What is the Best Beginner Motorcycle?

Want to buy your first motorcycle for ? We’ve rounded up the 13 Best Beginner Motorcycles  for every type of rider, as well as 5 things to consider before you hit the ad you want.

As a moto vlogger and general motorcycle enthusiast, I find myself providing bike advice to novice riders at least once a day. Whenever asked, my first question to them is, why do you want to cycle? For me, it is an escape.

The ability to ride a motorcycle and immerse yourself completely into the riding experience and take all your worries away.

The feeling of changing temperatures as you traverse mountain trails, the smell of fresh grass as you mow the suburbs, and the true connection you feel with your surroundings is not a dream to me. Riding a motorcycle feels like freedom and I crave that feeling every day.

Buying Your First Motorcycle: First Steps

There’s a laundry list of things to consider when looking to buy your first bike, and a fair amount of this stuff happens before you even get your first look.

Looking back, I remember how much fun and even though it was confusing this time. To make things clearer to you, here are 5 things you should consider:

• Budget
• Power Output
• Weight
• Usability
• Comfort

Pro Tip: You should also think about the frequency of use and what riding style you plan to take part in.

Choosing the beginner bike that best fits these components for you will not only make your cycling more enjoyable but will also make you safer throughout the process. The best bike is the one that suits you best. Now let’s break down some of these factors.

Budget

The biggest misconception when budgeting for a new motorcycle is how much you initially thought you could afford. It’s important to factor in property taxes, insurance, new equipment, and depending on your living situation, storage – basically the total cost of owning a motorcycle.

Insurance is one of the hottest topics among motorists. Be sure to work with your current auto insurance provider first, as they will likely have a multi-vehicle policy that will reduce your rates. The pros to being a new rider looking at a lower displacement bike is that the cost to insure is almost directly correlated with the amount of power the bike has, so prices should be on the lower end.

Another tip is to look for motorcycle incentives, as many manufacturers offer savings to make the buying process more affordable. It is also important to understand how much motorcycle dealer fees you will have to pay as you go through the buying process.

Once you can determine the actual amount of money you can spend on the bike, it’s time to take that number to the desired ad, dealer, craigslist, Rollick, or even your local bike meet.

Pro Tip: Knowing what you can spend will help you narrow down your choices in a big way. We recommend first-time riders spend no more than $7,000, both on the bike and their expenses.

Power Output

Among the many highly debated topics in the motorcycle community, one that tops the list of many riders is acceptable power output which new riders must look to manage. From 250cc singles to 1600cc V6 monsters, the motorcycle industry offers hundreds of bikes

and machine configuration.

For the first year of riding, we recommend sticking to a bike that has no more than 600cc of power, which is channeled through a smooth and controlled throttle response. Most entry-level motorcycles are much less jittery in their throttle response, meaning a more blunt engine reaction when the throttle is turned. To some, this may sound negative, but in your first year of cycling, you’re still used to the incredible strength-to-weight ratio all bikes provide, so you’ll want a safety net if you accidentally apply one. full speed in dangerous situations.

Our list of the 15 best motorcycles for beginners focuses on bikes under 600cc power levels that provide consistent throttle response through the rev range.

Weight

The heavier the bikes, the harder they fall. This is especially true as a beginner when you are still building your skills and find yourself potentially making small mistakes. Make a small mistake on a heavy bike and it will magnify into a much bigger and potentially dangerous problem. So go with what you can handle!

Different styles of bikes tend to define the acceptable weight range of bikes in their category. Choosing a bike that is relatively light for the style will help you stay in control in slow speed situations, allow you to feel comfortable with your feet down, and generally provide a more detailed feel for the rider.

Usability

My second sportbike is the Italian stallion Aprilia Tuono V4R. The bike speaks to me in a way I can’t even describe, but in the end, it’s unusable every day.

Its incredible 100-mile range, low-and-forward control, and incredible heat mean that it’s more of a weekend fighter than the daily commuter I was looking for.

Things like storage capacity, range, comfort features, and wind protection can make or break your decision to take that moto camping adventure or whether you want to drive to work.

