Table of Contents
What to Look for in the Best Motorcycles for New Riders
Before we explore the Best Motorcycles for New Riders, let’s outline what makes a great beginner bike:
Lightweight and Manageable: The lightweight motorcycles (under ~400 lbs generally) are the best option for you because they are easier to balance and ride slowly, which transforms you into a more confident rider.
Moderate Power: There is no need for an extraordinary Benz with a 150-horsepower superbike lurking around to have a good time riding. The Best Motorcycles for New Riders typically offer 30–70 hp, smooth delivery, and forgiving throttle response — perfect for learning..
Comfortable Ergonomics: The best way to feel in control is to have a slight or neutral angle and a reasonable seat height. You should make sure that at least one foot (and preferably both feet) can touch the ground while you are sitting on the bike.
Quality Brakes and Suspension: The outperformance of your motorcycle will depend a lot on the brakes and suspension. The bike rider will learn faster and will be safer if they have an excellent brake system (with ABS) and an adjustive suspension. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a feature that the beginners usually look for, as it helps to prevent wheel lockup during a sudden stop.
Affordability and Reliability: The Best Motorcycles for New Riders are inexpensive to buy, cheap to maintain, and built with proven reliability. Simplicity and low running costs matter most when you’re learning.
We are lucky to be in 2025 where there many entry-level bikes available that respect these features. Riding a sportbike, a cruiser, a standard or an adventure bike is what you are interested in, there is hope for you. In this section, we will review the best picks from different categories.
Sportbike/Street: Kawasaki Ninja 500
Among the Best Motorcycles for New Riders, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 stands out in 2025, but also replaces the Ninja 400 with a larger 451cc parallel two cylinder engine, which gives off around 50-55 hp. This bike should be thought of as a 400 version of Ninja – with the slightly higher power but no reason to be scared of the Ninja name – it is strong but well-defined, it evenly rides from low to high rotation.
At around 415 lbs wet, it’s light enough to flick through corners, and the low 31-inch seat lets even shorter riders get comfortable. It comes standard with ABS brakes, slipper clutch (to prevent rear-wheel lock on downshifts), and modern LED lighting. The Ninja 500 sports full fairings and sharp looks, so you get that “sportbike” aesthetic without the extreme ergonomics of a 600cc supersport.
Riders praise its neutral handling and ergonomic comfort – the handlebars are higher than a track bike, giving you a relatively upright posture for good control. If you love the idea of a sporty bike for weekend fun and maybe some commuting, the Ninja 500 is an awesome choice that blends performance with forgiveness. Plus, with a MSRP under $7,000, it’s a great value for a bike you can easily keep for years.
Alternate Picks: Yamaha YZF-R3 (321cc twin, ultra-light and friendly), Honda CBR500R (471cc twin, a touch heavier than the Ninja 500 but very stable). Also worth noting is the new Aprilia RS 457, a 48 hp parallel-twin sportbike with Italian flair and low weight – a fantastic option if you want something a bit exotic yet beginner-friendly.
Standard/Naked: Yamaha MT-03 / Triumph Speed 400
The Standard or naked bikes dominate lists of the Best Motorcycles for New Riders because of their upright posture and all-round comfort. The two best examples are the Yamaha MT-03 and the Triumph Speed 400.
The Yamaha MT-03 is a motorbike which a lot of people have liked over the years. it might be compared to the sexy R3 sportbike, that is the fairing less form and the same R321 engine (42hp). That engine is known for its smooth and easy-to-modulate operation. The ergonomics of the MT-03 are free formed- you are sitting straight with wide handlebars and an angle which is giving you a great leverage over the bike.
With a weight of only 373 lbs and a seat height of under 30 inches, this model is a toy in a good way – you can throw it in corners or do U-turns very easily. The bike comes with the convenient Abs option and is available for an affordable price of around $5,500. In the brief version, the MT-03 is a lightweight, easy to control, and a great motorcycle in the city or with the curves. Enough reservation to keep on driving the highway sometimes, but spontaneous enough to go to the traffic light sometimes.
