20 Best Beginner Motorcycles for New Riders
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Whether you’re looking at entering the world of motorcycling for the first time or upgrading from your smaller cc-machine for a more advanced ride, I’m here to provide insight into the top motorcycles to consider buying as a beginner.
As an experienced motorcyclist, I’ve taken my knowledge and gone through many different two-wheeled options to create this list of 20 beginner-friendly bikes perfect for road trips and everyday use. Each one has its own features and advantages that set it apart from the others—needless to say, plenty of styles accommodate any direction you’d like to take your new journey in. Read on if you want guidance on where to start when beginning your search.
Top 20 Best Beginner Motorcycles
In this post, I will share the top 20 best beginner motorcycles. My selection is careful and is based on many things that define beginner motorcycles. These features run across all beginner motorcycles, and first-time riders must ensure they do not ignore them while deciding what to buy.
Aren’t you excited each time you behold the sight of veterans lined up in their tens of hundreds crossing from your city to the next? Perhaps, on many occasions, you had longed to start riding on the public road.
I consider the first top factors and features a beginner rider should look for in a bike before buying. Hence, my list of the top 20 best beginner motorcycles is informed by durability, stability, versatility, high performance, maneuverability, flexibility, ranking, weight, and seat height and position. Each of these features is crucial to making a final decision on what bike to buy and use when you’re starting as a beginner.
Here are my favorites for the top 20 best beginner motorcycles for you if you’re beginning to move around with the bike:
1. Honda Monkey
Typically, a tested and trusted brand needs no introduction; Honda is not a strange name in the automotive industry. Throw the question to the open about the top ten motorcycle brands in the world. Indeed, Honda would pop up before the list is exhausted.
So it is with Honda Monkey, the new model of Honda motorcycle that leads the pack in the type of mini Standard motorcycle. With a displacement of 125cc and a fuel-inject engine that boasts a single-cylinder, Honda Monkey comes with a bang. And no other bike would have topped my list of the best beginner motorcycles than this.
This relatively pricey ($3,999 – $4,199, depending on trim) bike is built with a 4-speed transmission and low seat height that hands over the bike’s control to the rider’s whims and caprices. That ‘low seat height’ tag may not sound well to some of the larger bike enthusiasts out there.
Trust me, with Honda Money. I can bet that you’ll have a fantastic weekend adventure ride that offers you that luxury of time and space to experience sightseeing on and off the road. What about taking this bike out as a commuter, giving you all the best of experience when you’re not in those crazy heavy and high-speed traffics?
Honda Monkey Key Features
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS
- LED lights
- Low Seat height
- Relatively pricey
Engine | 124.9cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke |
Power | 9 Horsepower |
Bore X Stroke | 52.4mm x 57.9mm |
Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 |
Fuel System | PGM-FI with automatic enrichment |
Transmission | 4 speed |
Brakes Front | Single 220mm hydraulic disc |
Brakes Rear | Single 190mm hydraulic disc |
Seat Height | (30.6 in) |
2. KTM Corner Rocket (390 Duke)
If you ask me how KTM Corner Rocket 390 Duke makes the top 20 best beginner motorcycles, I will tell you that it is a top-quality bike all beginner riders should be eager to have in their garage.
It belongs to the Standard motorcycle type that boasts 373cc displacement, a 6-speed transmission, and runs on a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine. Can you now see why it has to be here? It comes with a naked frame and minimal fairing.
Priced at $5,299, the KTM Corner Rocket can also ride like a Sport motorcycle, although it is built with firm suspension. What about seat height and suspension? The seat height comes at 800mm (31 in) with a firmer suspension. That height is really on the mid-range side. But it means you can seamlessly handle the bike and be in complete control even with the heavy duties of weekend touring and sport riding.
What’s more, the KTM Corner Rocket has a simple single-cylinder engine. The power of 40.29 HP at 9,600 is incredibly manageable for you as a beginner, making it easy for the bike to reach highway speeds.
