There has never been a better time to be a new rider.
Manufacturers are now starting to release 300cc, 400cc, and even 500cc starter bikes, replacing the “under-powered” 250cc beginner bikes that carried new riders for decades.
But with all these options on the market, the next challenge is deciding which beginner motorcycles are the best for new riders.
Although it’s not a complete list of all the beginner motorcycles, the motorcycles below are some of the best in their class.
1. Honda Rebel 300/500
The Honda Rebel could easily be the best beginner motorcycle of all time. It has a low seat height, great ergonomics, and a proven beginner-friendly platform. The Honda Rebel embodies all the characteristics of a beginner-friendly motorcycle. Add the modern but rugged styling and you have a motorcycle that new riders can handle and still be proud to show off. Opt for the 500cc version of the Rebel and you have an extremely capable motorcycle that can handle just about anything you throw at it.
Best for:
Riders who like the rugged, cruiser-styling. Great for short and tall riders who plan to commute, take longer trips, or just ride around
Pros and Cons:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Customization-friendly platform
- Basic features
- Can feel “under-powered” compared to other options
2. Kawasaki Z500
An upgrade in power over previous models, the z500 is such a great option for beginner riders. A sporty platform with balanced ergonomics and performance, the z500 is great for new and experienced riders alike. This is a great option for beginners who like the styling and performance of a sportbike with ergonomics that allow you to still ride comfortably. You can easily tour, commute, or hit the track on this bike. It is just too well-rounded to pass up. Opt for the z400 if you want to save money, they are still very capable and a blast to ride.
Best for:
Riders who like the performance of styling of sportbikes on a more balanced platform. Great for any riding style; commuting, sport riding, and even touring.
Pros and Cons:
- Versatile Platform
- Great Torque
- Modern Tech and Styling
- Lightweight and Agile
- Affordable
- Limited wind protection
3. Kawasaki KLX 300
Speaking of versatility, the KLX 300 is so versatile that you can have just as much fun on the road as you do off-road. Yeah, it’s not the most comfortable bike to ride a highway speeds, but you can easily cross the country on this motorcycle, all without breaking the bank. The balanced platform is extremely beginner-friendly due to the ergonomics that make you feel like you’re almost riding a bicycle and the power is surprisingly capable for most riding styles. Believe it or not, I almost got outran on a back road with a rider who was on this exact bike – which is crazy because I was riding a sportbike! Throw some street tires on this bike and you have a supermoto. Opt for some offroad tires and you can cross some of the toughest terrain – the possibilities are endless.
Best for:
Riders who appreciate the balanced ergonomics and want to ride on and off-road. Also great for wheelie addicts and “wild” riders.
Pros and Cons:
- Extremely Versatile
- Perfect ergonomics for beginners
- Capable on and off-road
- Uncomfortable on highways
- Modest power
4. Honda Grom
Affordable, a blast to ride, and a cult classic, the Honda Grom can easily be one of the best options for a beginner motorcycle. While it’s not going to break any speed records, no motorcycle can compete when it comes to smiles-per-hour. Not only is the Grom beginner-friendly, but it also offers such a fun platform that even the most experienced riders enjoy riding it.
Best for:
New and experienced riders who are looking for the most fun they can have riding a motorcycle around town.
Pros and Cons:
- Affordable all around
- Fun to ride and customize
- Lightweight and manageable
- Surprisingly great ergonomics
- Basic features
- Limited power
5. Kawasaki Ninja 650
It is hard not to put the Ninja 650 in the top slot. Great ergonomics for such a sporty platform, fun and capable power for a beginner-friendly motorcycle, and a steal of a price for what is offered – the z650 was my choice for my first motorcycle and I have only grown to love everything about the Ninja 650, and z650. Yeah, it’s not the best-sounding motorcycle in its class, but you cannot beat the Ninja 650 when it comes to beginner-friendly motorcycles due to the cost, versatility, and performance.
Best for:
Most riders and anyone who likes the performance of a sportbike with the versatility to ride sporty or long-distance
Pros and Cons:
- Surprisingly comfortable ergonomics
- Balanced, but Capable Power and Performance
- Modern Tech and Features
- Lightweight and Agile
- Insane value for the price
- Abismal wind protection
- Lackluster suspension
6. Yamaha R3
When it comes to beginner sportbikes, the Yamaha R3 is hard to beat. With flawless styling and surprisingly solid performance for its price point, the R3 was the bike I initially wanted when I started out. Don’t sleep on the power either, that little 300cc performs well on back roads and the track. Although it has basic features, it is an extremely well-built beginner motorcycle that holds its weight, even when you’re pushing it hard.
