Nothing matches the excitement of looking for your first motorcycle. I remember spending weeks looking at all the different bikes for sale – trying to find that perfect motorcycle.
I did all the research, took all the advice into account, and realized that they were all right.
A good first motorcycle is:
- Light with modest power (250cc-500cc)
- Neutral and comfortable
- Reliable and durable
- Affordable and low-maintenance
- Safe and modern (ABS, traction control, etc.)
Some great examples of this are the Honda CB300R, the BMW G 310 R, and the Kawasaki Ninja 400.
But choosing your first motorcycle is never a one-size-fits-all, go with the mold type thing. There are too many factors that go into account.
If you’re anything like me, picking your first motorcycle comes down to a lot more than just going with the safe, default options everyone recommends.
What Kind of Motorcycles Do You Like
When it comes to choosing your first motorcycle, the biggest factor for a lot of us is that “Cool Factor”.
Whether it was the sound of a sportbike flying by you on a highway, the fact that your older brother rode, or that motorcycle montage from Grease 2 – we all decided that motorcycles were cool at one point or another.
What was that cool motorcycle that convinced you to get one in the first place? Do you remember the type and aesthetic?
Because that is the best starting point for you as you begin your search for a motorcycle.
And you can easily narrow this down with a few questions.
- What kind of motorcycles do you like?
- What kind of image do you want to project when you ride a motorcycle?
Do you like the sound of those high-revving sportbikes and their racer aesthetic? or are you a better fit for the muscle and bravado that come with the cruiser-style motorcycles?
Maybe you’re like a majority of riders who have a more niche appeal when it comes to what you think is cool.
Regardless, there are so many types of motorcycles that you are bound to find the perfect fit.
The Different Types of Motorcycles
There are so many different types of motorcycles that you can easily find one to fit your preferred riding style.
Standard/Naked motorcycles
- Have a neutral riding position, upright handlebars, and minimal fairings
- Offer a good balance of performance, comfort, and versatility
- Suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike
- Examples: Honda CB500F, Kawasaki Z650, Suzuki SV650
Sport motorcycles
- Have a forward-leaning riding position, clip-on handlebars, and aerodynamic fairings
- Offer high performance, speed, and agility, but low comfort and fuel efficiency
- Suitable for new and experienced riders who enjoy fast and spirited riding
- Examples: Yamaha YZF-R3, Honda CBR600RR, Kawasaki Ninja 400
Cruiser motorcycles
- Have a relaxed riding position, low seat height, and high handlebars
- Offer low performance, but high comfort, style, and character
- Suitable for riders who enjoy leisurely and scenic riding
- Examples: Harley-Davidson Sportster, Honda Rebel 500, Indian Scout
Scooter motorcycles
- Have a step-through frame, a flat floorboard, and a front leg shield
- Offer low performance, but high convenience, fuel efficiency, and affordability
- Suitable for riders who need a simple and easy mode of transportation
- Examples: Vespa Primavera, Honda PCX150, Yamaha NMAX
Touring motorcycles
- Have a comfortable riding position, a large windshield, and ample luggage space
- Offer high performance, comfort, and features, but low maneuverability and fuel efficiency
- Suitable for riders who enjoy long-distance and cross-country riding
- Examples: BMW R 1250 RT, Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
Adventure/Dual-sport motorcycles
- Have a tall riding position, a long suspension, and knobby tires
- Offer moderate performance, comfort, and versatility, but high maintenance and weight
- Suitable for riders who enjoy riding on both paved and unpaved roads
- Examples: KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CRF250L, Suzuki DR650S
What Types of Motorcycles Are Best for Beginners
Beginners typically do well with lightweight motorcycles that offer a more neutral riding position.
I was always a fan of Supersports until I took the MSF course on a dual-sport and realized that I preferred the neutral riding position similar to my mountain bike.
What is Your Budget
Now for the least fun part…
The second biggest factor when it comes to choosing your first motorcycle will be your budget.
This is going to be your most limiting factor as well.
Some of those dream bikes can cost upwards of $20,000 or more. And that doesn’t include all the other costs that come with owning a motorcycle; insurance, maintenance, licensing.
| Cost Item | Low Cost Option | High Cost Option |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle Price | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Insurance | $300/year | $900/year |
| Maintenance | $200/year | $500/year |
| License/Permit | $50 | $50 |
| Gas | $100/year | $200/year |
A lot of new riders make the mistake of only accounting for the cost of the motorcycle – and forgetting the costs of gear, insurance, and maintenance.
Before you buy that motorcycle, make sure you get a few quotes for insurance so you know what it’s going to cost you each month. In general, the larger the cc and the younger the rider, the more expensive that insurance will be.
You can also do a quick estimate of how much maintenance will cost you each year. Check out some of the prices for tires and their rated mileage, and call one of your local shops to get an estimate on an oil change.
And again, smaller cc motorcycles are cheaper in insurance as well as maintenance costs.
What Style of Riding Will You Do
This is completely optional but you may choose a motorcycle based on the style of riding you plan to do.
If I had only planned to ride around town and goof off with my friends, I probably would’ve been happier with a Grom. If I only bought my bike to go on long rides with my dad, I would’ve gone with a cruiser.