KTM Corner Rocket Key Features
- Easy to manage
- Relatively cheap
- Capable of reaching highway speed
- Mid-range seat height
Engine | 373.2 cc (22.77 cu in) 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single |
Top Speed | 167–169 km/h (104–105 mph) |
Power | 32 kW (43 hp) @ 9,500 rpm (claimed) 30.04 kW (40.29 hp) @ 9,600 rpm |
Torque | 35 N⋅m (26 ft⋅lb) @ 7250 rpm (claimed) 32.92 N⋅m (24.28 ft⋅lb) @ 7,000 rpm |
Brakes | Front: four-piston radial caliper, 300 mm (2013–2016) 320 mm rotor Rear: 230mm |
Seat Height | (31 in) |
3. Kawasaki 300
This is one of the best and most powerful beginner sport motorcycle types you can find out there. A simple, full-fairing sportbike, Kawasaki 300 comes with unique features compared to other sportbikes you find out there. The first point of difference is that it is slightly higher in seat height. Also, the bike has higher foot pegs that allow you to handle the tight concerning effect.
In terms of displacement, Kawasaki 300 boasts 296cc while running on a fuel-injected two-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission. Depending on the anti-lock braking (ABS) system that it comes with, you can get this bike for a relatively low price ranging between $4,999 and $5,299.
This is the best bike to think of when you talk about versatility, multi-purpose, and multi-functionality. Kawasaki 300 is undoubtedly capable of weekend sport riding, corner carving, or daily commuting. This is due to its lightweight feature and sufficient power to keep up with traffic without constituting too much heavy burden for the handler.
Kawasaki 300 Key Features
- Versatile and multi-functional
- High footpegs for tight cornering
- Higher seat Height
- Simple, full fairing
Engine | 296 cc (18.1 cu in) liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC parallel-twin |
Top Speed | 171–192 km/h (106–119 mph) |
Power | 29 kW (39 HP) @ 11,000 rpm (claimed) |
Torque | 23.66 Nm (17.45 lbs-ft) @ 9750 rpm27 Nm (20 lbs-ft) @ 10000 rpm (claimed) |
Brakes | Front: 290 mm disc & rear: 220 mm disc. ABS option |
Seat Height | 785 mm (30.9 in) |
Fuel Capacity | 17.0 l (3.7 imp gal; 4.5 US gal) |
Transmission | Slipper clutch, 6-speed chain |
4. Yamaha V Star 250 Raven
If you’re a lover of a long-distance motorcycle trips, you may just hit your best pick in Yamaha V Star 250 Raven. This Cruiser motorcycle type takes the lead in the motorcycle market, boasting its 250cc displacement, as well as a carbureted V-twin (two-cylinder) engine and 5-speed transmission. And at $4,349, you can buy this bike. That is, on the one hand.
You aren’t unfamiliar with the history of Yamaha in terms of innovation and keeping up with the best product you can find in the automotive industry, aren’t you? Keeping up with that Yamaha unstained tradition is the Yamaha V Star 250 Raven, a genuinely magnificent Cruiser edition.
A low-slung cruiser, Yamaha V Star 250 Raven is a solid and giant 350cc-engined bike suitable for a long-distance trip. That alone is helped by the bike’s plush suspension, which gives comfort to the rider.
So, whether on a short or long ride, Yamaha V Star 250 Raven provides a perfect journey where enjoyment prevails over endurance and skills over fluke. Low in weight, low in power, and low in seat height, but a little bit massive in extra storage, this bike also boasts excellent fuel mileage. That, in a way, put some miles on the odometer.
Yamaha V Star 250 Raven Key Features
- Compact, custom, lightweight
- Big bike-style dual exhausts, plenty of quality chrome
- Strong brakes, front disc brake
- Unique V-twin performance ultra-efficient engine
Engine | Air-cooled, 249cc, 15-cubic, 60o V-twin engine, 66mm-long-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves |
Transmission | 5-speed; multi-plate wet clutch |
Seat Height | 27.0 in |
Suspension Front | 33mm fork; 5.5-in travel |
Suspension Rear | Dual shocks, adjustable preload; 3.9-in travel |
Brakes Front | Hydraulic disc, 282mm |
Brakes Rear | 130mm drum |
5. Yamaha SR400
If Yamaha V Star 250 Raven can pull such incredible power and engine displacement, I can tell you that something more significant than that is here. A standard motorcycle type that boasts a naked frame, Yamaha SR400 is built with 399cc engine displacement, running on a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission.
Something in the region of $5,999 will buy you a high-quality Yamaha SR400. What should you look forward to seeing as features of this Yamaha SR400? There’s quite a lot. The first thing that attracts you is the vehicle’s retro styling which reminds riders of the motorcycles back in the 1970s that used a slim narrow frame and air-cooled engine.
