The Absolute Best Motorcycles For Beginners

Motorcycles lack the protective benefits of an automobile’s shell, airbags, and crumple zones, and, as such, expose the rider to far more danger. Add to that the fact that piloting a motorcycle is a markedly more active and involved experience than driving a car, and you can quickly start to see why it’s so important to start one’s riding career on an appropriately sized, entry-level machine. And while this segment was once limited to only a handful of models (looking at you, original Honda Rebel and Kawi Ninja 250), the entry-level motorcycle class currently boasts more options than any previous time in the history of motorcycling.

Despite the abundant number of choices, it can still be intimidating to purchase a new type of vehicle for the first time, and this very much extends to the two-wheeled realm. So, with this in mind, we’ve thoroughly scoured the entry-level moto market to deliver this guide to the best beginner motorcycles. In addition to counting down our picks for the most learner-friendly models, we’ll also be exploring what to consider when shopping as well as how to find the right bike for you, and why it’s so crucial to start your riding career on a learner-friendly model. So without further adieu, let’s get into it.

 When compared to small-displacement, entry-level models, full-size motorcycles are markedly more difficult to control, with ultra-sensitive controls that allow for a minimal margin of error. Not only are bigger bikes less forgiving and more difficult to ride, but they also impede a new rider’s ability to learn, grow, and progress as a rider, as too much effort and energy is spent on keeping the bike in check, rather than focusing on the primary fundamentals of riding like vision and body positioning. By starting on an appropriate model relative to your skin and experience level, you give yourself now only the best chance of growing as a rider, but you also minimize the likelihood of an easily avoidable wreck.

If you look at motorcycle crash statistics, the vast majority of wrecks involve riders within their first six months on the road, that are piloting machines that are objectively too large relative to their skin level, commencing their careers on full-size cruisers or cutting-edge superbikes. To frame things in a more digestible manner, think of it like this; you probably wouldn’t advise a new driver to learn the basics behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or Hellcat-engined muscle car, and a new rider starting on a full-size motorcycle (or even a 600cc i4) is an equally atrocious, and even more dangerous idea. We’d urge any new rider to hone their skills on an entry-level machine before stepping up to a larger bike at a later date.

With so many different genres of motorcycle constituting today’s entry-level class, it can be tricky even knowing where to begin your search, however, there are a few crucial tools to help you narrow down your search considerably. The first thing you should ask yourself is “what is my intended use?” as this largely dictates the style of motorcycle that will be most appropriate for your wants and needs. If you solely plan on using your bike for urban commuting, you’ll likely want a gas-efficient (or electric) model that’s nimble and maneuverable, though if you plan on doing some off-road riding, then a dual-sport or adventure motorcycle may be an ideal choice.

There are admittedly dozens of specs and areas one can pore over when shopping for a motorcycle, though for new riders buying their first bike, there are really only about half a dozen key areas you need to focus on. Below, we’ll be touching on the most important aspects to factor into your purchase.

Engine: As the heart of every motorcycle, a bike’s engine should be one of the first things you look at when buying a new model. For new riders, we would recommend limiting your choices to models with a displacement of 500ccs or less, and engine configurations with no more than two cylinders. It’s also worth noting that, while entry-level models are admittedly smaller than their full-sized two-wheeled counterparts, many of the leading models offer enough power to competently tackle freeway riding, with 300-400cc’s increasingly becoming the entry-level standard — a major bump up from the quarter-liter bikes that once dominated this class.

Running Gear: While a motorcycle’s speed and acceleration are primarily determined by its engine, its cornering and stopping duties are owed to its running gear, i.e. the chassis, suspension, and brakes. These components do perform the same functions, though they can hugely vary in terms of quality and performance. And, while high-end running gear was once reserved for large-displacement, high-dollar motorcycles, premium componentry has increasingly found its way onto entry-level bikes.

Technology: Another phenomenon that’s appeared on entry-level models in recent years is high-tech amenities and rider aids. This includes features such as smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity, lean-angle-sensitive ABS, and multiple ride modes. These features do come at a financial premium, but add a significant amount of convenience to the mix.

Speed: Determined by a motorcycle’s power output and weight (or power-to-weight ratio), how fast a particular motorcycle is will determine what riding applications are possible. Models capable of speeds exceeding 70mph open the door to a myriad of riding applications such as freeway use or long-range touring. By referencing a bike’s top speed, you should get a decent sense of what riding applications it is conducive to (and which it isn’t).

Price: Today’s entry-level motorcycle market boasts some incredibly competitive pricing, with $5,000 being enough to acquire the majority of learner-friendly models. With that said, some bikes offer much more bang for your buck than others. For this reason, it’s important to explore exactly what a given model’s MSRP gets you, as the value being offered can vary greatly. Low-mile used motorcycles are also a great way of saving a few bucks.

