• Rear brake 220 mm disc
• Front tire 110/70R17
• Rear tire 140/70R17
• Fuel capacity 3.7 gallons
• Weight 373 pounds

Standard “Naked” Motorcycles

The standard or naked category of motorcycles is the proverbial “happy medium” of the motorcycle world. When compared to a cruiser, which leans you back, and a sportbike, which leans you forward, standard bikes are characterized by an upright riding position. Engine displacement typically falls between 450 and 650cc, and seat height maxes out at about 30 inches.

Standard bikes are ideal for beginners in terms of styling, but mostly for the rider ergonomics, they promote. They’re comfortable, relatively lightweight, easily controlled, and almost never accelerate beyond 100 mph. A person who rides a naked bike is usually someone who uses their bike to commute but also is just as comfortable going long distances when they want to.

 

Best Standard Motorcycles for Beginners:

Suzuki SV650 - Since its debut in 1999, the SV650 has been a fan favorite, especially with the beginner rider crowd. It’s nimble and powerful, which makes it a sporty ride that mimics a sports bike but still provides a comfy commute.

• Engine DOHC, 90˚, V-twin
• Displacement 399cc
• Bore x Stroke 81.0 x 62.6 mm (3.189 in. x 2.465 in.)
• Engine Torque 38 N⋅m (28 lb⋅ft) @ 8,000 rpm
• Fuel System Fuel injection with SDTV
• Cooling liquid
• Compression Ratio 11.2:1
• Transmission 6 speed
• Length 84.3 inches
• Seat Height 30.9 inches
• Wheelbase 56.9 inches
• Front Brake 4-piston calipers, twin disc
• Rear Brake 1-piston caliper, single disc,
• Front tire 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
• Rear tire 160/60ZR17M/C (69W), tubelessFuel capacity 3.8 gallons
• Dry weight 437 pounds

Honda CB300R - The Honda CB300R is a great way to start on a standard motorcycle. It’s a great combo of power and handling all in a neo-sports cafe racer frame. Whether you are riding on the highway or around town, you will appreciate the power.

• Engine 20º single-cylinder four-stroke
• Displacement 286cc
• Bore x Stroke 76 x 63mm (2.9 in. x 2.48 in.)
• Engine Torque 27.5 N⋅m (20.3 lbf⋅ft) @ 7,500 rpm
• Fuel system Fuel injection
• Cooling liquid
• Compression ratio 10.7:1
• Transmission 6 speed
• Length 79.2 inches
• Seat height 31.5 inches
• Wheelbase 53.2 inches
• Front brake 296mm disc
• Rear brake 220mm disc
• Front tire 110/70-17
• Rear tire 150/60-17
• Fuel capacity 2.7 gallons
• Dry weight 317 pounds

Yamaha SR400 - Since 1978, the Yamaha SR400 has been a favorite for new riders in the standard bike category. The engine is torquey, the seat height is low, and it had an old-school look to it that will please any rider. The sad thing is that 2021 was the last year for new production. Don’t worry though, used motorcycles are always a great place to start for your first ride.

• Engine four-stroke single, SOHC
• Displacement 399cc
• Bore x Stroke 87 x 62.7mm (3.43 in x 2.47 in)
• Engine Torque 27.5 N⋅m (20.3 lbf⋅ft) @ 7,500 rpm
• Fuel System Fuel injection
• Cooling liquid
• Compression ratio 8.5:1
• Transmission 5 speed
• Length 82.1 inches
• Seat height 30.9 inches
• Wheelbase 55.5inches
• Front brake 298mm disc
• Rear brake 150mm drum
• Front tire 110/70-17
• Rear tire 110/90-18
• Fuel capacity 3.2 gallons
• Weight 384 pounds

Dual Sport

This category includes dirt bikes and supermoto bikes. Typically, riders are seated much higher on these bikes than others, while the displacement sits at a friendly 250-350cc. Since they’re some of the most lightweight two-wheelers on the market, dual sport motorcycles rank as some of the best-used motorcycles for beginners (if you’re riding a dirt bike, however, you’d better make sure it’s street-legal before you take it to the pavement).

The community of dual sport riders is niche and includes people who enjoy tearing up dirt and tackling harder terrain as much as going for a short ride to the store. If you aren’t planning on taking your bike off-road, your best bet is to consider a motorcycle above, since dual sports are different from other motorcycles in a lot of ways.

