Choosing a new motorcycle is a big decision, especially if you’re new to riding. Price, style, and performance all come into account. But there are considerations you should have in mind that might not be obvious too. Have you thought about how ride position might affect your ability to log enough comfortable hours in the saddle to become proficient? What about versatility? Do you know for sure you don’t want to hit up a light trail now and then? How about potential maintenance costs? Or maybe you want a bike you can learn to wrench on yourself?
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We could go on and on. Instead, we’ve selected 13 streetbikes with broad beginner appeal in a variety of styles to help get you started. That means lower price points, manageable performance specs, and fairly neutral ergonomics all around. Since the market is currently flush with entry-level machines, some of these bikes represent an entire class of motorcycles to consider. Others are calibrated to more specific ride styles and tastes. Either way, there’s something for everyone new to two-wheels below. Check out our Motorcycle Riding Tips for added insight. Also read the Best Motorcycles For Beginner And New Riders article for more new tips.
BMW G 310 GS
The BMW G 310 GS takes after the massively popular GS line of adventure bikes in BMW’s stable, but tones the package down in this fantastic entry-point machine. It’s a head-turning of a motorcycle in its own right, carrying a 313cc single and weighing in at a respectable 386 pounds. Seat height is an approachable 32.8 inches with a low 32.3 seat height available. It features BMW Motorrad ABS, ride-by-wire, adjustable levers, and a luggage carrier also. The seating position is nice and neutral and our testers in the past have described it as “perfect” for new riders.
Honda CB500X
The CB500X utilizes the same 491cc twin engine as you’ll find in the Rebel 500, but the adventure package is extraordinarily friendly to new riders. The cockpit is plush and all-day comfortable, the power output mellow and progressive, while the transmission is smooth as butter. Braking is reliable, there’s wind protection, the opportunity to upgrade to make it better suited for longer-range rides, and a 32.8-inch seat height that fits a broad variety of riders. It’s just fun enough to want to ride as often as possible without being too much bike for a rider still learning the ropes.
Honda Rebel 500
The Honda Rebel 500 is a phenomenal starter machine if you’re looking for a ride with cruiser styling. The Rebel 500 provides better engine output than the prior two machines, but is still gentle enough to be forgiving to a new rider. It’s cockpit is narrow and the 27.2-inch seat low enough to the ground to accommodate riders with short inseams. The transmission is super smooth and recent suspension upgrades make the bike even more plush-feeling on the road. This platform is ripe for easy customization too. The ABS-equipped version prices at $6,699, but it’s also likely to be a bike you’ll enjoy even after you’ve gotten comfortable with the basics of riding, so it’ll be money well spent.
Honda Rebel 300
You could also opt for the $4,999 Honda Rebel 300 ABS, which is a bit lighter and more docile in terms of performance. It’s easier on the wallet than the 500 and a little more than 40 pounds lighter, powered by a 286cc single engine. It comes with the same seat height and even narrower cockpit than the 500, so is a great choice for smaller riders, or riders who want to take the learning process slow on an approachable machine.
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Kawasaki Ninja 400
Entry-level sportbikes are an extremely popular option, and for good reason, they’re an absolute blast. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a leader in the segment, which includes similar options from the likes of Honda, KTM, Yamaha, and Suzuki. The 400 is one of the largest-displacement machines in this arena with its 399cc inline-twin engine, but it’s manners are perfectly suited to the new rider. Handling is effortless, power delivery is manageable, and the bike is fairly comfortable in the saddle even over long stretches.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Adventure-style bikes are great for beginners comfortable with a little taller seat height, and the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is one of the best models in this growing segment. Power delivery is manageable, but the bike is also quite capable of keeping up with highway traffic if needed. The egros are upright and neutral, handling is sharp and effortless, and the riding possibilities are much broader than the first three bikes on the list because the Versys-X 300 can easily handle light off-road duty. Or you can fit some of Kawasaki’s accessory luggage to the back and head out for a long weekend.
Kawasaki Z400 ABS
Kawasaki’s 399cc parallel twin also appears in the Z400, a sharply designed naked that provides the same lively mill as the Ninja 400, but with more comfortable ergos. It’s a little lighter than the Ninja and feels fully composed on the road. It makes riding fun for experienced riders while still being an incredible learning tool for new riders. When we first met the Z900 back in 2019, we were amazed at how well-suited this machine was for the beginner in all respects, from its power delivery to its transmission, it’s suspension to its road feel and handling.
KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure is another exceptional machine for the beginner. It packs a number of features typically found on higher-spec bikes like traction control, cornering ABS, and a variety of ride modes that help to increase the rider’s safety in different ride conditions. The cockpit is comfortable, the power output from the 373cc single is notable among this crop of machines, and elements like the TFT display make this bike a compelling option for new riders who appreciate contemporary tech. It starts at $6,599, so a little on the steep side in this rundown, but, as with the Versys-X 300, you’ll get an adaptable machine that opens up more than just paved road routes on your motorcycle journey.
Royal Enfield Meteor
The Royal Enfield Meteor is another sub-$5,000 that has some of the same appeal as the Yamaha MT-03, but with completely different styling. It’s a mechanically simple machine, powered by an air/oil-cooled 349cc single. This one’s definitely primed for the rider who wants to learn to perform at-home maintenance. On the road performance is mellow, making it extremely accessible to riders who want to take it easy on surface streets as they gain riding experience. Styling is nostalgic and clean, and there are a broad variety of colorways to choose from. There are also a number of accessory upgrades available if you find you need more wind protection or carrying capacity.
Suzuki DR-Z400S
The Suzuki DR-Z400S is the latest version of the brand’s popular dual sport platform, and is a great motorcycle if you know you want to blend on and off-road riding. It features a 398cc liquid-cooled single and a narrow build that will be very familiar if you’ve ever been on a dirt bike. It’s lightweight and easy to handle and built simply enough for new riders to learn the basics in the garage. The only issue is that some shorter riders might not feel comfortable right away on the 36.8-inch-tall seat.
Suzuki GSX250R
One of the most approachable beginner sportbikes from a power output point of view is the Suzuki GSX250R. The 248cc twin is mellow and compliant, the handling is intuitive, and the looks align with the larger family of Suzuki sportbikes. New, it only priced at $4,599 so if you find a used version a few years old, you’ll have yourself quite the deal
Yamaha MT-03
The Yamaha MT-03 is great for a lot of reasons. It’s $4,799 off the showroom floor, is lightweight, and has a surprisingly lively 321cc parallel-twin engine, meaning plenty of power for a newbie and light, responsive handling. The upright ergos and comfortable cockpit allow you to focus on your ride inputs rather than finding a manageable way to sit, and the looks align with the full family of larger MT’s in Yamaha’s stable. Even though its styling is somewhat futuristic, the mechanics are straightforward so it’s well suited to learning basic at-home maintenance. Plus, it’s a really fun machine that will stoke your excitement to ride every time you go out. This model also serves as a good example for a whole segment of lower-displacement, naked motorcycles. Comparable options are available from Honda, Kawasaki (see the Z400 above), BMW, KTM, and Husqvarna among others.
Yamaha XT250
The Yamaha XT250 is another fantastic dual-sport option, particularly if the seat height and engine size of the DR-Z400 seemed a bit much. This nimble machine weighs just 291 pounds, features a 249cc air-cooled single, and has a 31.9-inch seat height. It’s another of the bikes that inspires confidence to wrench, and its go-anywhere design will take you on and off-road with ease. It’s a little underpowered for serious highway travel, but as an around-town commuter, especially in more rural areas of the country, the XT250 is a new-rider machine that’s hard to beat.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com