On the other hand, Triumph took a wide step in marketing the Speed 400, which is a roadster with a retro-modern design meant especially for less experienced drivers. It is powered by a 398cc single cylinder engine, produces approximately 40 hp, and has a weight of about 375 lbs. The Speed 400 is a Triumph classic that pays homage to the Bonneville, which it is based on; just a little less massive, two types of seats, and the adaptable suspension that the Triumph biker would be enjoying.
But it’s not just about looks: the Speed 400 has top-notch build quality, a slip-assist clutch, and even switchable traction control. Its power delivery is torquey down low (great for city riding) and it has a refined feel, thanks to Triumph’s engineering. The seat height is about 31 inches, manageable for most.
As a first bike, the Speed 400 offers something unique: retro charm with modern reliability. And it’s quite affordable for a Triumph, priced around $5,000. If you prefer a bit of vintage vibe or plan on doing some longer relaxed rides, the Speed 400 will serve you well into your riding years.
Alternate Picks: KTM 390 Duke (373cc single, very peppy and edgy styling, with advanced TFT display – a favorite among sporty beginners), Honda CB500F (471cc twin, a tad heavier but extremely neutral handling and bulletproof reliability).
Cruiser: Honda Rebel 500 / Kawasaki Eliminator 450
Cruisers are among the Best Motorcycles for New Riders because of their low seat height and relaxed feel. The Honda Rebel 500 has long been heralded as a beginner cruiser king. It uses a 471cc parallel-twin (borrowed from Honda’s CB500 series) tuned for smooth low-end torque. With a very low 27-inch seat height, the Rebel instills confidence as you can flat-foot easily at stops (great for shorter riders).
It’s also light for a cruiser (~408 lbs) and has a simple, timeless design. The power is around 45 hp, which is plenty to cruise on the highway or carry a passenger occasionally, but delivered gently. It’s hard to outgrow a Rebel 500 – many riders keep them for years thanks to their easy maintenance and huge aftermarket customization scene.
Honda also offers the Rebel in a 300cc version (Rebel 300), but most beginners find the 500 will last them longer without being too much to handle. For 2025, the Rebel 500 comes with optional ABS and in some new colors. It remains one of the most confidence-inspiring bikes to learn on, period.
New in the scene is the Kawasaki Eliminator 450 (also called Ninja 450 in some regions but is particularly the cruiser variant). Kawasaki Engineered their Ninja 400, which is 398cc far less a cruiser frame and bored it to 451cc. The eliminating 450 comes as a modern style of the cruiser: powered by a liquid-cooled engine, a six-speed gearbox, and with a handling that resembles a standard bike more than a cruiser. The seat is around 28 inches? Quite low and comfortable.
The 50 hp Eliminator hits a bit harder than the Rebel with its power band, but you can feel that when you roll on the throttle, it is also quite easy to handle. It has a slightly bigger triangle for the rider (more legroom) than the Rebel, which might be handy for the tall newcomers. All-LED lighting and a digital dash screen were installed by Kawasaki. In a nutshell, the Eliminator 450 is a cruiser type that has sports addition to it, and its very existence will make the new riders, who wish for a no-metronomic cruiser, feel good. It’s a solid Rebel alternative with Kawasaki’s trademark of reliability and value.
Alternate Picks: Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (349cc single, ultra-classic look, very mellow power – great for those who prioritize style and simplicity), Yamaha V Star 250 (older design, 249cc V-twin, super low seat; okay for absolute beginners but you may outgrow it quickly. Yamaha’s Bolt 950 has more power but is quite heavy for a newbie).
Dual-Sport/Adventure: Honda CRF300L / Suzuki DR-Z400 / BMW G 310 GS
If exploring both city streets and trails appeals to you, dual-sports and small adventure bikes are some of the Best Motorcycles for New Riders. The Honda CRF300L is a street-legal dual-sport that’s incredibly popular among new riders and experienced riders alike.
Weighing about 309 lbs and with a 34-inch seat (tall, but squishes down with rider weight), the CRF300L is extremely easy to handle on trails and city streets. Its 286cc single-cylinder engine makes ~27 hp – not much, but plenty for up to about 65-70 mph cruising and unbeatable for learning throttle control off-road. As a beginner, a CRF300L teaches you both street and dirt skills. It’s forgiving, tough, and simple to maintain.
