Thinking about getting a motorcycle for the first time? Well, it is a huge step for you because it will decide your whole outlook on the motorcycle and whether or not you will enjoy motorcycling in the future.
Whether you are still learning to ride a motorcycle or you have learned and bought your motorcycle, you have to make sure that you buy the right kind of motorcycle. This is because what kind of motorcycle you ride can make a lot of difference. There is a huge range of motorcycles available in the market and for all skill levels. You can find the sports motorcycle, or you can buy the simpler one, but make sure whichever motorcycle you buy, should be beginner-friendly.
Since there are a lot of choices and a wide range, it is pretty easy to get overwhelmed and confused while choosing the right kind of motorcycle for beginners. This is why you need our help!
In this article, we are going to list out the best motorcycle for beginners that you can find and choose from. We have looked at hundreds of choices and we have selected the top 11 motorcycles for beginners that you can find for yourself. So go ahead and take a look at the following list of best motorcycles and choose the best one for yourself. To help you more, we have also listed down a buying guide for motorcycles for beginners, so go ahead and check that out at the end of the article.
Here are the top motorcycles for beginners that you can find:
Contents
- 1 Best Motorcycle For Beginners
- 1.1 1. Honda Monkey
- 1.2 2. Harley Davidson Street 500
- 1.3 3. Kawasaki Z125 Pro SE
- 1.4 4. Honda Grom
- 1.5 5. KTM RC 390
- 1.6 6. Yamaha SR400
- 1.7 7. Suzuki GSX250R
- 1.8 8. Suzuki DR-Z400SM
- 1.9 9. Kawasaki Versys-X300 ABS
- 1.10 10. Honda CBR 500
- 1.11 11. Triumph Bonneville
- 1.12 Buying Guide for Motorcycle for Beginners:
- 1.13 Conclusion
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Best Motorcycle For Beginners
1. Honda Monkey
Our first choice for the best motorcycle for beginners is the Honda Monkey. This is one of the most popular bikes in Asia and now it is also getting popular in western countries including the USA. This motorcycle features an engine size of 125cc and it also has a fuel-injected single cylinder. The motorcycle comes with ABS brakes and makes sure that the user is comfortable with driving this bike.This is a standard mini-sized motorcycle with a low seat height and the user would be able to easily reach the handle as well as keep their feet on the ground. It is easy to handle and ride. This motorcycle is also ideal for both in the road and off-road experience, so if you like to drive for fun or sightseeing, you may want to invest in this one. It featured a 4-speed transmission as well, so you can enjoy it.Overall, it looks pretty heavy-duty and amazing, and you are getting the good features with this bike as well. For someone who isn’t a big fan of sports motorcycles or high-tech motorcycles would love this one. It is also not too expensive and comes at a reasonable price as well.
2. Harley Davidson Street 500
Harley Davidson Street is another popular motorcycle for beginners. We all know that Harley Davidson is one of the most popular motorcycle brands in the world and motorcycle enthusiasts from all around the world are crazy about this brand. So even if you are a beginner, you would know something about this brand and it features the best brand value and amazing looks that would attract anyone with a passion for motorcycles.This is a Standard/Cruisers type of motorcycle with an engine size of 495cc and it features a foldable injected v twin (two-cylinder engine). The bike features a 6-speed transmission so you can choose the ideal speed as well. It also features a 25″ low seat which is ideal for beginners and people who are not crazy about high seats. This motorcycle weighs around 500 pounds and it can be easily handled by beginners after their first safety course.It is ideal for daily commuting and weekend touring. You can customize the fairing and saddlebags for extra space, and this makes it ideal for large touring distances. It features ABS and also comes with a security theft option as well.Overall, you may have to spend a little extra but this is undoubtedly one of the best motorcycles for beginners.
3. Kawasaki Z125 Pro SE
Kawasaki Z125 Pro SE would be a great option for you when it comes to choosing the best motorcycle for beginners. Here, this one features a sports look (mini) which would attract the sports lovers who just started riding motorcycles.The motorcycle features 125cc displacement and it features a fuel-injected one cylinder. This motorcycle is ideal for daily commuting or weekend riding. This motorcycle is not heavy, although it might look like a heavy one and it features an ideal power that can be handled by a beginner. There is no front fairing which makes sure the rider has fun while using their motorcycle. It features a medium seat height, which is ideal and not too tall or small. Although it doesn’t come with an ABS, so this may be a drawback, but if you are fine with that, then you are getting a good deal for yourself.This motorcycle features a 4 transmission speed, which is more than enough for a beginner. Apart from the performance, people have also praised this motorcycle for its looks and you would certainly like it as well.Here, you would also like it for its reasonable price tag. Given the brand value and the overall functionality, it comes at a reasonable price.