Best Dual Sport Motorcycles for Beginners:

• Suzuki DR 200
• Kawasaki KLX250S
• Honda CRF230M

Suzuki DR 200 - The Suzuki DR 200 is a reliable, low displacement bike that has a great mpg which makes it perfect for the trail or as a daily commuter. The low bike weight brings maneuverability to this bike, which is great for ripping on a trail or when driving on the street.

• Engine single-cylinder, SOHC
• Displacement 199cc
• Bore x Stroke 66.0 x 58.2 mm (2.60 in. x 2.29 in.)
• Engine Torque 18.6 Nm / 1.9 kgf-m / 13.7 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
• Fuel system Mikuni BST31SS
• Cooling air
• Compression ratio 9.4:1
• Transmission 5 speed
• Length 84.8 inches
• Seat height 33.3 inches
• Wheelbase 55.5 inches
• Front brake Disc brake
• Rear brake Drum brake
• Front tire 70/100-21 M/C 44P, tube type
• Rear tire 100/90-18 M/C 56P, tube type
• Fuel capacity 3.4 gallons
• Weight 384 pounds

• Engine single-cylinder, DOHC
• Displacement 652cc
• Bore x Stroke 100.0 x 83.0mm (3.94 x 3.27 in)
• Engine Torque 47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm
• Fuel system DFI w/40mm Throttle Body
• Cooling liquid
• Compression ratio 9.8:1Transmission 5 speed
• Length 89.8 inches
• Seat height 34.3 inches
• Wheelbase 60.6 inches
• Front brake Single 300mm disc
• Rear brake Single 240mm disc
• Front tire 90/90-21
• Rear tire 130/80-17
• Fuel capacity 6.1 gallons
• Weight 456.2 pounds
  

• Engine single-cylinder, DOHC
• Displacement 652cc
• Bore x Stroke 100.0 x 83.0mm (3.94 x 3.27 in)
• Engine Torque 47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm
• Fuel system DFI w/40mm Throttle Body
• Cooling liquid
• Compression ratio 9.8:1
• Transmission 5 speed
• Length 89.8 inches
• Seat height 34.3 inches
• Wheelbase 60.6 inches
• Front brake Single 300mm disc
• Rear brake Single 240mm disc
• Front tire 90/90-21
• Rear tire 130/80-17
• Fuel capacity 6.1 gallons
• Weight 456.2 pounds

Adventure Bike

The adventure bike category has a lot of similarities with the dual sport category. You’ll find that both of these motorcycle types are made for handling off-roading obstacles while still being street-legal, but an adventure bike is also meant for touring and can carry more luggage. The community of people who have adventure bikes is vast and you will find quite a few people who travel all over the world via their adv motorcycle. Two-up riding is also a common thing with adv riders and there are countless blogs from couples who quit their jobs to travel the world via adv bike.

Best Adventure Bikes for Beginners:

Royal Enfield Himalayan - The Himalayan has been around for decades and is a machine that is true to its adventure roots. The upgrades that have been made over the years play a part in the comfort and performance of this bike, but still, keep it as a great option for new and seasoned riders.

• Engine SOHC
• Displacement 411cc
• Bore x Stroke 78.0 x 86.0mm (3.07 x 3.38 in)
• Engine Torque 32 Nm @ 4000 - 4500 rpm
• Fuel system Electronic fuel injection w/ 33mm throttle body
• Cooling air
• Compression ratio 9.5:1
• Transmission 5 speed
• Length 89.8 inches
• Seat height 31.5 inches
• Wheelbase 58 inches
• Front brake 300mm disc
• Rear brake 240mm disc
• Front tire 90/90-21
• Rear tire 120/90-17
• Fuel capacity 4 gallons
• Weight 439 pounds

• Engine Single-cylinder 4-stroke engine
• Displacement 313cc
• Bore x Stroke 80 mm x 62.1 mm (3.15 x 2.45 inches)
• Engine Torque 28 Nm @ 7500 rpm
• Fuel system Electronic fuel injection
• Cooling Water
• Compression ratio 10.9:1
• Transmission 6 speed
• Length 81.7 inches
• Seat height 32.8 inches
• Wheelbase 55.9 inches
• Front brake 300mm disc
• Rear brake 240mm disc
• Front tire 110/80 R19
• Rear tire 150/70 R17
• Fuel capacity 3 gallons
• Weight 374 pounds

KTM 390 ADVENTURE - If you are familiar with KTM motorcycles, you might notice the 290 ADVENTURE has the same engine and similar styling as its bike brother, but shares a lot of similarities with bigger adv bikes in the KTM lineup. Much like the BMW G 310 GS, KTM took features from their more powerful bikes and put them in a more manageable and beginner-friendly frame.