If you plan to have a fun ride all day, you could add to a fuel-injected “thumper” engine that can guarantee an estimated 66 miles per gallon. Added to that is that the 5-speed transmission of the motorcycle fits squarely for city and highway riding.
However, the bike’s lack of fairing may make it vulnerable to all the effects of wind and weather during every ride. But even without a fairing for wind protection, the Yamaha SR400 still comes as a great motorcycle that every first-time rider should desire to have in the pack.
The seat’s comfort is located in the under 31-inches seat height, making it suitable for most riders on a plush wide seat. You don’t have to push any button to start the bike; it comes with the old-school fashion of a unique kick starter.
Yamaha SR400 Key Features
- Compatible seat height
- Naked frame
- 5-speed: Suitable for highway and city riding
- Standard motorcycle type
Engine | 399cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC |
Power | 22.93HP (16.7kW) @ 6500 rpm |
Torque | 2 Naked frame 7.40Nm @ 3000 rpm |
Transmission | 5-speed Chain |
Suspension | Front: Telescopic Rear: Dual shock swingarm |
Brakes | Front: 298 mm single disc hydraulic Rear: 150 mm expanding drum brake |
Fuel Capacity | 12.11 liters (3.20 gallons) |
Oil Capacity | 40 Liters (0.16 quarts) |
6. Kawasaki Z400
While you’re holding $4,999 in your hands, something in you tells you to visit the boutique for the latest Dolce & Gabbana; the other side of you reminds you of the bike you’ve desired to have. But the question is, “will $4,999 be enough to make an order for the Kawasaki Z400? Yes, I can tell that without mincing words.
This is a year for ambitious potential riders looking to own their own bike. The power-hungry Kawasaki Z400 comes with a bang and features you can hardly find out there. With a weight of 363.8lb and a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, this bike is one of the top 20 best motorcycles for beginners.
This legendary bike boasts a displacement of 399cc and a parallel-twin engine that pleases starter riders who love the naked-framed style motorcycle. Aggressive styling, naked frame, compact chassis, comfortable, balanced, power-hungry, and capable Kawasaki Z400 ABS offers a visceral riding experience that will turn heads.
Kawasaki Z400 Key Features
- Aggressive street-fighter styling
- Lightweight chassis
- Upright riding position
- Low seat height
Engine | Parallel twin, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
Displacement | 399cc |
Maximum Torque | 28.0 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm |
Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork Rear: Uni-Trak® swingarm |
Brakes | Front and Rear: Single disc |
Seat Heights | 30.9 Inch |
Fuel Capacity | 3.7 Gal |
Transmission | 6-speed return shift |
7. BMW G 310 GS
You may wonder why you have to go for the BMW G310GS as a beginner bike, and I will tell you that if you’re an adventurous type, this is the right pick for you. With BMW G310GS, you can be spontaneous, break the routine, and turn everyday life into an adventure.
Besides, you can also use this bike for daily commuting in the city, a trip through the countryside, the forest trails, or the street jungle. It doesn’t matter whether the roads are rough. The BMW G310GS model makes function a priority over form. Given its 313cc displacement, this bike is power-hungry, allowing you to take on any challenge with precision and confidence.
BMW G310GS Key Features
- Another word for adventure riding
- Suitable for all manner of bike roads
- It makes for relaxed riding
Engine | One-cylinder, four-stroke |
Displacement | 313cc |
Seat Height | 32.9 Inch |
Torque | 28 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
Power | 33.9 PS @ 9500 |
8. Suzuki GSX250R ABS
One of the best sportbikes that all entry-level riders would love to have. The desire to offer a bike for beginners spurred Suzuki’s production of the 248cc-displacement, fuel-injected two-cylinder engine bike.
With the transmission of the 6-speed and capable engine, Suzuki GSX250R features a low seat height standing at 31 inches, as well as a complete fairing and windscreen as protection against the effects of the wind.
With a slightly leaning forward styling, this bike’s ergonomics is capable of outperforming what the larger displacement sport bikes offer. So, you have no reason to envy the 600cc displacement bikes. What’s more, the GSX250R features an LCD screen that allows you to see anything at any time of day and dual-LED headlights for night vision.
Two things that you need to prepare for are: the reach to the hand controls of the bike looks relatively short. Two, the GSX250R does not come with an anti-lock braking option. Yet, there is a very capable dual-caliper system that offers excellent braking performance.