Best for:
Riders who like sportbike looks and performance
Pros and Cons:
- Lightweight and Agile
- Comfortable Riding Position
- Sporty Styling
- Affordable
- Lack of Advanced Features
- Limited Power
- Suspension could be too soft for some
7. KTM 390 Duke
What can be said about the 390 Duke that hasn’t been said before? Widely regarded as the most fun beginner motorcycle, the 390 Duke is full of torque and character. Just look at the styling. KTM really knocked out of the park with their “Ready to Race” motto. Yeah, 390cc’s isn’t going to put you at warp speeds, but the Duke will make you forget all of that as soon as you twist the throttle. Add the upright ergo’s of a naked bike and you have one of the funniest beginner motorcycles to ride around town or on the track.
Best for:
Riders who want a beginner bike full of torque and character, while still being managable.
Pros and Cons:
- Powerful for Its Class
- Aggressive Styling
- Advanced Features
- Lightweight and Agile
- Vibration at High RPMs
- Limited Top-End Speed
- Maintenance and Reliability Concerns
8. Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
What happens when you mix the character and performance of the Duke 390 with some of the coolest, retro styling on the market? You get the Husky Svartpilen 401. It’s a shame you don’t see this beginner motorcycle mentioned more, as it has quickly become a favorite amongst new riders. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hardest beginner bikes to get your hands on.
Best for:
Riders who appreciate the versatility and styling
Pros and Cons:
- Distinctive Styling
- Off-Road Capability
- Great Performance for Its Size
- High-Quality Components
- Lightweight and Nimble
- Higher Price Point for Its Class
- Vibration at High Speeds
- Small Fuel Tank
- Maintenance and Reliability Concerns
9. Honda CBR 500
The Honda CBR500R is a fantastic choice for beginners who want a sportbike that’s approachable yet still packs enough power to keep them entertained as they improve their skills. Known for Honda’s reliable engineering, the CBR500R features a 471cc parallel-twin engine that’s smooth and responsive without being overwhelming. The bike’s aggressive styling and aerodynamic fairings give it the look of a full-on sportbike, but it maintains a comfortable, upright seating position that’s suitable for longer rides and daily commutes.
Best for:
Riders who want the style and performance of a sportbike but with more comfort for everyday use and longer trips.
Pros and Cons:
- Smooth and Reliable Power
- Comfortable Ergonomics
- Sporty Styling
- Good Fuel Economy
- Modest Power for Experienced Riders
- Basic Features
10. Royal Enfield Himalayan
For those looking for an adventure-ready motorcycle that’s beginner-friendly, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is a great option. The Himalayan’s 411cc single-cylinder engine is designed more for low-end torque, making it ideal for navigating tough trails or city streets without overwhelming new riders. With a sturdy build, long-travel suspension, and rugged design, the Himalayan is versatile and ready for adventure. Its relaxed ergonomics and low seat height make it a comfortable choice for long rides and accessible to shorter riders.
Best for:
Riders who want an entry-level adventure bike that’s affordable, comfortable, and capable of tackling a variety of terrains.
Pros and Cons:
- Great for Off-Road and Adventure Riding
- Comfortable for Long Rides
- Affordable and Accessible
- Limited Highway Power
- Basic Technology and Features
- Maintenance and Reliability Concerns
How to Choose Your First Motorcycle
So how do you decide what beginner motorcycle is best for you? It’s actually pretty easy. You just have to consider these factors:
What You Like
The biggest factor to consider is personal preference, what type of motorcycles do you like? Let’s face it, this is the biggest factor of influence for most riders.
Take me for example, most of my riding involves long-distance trips and cruising around with my dad on his cruiser…but I like sportbikes, so that’s what I got.
Yeah, a cruiser or ADV bike may have been a better fit, but I didn’t get into motorcycles to be practical, where’s the fun in that?
And the same goes for you, don’t listen to all the advice telling you to get this and that, the biggest thing you should consider is what type of motorcycles you like – and then go get it. You’ll make it work, trust me.
Your Style of Riding
Even though personal preference trumps all, it’s still a good idea to consider the style of riding you plan to do. If you plan to hit back roads and the occasional track day, you may opt for something like a sport bike.
If you want to cruise around town in style, something like a cruiser motorcycle may be better.
Think about the style of riding you plan to do and consider the type of beginner motorcycles that best fit that style of riding.
But don’t let this be a restriction. I’ve seen Grom’s cross the country and Harleys getting lower in corners than most sportbike riders. Ride what you like best.
Affordability
Affordability is an underrated factor when it comes to choosing a beginner motorcycle. Not only how affordable it is to buy, but also how affordable it is to maintain.
New riders are often shocked when they realize how much motorcycling can cost.
Yeah, you have to buy the bike, but you also have to consider the costs of gear, insurance, and maintenance like oil changes, tires, brakes, etc.