Manufacturer: Far more than just the badges on the tank, the company behind a given motorcycle model will play an enormous role in a machine’s overall reliability and performance. It doesn’t end there, however, as buying from a larger, more reputable marque — which is almost always more expensive – also comes with access to more replacement OEM and aftermarket parts, plus a more robust dealer network. Some company’s bikes also retain their value much better than others — another area well worth looking into, especially if you plan on selling your first bike to upgrade to a larger model later on down the road.

Weight: The more a motorcycle weighs, the more difficult it will be to control. Smaller bikes not only pack more lightweight engines, but their lack of weight means they can also get away with using a lighter frame, suspension setup, and whilst, amongst other components. With motorcycles, weight begets more weight, with bigger bikes needing bigger brakes and whatnot. For these reasons, it’s important to opt for a lightweight motorcycle, as this will be the most conducive to progressing as a rider.

One of today’s fastest-growing segments, adventure motorcycles are durable machines that are engineered to handle both on and off-road use. Unlike dual-sports, however, ADV models tend to be more touring friendly, with their front fairings and attachments for luggage. A lot of riders simply like the aesthetic of ADV bikes, as well, whether or not they actually plan on traveling off-road.

KTM 390 Adventure SW

Best ADV Bike: Not long after the introduction of KTM’s RC 390 and Duke 390, the riders began clamoring for the Ready To Race brand to produce an adventure model built around the company’s proven 390 (373cc) platform — ultimately resulting in the recently released 390 Adventure. Borrowing technology from the most successful Dakar Rally factory race team of all time, the 390 ADV SW does cost a bit more than its competitors, though it offers genuine off-road capabilities with its long-travel suspension and crash protection. The SW-spec of this model also comes outfitted with off-road-ready spoked wheels (which is what the “SW” stands for). 

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Runner-Up ADV Bike: While most modern adventure bikes are fairly cutting-edge machines that boast high-end componentry, Royal Enfield’s Himalayan model represents a back-to-basics approach to ADV moto design, with a simple half-duplex split cradle frame housing a primitive but bulletproof 411cc SOHC thumper. In addition to being offered in an enormous slew of liveries — that includes two-tone and camo paint options — this model also boasts a few unexpected goodies like switchable dual-channel ABS and Royal Enfield’s new Tripper GPS navigation system.

We tend to think of big-bore Harley’s and Indians when the word “cruiser” is uttered, though the reality is the popularity of the class — especially in North America — has given way to a growing number of learner-friendly cruiser bikes that retain the distinctive look of these sleds while coming in new rider-appropriate packages.

Honda Rebel 500

Best Cruiser: First introduced in the mid-1980s, the Honda Rebel has long been a go-to option for new riders, though in recent years as the entry-level segment has spiked in popularity, Big Red was prompted to unveil a new generation of Rebel with the 300 and 500cc (and 1,078cc) versions. The half-liter variant of this nimble, and urban-friendly sport cruiser is still small enough for new riders while being more freeway-friendly and offering more room for growth than its smaller-displacement sibling.

Yamaha V-Star 250

Runner-Up Cruiser: Yamaha’s V-Star 250 is a wildly authentic small-bore cruiser that not only boasts the appearance of a full-sized sled but also packs a genuine V-Twin engine — a configuration that’s almost never seen on sub-half-liter models. This Japanese motorcycle’s 78-miles per gallon fuel economy and more than 80mph top speed also mean the V-Star is just as conducive to touring as it is around-town commuting. This is also a solid choice for shorter riders, as well as new bikers that want to be able to carry a passenger.

As this segment’s name implies, dual-sports are intended for both on and off-road use. These lightweight machines are essentially just dirt bikes that have been bestowed with a headlight, license plate, and indicators. And, as rugged machines that you don’t really have to worry about dropping, these machines are a great choice for both city and country-dwellers, alike.

Kawasaki KLX300SM

Best Dual-Sport: If you like the look, feel, and performance of a dirt bike or dual-sport but spend the majority of your time street riding, then Kawasaki’s newly released supermoto model is a stellar choice, as it affords the same punchy engine and thrills as its on/off-road counterpart while sporting a smaller road-focused wheel-set shod in sticky rubber that allows for markedly deeper lean angles. This model also gives customers the option of swapping out the stock hoops for larger wheels shod in knobby tires, should you want to go off-road.

Honda CRF300L

Runner-Up Dual-Sport: Honda’s CRF lineup — which is compliant with California’s stringent new Green Sticker regulations — is one of the best-selling and most popular off-road product ranges of all time, so it’s frankly unsurprising that Honda’s road-legal dual-sport version of the 300cc (286cc) CRF is equally sought-after thanks to a potent engine, razor-sharp handling, immense reliability, and rugged build quality. Plus, its roughly 300lb curb weight and more than 10” of suspension travel front and aft make the CRF300L just as competent in the dirt as it is on the street.