Suzuki GSX250R Key Features
- LCD screen for daylight and LED headlights for night vision
- Lack of Anti-clock Braking (ABS) option but capable dual caliper system
- Low seat height
Transmission | 6-Speed constant mesh |
Suspension | Front: KYB telescopic, coil spring, oil damped Rear: KYB Rear Shock |
Brakes | Front: Single petal disc without ABS Rear: Single petal disc without ABS |
Fuel Capacity | 15 Liters |
Seat Height | 790mm |
Engine | Twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected |
Displacement | 248cc |
9. Suzuki DR-Z400S
Suzuki DR–Z400S is one of many super Moto bikes you want to have as a newbie in cycling. With a displacement of 398cc, the bike’s engine is carbureted, single-cylinder with a 5-speed transmission.
If you have $7,299, you can easily order this unique blended motorcycle with 80% motocross and 20% street riding. When I say super Moto, I am talking of a Suzuki DR-Z400S designed to handle a mix of every type of riding.
It is built with a supple suspension capable of absorbing all the bumps and jumps that often characterize urban rides. It also comes with tires that are built to withstand highway speeds. With a full flaring that helps to protect against wind effect, the Suzuki DR-Z400S comes with some extra suspension which you can leverage to do anything, anywhere, anytime.
Suzuki DR-Z400S Key Features
- Made for urban riding
- Lightweight
- It offers a torque engine perfect for daily riding
- Accommodates suspension travel
- Scantily clad with minimal bodywork
- SuperMoto
Engine | Single cylinder, 4-Stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled |
Seat Height | 35 Inches (890mm) |
Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
Fuel Capacity | 10 Liters |
10. Kawasaki Z125 Pro
You may not be a real Kawasaki fan, but the mention of the Kawasaki Z125 might blow your mind if you’re a type not gunning for the high-end motorbike.
Growing up in my early days in cycling as a newbie in the industry, I fell in love with almost all motorcycle models from the Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki, especially the Z series standard motorcycle.
When the Kawasaki Z125 was introduced as a beginner bike after previously riding two bikes that added no value but fracture and rupture, I couldn’t but decide to recommend it.
I came across the Kawasaki Z125 early when searching for a smaller, scooter-like first bike, and trust I couldn’t resist the features I found in it.
Kawasaki Z125 is built with an engine that powers a lawnmower and guarantees that no land speed records are too high for you to break. Whether you want it for commute or adventure, you can buzz around the neighborhood with this little dude.
It is powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder engine that produces a claimed 11 kW (14.8 HP). You can’t resist it, especially if you’re comfortable with a $3,199 MSRP.
Kawasaki Z125 Key Features
- A perfect bike for squirting through urban traffic
- Powers a lawnmower
- Great for high speed
Engine | air-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, SOHC, single-cylinder |
Displacement | 125cc |
Seat Height | 32.1 in (815 mm) |
Fuel Capacity | 2 gallons |
Brakes | Front: 200mm petal-style disc w/ Nissin caliper Rear: 184mm petal-style disc |
Transmission | 4-speed |
Maximum Torque | 7.1 ft/lbs @ 6000 rpm |
Suspension | Front: travel: Non-adjustable inverted 30mm fork; 3.9 inches Rear: travel: Spring-preload adjustable shock; 4.1 inches |
11. Ducati Monster 937
Why should you choose the Ducati Monster 937 for your beginner Bike? One thing must be noted the Ducati Monster is not for the faint-hearted.
When you have a bike of displacement of 803cc twin, then you agree that indeed it’s not for the beginner who cannot dare. The Monster 937 is a sensational entry-mid-level motorcycle.
Ducati Monster 937 Key Features
- 2-in-1 exhaust with single silencer
- Under-seat USB port
- LED sidelights and tail light
Engine | L-Twin cylinder, air-cooled, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder, 2-cylinder |
Fuel Capacity | 16.5 L |
Displacement | 803cc |
Transmission | 6 speed |
Max Power | 54.4kW @ 8250 rpm |
Max Torque | 68.9Nm @ 6250 rpm |
Suspension | Front: 43 mm Kayaba USD fork Rear: Sachs mono shocks, preload and rebound adjustable |
Brakes | Front: 2*230 mm semi-floating discs radially mounted 4 piston calipers, Bosch ABS as standard equipment Rear: Single 245 mm disc 2 piston caliper, BOSCH ABS as standard equipment |
Seat Height | 805mm/31.6 in |
12. Harley-Davidson Street 500
Harley Davidson is a brand that needs to introduction as far as the motorcycle market is concerned. The Harley-Davidson Street 500 belongs to the Standard and Cruiser motorcycle type, boasting 494cc displacement and running on a fuel-injected v-twin two-cylinder engine.
