There is no single "best" beginner motorcycle — there is the best one for the way you will ride. We grouped proven first bikes by style and chose models that are light, smooth, available with ABS and known for being forgiving. Model ranges change every year and differ between markets, so treat this as a shortlist to test-sit at your dealer.
How we chose these bikes
- Manageable weight and seat height for confident low-speed control.
- Smooth, predictable power rather than headline horsepower.
- ABS available on current models in most markets.
- Reasonable running costs and a good reputation for reliability.
Naked and standard bikes
The most popular first-bike category: upright, light and good at almost everything. More about naked bikes.
Honda CB500 Hornet
Engine: 471 cc parallel twin. Best for: riders who want one easy bike for commuting and weekends. Smooth, economical and famously easy to live with.
Yamaha MT-07
Engine: 689 cc parallel twin. Best for: calm beginners who want a bike they won't outgrow. The torquey twin is friendly at low revs and fun everywhere; a power-restricted A2 version is available in Europe.
KTM 390 Duke
Engine: 399 cc single. Best for: city riders who want sharp, sporty handling in a very light package. Lively and agile — treat the throttle with respect.
Suzuki SV650
Engine: 645 cc V-twin. Best for: riders who love character and a simple, proven design. A classic beginner-to-intermediate bike.
BMW G 310 R
Engine: 313 cc single. Best for: new riders who want a premium brand in a small, light and easy package.
Small sport bikes
Full fairings and a sportier crouch — great teachers of smooth, precise riding. More about sport bikes.
Kawasaki Ninja 500
Engine: 451 cc parallel twin. Best for: beginners who want the sport-bike look and track days later. Friendly power and a relatively upright position for a sport bike.
Yamaha YZF-R3
Engine: 321 cc parallel twin. Best for: lighter riders and anyone interested in learning on a track. Revs freely and forgives mistakes.
Cruisers
Low seats and relaxed torque make cruisers very approachable, especially for shorter riders. More about cruisers.
Honda Rebel 500
Engine: 471 cc parallel twin. Best for: shorter riders and relaxed city riding. One of the lowest, lightest and least intimidating bikes you can buy.
Modern classics
Retro looks with modern brakes and electronics. More about café racers and scramblers.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Engine: 349 cc single. Best for: relaxed city riding on a budget. Gentle power, low seat and lots of character.
Triumph Speed 400
Engine: 398 cc single. Best for: riders who want classic style with a bit more punch and a premium feel.
Dual-sport bikes
Light, tough and street-legal — the best way to learn real bike control on dirt as well as tarmac. More about dual-sports.
Honda CRF300L
Engine: 286 cc single. Best for: new riders who want to explore gravel roads and trails. Survives drops with a shrug — but check the seat height.
Kawasaki KLX300
Engine: 292 cc single. Best for: trail riding with a little more off-road ability (availability varies by market).
Minibikes
Honda Grom (MSX125)
Engine: 124 cc single. Best for: learning, city fun and anyone on a tight budget. Too slow for highways, impossible to ride without smiling. More about minibikes.
Quick comparison
| Model | Type | Engine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CB500 Hornet | Naked | 471 cc twin | All-round daily riding |
| Yamaha MT-07 | Naked | 689 cc twin | A bike to keep for years |
| KTM 390 Duke | Naked | 399 cc single | Sharp city riding |
| Suzuki SV650 | Naked | 645 cc V-twin | Character and simplicity |
| BMW G 310 R | Naked | 313 cc single | Premium small bike |
| Kawasaki Ninja 500 | Sport | 451 cc twin | Sporty looks, track days |
| Yamaha YZF-R3 | Sport | 321 cc twin | Learning on track |
| Honda Rebel 500 | Cruiser | 471 cc twin | Shorter riders |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Retro | 349 cc single | Budget city riding |
| Triumph Speed 400 | Retro | 398 cc single | Classic style, premium feel |
| Honda CRF300L | Dual-sport | 286 cc single | Gravel and trails |
| Kawasaki KLX300 | Dual-sport | 292 cc single | More serious trail riding |
| Honda Grom | Minibike | 124 cc single | Learning and fun |
Before you buy
Sit on every bike on your shortlist, get an insurance quote for each one and set aside money for proper protective gear. If you are still deciding on the type, start with our step-by-step guide to choosing your first motorcycle.
What to avoid as a first motorcycle
- Litre-class superbikes: breathtaking performance with almost no margin for mistakes.
- Very heavy tourers and big cruisers: 300–400 kg is hard to manage at walking pace and painful to pick up.
- Motocross bikes: not road-legal, very tall and built for racing.
- Project bikes and old classics: charming, but unreliable brakes and electrics are the last thing a new rider needs.
- Bikes without ABS when a version with ABS is available.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yamaha MT-07 a good beginner bike?
For many calm riders, yes. Its twin-cylinder engine is smooth and predictable, and it is light for its size. It is noticeably faster than a 300–500 cc bike, so it suits riders who already feel comfortable after training.
What is the best beginner motorcycle for short riders?
Look at low-seat models such as the Honda Rebel 500 and Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and ask dealers about lowered seats or suspension kits for naked bikes. Narrow seats help as much as low ones.
What is the best beginner motorcycle for tall riders?
Taller riders are often more comfortable on dual-sports such as the Honda CRF300L, or on mid-size adventure and naked bikes with more legroom.
Should I buy a 125 cc first?
If your licence only allows 125 cc, or you will ride mostly in town, a 125 is a brilliant teacher. If you plan to use fast roads, a 300–500 cc bike will feel safer because it can keep up with traffic easily.