If you’re shorter or want more comfort, the CRF300L Rally variant adds a small windshield and slightly lower suspension. For someone who wants to commute during the week and trail ride on weekends, this Honda is a fantastic tool.
On the more road-focused “adventure-lite” side sits the BMW G 310 GS, another favorite in lists of the Best Motorcycles for New Riders. This is essentially a beginner adventure bike: a 313cc single making ~34 hp, but wrapped in ADV-styling with a 19-inch front wheel and some weather protection. It’s heavier than a dual-sport at 386 lbs, but still quite manageable.
The seat height ~32.8” is moderate given its ADV stance, and it even has optional lower seat from BMW if needed. The G 310 GS shines for newbies who want to do some longer rides, maybe touring with friends, but don’t want a massive bike. It can handle gravel and mild trails (though not as light/agile off-road as the Honda).
It comes with ABS that can be switched off for dirt. The little GS has comfortable ergonomics and that famed BMW stability at speed, making it a confidence-inspiring ride for learning. It’s like a gateway into the adventure biking world without jumping on a 500+ lb behemoth.
There’s also the trusty Suzuki DR-Z400S – a bit old-school, but beloved in the dual-sport realm. It’s a 398cc carbureted single, about 39 hp, known for bulletproof reliability. The DR-Z sits tall (36” seat) and is more dirt-biased, but many new riders do fine on it, especially taller folks.
It has more oomph than the CRF300L (helpful on faster roads) but lacks modern features like EFI or ABS. Still, it deserves mention as one of the best bikes to develop off-road skills which can translate to strong overall riding confidence. If off-roading is a big interest and you can manage the height, the DR-Z400 is a solid first bike that you won’t outgrow quickly.
Alternate Picks: Kawasaki KLX300 (close competitor to CRF300L, similar weight and power), KTM 390 Adventure (373cc single, more power at ~43 hp, with advanced electronics – a terrific lightweight ADV bike, though seat height ~33.6” and a bit more complex than the BMW or Honda).
Electric Option: Sondors MetaCycle / Zero FX
Electric motorcycles are quickly joining the Best Motorcycles for New Riders list in 2025. The Sondors MetaCycle is a relatively affordable (around $5,000) electric bike introduced recently. It’s lightweight (~300 lbs) and low seat, with a modest top speed (~80 mph) and range (~60-80 miles). Its 14.5 kW (20 hp) motor delivers power smoothly with no shifting to worry about.
As a beginner bike, the MetaCycle offers a straightforward riding experience – just twist and go. It’s great for urban use or short joyrides, though its limited range and lack of dealer support network might be downsides.
For those with a bigger budget, the Zero FX is an electric dual-sport that is very newbie-friendly. It has swappable batteries, around 46 hp (in its higher power mode), and weighs ~289 lbs. The Zero FX can be dialed into an “Eco” mode that tames performance, making it easy to handle for learning.
It has no clutch or gears, so you can focus purely on throttle control and line selection. The instant torque of electric is actually helpful off-road, and the lack of noise can be less intimidating. The downsides are price (north of $11k new) and range (~50-70 miles per charge depending on battery config and riding style). Still, if you’re an eco-conscious new rider or simply intrigued by electric power, these bikes can serve as good first rides provided you understand their range limitations.
Final Tips for New Riders
Choosing from the Best Motorcycles for New Riders is a personal journey — comfort, fit, and confidence matter most. A good thing is to test sit a lot of different models that dealerships have so that you could find the one that has the right weight and ergonomics for you.
If possible, take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course; many courses use small trainer bikes (250cc range) which can give you a sense of what size/power you’re comfortable with initially. Also remember to factor in gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, etc.) in your budget – being properly protected will boost your confidence as you learn.
The motorcycles listed above represent some of the Best Motorcycles for New Riders, each designed to help you develop your skills quickly and safely. Be it an agile machine, a chilled-out cruiser, an intrepid dual-sport, or a unity of all, you can be sure of the fact that riding a user-friendly bike will lead to a much more pleasant starting time to jump in.
With more miles on the odometer, you can always upgrade if you want more power or a change in style – but many riders find that these starter bikes continue to deliver joy well after the rookie stage. Ride safe and enjoy the ride in the amazing world of powersports! Enjoy every single ride during this journey.