Street 500 is the slow lung that controls a 25.7” laden seat height and 27.9” unladen seat, and it comes with a 6-speed transmission. Boasting a svelte of 500 pounds, this motorcycle offers an opportunity for beginner riders (who have graduated from their safety course) to handle and maneuver it without a hitch easily. It is a perfect motorcycle for commuting and weekend touring.
Harley-Davidson Street 500 Key Features
- Slow lung seat height
- Standard and cruiser motorcycle type
- Easy to handle
- Great for commuting and weekend touring
Engine | Four-Stroke, Revolution 60o v-Twin, SOHC, liquid-cooled, 4-valves per cylinder |
Displacement | 494cc |
Max Torque | 40Nm/29.5ft-lb @ 3500rpm |
Transmission | 6 speed |
Max Capacity | 13.1 liters/3.5 US gal |
Brakes | Front: Single disc, 2 piston floating calipers Rear: Single disc, 2 piston floating calipers |
Seat Height | Laden: 654mm/25.7 in Unladen: 709mm/27.9 in |
13. Yamaha MT-03
Yamaha MT-03 is a 300 type of popular and amazing Master of Torque (MT) line-up. You’ll love the power of the high-revving twin-cylinder DOHC power plant and agile handling on the street and track.
With engine excellence and dedicated displacement, the MT-03 is destined to be excellent. Boasting an amazing 321cc in displacement, MT will continue to stand for Master of Torque.
Yamaha MT-03 Key Features
- Well-suited to urban brawling.
- Agile handling
- ABS Standard
Engine | Engine: Liquid-cooled parallel twin, 8 valves, DOHC |
Displacement | 321cc |
Seat Height | 30.7 inches |
Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gallons |
Brakes | Front: 298mm disc Rear: 220mm disc |
Transmission | 6 speed |
MSRP | $4,999 |
14. Harley-Davidson Superlow
A standard for H-D Cruiser, the Harley-Davidson Superlow has a displacement of 373cc and runs on a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that boasts 6-speed transmission.
Priced at $8,699, the Harley-Davidson Superlow is a low-slung cruiser motorcycle with a complete line of accessories with the H-D model line-up. With a low 25.5” seat height suitable for most beginner riders, the bike boasts easy ergonomics.
Harley-Davidson Superlow Key Features
- Easy maneuvering
- Space for footpegs and seat for larger riders
- Lightweight
- Can handle a long ride, even with not-too-excessive power
- Great for a quick trip or interstate
Engine | fuel-injected 2-cylinder, air-cooled |
Seat Height | 25.5 inches |
Transmission | 6 speed |
Max Power | 50 BHP @ 5500 rpm |
Max Torque | 69 Nm @ 3750 rpm |
Displacement | 373cc |
15. Honda Grom
A mini sportbike with 125cc displacement, Honda Grom runs on a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that boasts 4-speed transmission.
Affordably priced at $3,399 – $3,599, depending on trim, this Honda model features sports bike-like suspension and seat height. The Grom is a great partner for commuting on the city streets and weekend grooves, but its trip is always in grand style with a shiny blue, red, green, or orange finish.
Honda Grom Key Features
- Great for commuting and weekend riding
- Excellent finish
- Taller seat heights
- Can’t handle highway speeds
Engine | Fuel-injected single cylinder |
Displacement | 125cc |
Seat Height | 30 inches |
Fuel Capacity | 1.45 gallons |
Top Speed | 62 mph |
Suspension | Front: 31 mm inverted fork/ 3.9 inches Rear: Single shock with steel box-section swingarm/ 4.1 inches |
Brakes | Front: Single 220 mm disc with a hydraulic dual-piston caliper (ABS: w/ ABS) Rear: Single 190 mm disc with a hydraulic single-piston caliper (ABS: w/ ABS) |
16. KTM RC 390
Great sportbike with a large displacement of 373cc, as you find with KTM Corner Rocket 390 Duke model. This fuel-injected single-cylinder engine bike runs on 6-speed transmission.