At this point, there’s absolutely no denying that RVs represent the future of motorcycling, and while these electron and proton-powered scoots once seriously lacked behind their gas-powered counterparts, EV bikes have since grown to eclipse gas-fed models. There’s also a growing number of fully electric motorcycles that are engineered specifically for new riders — two of our favorite of which we’ll be highlighting directly below. 

Zero FXE

Best Moto EV: Modeled after a one-off build from San Francisco-based outfit Huge Moto, the Zero FXE is a futuristic take on an unmistakably futuristic take on a supermoto bike. Kicked along by an electric motor that cranks out 46hp and 78ft-lbs of torque, the FXE draws energy from a Z-Force Li-Ion intelligent integrated battery that can receive a 95% charge in as little as 1.3 hours (or 9.2 hours using a standard charger) — plus affords a 100-mile city range and 60-miles of autonomy on the freeway (or 75-combined). Tipping the scales at only 298lbs, the FXE offers a top speed of 85mph, which makes it more than fast enough for freeway use. Running off of Zero’s Cypher II operating system, the FXE also gets a Poly Chain HTD Carbon belt, a TFT display, connectivity to a smartphone app, Bosch gen-9 ABS, and a top-shelf suspension setup comprised of a 41mm inverted Showa fork and a 40mm monoshock.

Sondors MetaCycle

Runner-Up Moto EV: Weighing in at 300lbs, the Sondors MetaCycle is a futuristic take on a standard commuter bike that’s kicked along by a 14.5kW, hub-mounted PMAC motor and a 72V, 4,000Wh Lithium-ion battery — a powertrain that allows for an 80-mile range, an 80mph top speed, and up to 130ft-lbs of torque. The entire bike is crafted around an ultra-unique cast aluminum frame design that’s been paired with WP suspension. Other details include a 31.5” seat height, all-LED lighting throughout, and a short 52-inch wheelbase, that, when paired with the bike’s top-shelf suspension,  allows for excellent handling. Sadly, while the MetaCycle was first priced at $5,000, it’s MSRP has since gone up to $6,500 — still making it a great value. Sondors has also released an equally attractive electric dual-sport known as the MetaBeast X.

Another segment that’s rapidly growing in popularity, naked motorcycles offer much of the performance of a sportbike in a more user-friendly package with an upright riding position and a lack of bodywork. This class is a fantastic choice for those looking for a fun ride who still want something practical.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Best Naked Bike: The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is an ultra-sleek and modern interpretation of a scrambler that’s built around the same tried-and-true 373cc engine and chassis platform as the KTM 390 Duke (and 390 ADV). As such it boasts a top-of-the-line chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame mated to high-end WP suspension with a 43mm inverted front-end, 17” spoke wheels shod in knobby tires, forged aluminum triples, LED lighting all around, and hydraulic Bosch two-channel-equipped ByBre brakes with a 320mm front rotor and a 230mm disc in back.

Honda CB300R

Runner-Up Naked Bike: This is the smallest member of Honda’s Neo-Sports Cafe range, the CB300R is a sub-$5,000 learner-friendly model that’s equipped with a surprisingly high-end array of features and components including full LED lighting, an inverted fork, anti-lock brakes, and blacked-out hardware throughout. In terms of performance, the CB300R is an incredibly competent machine, with planted, confidence-inspiring handling and a top speed exceeding 90mph.

Entry-level sportbikes — or “supersports” — represent the pinnacle of two-wheeled performance in the entry-level class, affording the greatest speed and acceleration, the best braking, and the greatest lean angle of any new rider-friendly genre. Whether you’re looking for a peppy commuter, a weekend canyon carver, or a track day machine, these affordable thrill rides are a great choice.

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Best Sportbike: Team Green’s Ninja 400 is quite possibly the best buy in its class, with a $5,000 MSRP that gets you a liquid-cooled 399cc twin-cylinder engine wrapped in an advanced and lightweight trellis frame and fitted with a slipper clutch, Uni-Trak rear suspension, ABS, 310mm semi-floating petal rotors, and twin LED headlights. The bump in displacement also enables the Ninja 400 — which is available in a limited KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team) edition that’s cloaked in a replica race livery from Kawasaki’s World Superbike-dominating factory team.

Yamaha YZF-R3

Runner-Up Sportbike: The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a surprisingly versatile supersport model that’s capable of taking on both commuting and track day duties. Boasting a top speed in the triple digits, the R3 features bodywork that’s inspired by the Tuning Fork Company’s YZR-M1 MotoGP racer, and a liquid-cooled parallel-twin that’s new rider-friendly, while still allowing for plenty of growth. The immense popularity of this model has also resulted in an enormous amount of available aftermarket upgrades.

The Best Small Displacement Motorcycles

Want to check out an additional selection of learner-friendly models? Well, our guide to the best small-displacement motorcycles contains a dozen diminutive-engined motos that jive wonderfully with novice riders.