Being patient and dissecting all the features of the bike will ensure you get your money’s worth and increase your chances of cycling. Using model specific forums, facebook groups, and online services like fuelly to determine the various long-term attributes for this bike will help you decide what is right for you.

Comfort

Riding a motorcycle is significantly more tiring than driving and the last thing you want to feel at the midpoint is pain in your neck, shoulders, knees or back. With the bare bike movement taking full effect, and manufacturers pushing incredible standard upright motorcycles with as much power as their supersport brethren, there’s little reason to sacrifice comfort for capability.

One of the main components of comfort is seat height. As a relatively short rider, I was initially discouraged by the somewhat high seat height that comes standard on many of the bikes I’m interested in. Over the years I’ve not only developed my skills to adapt to higher seat heights, but I’ve seen manufacturers work hard to make taller bikes more accessible to everyone (i.e. lower seats, factory-derived suspension). , drop-down link available in aftermarket).

Pro Tip: Never buy an invisible bike sight and if possible, always make a potential purchase on a trial run in slow and high speed situations. If possible, use a motorbike rental service like Twisted Road to rent the bike you want to buy for a few days (use GoRollick at checkout and get a $20 coupon for your first ride!). This will give you the opportunity to drive in the everyday conditions you are more likely to use.

How Much is a Beginner Motorcycle?

Beginner motorcycles usually range in price from $3,000 to $10,000. Based on the list below, the average price for a new starter motorcycle is $5,550. And if you’re curious about your neighbors, the most popular beginner bike is the Honda Grom. The cheapest starter bike on our list is the Kawasaki Z-125 Pro, selling for $3,199.

13 Best Motorcycles for Beginners

From simple standards to fast sportbikes, here are 15 of the best entry-level bikes built to last and deliver thousands of miles of adventure. I’ve selected 15 of these bikes based on experience and ranked them in order of favorite for beginner bikes.

Pro Tip: To find out which class the bike belongs to, you can look at the rider’s position. For example, on a standard bicycle your shoulders will be directly above your hips, on a cruiser your shoulders will rest behind your hips, and on a sports motorcycle your shoulders will rest over your hips.

Best Beginner Motorcycles : Yamaha YZF-R3

Why the Yamaha YZF-R3 is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

There are many amazing bikes on this list. Most push the boundaries of the entire entry-level genre, but there’s only one I’d personally buy, and here it is. The riding experience on the Yamaha R3 is similar to listening to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody for the first time. It simply transcends time and space. I’m not sure how Yamaha packed so much punch into this 321 pound rocket, but they did. Perhaps more impressive than the power delivery is the superb rider position and feel of the suspension. If you want to learn how to ride a motorbike on the track.

Best Beginner Motorcycles : Honda CB300R

Why the Honda CB300R is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

Weighing just 317 pounds and sporting Showa suspension, the 2020 Honda CB300R is the best. Turn-in feels fast and responsive, while acceleration from a single 286cc gives confidence for city and highway driving. Beyond the incredible engineering dynamics, the overall design no longer screams, “look at me, I’m a rookie” but rather gives new riders a platform to grow and love, no matter how experienced they are.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Kawasaki Ninja 400

Why the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

How… how in God’s name did they get so much power from 399cc parallel twins? Someone at Kawasaki deserves a raise, as the Ninja 400 brought the industry attention a few years ago when it first debuted. Years later it continues to dominate the entry-level class in power-to-displacement ratios and provides riders with enormous value for money. I’ll take one on the KRT livery, please.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: KTM 390 Duke

Why the KTM 390 Duke is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

It hurts me to write about the KTM Duke, sitting here thinking my dear, my love, my old SuperDuke 1290. That pain is love and that love extends to the mini Duke. With its low-end torque and upright riding position, you’ll be a member of the 12 o’clock before you know it. This highly efficient KTM makes an excellent beginner motorcycle, and is perfect for the most advanced rider looking for something to squeeze in on a Sunday morning ride.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Kawasaki Z400

Why the Kawasaki Z400 is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

Take the legendary 399cc twin and throw it in the nude style motorcycle that many love and the 2020 Kawasaki Z400 is born. I’m currently at step 9 out of 12 in my recovery from this amazing platform addiction. With competitors like the Honda CB300R getting updated styling, the power-hungry Z400 has stiff competition for 2020, but where there’s competition, innovation follows.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Yamaha MT-03

