Finding a street motorcycle for a beginner can be a daunting task if you are trying to learn by yourself. Bigger is not always better. Some motorcycles may be too heavy or too powerful to control for new riders that do not have enough experience. As with most things, start small and work your way up. Choose a bike that fits your style, size and experience. Insurance rates are great on small cc motorcycles also, so that’s a huge plus on the wallet. One thing that can’t be stressed enough is that most riders that start off riding off-road bikes adapt to riding on the road a lot better than those that haven’t. They've learned how the clutch works, shifting, braking, and balance while having fun off-road. If the chance to start on a small off-road bike comes along, give it a try first. This is by no means a complete list. There are so many good bikes to choose from that did not make the list but, here are the top ten new and used standard style, dual-sport, cruiser, and sport bikes for beginners and why there are and in no particular order.
9 Kawasaki 650 Vulcan - The Biggest Beginner Bike
Probably the biggest cc bike on the list beginner motorcycles, and Kawasaki claims it to be new rider friendly. And it is. With new units selling for MSRP of $7349 for base model and used going for $2500 and up, this 650 is a pleasure to learn on. The 61-horsepower engine allows the new rider to grow into it. Forward foot controls and laid-back handle bars with options to adjust straight from Kawasaki, gives the rider comfort and more control of the bike. The 650 Vulcan is easy to turn, balance, and brake. There is no sudden power hit from the engine, just smooth power gains to full throttle. Its low seat height of 27.8 inches, gives the rider plenty of foot control when stopping - a huge plus on any bike. This model is nice for those that need a little more power and don't have the desire to move u to a larger bike.
8 Honda Rebel 300 - A Staple For New Motorcycle Riders
Since 2017, the Honda Rebel 300 has been a staple for beginner riders. An MSRP of $4749 for new and used ones starting from $1700 is why many are attracted to this model. Born out of the old 250 rebels, which are still good beginner bikes and cheap if you can find a decent one, the 300 model got a lot of modern upgrades. They added disc brakes with abs front and rear, fuel injection, slipper clutch, and a liquid-cooled 286cc engine that boasts 25 horsepower. That equals superb control of the motorcycle for any level of riding experience, especially new ones. Another low seat height bike at 27.2 inches, the Rebel 300 allows for the feet to be firmly planted at stop signs. A well-balanced machine is important in learning, and the rebel is as fine as it gets. Easy to hold while stopped, leaning, and braking in tight areas are a cinch on the rebel. For those that have never been on a motorcycle before, this model is the one to start out on for its ease of use.
7 Yamaha V Star 250 - Low Power And Simplistic Riding
The only v-twin 250 on the market was originally the Yamaha 1988 virago 250 that morphed into the V star 250. Why change a good thing? The air-cooled, carburetted 249cc engine pumps out 21 horsepower. A low seat of 27 inches, drum brake in the rear, and disc up front rewards new riders with comfort and control while learning. The fact that the bike remained the same keeps the pocket happy. Used models can be picked up for only a couple of hundred bucks, but you have to look for them, and new MSRP is only $4699. This model is a good choice to learn on, then move on to something else. Plenty of parts are readily available to keep this 250 going.
6 250cc To 400cc Sport Bikes - Look Cool As You Learn To Ride
This is a tough category to single one motorcycle brand out, so here is a blanket version for all. From the venerable Kawasaki 250 ninja to today’s 400cc sport bikes. The CBR, RC 390, GSXR, YZF and Ninja 400 cc are all great sport bikes to learn on. Older models can be bought for a few hundred dollars and, with a little work, are great fun machines to learn on. On newer models, you will spend $4500 to $5800. Either carburetted or EFI, the power is smooth for learning in and out of twisting turns. Disc brakes and a lightweight chassis allow the rider to learn the basics of leaning and bike control. Is there a wrong choice? No, not really. Just don’t choose one that had been crashed and repaired too often.
5 Kawasaki KLR250 AND KLX 300 Dual Sports - Perfect For On and Off-Road
The KLR 250 has been out since 1984 until Kawasaki stop production in 2005. There are plenty of models to choose from if you can find them, but don’t fret. Kawasaki has a new version that came to be the KLX300. Liquid cooled single four-stroke engine, DFI controlled and lots of suspension for a dual sport. Both are easy to manage on the street or trail with their lightweight frames and balanced motor. Shifting is easy with the smooth, durable clutch that is very forgiving for a new rider to learn on. These models reward taller riders, however, as do most dual sports. Used units can be bought for a few hundred and new KLXs sell for $5899 for the 2023 model and the KLX300SM (Supermoto) at $6299. All great choices for beginners that would like something different, and these dual sports answer that call.
4 Suzuki DRZ 400 - Arguably The Best Dual-Sport Bike For Beginners
While we are talking dual sports, we have to mention probably the best one out there. The Suzuki DRZ 400 has been out there since 2000 and has had a few changes over the years but basically remained the same overall. Suzuki's four-valve, dual overhead cam, carburetted single cylinder 398cc pumps out 39 horsepower. Without sudden power hits, the smooth power delivery allows the rider to remain in control on street or dirt roads. A little larger bike with a seat height of 36.8 inches, but an excellent choice to learn on. Foot and hand controls are easy to use and quick to learn. The engine is built solid and has a long reliable record. 2023 models retail for $7099 while used ones can go for $2000 and up. Suzuki even made a DRZ400sm, a Supermoto version that is worth looking into as well. With many aftermarket items available for body and engine options means the rider will grow into this bike and keep it.
3 BMW 310R - The Most Balanced For New Riders
As far as newer naked bikes go, the BMW 310R is a great beginner bike. The 310 has been out since 2015, and new ones start at $4995, while used ones can come in at or above $3000. With a single cylinder 313cc engine that produces 34 horsepower, it delivers enough power to satisfy the beginner rider and then some. Hand and foot controls are within a comfortable reach. The bike is balanced well, going into long turns or in the parking lot learning to do figure eights. At 30.9 inches for a seat height, it will accommodate most riders with comfort. A single disc up front and rear gives plenty of stopping power, but the ABS won’t allow the wheels to slip. The 310 weighs in at 399 pounds, which is good for riders starting out to ride.
2 Yamaha MT-03 - A Relaxed, Naked Bike
What started out as a single cylinder in 2006 turned into an awesome inline twin in 2016. At an MSRP of $4999 for a 2023, used ones can be bought for less if you can find them. The MT-03 is a relaxed, naked bike that offers simple controls, power, and handling. A low seat height of 30.7 inches and weight of 373 pounds means easy to handle. The MT handles tight streets and twisty turns with ease. Riders will love the smooth clutch engagement while stopping and moving again at stop lights. The single disc up front won’t put too much stopping power on the front wheel while the rider learns braking control. This is another excellent motorcycle to start out on before moving to larger MT models.
1 The Honda 600 Shadow - An Old Bike That's Perfect For New Riders
Even though production stopped in 2008. Depending on the condition, you can get A Honda Shadow 600 for anywhere from $500 to $4000. The latter is obviously putting money and time in to get it to run. Allowing the shadows to sit was the only thing that could hurt them. The Shadow has a bulletproof engine that seems to last forever. A four-speed transmission with one of the smoothest clutches around gave plenty of first-time riders the thrill of riding. They are easy to handle and all the controls are within reach. The shadow is a joy to ride for the beginner to learn braking, throttle control, and balance before moving on to larger motorcycles.