Beginner Motorcycles

Bikes we recommend to start on

Major Manufacturers: Cruisers
Kawasaki Eliminator 125

The Kawasaki Eliminator 125.

Description
An entry-level cruiser that's inexpensive to own and operate, this is Kawasaki's smallest cruiser. The Eliminator 125 is an air-cooled, 5-speed, chain-driven cruiser with a seat height of 26.8 inches, low enough that most riders can easily plant both feet on the ground at stops. Weighing a scant 291 pounds, it is lightweight and easy for a beginner or smaller riders to handle. This is a great bike on which first timers can practice their new-found riding skills. Finishing touches include a stepped seat for two-up riding (although we can't imagine riding two-up on this small of a bike for any length of time), and classic cruiser styling that make you think it's bigger than 125cc bike.

Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD

The Kawasaki Vulcan 500.

Description
This mid-size Vulcan has been in Kawasaki's lineup for years because it continues to be a top seller among women and first time riders. We've seen many smaller women under 5 feet keep this motorcycle as their end-all bike. Despite it's smaller engine size, the Vulcan 500 LTD packs a lot of power into its six speeds. It's the same engine that's mounted to the Ninja 500R sportbike. The 500 LTD features classic cruiser looks that never go out of style like the chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels. Click here to read a WRN Reader Review.

Suzuki GZ250

The Suzuki GZ250.

Description
This is Suzuki's smallest cruiser motorcycle. It has been in the lineup for years because it's a popular choice for beginners. Why mess with a good thing? There are plenty of used ones on the market if you don't want to buy new. The GZ250 features classic cruiser styling but with an upright seating position like many of the cruisers in this class. This motorcycle is often used in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course training classes.

Honda Rebel 250

The Honda Rebel.

Description
The Rebel is the consummate beginner's bike. Many motorcyclists have started on a Rebel because 1) the bike is used in a lot of training classes so beginners are comfortable with it, and 2) it's a Honda which many people equate with reliability and dependability -- so there are many used ones on the market as they retain their value. The Rebel has big bike looks and power that include lots of chrome, spoke wheels, and a twin cylinder four stroke engine. The bike hasn't changed much looks-wise over the last decade or so. This is a tried and true starter motorcycle. Click here to read a WRN Reader Review.

Yamaha Star Motorcycles V Star 250

The Yamaha V Star 250.

Description
This is the smallest in Yamaha's Star Motorcycles brand of V Star cruisers. It replaced the Yamaha Virago 250 a few years ago, a popular bike for beginners. The V Star 250 has a v-twin engine, spoke wheels, a two-up seat, and other big bike features. Manufacturers these days are trying to make beginner bikes as appealing as possible so it doesn't seem much like a starter motorcycle.

Buell Blast 500

The Buell Blast.

Description
This is the motorcycle used in Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge motorcycle training classes. It makes an ideal beginner bike for those who are not sure if they want a cruiser or a sportbike because it's considered a standard style motorcycle with its upright seating position.

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low

The Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low.

Description
The "L" stands for "low" as evidenced by the low seat height of 25.3 inches. The Sportster 883 Low replaced the Sportster Hugger, popular in the 1990s because of its low seat. Like its sister model, the Sportster 883, the Low is relatively light at 583 pounds.The Low has all the same features as the regular 883, but it comes with a solo seat positioned to scoot the rider closer to handlebars that have been angled closer to the rider. Many people argue why Harley's 883 is in the same beginner bike class as the 250cc motorcycles. The reason is many riders want to ride a Harley-Davidson right out of the gate and this is Harley's entry-level motorcycle. We'd be remiss if we didn't include it as a starter bike - because if it wasn't listed people would be saying, "I wanted a starter bike from Harley." We recommend the Sportster 883L for riders who feel confident coming out of the MSF course. For those riders who are still quite nervous on a motorcycle, we recommend continuing to learn and making those beginner mistakes on a 250cc cruisers or the 500cc Buell Blast before trading up to the heavier and more powerful Harley-Davidsons.

Honorable Mentions
If a 250cc motorcycle seems too small to you, consider the next step up in terms of engine size -- that is the Sportster 883L or these other motorcycles very popular among confident beginners: Suzuki Boulevard S40, Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe 600 (discontinued in 2007; only has 4 speeds), Yamaha V Star 650.

Major Manufacturers: Standard Style
BMW G 650 GS

The BMW F 650 GS.

Description
This is considered BMW's entry level motorcycle, and we listed it because some riders are interested in a BMW only, just as some are interested in riding a Harley only. Because it's on the taller side, we wouldn't typically recommend it as a starter bike, but if someone wants to buy into the BMW family, this is an affordable way to do it. The bike is different from the rest listed here because of its dual sport tires. It can be ridden off road on gravel trails. Click here to WRN's review of this bike.

Major Manufacturers: Sportbikes
Kawasaki Ninja 250R

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

Description
This is the only sportbike available from a major manufacturer under 500cc. We generally don't recommend sportbikes with a larger displacement for novice riders because they are quite powerful and usually very tall. This is Kawasaki's top selling model in 2007, and for 2008 it got a complete makeover. The price is this Ninja's biggest selling point. You get a lot of bike for the money (under $3500 as of this writing in 2009). It is ideal for new riders (66 percent of buyers are first timers), or experienced riders looking for a fun and reliable commuter bike. The Ninja 250R has 6-speeds with a carbureted engine. New features include a full-fairing similar to the Ninja ZX-6R and 10R supersport bikes, and more aggressive styling that goes head-to-head with big boy sportbikes. It no longer looks like a beginner bike but can still act like one for those who are still "learning." Click here to read WRN's review of this bike.

