The Best New Motorcycles You Can Buy Under $5,000

From the outside looking in, motorcycling can easily look like an exorbitant hobby, with bikes alone costing thousands of dollars, and that’s before factoring in aftermarket parts, tires, maintenance and upkeep, registration and insurance, a helmet, and riding gear. And while affordable entry-level motorcycle models have historically been limited to only a few bikes, the last approximately half-decade has seen an enormous influx of increasingly competitively-priced production bikes from practically every two-wheeled genre under the sun.

With today’s manufacturers currently offering an incredibly diverse and abundant selection of accessibly-priced motorcycles, we thought we’d carve out some time to scour the showroom floors and all the latest catalogs and brochures to bring you this condensed guide to the best motorcycles under $5,000. So, whether you’re shopping for a supersport, a cafe racer, or even a V-Twin-powered cruiser, this guide has got you covered the finest sub-$5K scoots currently in production, along with what to consider when buying a motorcycle in this price range.

While there are admittedly plenty of areas that should be taken into account regardless of what style or price point of bike you’re in the market for, there are a few factors that are particularly crucial when it comes to purchasing a sub-$5K scoot. Below, we’ll break down each of these five vital areas.

Intended Purpose: Before you consider anything else, the biggest question you should ask yourself is “How do I plan on using this motorcycle?” as this will help to hugely narrow down your search in terms of what genre of bike and engine configuration and size will be appropriate for the intended task(s) at hand. Factors like the powertrain and riding position will hugely affect how conducive a given motorcycle will be to touring, track riding, everyday commuting, and so on.

Engine: Historically sub-$5,000 motorcycles primarily employed carb-fed air-cooled single-cylinder engines, though today’s market boasts a wide selection of different twin configurations, mills with fuel-injection, liquid-cooling, and other more modern elements. On top of engine configuration, its displacement (aka size) also plays a pivotal role in determining a bike’s power, as well as its power delivery and overall character. It’s also worth doing some research into the manufacturer-recommended service procedures and intervals for their engines, as well as the reputation, said engine has for reliability (or lack thereof in some cases).

Genre: There really never has been a better time in history to buy an accessibly-priced motorcycle, as prices have never been more competitive, nor has there ever been a wider array of motorcycles types sold at under the $5,000 mark. And while you might not be able to snag a big-bore American cruiser or a cutting-edge liter-sized Ducati superbike model, just about every style of bike is available, so long as you’re okay with the relatively small engine sizes. That said, most models considered “small-displacement” in the North American market are still plenty capable for two-up, long-distance, and/or freeway travel.

Manufacturer: There’s some truth to the fact that you do pay a bit of a premium to have a bigger, more reputable company’s badge on the tank, there are some objective benefits that come with buying from a big, mainstream manufacturer. On top of a more robust dealer network and easier and more abundant access to new and used spare and aftermarket parts, the bigger more reputable motorcycle marques tend to have better track records for reliability.

Value: While it’s pretty phenomenal what $5,000 can buy you in 2021, not all accessibly-priced motorcycles offer the same bang for your buck. You’ll want to consider everything you get for your investment, from the aesthetics and styling to the engine and frame, to the running gear and technology. This latter point is more crucial than one might guess, as features like antilock brake systems, digital displays, and track-ready adjustable suspension are all increasingly becoming standard fare on today’s less expensive and entry-level motorcycle models.

Cleveland Cyclewerks Hooligun

Best Dual-Sport: Available in 125, 250cc, 300cc, or 450cc engine sizes, and in dirt-focused dual-sport or kart track-ready supermoto setups, Cleveland Cycle Werks’ Hooligun is an incredibly capable yet affordable thrill machine with an accessible MSRP made possible through the use of the American-assembled machine’s Chinese-Sourced powertrain. Despite its budget-friendly price-tag, the Hooligun is equipped with a surprisingly premium array of componentry, with an inverted front-end, a six-speed transmission, and a fuel-injected engine that’s good for more than 80 miles per gallon and speeds exceeding 70mph.

Brixton Cromwell 250

Best Standard Bike: Also produced in a smaller 125cc variant, the Brixton Cromwell 250 is a classically-styled quarter-liter standard that upon first glance can legitimately pass for a motorcycle from the 1970s. Upon closer inspection, however, the 250cc Cromwell begins to reveal more contemporary details such as an electric starter, an LCD display, ABS, and all-LED lighting that includes a circular headlight with an X-shaped emitter and daytime running lights. A classic air-cooled engine furthers the authenticity of this retro-styled standard, as well — and more importantly, enables it to reach a top speed of 70mph. So, while learner-friendly, the Cromwell 250 and the 17 horses that it produces provide a fantastic platform for novice riders to grow and develop their skills. 

Yamaha V-Star 250

Best Cruiser: Yamaha’s V Star 250 is a shockingly competent touring bike offered at an almost suspiciously accessible price. Not only does the pint-sized cruiser model pack a genuine V-Twin powertrain, but the chain-driven sled is also more than capable of touring duties with fuel-consumption rated at 78mpg and a top speed of over 85mph. On the flip side of the coin, the quarter-liter V Star’s 27” seat height and 324lb curb weight also make it a great candidate for urban riding and commuting duties. And while it admittedly might lack the character or prestige of a Harley or Indian model, you’d still be hard-pressed to find a better entry-level cruiser.

KTM Duke 125

Best Naked Bike: KTM first released its 390 Duke in 2013 and quickly went on to corner the market on the premium small-displacement naked class, though now, after the better part of a decade of success—and a number of noteworthy mechanical and component upgrades—the Ready To Race brand is offering the same fan-favorite Duke in a smaller, even-more manageable and new-rider-friendly 125cc version. Even with the reduced displacement and cheaper price, the eighth-liter variant retains its big brother’s sharp Kioka-Designed aesthetics and menacing appearance, plus its litany of top-shelf running gear such as its inverted WP forks and mono-shock, and ABS-enabled Brembo-made brakes.

Suzuki GSX250R

Best Sport Bike: Borrowing a slew of elements from its larger liter-sized counterpart, the Suzuki GSX250R is a quarter-liter twin-cylinder supersport motorcycle that’s potent enough to deliver some thrills on the track or in the canyons, yet still forgiving enough to be appropriate for new riders. Adorned in a full suite of bodywork, this Gixxer model  also features a solid suspension setup, a five-way-adjustable brake lever, and a four-liter tank that affords 250-miles of range. Unlike full-on super bikes, this entry-level supersport has a high-mounted set of clip-on handlebars that result in a much more comfortable and upright riding position. And, while it may not come loaded with the most high-end componentry — which shouldn’t be a surprise considering its sub-$5K MSRP — the popularity of this model has given way to an enormous number of available aftermarket upgrades to improve its performance. 

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Best ADV Bike: Just barely squeezing in below the $5,000 mark, Royal Enfield’s Himalayan is a fully-capable adventure bike, as well as one serious bargain. By utilizing a relatively simple air-cooled single-cylinder engine, Royal Enfield has been able to fit the budget-friendly adventure bike with long-travel suspension, switchable dual-channel ABS, and a skid-plate after the model’s 8.5” to 9” of ground clearance have been exhausted. This bare-bones adventure machine was built to explore harsh terrains—and to take a beating in the process—though, its roughly 75mph top speeds also mean it capable of freeway travel and on-the-tarmac touring.

The Best New Motorcycles Under $10,000

Got a bit more to spend but still aren’t looking to invest a small fortune on a new bike? Then be sure to check out our guide to the best new motorcycle under $10,000 for a hand-selected list of today’s latest and greatest scoots for below the five-figure mark.