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The 20 Best Beginner Motorcycles For First-Time Buyers


The 20 Best Beginner Motorcycles For First-Time Buyers


Are You A New Rider?

So, you just got your motorcycle license, and now it's time to choose your ride. Buying your first motorcycle is one of the most exciting decisions of your life, but with so many on the market, it can also be a little overwhelming. It's important to find a bike that balances safety, comfort, driving dynamics, and is a style that matches your personality. Here are 20 great entry-level bike options to help you narrow it down.

A close up of a ducati motorcycle engineRonnzy Moto on Unsplash


1. Suzuki SV650

The Suzuki SV650 is a popular beginner bike because of its versatility, as it can be used for commuting, touring, or sport riding. It has a powerful 75-horsepower engine, but its lightweight chassis makes it easy to handle. 

File:Suzuki SV650.jpgGogtjop at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia

2. Yamaha MT-03

The Yamaha MT-03 is a naked bike that makes for a fun riding experience. It's only 42-horsepower, but it's lightweight and agile.

File:2003 Yamaha MT-03 Concept(1).JPGStefanobiondo on Wikimedia

3. Kawasaki Ninja 400

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great beginner motorcycle because it's equipped with plenty of extra safety features like an anti-lock braking system. It also has comfortable ergonomics, is a good value, and is not overwhelmingly powerful. 

File:Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition (facelift model) right side.jpgMr.choppers on Wikimedia

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4. Honda CB300R

The Honda CB300R is a beginner-friendly motorcycle that looks incredibly sleek. It has enough power for highway and city driving,, but isn't overwhelming for new riders. 

File:Vila Rica, Sabará - MG, Brazil - panoramio (3).jpgwanderley santos vie… on Wikimedia

5. KTM RC 390

The KTM RC 390 has sporty and aggressive styling, but its lower-power 44-horsepower engine makes it suitable for new riders. It's lightweight and agile with good traction control and quality components.

File:KTM RC390 Photo-1449426468159-d96dbf08f19f 2015.jpgAndrew Pons on Wikimedia

6. Yamaha YZF-R3

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a great bike for new riders because of its comfortable ergonomics and moderate power. Its sporty, aerodynamic styling and lightweight body make it feel like a sport bike, but it still maneuvers well at low speeds. 

File:YZF-R3 2015.jpgKuro202 on Wikimedia

7. Triumph Street Twin

The Triumph Street Twin is a classy retro-inspired motorcycle with a 64-horsepower engine. Although it's more powerful than many beginner motorcycles, it's still easy to handle and comes with plenty of safety features.

File:ST-34-front.jpgSiriusnerd on Wikimedia

8. BMW G310GS

The BMW G310GS is perfect for brand-new riders because of its low, 34-horsepower engine. It's lightweight, easy to handle, and versatile in both city commuting and more rugged conditions.

File:BMW G motorcycle in Athens on June 25, 2023.jpgGeorge E. Koronaios on Wikimedia

9. Harley-Davidson Iron 883

If you're a beginner rider but you like the cruiser look, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 may be the bike for you. It has attitude and a strong street presence with classic Harley character, but isn't overwhelmingly powerful, has a low seat height,, and easy revvin,,g which makes it easy to drive. 

File:Harley-davidson-sportster-iron-883.jpgAlek Kirstein on Wikimedia

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10. Honda Rebel 500

The Honda Rebel 500 has a 47-horsepower engine,, which is enough for highway driving, but not over the top for new riders. It's a relatively lightweight bike with an upright, relaxed posture and easy handling.

File:2020 Honda Rebel 500.jpgChanokchon on Wikimedia

11. Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a good beginner bike known for its light frame, nimble handling, and distinct styling. With a 44-horsepower engine, it's not overly aggressive, but it has enough performance to keep things interesting.

File:Husqvarna Svartpilen 401.jpgKTM AG on Wikimedia

12. Harley-Davidson Street 500

The Harley-Davidson Street 500 is a great entry-level cruiser for those who love the classic Harley styling but with less overwhelming power and more comfort. It's one of the lightest Harley models with great ergonomics and a manageable size.

File:2014 Harley-Davidson Street 750 front.jpgRyan Urlacher from USA on Wikimedia

13. Kawasaki Z400

The Kawasaki Z400 is a naked bike with sleek, sporty styling. It's a great entry-level motorcycle known for its lightweight design, manageable size, and power. 

File:Z400 2020.jpgHeavY913 on Wikimedia

14. Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is an excellent beginner motorcycle that combines vintage styling with driving ease and a lower power output. It's a versatile bike that handles well on all surfaces, making it suitable for adventure riders. 

File:Royal enfied HIMALAYAN.jpgEricxt on Wikimedia

15. Suzuki DR-Z400SM

The Suzuki DR-Z400SM is a spirited ride suitable for beginners due to its lower power output. Despite its 39-horsepower engine, its responsive throttle and agile handling make it a fun bike to drive.

File:Suzuki DR-Z yellow.jpgReg Mckenna on Wikimedia

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16. Ducati Scrambler Sixty2

The Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 is a stylish motorcycle with approachable power. Designed for new riders, it has a manageable 41-horsepower engine, is lightweight, and versatile. 

File:Ducati Scrambler Classic 2014.jpgHansFritzvonUmlauts on Wikimedia

17. KTM 390 Duke

The KTM 390 Duke is a naked bike that blends agility, nimble handling, sleek design, and modern technology. It's a moderately powerful bike with good driving dynamics on a variety of terrains.

File:Ktm duke 390.jpg28pg on Wikimedia

18. Ducati Monster 797

The Ducati Monster 797 is the most accessible of Ducati's iconic Monster lineup. It blends the brand's classic Italian craftsmanship with beginner-friendly power and comfortable ergonomics. 

File:Ducati Monster 797.jpgMr.Clean1977 on Wikimedia

19. CFMOTO 300NK

The CFMOTO 300NK is a lightweight naked bike that's lightweight, affordable, and easy to handle. Its responsive suspension and nimble driving dynamics make it ideal for city commutin,g while its small engine keeps the power manageable for new riders.

File:Logo 2020 cfmoto.jpgBefrac on Wikimedia

20. Benelli TNT 302S

The Benelli TNT 302S is an approachable naked bike with a sleek and sporty aestheticIt'sts 38 horsepower 300cc twin engine combined with the bike's agile handling makes for a fun a spirited ride perfect for daily commutes.

File:Benelli TNT 125 2025.jpgAVMOTO on Wikimedia




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