Why the Yamaha MT-03 is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

OMG, no way weird! That’s what I said when I learned that the US market was getting a class 300 from the amazing MT lineup. I love every MT I’ve ever ridden. With the same dedication to engineering excellence and a fan base who love to get what they ask for, the 2020 MT-03 is destined to be extraordinary. I can’t wait to throw a leg at one of these. Will MT continue to represent the Master of Torque in this 321cc example? God, I hope so.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Suzuki SV650

Why the Suzuki SV650 is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

If you’ve been around long enough, you’ve owned or are close to owning a Suzuki SV650. I’ve personally never ridden a swiss army motorcycle, but with a storied past and enough power to really get yourself in trouble I had to put it on the list. Whether you’re commuting to work or setting lap records at your local track, the SV650 is an old timer that will always have your back and is by far the best touring motorcycle for beginners on this list.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: BMW G310GS

Why the BMW G310GS is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

The smallest BMW GS model doesn’t sacrifice function over form with 313cc dirt-spewing power. I have one word for you. Guarantee. With an industry-leading 3-year 36,000 mile warranty, the extra costs that BMW carries are dwarfed by the highly professional dealer network at your disposal. That being said, this bike speaks for itself. If you’re on your way to the acclaimed R1250GS Adventure, look no further.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Suzuki DR-Z400SM

Why the Suzuki DR-Z400SM is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

Another tried and true gangster original, the DR-Z400SM is a hooligan dream trip. Dirtbike seen combined with road rubber which became an unforgettable first experience. I’d dispute this in other situations, but I may or may not have picked up the DR-Z400SM from the many loading docks at my local mall in the days before DukeOfDC. You’ll be blown away by the capabilities and reliability of this OG.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Ducati Scrambler Sixty2

Why the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

Having a Ducati as your first motorcycle is like showing up at your high school prom with a supermodel. In this case, that model is the 2020 Scrambler Sixty2, and with its 399cc twin, low seat height and expansive parts department, you’re looking at a really great starter bike. If money isn’t an option and you like scrambler style, this is it.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Honda Grom 125

Why the Honda Grom 125 is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

The 2020 Honda Grom is without a doubt the David of another 300cc entry-level bike, the Goliaths. With the engine you’ll soon find to power the lawnmower, you can’t expect to break any land speed records on this little guy. Nonetheless, you’ll have big smiles as you buzz around the neighborhood, park where no bike can park, and grow your Grom Gang to an unprecedented level. If you are an aftermarket fan looking for the perfect second bike, the Honda Grom is the winner, chicken dinner.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Suzuki GSX250R ABS

Why the Suzuki GSX250 ABS is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

Suzuki’s iteration of the ever-popular 250-300cc supersport entry bike looks a bit long in the teeth, but the game respects the game. This is where it all started, and although the industry has left this bike in the dust, it’s still an amazing platform for any and all beginners. If I were a gambler I’d say the updated 400cc GSXR is coming to theaters near you soon.

Best Beginner Motorcycles: Kawasaki Z125 Pro

Why the Kawasaki Z125 Pro is a Great Beginner’s Bike:

Not a Honda fan, but love the idea of ​​a smaller first bike like a scooter? Well, do I have the perfect Grom replacement for you. With the engine you’ll soon find to power the lawnmower, you can’t expect to break any land speed records on this little guy. Nonetheless, you’ll have a big smile on your face as you buzz around the neighborhood, and parking where no bike can park is all in a cool Kawasaki pack.

Conclusion

Buying your first motorcycle should be exciting and fun. The recommendations above are some of the best in the game and will give you a high-quality experience down the road, guaranteed. But remember, there’s a lot more to riding than just looking and feeling cool (though that’s a huge bonus). You need to be safe and knowledgeable about how to ride and the bike you end up buying. Do your research (obviously you’re dominating that step if you’re just reading this), ask questions, and be patient. The right bike is out there waiting for you.

That’s all from me I hope you can enjoy reading my article, Thank You.