Beginner Bikes from "Alternative" Manufacturers
Hyosung GV 250

Hyosung GV 250.

Description
Hyosung is a Korean manufacturer making a mark in the U.S. with its budget friendly alternative 250cc and 650cc cruisers and sportbikes. The GV 250 feels like a much bigger motorcycle than a 250 and has plenty of get up and go from its twin cylinder engine. This bike is ideal for beginners who don't want to feel like they're on a beginner motorcycle. Click here to see the WRN Video Review of the Hyosung GV 250.

Kymco Venox 250

Kymco Venox 250.

Kymco's beginner 250cc motorcycle is the largest in terms of weight and heft that the other motorcycles in its class. To that end, confident beginner's who want to feel like they have a bit more motorcycle underneath them will like the Venox. Its 29-inch seat height is higher than the other 250cc motorcycles, but it's easy to handle because it has a low center of gravity.

UM Motorcycles V2C-250 T

UM Motorcycles V2C-250 T.

Description
The UM 250cc feels much larger than a starter motorcycle with its V-twin engine and 370 pound weight. This motorcycle is for beginners who want a decent sized motorcycle underneath them while they practice the skills they learned in the training class. This bike has lots of power and features that make it seem like it belongs in a different class of motorcycle (two-up seat, digital instrument panel and adjustable rear shocks).

Johnny Pag Raptor 300

Johnny Pag Raptor 300.

Description
Johnny Pag is relatively new to the motorcycle market as he started importing 300cc full sized motorcycles from China in 2006. All the models fall into the 300cc class each differentiated by a different chopper look and ergonomics. Johnny tells us he carefully monitors quality control over every motorcycle leaving the factory that he owns in China. The Raptor is the smallest of the models - ideal for beginners who want that chopper feel with a raked front end, and touring accessories as part of the package.

Ridley Auto-Glide Classic

Ridley Auto-Glide Classic.

Description
Ridley is one of two motorcycles in our list featuring an automatic transmission, meaning no shifter and clutch for the rider to deal with. Just twist the throttle and go. This is the base model with an extremely low seat height that nearly every rider can reach the ground on. Beginners who are skittish about dealing with the clutch and throttle action may want to consider riding an automatic motorcycle like Ridley. Click here to read the WRN review of another Ridley model to get a sense of what it's like to ride with an automatic transmission.

QLINK Legacy 250:

QLINK Legacy 250cc.

Description
The QLINK Legacy is gaining ground in the automatic motorcycle market among riders who want an automatic transmission but don't want to ride a scooter -- they want a motorcycle. The Legacy makes an ideal beginner bike for those who have issues dealing with the clutch and throttle action. Click here to read WRN's review of this motorcycle.

Classics, if you can find a use one...

Honda Nighthawk 250

Honda Nighthawk 250, 1982-2008.

Yamaha Virago 250

Virago 250, 2000- 2007.

Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 Hugger

Hugger

Suzuki GS500e

Suzuki GS500E, 1989-2002.

Yamaha Virago 535

Yamaha Virago 535, 1987-2001.

If you're feeling confident...

Ducati Monster 696

Ducati Monster 696.

Triumph Bonneville SE

Triumph Bonneville SE.

Triumph America

Triumph America.

Related Articles:
Riding Right: Advice on finding the best bike for you
The Lowest Of The Low: The lowest seat heights on the market

Reader Comments

I am so thankful for articles like this one! I have finally decided to get off my butt this year and buy my first bike. I have wanted one every since I can remember, but I didn't grow up around them, or know anyone that did, so I would have had to learn on my own. I've finally at 23 decided that I'm not going to let that stop me anymore! It was all overwhelming at first, all of the different bikes and options, I had no idea where to start or what to look for. This site has become a valuable resource to me! It's given me an idea of where to start looking, and for that I am grateful! Leah Ann Arbor, MI Friday, March 19, 2010 I bought a Johnny Pag Raptor (poor choice for me). It leaked from day one. They would not fix it! Now, a year and a half later, it's been in the shop constantly. Major oil leak problems. Unridable. Just takes up space in my garage. Don't buy one of these! Buy major brands! They stand behind their products. Tom Tekulve Independence, KY Thursday, March 11, 2010 I started out on a Rebel 250 and with my husband's teaching (and ex motorcycle cop), I passed the test with no problems. The day I got my license, I bought a Vulcan 900 and enjoyed it - riding everywhere. In less than a years time, I moved up to a Victory Kingpin Low cruiser (1700cc) and I've never looked back. It's the best decision I could have ever made. For me, I want a bike big enough to get me out of trouble and one that I can ride in safety. The Kingpin gives me all that and more! In my honest opinion, I think women in particular, don't give themselves enough credit or have enough confidence when considering a larger bike. A bigger bike is, in many ways, much easier to ride and it is far safer than a little 250cc motorcycle out on the highway. Looking back, there is no way I'd ever ride something smaller. Belles Arizona Phoenix, AZ Monday, February 01, 2010 Great article...but I still need some advice. Beginner rider looking into buying my first bike. Just finished my first day of the Rider's Edge course and can't wait to keep riding. I'm really falling for the '09 Low Rider, but after reading the article I'm afraid I'm setting my sights too high. Beautiful bike...any suggestions? Ashley El Paso, TX Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Page 1 of 11 (42 items) [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 9 10 11 Loading…