Beginner motorcycles are more than just their power stats, they are beginner-friendly due to how affordable they are to buy and maintain – which is critical for new riders.
Insurance rates go astronomical as soon as you tell them you ride a 600cc or 1000cc, and when you need maintenance on these bigger bikes, you’re also looking at higher costs all around.
Beginner motorcycles have smaller tires, use less oil, and have the least complicated components and requirements, they are a no-brainer for new riders for these reasons alone.
Power
Power is a huge factor to consider when it comes to safety and costs for new riders.
It’s not just about speed either, it’s also about power delivery. Even on a 250cc motorcycle, as soon as you twist that throttle, you’ll feel it.
And as a new rider, you are bound to make mistakes.
You are still learning throttle control and how to be smooth. What happens when you add too much throttle coming out of a turn? Or when you botch a rev-match on a downshifting? A beginner motorcycle will be forgiving in these moments, the same cannot be said for more powerful motorcycles.
Seat Height
Seat height is super important for new riders because it affects how confident you feel on and with the motorcycle.
The taller the seat height, the more intimidating the motorcycle can feel to you. Even for us taller riders, some dual-sports and ADV bikes feel massive due to how high they sit up.
Weight
Up there with seat height, weight is also a huge factor in how confident you feel on the motorcycle.
Motorcycles are heavy, even more so when they start to tip over.
Beginner motorcycles tend to be more lightweight and manageable, allowing new riders to get a feel for how a motorcycle should handle and feel.
Motorcycle Types and Their Advantages for Beginners
There are so many different types of beginner motorcycles, you are bound to find a motorcycle that suits your preference and riding style.
Naked Bikes
Also known as “naked bikes,” standards have a classic design, upright seating, and balanced ergonomics, making them versatile for different riding styles.
Best For:
Beginners who want an all-around bike that’s comfortable for city riding, sporty riding, and occasional longer rides.
Cruisers
Known for their low seat height, laid-back posture, and classic styling, cruisers are often heavier but offer a comfortable ride at lower speeds.
Best For:
Riders who prefer a relaxed, easygoing style and plan to ride more on flat, open roads rather than twisty mountain paths.
Sport Bikes
Sport bikes are designed for performance with lightweight builds and aggressive styling, offering higher power-to-weight ratios and sharper handling.
Best For:
Beginners who are thrill-seekers but still want a lightweight bike for city rides and occasional winding roads.
Dual-Sport Motorcycles
These bikes are designed for both on-road and off-road riding, with higher ground clearance, rugged tires, and a taller stance for handling dirt trails and paved roads alike.
Best For:
Adventurous riders who want to explore both city streets and dirt trails without needing two separate bikes.
Adventure Motorcycles
Similar to dual-sports but with larger engines and more features for long-distance touring, adventure bikes are made for comfort over rough terrain and long journeys.
Best For:
Riders with big plans for long trips and mixed terrain. These are ideal for those who want to eventually take on big road trips or weekend getaways.
Scooters
Small, lightweight, and easy to handle, scooters offer a step-through frame and automatic transmission, making them incredibly beginner-friendly.
Best For:
Urban commuters who need a practical, fuel-efficient way to get around the city without the complexity of a traditional motorcycle.
FAQs for First-Time Motorcycle Buyers
What’s the best engine size for a beginner?
When you’re just getting started, an engine size between 250cc and 500cc is usually ideal. This range gives you enough power to get comfortable without being overwhelmed. Bikes in this range are lightweight, easier to handle, and won’t intimidate you as you’re learning. For taller, larger, or more mature riders, 650cc is also a great option.
Are there beginner motorcycles that are good for taller riders?
Absolutely! If you’re a taller rider, certain bikes will feel more comfortable than others. Dual-sport motorcycles and adventure bikes generally have higher seat heights, which makes them great choices for anyone with longer legs. Some cruisers and standard bikes are also built to accommodate taller riders, so you’ve got options. Just remember to sit on a few bikes to find the one that feels the most natural for your height.
Tips for financing a motorcycle as a beginner.
Financing a motorcycle can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. First, consider what you’re comfortable paying each month without stretching your budget too thin. Check out dealership financing options, but don’t forget to look at credit unions or online lenders—they often offer better rates. If you’re a first-time buyer, a smaller loan on a more affordable bike will help you build credit and stay within your comfort zone.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motorcycle is key to having a safe, enjoyable experience as you start your riding journey. A bike that matches your skill level and comfort will make all the difference, so take your time finding one that feels like a good fit for you.
Before you hit the road, always make sure to test a few options to get a feel for what works best for you. And don’t skip out on safety courses—they’re a great way to build your confidence, learn the essentials, and stay safe on the road.