Offered at $5,499, the KTM 390 is an excellent beginning sport motorcycle with a full fairing, cutting through the wind with agility and corner-carving prowess. As a lightweight bike with a steel trellis frame and big wide tires, the bike is perfect for your daily commute.
Moreover, the RC 390 has a stiff suspension with forward-leaning ergonomics, making it easy to handle and control. The seat height is taller than average, with high foot pegs to allow you to lean over the motorcycle in tight fast corners.
KTM 390 Key Features
- Agility and corner-carving prowess
- Lightweight
- Perfect for your daily commute.
Engine | fuel-injected single cylinder |
Displacement | 373cc |
Power | 43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm |
Brakes | Front: 20mm front disc Rear: 230mm disc brake with dual-channel ABS |
17. Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS
Great as an adventure touring bike, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS is built with a displacement of 296cc and transmission of 6-speed. Running on a direct fuel-injected parallel twin (2-cylinder) engine, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS is offered at something in the region of $5,399 and $5,699, depending on the trim model.
The Kawasaki Versys features a medium windscreen on the front that will block a lot of wind and weather as you ride on your commute. It also has a lot of torque to keep you moving forward at low speeds. Yet, you keep up with highway speeds if you travel on a long weekend ride.
With a supple suspension, you can easily handle on and off-road riding and remain comfortable in any situation.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS Key Features
- Perfect for adventure and commuting
- Dual standard saddlebags for gear
- An excellent pick for the rider with a taste for taller bike
- Full fairing and windscreen.
Engine | direct fuel injected parallel twin, 2-cylinder, Liquid-cooled, 8 valves, DOHC |
Displacement | 296cc |
Transmission | 6 speed |
MSRP | $5,399 base; $5,699 with ABS |
Suspension | Front: 41mm fork, 5.1 inches travel (130mm); no adjustments Rear: Single shock, Uni-Trak linkage, 5.8 in travel (147mm); adjustable for spring preload |
Brakes | Front: Single 290mm petal disc; ABS optional Rear: Single 260mm petal disc; ABS optional |
18. Suzuki GW250
Suzuki GW250 is a Standard motorcycle with 248cc displacement and 6-speed transmission. Running on the fuel-injected two-cylinder engine, this $4,099-worth motorcycle is a naked standard motorcycle capable of handling everything you need.
Talk of enough power to cruise at highway speeds or navigate the suburban jungle seamlessly, GW250 has a small windscreen that will control the incoming air.
With a low seat height of 30.7 inches and a short reach to the hand controls, every rider should feel comfortable on the GW250. The bike also features adjustable brake levers, supple suspension, and customizable features for more rider comfort.
Suzuki GW250 Key Features
- Adjustable brake levers and customizable features
- Enough power for riding
- High Seat height
Engine | fuel-injected two cylinder |
Displacement | 248cc |
Transmission | 6 speed |
Seat Height | 780mm |
Fuel Capacity | 13.3 L (3.5 US gal) |
Suspension | Front: 37mm Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped. Rear: Swingarm, coil spring, oil damped (Both Kayaba |
19. Honda CB1100 EX
An attractive pick for beginners, Honda CB1100 Ex boasts easy maneuverability and style. This clean and classic-looking ride results from Honda’s innovation of a seamless gas tank on a durable and timeless steel chassis.
The brakes have triple-disc to help riders stop on a dime, and the frame is a classic one with chrome fenders and a round headlight.
Honda CB1100 EX Key Features
- Easy maneuverability and style
- Durable chassis
Engine | Inline-4 |
Power | 88.51 HP (64.6 kW)) @ 7500 RPM |
Torque | 91.00 Nm (9.3 kg-m or 67.1 ft.lbs) @ 5000 RPM |
Displacement | 1140.00 ccm (69.56 cubic inches) |
Cooling System | Oil & Air |
Seat Height | 795 mm (31.3 inches). If adjustable, lowest setting |
20. Scrambler Ducati Desert Sled
Specifically designed for off-road, the Scrambler Ducati Desert Sled also comes as a smooth highway ride. The seat is positioned much higher than many average bikes for better control and balance.
With its adjustable supple suspension fastened to a reinforced steel frame for increased durability, the bike can effortlessly overcome rugged terrain. The engine is electronically fuel-injected and paired with a 6-speed transmission and straight-cut gears, providing a smoother and more consistent ride.