4. Honda Grom
We have another heavy-duty motorcycle for beginners and it is none other than Honda Grom. This motorcycle looks super gorgeous and features a rough and tough look. Although this motorcycle is of sports mini type, it comes with many more features than you can expect in a mini.This motorcycle features a displacement of 125cc and a fuel-injected single cylinder engine for beginners. The suspension and the seat height are like a sports motorcycle, but its reasonable price makes it beginner-friendly. Here, the motorcycle comes at a great and affordable price given its brand value and overall features.You will find 4-speed transmission in this motorcycle and it also has an ideal weight which makes it easier to handle for a beginner. Here, you will find many colors on the bike, so you can choose the one you like the most.Overall, this motorcycle is fun for weekend touring or daily commuting. It may not be ideal for riding in heavy traffic, although moderate traffic would be fine. So this one is the best motorcycle for beginners if you are looking for sports and fun motorcycles.
5. KTM RC 390
KTM is another one of the most popular motorcycle brands in the world and it is also the first choice for sports motorcycle enthusiasts as well as the younger generation. So it is natural that we include KTM bikes in our list of best motorcycles for beginners.This is a full-fledged sports motorcycle with a displacement of 296cc and a fuel-injected two-cylinder engine. Here, this one is a pretty simple motorcycle, unlike what you would guess from the looks of it. The motorcycle features a 6 pretty cool speed transmission. Although it comes in models with and without the ABS so you can choose either (the price will be different).It is lightweight and has enough power to tackle heavy traffic. You will get a taller seat than other motorcycles, given it is a sports bike and KTM is kind of popular for its taller seats.Overall, we like this motorcycle for beginners and you may have to spend a little extra, but it is fully worth every single penny.
6. Yamaha SR400
Yamaha SR400 is another one of the popular motorcycles for beginners that you will find. Here, this one comes with amazing features and has great functionality as well. This motorcycle features 399cc displacement and a fuel-injected single cylinder.It is a standard naked type motorcycle and it would be ideal for daily commuting and weekend touring. It is also ideal for traveling long distances as it features a mileage of 66 miles per gallon, so you can ride it all day long. It features 5-speed transmission and is ideal for heavy traffic and city roads as well.People who like retro motorcycles love this as it features a retro look. This old-school bike should be your favorite considering its functionality and overall features. Overall, it may be a little bit expensive, but given the brand reputation, it is the best one.
7. Suzuki GSX250R
Suzuki is one of the best motorcycle brands in the world and this is why we have to include it in this list of best motorcycles for beginners.This is a sports motorcycle with 248 displacements and a fuel-injected two-cylinder engine. There is 6-speed transmission so you will get a good range of speeds to choose from. Even after being a sports bike, it features a low seat height so you can easily reach the handlebar. It also features full fairing and windscreen, so you will get good protection from wind. It features a dual-LED light, although you won’t find ABS here, which can be a drawback.Overall, that would be all that you need to know about this motorcycle and this one also gets you a good value for the price, so if you like sports bikes then you would certainly like this.
8. Suzuki DR-Z400SM
DR-Z400SM is another one of the top-rated motorcycles for beginners that you need to know about. Here, you will get a number of things from this motorbike, for starters, there are the attractive looks. This is a supermoto-type motorcycle which is pretty popular these days. It features 398cc along with 5-speed transmission and Carbureted single cylinder.This motorcycle comes at a higher price, although given its popularity and heavy-duty construction. It also features a supple suspension which would be able to soak up the jumps and bumps of urban riding with tires.Overall, with its minimal body and amazing suspension, this is undoubtedly the best option for a beginner which means you can trust it. So go ahead and check it out.
9. Kawasaki Versys-X300 ABS
Kawasaki Versys is another one of the best motorcycles for beginners so you would certainly like this. It is popular among the people who love traveling and going on longer routes. It comes with 269cc displacement and features direct fuel injected parallel twin.It features 6-speed transmission which makes it even better than other touring motorbikes. You can also get a windscreen which would block a lot of wind and make you comfortable while driving.People who like traveling love this motorcycle, so if you are among those people you would love it as well. It also looks pretty great and gives you great value for money too.
10. Honda CBR 500
We have another leading motorcycle for beginners and it is none other than Honda CBR. This is also a sports bike that comes with 471cc displacement and a parallel twin engine which gives you enough mileage to roam around the city or do stunts. There is a 6-speed transmission too, which you would certainly love. Here, this motorbike is lightweight and easy to handle which is why it is a good option for beginners.
11. Triumph Bonneville
For our last spot, we have chosen the Triumph Bonneville as our favorite motorbike for beginners. It has a low seat and a retro look which makes it look vintage and premium. Someone who loves motorbikes and with a little bit of experience would be happy to have this motorcycle.
