4.6 out of 5
A motorcycle offers a unique open-air experience that cannot be achieved in a car. Still, not all motorcycles suit riders of all skill levels, especially beginners. They might have trouble controlling it because of its size and weight. So What motorcycle should a beginner start with?
The fact that riding a motorcycle is more active and demanding than driving a car makes it clear why it's critical to begin one's riding career on a motorcycle that is both the right size and difficulty for an entry-level rider. Here are the top fifteen recommended motorcycles for beginners as of 2022.
15 Best Motorcycles for Beginners
The Honda CB300R Motorcycle
Even though the Honda CB300R has been made since 2017, a brand-new 2022 model costs just under $6,000, and a good-condition used one is likely to cost between $2,000 and $4,500. The single 286cc cylinder engine produces 31 horsepower while weighing only 315 pounds.
It has smooth acceleration and can securely maintain speeds on the expressway and the highway. It has a tank capacity of 2.5 gallons, but it consumes very little fuel and can theoretically take you more than 180 miles if you manage the accelerator and gears well.
The Suzuki SV650 Motorcycle
Since its production in 1999, this bike has consistently ranked as the finest in its category, even though a brand new 2022 model equipped with ABS costs $8,800.
The 2022 Suzuki SV650 ABS has a refined powertrain with surprising performance, low emissions, and excellent gas mileage. Additionally, the bike has a fantastic fuel economy rating.
The SV650 ABS's agile frame lets it lean into corners at interesting angles, and the two four-piston Tokico brake calipers up front with ABS give it excellent stopping power.
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 and 400 Motorcycle
Kawasaki's small-displacement designs are ideal for beginner bikes. If you are more interested in the sporting side of things, both the Ninja 300, which was manufactured from 2012 to 2018 and the Ninja 400, which replaced the Ninja 300 as the big brother model, are incredibly capable entry-level motorcycles.
Both have 49 hp and weigh less than 400 pounds. These motorcycles have a reasonably conventional riding style while still allowing the rider to tuck when necessary, making them an excellent choice for beginners. They are also economical with fuel and have a very linear power delivery; if you choose to take them out on a track day or two, they will reward you for your efforts.
The Ninja 300 may be purchased for between $4,000 and $5,000, while the starting price of the 2022 Ninja 4000 is slightly over $5,000.
The KTM 390 Duke Motorcycle
The KTM 390 Duke is one of the best-naked bikes if you have a reasonable budget and don't mind spending a little more on maintenance than you would for most Japanese bikes. Since 2013, these little joys have been on the market. They have the great low-end grunt to get you going, and their riding position is pretty much the standard.
KTM bikes have always had great engines, and the single-cylinder 373 cc engine in the 390 Duke makes 43 hp. It has a lot of torque everywhere and starts moving smoothly from a stop. It gives you enough power to get your heart pumping, but it won't take you to 100 mph in a flash.
KTM bikes cost between $3500 and $5500.
The Honda MSX125 Motorcycle/GROM
GROM, which was first released in 2014, is an excellent option for beginner users. It weighs next to nothing and has sufficient power to propel you to speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Incredible rider feedback is given despite the bike's low power output and relatively lightweight, and the bike's cost is only under $4000.
The Yamaha V-Star 250 Motorcycle
The Yamaha V-Star 250 is an excellent first cruiser for beginner riders with a rebellious streak in their riding style. It is propelled by a v-twin engine that hasn't changed much in 249cc, and despite being an extremely lightweight cruiser, it doesn't require much displacement or horsepower to get moving. Despite its small engine, the V-Star can easily maintain a happy cruising speed of 70 miles per hour when it is in sixth gear.
Prices for the new 2022 Yamaha V-Star 250 models start at $4600.
The Suzuki TU250X Motorcycle
This Suzuki TU250X motorcycle features a 249cc engine that produces 17 horsepower and has a torque curve that is smooth and simple to feel up until it begins to drop off a little towards the redline.
The engine is deafening and produces a lot of noise. In addition to being a relatively lightweight motorcycle (weighing only 330 pounds when wet), it features state-of-the-art suspension, brakes, and fuel injection. In addition to this, it is very economical with gas; a tank that holds 3.2 gallons will easily carry you for a hundred miles with no problems.
A brand-new 2019 model will set you back about $5,000.
The Kawasaki Z650 Motorcycle
The Z650 is a strong motorcycle that was released in the year 2017. Even though it has a 649cc parallel-twin engine, you shouldn't be afraid to ride it because it's effortless to control the amount of power it produces.