• Engine DOHC single-cylinder
• Displacement 373cc
• Bore x Stroke 89 x 60 mm (3.15 x 2.36 inches)
• Engine Torque 3.6 kg-m / 35.3 Nm @7000rpm
• Fuel system Electronic fuel injection
• Cooling Liquid
• Compression ratio 12.6:1
• Transmission 6 speed
• Length 84.8 inches
• Seat height 33.7 inches
• Wheelbase 56.3 inches
• Front brake 320mm disc
• Rear brake 230mm disc
• Front tire 100/90-19
• Rear tire 130/80-17
• Fuel capacity 3.8 gallons
• Weight 348 pounds

Electric Motorcycles

We've seen the way that electric vehicles have changed the car market and it is no different for motorcycles. With huge brands like Harley-Davidson creating an entire company for their electric motorcycles and bike and even more brands in the works. An electric motorcycle is a great option for someone that is mainly focused on city driving and is fine with topping out their speed at ~80 mph.

Electric motorcycles are always a great way to save money. Just picture it now, no oil changes, no gas fill-ups, no transmission fluid...okay you get the idea. While the community of electric motorcycles riders can be anyone, they tend to be more of the trendy types that care about saving money, and maybe the planet. 

Best Electric Motorcycles for Beginners

• SONDORS Metacycle
• PURSANG E-Track
• Zero FXS

SONDORS Metacycle - The first thing you are probably thinking when you look at this bike is "wow, look at this cool bike," but there is way more than what meets the eye. The Metacycle is a very affordable ride with a very impressive battery life of over 80 miles. The battery life along with the fact that it can go up to 80 mph makes it a very great commuter bike that can also tackle highway driving when you are comfortable.

• Range up to 80 miles on a single charge
• Power 8 kW (11hp) nominal, 14.5 kW (20hp) peak
• Battery 4 kW Hours (4000 Watt Hours)
• Tires Kenda Tires – 150/60 R17 Rear, 110/70 R17 Front
• Top Speed 80 MPH (130 kph)
• Battery Type Lithium-ion
• Torque 80 ft-lbs. nominal, 130 ft-lbs. peak
• Frame Cast Aluminum
• Calculated Motor Torque at Wheel Up to 130 ft-lbs
• Front Brake Single disc, hand actuated
• Wheelbase 52 inches
• Rear Brake Single disc, hand actuated
• Seat Height 31.5"
• Curb Weight ~200lbs.

PURSANG E-Track - The E-Track is a neat, electric bike wrapped up in a flat track motorcycle body. While other motorcycles on the list may look undoubtedly like electric motorcycles, the PURSANG E-Track looks more like one of its gas-powered cousins. The Bosch engine, technology, and ability to personalize make this a great motorcycle for anyone interested in getting into electric motorcycles. These are in pre-prod but here's what we know.

• Power 14.75HP & 49.4FT-LBS
• Weight 324LBS
• Top Speed 75MPH
• Range on Single Charge 87 Miles
• Seat Height 32"

Zero ZF3.6 Modular - The ZF3.6 Modular is a compact, dual sport bike that packs in power. At a max speed of 85 mph and a bike weight of 247 pounds, you'll truly be able to enjoy ripping this little bike through the dirt, tearing down highways, and everything in between.

• Range City: 46 miles (74 km) Highway, 55 mph (89 km/h): 28 miles (45 km)
• Max torque 78 ft-lb (106 Nm)
• Top speed 85 mph (137 km/h)
• Front brakes Bosch Gen 9 ABS, 240 x 4.5 mm disc
• Rear brakes Bosch Gen 9 ABS, 240 x 4.5 mm disc
• Front tire Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 A/T 90/90-21
• Rear tire Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 A/T 120/80-18
• Wheelbase 56.6 in (1,438 mm)
• Seat height 34.7 in (881 mm)