About Our Selections

These selections considered ease of use, rideability, price, and how effective each motorcycle was in helping the beginner or newer rider learn the intricacies of riding. We are confident that any of these bikes will be superb starter or second bikes for most riders.

As we said above, comfort and safety are paramount, but you'll find that there are some awesome looking beginner bikes out there. For some it is a sport bike that looks ready to set a lap record at Circuit Of The Americas, but is a comfortable sport tourer. For others, it's the look and sound of American iron, a cruiser that looks badass while also teaching you about the subtleties of riding. No matter what you choose, these selections are guaranteed to get you knowing nods from other riders who did the exact same thing you're doing.

Harley-Davidson Iron 883

A friendly introduction to American cruisers that isn't at all scary

Yamaha MT-03

A zippy little mini-streetfighter that looks a lot meaner than it actually is

Honda CB500X

A more pavement-oriented adventure tourer that can still get dirty if needed

Kawasaki Z650

An aggressive looking sport naked that won't bite your head off

Honda CBR500R

Looks like it's ready to set a lap record, but is instead a very comfortable sport tourer

Suzuki SV650

Simply the best beginner bike of the past two decades, and it looks mean as hell to boot

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Looks like a World SBK championship bike, is actually a friendly sport tourer that has a little supersport DNA under the skin

Honda Rebel 500

A sport cruiser for beginners that can become your permanent bike, it's that much fun