Because of its 68 horsepower and relatively low weight of 412 pounds, the Z650 is frequently recommended to riders who are either taller or heavier than average. This bike's 50th anniversary 2022 version will cost about $9,600.
The Kawasaki Versys-X Motorcycle
The Versys-X came out in 2017 and had a 269cc parallel-twin engine. Even though it looks like an adventure bike and can carry things, its primary purpose is commuting and light touring. If you bought it brand new, it would cost you roughly $7000.
The Yamaha XT250 Motorcycle
It is generally agreed that the version of Yamaha's classic XT250 released in 2008 and onwards is one of the finest dual-sport motorcycles currently available. Additionally, this model is an excellent beginner bike suitable for a low-speed daily commute, off-roading, or traveling through rural areas.
It's propelled by a very economical (and entertaining) 249 cc single-cylinder engine that only puts out 17 hp and weighs in at 290 pounds. Approximately $5,700 is what you should expect to spend on a 2022 model.
The Yamaha FZ-03/MT-03 Motorcycle
The Yamaha FZ-03, reintroduced in the United States as the MT-03 in 2019, is one of the first naked motorcycles manufactured from 2006 to 2014.
The first version of the FZ-03 was powered by a 660-cc single-cylinder engine capable of producing 45 hp and boasting respectable grunty low-end torque. The machine that powers the new MT-03 is derived from the YZF-R3 supersport motorcycle. It can produce 42 horsepower and has been returned to deliver the same amount of low-end torque as the model it replaces.
Prices for brand new 2022 MT-03s begin at about $4,800.
The Honda CB500X Motorcycle
The parallel-twin engine in the CB500X has a capacity of 471 cc and generates 47 horsepower. Seat height and riding position are both standardized on this model. It has these gorgeous handlebars that are nice and broad, and they virtually urge you to grasp them.
And because it's an adventure motorcycle, it boasts a wide and accommodating torque band, with low-end torque that's perfect for hauling yourself up a rough hill and mid-range torque that's perfect for thrashing around a dirt road. The most recent model, 2021, costs approximately $8,100 and comes with ABS.
The Yamaha YZF-R3 Motorcycle
This Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycle has only 50 horsepower and weighs 370 pounds, yet it is speedy despite those limitations. It has been in production since 2015. I would only recommend the YZF-R3 if your intended usage simply takes it to track days or compete in a racing series designed for beginners. A model from 2022 will set you back at least $5,300.
The Honda Rebel 500 Motorcycle
The Rebel 500 was built from the ground up to be a beginner cruiser, and as a result, it has few features that might distract from the enjoyment of riding. But the Rebel 500's 471cc parallel-twin engine is its best feature.
It's not a high-revving powerhouse. Instead, it's a torquey little miracle that delivers power in a very linear way, can effortlessly cruise at highway speed, and gives you a lot of feedback in your backside and hands.
A 2022 model's starting price is $8,000.
The BMW G 310 GS Motorcycle
The G310 GS is equipped with a single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 313 cc and can perform light off-roading. Its striking appearance includes a luggage carrier, anti-lock brakes, adjustable handlebars, and ride-by-wire technology. It only weighs 386 lbs and has a ride height of 32.8 inches, making it the ideal BMW for beginner riders.
It cost less than $6000.
What is a good size for first motorcycle?
Newbies and Motorcycle Size Purchase Decisions
If you're a newbie to the world of motorcycles, you should take your initial purchases extremely seriously. You should never buy your "beginner" motorcycle randomly. It's 100 percent critical to take motorcycle engine size into deep consideration.
Remember, motorcycles aren't a joke. If you ride one without a lot of expertise and background, they can potentially be extremely hazardous. That's why you need to prioritize motorcycles that have engine sizes that are fitting and appropriate for beginners.
People who have never been on motorcycles before may want to go for 300CC bikes. This size category is simple to control. It slows and stops in a much safer fashion than many bigger options do. If you want to protect yourself from falls and potential injuries, then 300CC choices may be ideal. They can be immensely helpful whenever riders have to brake rapidly for any reason.
How many cc's should a first motorcycle have?
Everyone remembers their first motorcycle. But how powerful should a first time motorbike be? A good starter bike is usually in the 250cc - 500cc engine range. Motorcycle schools often train on 250cc bikes because they are easy to handle and allow the beginner to learn the fundamentals to become a comfortable rider.
You don't want the power to be too low though. In some places, like the USA, motorbikes are not allowed on highways if they're less than 50cc. Any bike that will travel on a city road or highway needs to be able to reach a speed of 38 to 50 mph. (about 60 to 80 km/h).