Scrambler Ducati Desert Sled Key Features
- Adjustable supple suspension
- Great stability for beginners
- Designed for off-road ride
Engine | L-Twin, fuel-injected, electronic |
Displacement | 803cc |
Seat Height | 33.9 in (860 mm) – low seat 33.0 in (840 mm) available as an accessory |
Power | 73 hp (54 kW) 8,250 rpm |
Torque | 49 lb-ft (67 Nm) @ 5,750 rpm |
Transmission | 6 speed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Before Choosing to Buy, Own, and Ride, What Must I Consider? It’s not just about buying, owning, or riding a bicycle. You need to take into account some considerations. These buying considerations will help reduce the amount you spend on servicing the bike; the number of complaints you lodge after a first outing; the degree of post-purchase damage; and the level of risk your vehicle is exposed after use.
I wouldn’t want you to get into the same mess I found myself the first time I helped a student in my class purchase a beginner bicycle. That was in the early days of my foray into the whole beginner training.
Earlier, I told you about the need to choose the beginner bike that is best for you. In that way, your riding becomes enjoyable and exciting, and your time on the road is safer and more secure for your and other road users.
To make it more straightforward, I will break down some of the top factors I think you need to consider before you decide to own a bicycle: Budget, Weight, Comfort, Usability, and Power Output.
Budget
The money at hand to buy is not the only thing I am talking about when I tell you to consider your budget before deciding to buy that beautiful and elegant bike you have longed desired. Far from that, I am talking about other extraneous expenses that often come with luxury. Well, you may not think motorcycles are luxuries. In the eye of the law, they would cough out some money from your wallet.
You should be ready to budget for property taxes and insurance. These are outside expenses, including buying new gear as well as storage. The storage may depend on your cost of living and living situation. All of these make the total package for motorcycle ownership.
I am sure insurance is not any of those budgetary allocations you want to avoid. Well, it is still an issue in hot debate among riders. But you should work closely with your auto insurance provider to know what policy you’ll operate. They usually provide a multi-vehicle policy that will help you, especially in reducing how much you pay per bike. Ideally, the policy on a bike depends on your motorcycle’s power output and displacement. A bike with lower displacement (250 cc) will attract lower insurance power.
Weight
The second thing you should consider when planning to buy a motorcycle is the weight. You may think that the sturdier the bike, the better for riders. This is not the case, especially for beginners who lack a riding skillset. The heavier they are, the likelier the bikes lose stability and the harder they fall on the road.
Usability
Is the bike usable? You can only answer this question correctly if you even know why you’re going into biking. When I first bought my Italian stallion Aprilia Tuono V4R sportbike, I never realized it wouldn’t be a bike I could use daily. With overwhelming heat, low and forward controls, and short mileage, I found out that the bike is essentially perfect for a weekend cruise than a daily commuter that I was in search of in the first place.
Comfort
As common knowledge shows, riding a motorcycle can be very more fatiguing and energy-spinning than driving a car. That is why you cannot afford to sacrifice your comfort for anything, not even for capability. The last thing you want to feel right from the start of your own at the half to the finishing point is a pain in your back, neck, knees, or shoulders.
Manufacturers are reeling out amazing standard upright motorcycles with much power. The seat height, lowered suspension, lowering links, and so on are features that guarantee comfort. You can also adapt yourself to high seats. It means when you’re buying your bike, always ensure you have a test ride to know its maneuverability, control, and handling in both low and high-speed conditions.
Power
There is no point in over-flogging this point. The power of your bike is a crucial factor you can’t just wave aside when deciding which bike to buy. What’s the acceptable power output and engine configuration a new rider should look to manage? Motorcycles come in different power outputs and displacements. On average, the engines with the smallest displacement are the 250cc singles. We also have the 1600cc V6 monsters.
For a starter rider, you can begin with entry-level motorcycles that operate within 600ccs of power. They often deliver a smooth and controlled throttle response.
Final Thoughts
Now you have all the information you need to begin your riding desire. You won’t always find it easy; it’s not going to be challenging every time, either. Expect to meet some annoying riders, busy roads, crazy traffic, and more. But one thing you must try as much as possible to avoid is motorcycle breakdown. That can be frustrating, especially if it has to be in the middle of the road.
Always remember my recommendation: The safety of other road users is your safety. So, always consider them first each time you have to take any action, whether major or minor, on your fast bike. Always wear your safety gear: helmet, gloves, jacket, etc.
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