Buying Guide for Motorcycle for Beginners:
There are a lot of things that you have to consider while buying a motorcycle for beginners. Since it is a big investment, you can’t risk buying just any motorcycle as you have to pick out the best one for yourself. This is why you need to know what to consider while buying a motorcycle.So here are a few things that you need to consider while buying a motorcycle for beginners.
1. Engine SizeOne of the first things that you need to consider would be the engine size of your motorcycle. It makes a lot of difference and a beginner needs to choose the right engine size. Experts say that an engine size less than 600cc is the ideal engine size for beginners and you can choose even half of it if you are riding a motorcycle for the first time.The engine size ranges from 250cc to 1400cc, and people generally choose the engine size according to their experience and their riding style. Moreover, the smaller size is ideal for beginners and they are also low cost and give a great value for money too. The motorcycles with lesser engine size would be lightweight and easy to handle as well.
2. Types of MotorcycleAnother one of the things that you need to take care of would be the types of motorcycles. There are many kinds of motorcycles available in the market and you have to choose one which is ideal for your body, the purpose of your driving, and your experience too.
Some of the major types of motorcycles are:General: these are great for general purposes and they feature minimum accessories. They come in the upright posture and are great for beginners, commuters, and money savers as they are low-cost and simple bikes.
- Cruisers: cruisers are also a popular type of motorcycle that you would find. These kinds of bikes feature a relaxed riding position, soft and comfortable suspension, and a V-twin engine. These kinds of motorcycles would be ideal for riders who are looking for comfort and style.
- Touring: these kinds of motorcycles are ideal for people who need to drive motorcycles for a longer time and longer distances. It features a saddle to block the wind and also has a large fuel tank as well. You can also accommodate large luggage on these motorcycles.
- Sports: If you are a thrill-seeker and want to buy a motorcycle just for fun and thrill then this should be your ideal type. They featured extreme forward-leaning and also came with plastic fairings.
- Dual-Sports: these motorcycles are ideal for people seeking to Drive Off-Road. They are ideal for experienced bikers and they have a very tall seat as well, so people with short height would find it difficult to ride.
3. Anti-Lock Braking SystemThe brake is a crucial part of a motorcycle which is why you need to be extra careful with it. For a beginner, it is important to buy a motorcycle with an Anti-lock braking system or ABS as you are more likely to over-apply the brakes. The ABS would prevent the tires and brakes from locking if you apply the brakes too hard.
4. Windscreen/FairingIf you live somewhere with a windy climate then you might have a difficult time driving your motorcycle. This is why you need a bike with a windscreen or failing. Although it’s completely optional, you can choose a motorcycle with a windscreen only if it is necessary. So make sure that you consider a windscreen.
5. Seat HeightThe Seat Height is also an important aspect and you need to consider that as well. As a beginner, you would want to buy a bike that has an ideal seat height for you. The seat height would depend on your ht and how comfortable you are with it.
6. Handlebar HeightThe handlebar height is also very important and you should consider it as well. The height of the handlebar would affect your posture, position, and your comfort level as well. Try to sit on it if you can and see if the handlebar is ideal for you or not and it should not be too far or too close. Your elbows should be upright and in a comforting position.
7. Purpose of Your MotorcycleAnother thing that you need to consider in motorcycles for beginners is the purpose. Why are you buying the motorcycle? What are you going to use it for? These are some of the questions that need to be answered so that you can buy the right bike type for yourself and get yourself a useful and worthy bike.
8. WarrantiesNow, not every bike would come with a warranty, and sometimes you will get warranties for the parts of the motorcycle, so you need to make sure that you get a bike with warranties. The warranties would help you to cover the cost of some part of the motorcycle that gets broken or damaged within a limited period of time after you have bought it. It would surely save you some money if you get your motorcycle into an accident.
9. CostThe most important criteria for buying a motorcycle would be the cost. Since they don’t come cheap, you have to make sure that you are spending your money at the right place and this can also help you to get a good bike as well. So make sure you are buying a motorcycle that fits into your budget and gives you a good value for money.You can decide on a budget before you start looking for motorcycles and then look for the best motorcycle for beginners in that price range.
10. Do your overall researchLastly, all we can say is that you should do all of your research before you buy the motorcycle for yourself. Make sure you are buying the right one for yourself and the one that can meet your requirements as well. You can also consider other factors such as the looks, the accessories, and the overall performance including the mileage and the tires of the bike before you buy it.
Conclusion
So these are some of the top-rated motorcycles for beginners that you can look for. Here, we have listed these motorcycles because these are the best ones and got great reviews and ratings from the customers as well. We have selected them given their overall features and performance, and also the cost as well.Overall, these are the best motorcycles that are beginner-friendly and would give you the best value for your money so go ahead and buy any of the aforementioned motorcycles for beginners, you will like them all!That would be all and we hope that you liked our article and found it helpful.