But how can you know how fast a bike will go? The most important thing a first time motorcycle buyer needs to consider is the power to weight ratio. A good ratio for a single rider might be somewhere between 250cc to 500cc but everything is relative to body weight. To illustrate, for a double rider, the minimum should be closer to 400cc. So body weight should be factored in when deciding how powerful a motorbike should be. In fact, if you're a first time rider, remember that power to weight ratio matters the most.
Is a 600cc too much for a beginner?
If you dream of riding a motorcycle, it's understandable to want to ride a big bike. The urge to conquer the road on an impressive ride is why you want a bike. So, many beginners wonder if a 600cc motorcycle would be a good choice for a first bike.
All things considered, a 600cc motorcycle is not a good choice for a beginner. If you want to compare it to something, it would be like learning to drive a car by training on a Lamborghini. Learning to drive such a powerful car would be overwhelming for a new car driver, and riding a big bike would be an equally monumental challenge for a brand-new biker.
After all, a 600cc bike is designed for use on the race track - and a beginner is not ready for that. A rider's first bike should be comfortable and easy to operate. Most of all, it needs to be as safe a choice as possible.
According to "Why 600 cc Motorcycle Is Too Much!" posted on bestbeginnermotorcycles.com: A larger bike is also heavy (about 300+ pounds), and learning to balance that much weight upright takes practice. Navigating around turns on a heavy bike like that is a skill that will take time, and you don't want to end up on the pavement because you were leaning in too hard. Motorcycle acceleration is also a skill that needs time to learn, and a bigger bike can accelerate too quickly, and you may end up doing a wheelie and flying off the seat. I'm sure I don't have to tell you; that would not end well.
A smaller bike - like a Kawasaki Ninja 250 - would be ideal for a new motorcycle rider. It may not be the ultimate ride you're dreaming of, but until you get some real-road experience with maneuvering a motorcycle - which, as you'll learn, is way different than driving a car - you'll be glad you have a less intimidating bike to operate. A smaller bike will also cost less money. A new Suzuki GSC 600 can cost $9,000 or more compared to the Ninja 250 at only $3,000. That's a much wiser investment.
Best Beginner Motorcycles.com recommends a smaller motorcycle like the Kawasaki Ninja or the Honda Rebel. Choose your first bike wisely, and when you've had a few years of experience, you'll be experienced and ready to trade it in for that 600cc+ model and enjoy the road in style!
What is a good price for a beginner motorcycle?
When enjoying life, you'll want to love to do fun things. One of these may involve learning how to ride a motorcycle. This is the key to making the absolute most out of each day. However, you'll want to avoid overpaying for this device, especially in the beginning. Taking time to learn ways to get the best price for a fun device of this type is ideal.
Shop Around
The last thing you'll want to do is purchase the first beginner motorcycle you see. This could sound like an easy way to buy the motorcycle of your dreams but certainly won't be the least expensive.
Taking time to go to a wide range of stores and locations prior to making a final purchase will allow you to save money on the best beginner motorcycle. Don't neglect to have a list of the accessories or extras you may want prior to going shopping.
Look for Sales
There are certain times during the year when you may find a motorcycle could be much cheaper than others. For instance, there's a very good chance you could get a much lower price for a motorcycle than in the summer months.
Visiting your local motorcycle facility will enable you during the cooler months of the year may help you get the very best price. Keep in mind that many people will be doing things inside of the home and this could help you save cash on this device.
Find a Partner
Do you have another person in your life, such as friend or loved one that enjoys riding a motorcycle? If so, you may want to consider making this purchase with this individual.
Splitting the overall costs of a motorcycle can significantly save you a great deal of cash. Sharing the time, you ride this device can be easily worked on when you have a schedule in place. Be considerate of each other and you'll be certain to make the most of your motorcycle partnership for the long haul.
Consider Used
You may not have to enjoy a brand-new motorcycle to have the most fun using it. Taking the time to look at a wide range of used bikes could be a great idea for you to do.
It's possible you could drastically reduce the cost of this item when you buy a used model versus a new one. Consider finding a motorcycle that is like new condition to help you get the best price and the most enjoyment from it.
If you're ready to be a bit more adventurous and to struggle less through life having fun is a great way to start. Finding the ideal motorcycle as a beginner will allow you to get to where you need to go. You'll be sure to have more fun and not break the bank when you get it at the best price.
Being able to make the most of each day will truly enable you to stress less and have a higher quality of health. You can find the ideal bike to meet your needs at an affordable price.
Conclusion
Not only is it necessary to know what type of motorbike is best for us based on our weight or height and whether or not we can control it, but it is also crucial that we know what type of motorcycle is safe to ride especially as a beginner.