But this goes a little further than just picking a supersport for the canyons and a cruiser for the interstate.
What is your main purpose for riding a motorcycle? Is it for commuting, touring, off-roading, racing, or just having fun?
How often do you think you’ll ride? Do you plan to ride frequently and for long periods, or occasionally and for short trips?
Some people are happy with riding on paved roads and highways, while others seek the thrill of riding on dirt trails and mountain paths. Some people like carving the canyons while others prefer the adventure of the open road. Some people ride occasionally, while others ride every day.
But don’t feel limited by your style of riding. I’ve seen a rider take their 300cc sportbike on a long-distance journey and a Harley carving up a canyon.
There’s a reason I chose “cool factor” as the number one spot.
How Much Power Do You Need
With all the recent advancements in the industry, there has never been a better time than now for new riders.
Instead of being limited to 250cc, new riders have the option to beef up the power with all-new 300cc, 400cc, 500cc, and even 650cc motorcycles.
And of course, you’re not limited to these displacements. These are just the options I recommend for new riders.
New riders should start with motorcycles between 250cc and 500cc, with a special consideration for some 650cc motorcycles. Not only is this a manageable amount of power for beginners, but these are also the most affordable to maintain and insure.
However, power is not everything. You also need to consider other factors such as weight, torque, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
To help you decide how much power you need, you can ask yourself these questions:
- How fast do you want to go? Do you need to keep up with traffic, overtake other vehicles, or reach top speeds?
- How much do you weigh? Do you need a motorcycle that can support your body weight and luggage weight?
- How experienced are you? Do you have the skills and confidence to handle a powerful motorcycle, or do you need a motorcycle that is more forgiving and manageable?
- How often do you ride? Do you ride frequently and for long periods, or occasionally and for short trips?
| Recommended cc range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 50-125 cc | low cost, easy to handle, fuel efficient, good for beginners | low power, limited speed, not suitable for highways or long distances, may outgrow quickly |
| 125-250 cc | affordable, lightweight, agile, good for commuting and city riding | moderate power, limited speed, not suitable for highways or long distances, may outgrow quickly |
| 250-500 cc | balanced, versatile, good for various riding styles and terrains, good for intermediate riders | higher cost, heavier, more maintenance, more skill required |
| 500-650 cc | powerful, fast, good for highways and long distances, good for intermediate to advanced riders | expensive, heavy, more maintenance, more skill required, higher fuel consumption |
| Over 650 cc | very powerful, very fast, good for highways and long distances, good for advanced riders | very expensive, very heavy, more maintenance, more skill required, higher fuel consumption, may be intimidating or overwhelming |
Are You Buying New or Used
For new riders, there is a lot of debate as to whether or not you should buy a new or used motorcycle.
On one hand, it has always been standard advice to recommend buying used for new riders. You save a lot on the initial costs and there’s a lot less worry when you encounter that dreaded first drop.
But I can also see the argument for buying new as your first motorcycle. Sure, it’s the more expensive route – but you also get a lot of peace of mind between the warranty, support, and the fact that you are its first and only owner.
Honestly, there are drawbacks with either option and it really comes down to your personal budget and knowledge about motorcycles.
If you or a friend know a thing or two about motorcycles, you can probably find a great deal on the used marketplace. If you have the budget and motivation to ride, you may be more comfortable buying a new motorcycle.
Another great option is to buy a used motorcycle from a reputable dealership. Not only do you save on costs, but you also enjoy some of the comforts of buying new; like knowing the motorcycle is mechanically sound.
To help you figure out the best fit for you, check out some of the pros and cons for each option below.
Buying New
Pros:
- You get a brand-new motorcycle that is in perfect condition and has no history of accidents, damages, or repairs
- You get a warranty, service plan, and roadside assistance from the manufacturer or dealer
- You get the latest features, technology, and design of the motorcycle
- You have more choices of models, colors, and accessories
Cons:
- You pay a higher price for the motorcycle and the taxes, fees, and insurance
- You lose a significant amount of value as soon as you drive the motorcycle off the lot (depreciation)
- You may have to wait for the delivery or availability of the motorcycle
- You may have to deal with recalls, defects, or glitches of the new model
Buying Used
Pros:
- You pay a lower price for the motorcycle and the taxes, fees, and insurance
- You save a lot of money from the depreciation of the motorcycle
- You have more room for negotiation and bargaining with the seller
- You may find a rare, vintage, or discontinued model that is no longer available new
Cons:
- You get a used motorcycle that may have hidden problems, issues, or damages that are not disclosed by the seller
- You get no warranty, service plan, or roadside assistance from the manufacturer or dealer
- You get outdated features, technology, and design of the motorcycle
- You have fewer choices of models, colors, and accessories
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can’t go wrong if you pick a motorcycle that fits your preference and riding style. But as a beginner, you still want to abide by a few of the recommendations below:
Affordable – Your first motorcycle should be affordable to buy and maintain.
Safety features – it should have safety features like ABS and traction control.
Reliable – it should be safe and reliable.
Not overpowered – it should have manageable power, suitable for your experience and riding style.