11 Incredible Beginner Motorcycles Perfect For New Riders

Why We Picked It:

Honda has an amazing trio of 500cc parallel-twin motorcycles that share the “CB” moniker, and the 2023 models all get some great improvements. 

The most popular of the bunch is the 2023 CB500F, accounting for nearly half of all sales using the CB500 engine. A sport naked through and through, Honda have worked their magic and made it not just extremely comfortable, but also feel light, agile, and communicative. It is the perfect starter bike for those that are looking for the middle ground between a standard bike and a sport tourer or supersport.

For those wanting a big more aggression and a more forward leaning position, the 2023 CBR500R is your introduction to the world of sport bikes. More appropriately a sport tourer, it gets the new rider leaning that much further forwards, that much lower to the tank, and also has the benefit of a windshield to deflect some of the air up and off your body and helmet when on the freeway.

The last model of the three is the 2023 CB500X, an outright adventure tourer, or ADV as they are often called. This is the bike for the big and tall rider, or those wanting a capable and robust introduction into the world of adventure riding, on or off the road. The CB500X leans more towards the on-road style of touring, but is still highly capable of riding on gravel, packed dirt roads and trails, and even some light pathfinding where there is no trail and you need to make one.

For new riders, I suggest comparing how you fit on each model and going with the one that fits you just right. But the trio of 500s are all excellent choices.

Why We Picked It:

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3, much like its R-series brethren over the years, is not to be taken lightly. It is, for all intents and purposes, a mini-supersport—despite that term normally being reserved for the fastest and most aggressive of 600cc to 1000cc sport bikes. We point this is out because if a new rider is looking to learn about track riding or supersport handling, there is no better starter than the R3.

Yamaha has somehow managed to make a bike with a 320cc parallel-twin give up 50 HP. This is almost double what every other sport bike in the 300cc segment produces. The R3 also comes with full dual-zone ABS, traction control, and the multiple engine modes of its big sibling, the R1. And do not be fooled by the clip-on handlebars being raised a little. You get any rider under 210 lbs to tuck down over the R3 on a straightaway, and it can decimate even some 600cc supersports.

Of course, if you are going to pursue riding supersports as your hobby, we highly recommend checking out our Best Full-Face Helmets For Under $500 list (our own sport riders highly recommend the Shoei RF1400 or Arai Regent-X if your budget can stretch). Having the right sport riding protection is hugely important for keeping you safe.

Why We Picked It:

The Honda CB500F is a bike between two worlds, and is friendly to the new rider in both of them. On one hand, it is a junior streetfighter, a naked sport bike that pleads and begs you to show it some corners and get your lean on. On the other hand, thanks to its sport standard riding position and very comfortable saddle, it is quite happy chugging along the freeway on your way to work.

Sharing the same 471cc parallel-twin with 47 HP and 32 lb-ft of torque as the other CB500 models, it will excel in both worlds. Add on the fact that it has ride-by-wire, brand name and class-leading Showa suspension, an assist and slipper clutch, and top of the line dual zone ABS, and this is a bike that will thrill you for years to come.

It should be pointed out that the CB500F has a much less aggressive upper body position than its CBR brother as the handlebars are raised an extra inch. It also is much easier to work on for maintenance, as there are no fairings to remove first, making this bike a great bike to learn how to wrench on as well.

Why We Picked It:

Let’s be honest: there are some people who mostly just want to ride because of the badass image and rebellious feeling that comes from straddling certain machines. The Indian Scout Bobber Sixty is one of those machines.

A smaller bike than its Scout brethren, the Scout Bobber Sixty is still nothing to scoff at. You’ll be sitting in a low, comfortable seat, behind a chunky 999cc liquid-cooled 60 degree V-twin that rumbles like a grizzly bear in heat. That engine also gives you 78 HP and 65 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for the bike’s 548 lbs.

The saving grace for new riders is the throttle, which is extremely progressive in the first quarter of its range. You’ll still get plenty of grunt and noise, but neither too much nor too early. For more mature new riders who have a healthy amount of respect for their bike, the Scout Sixty will provide countless hours of excitement. We recommend the Scout Bobber Sixty to those who are dead-set on having an American motorcycle and are scared off by Harley-Davidson’s somewhat enthusiastic pricing.

Why We Picked It:

The adventure bike world is an incredible segment. Many riders actually get their first taste of powered riding on dirt bikes in childhood, so there’s a significant nostalgia factor—and the ability to head out of town for an off-road excursion on weekends is insanely appealing.

KTM is legendary for their motocross/dirt bikes, and transferring all that knowledge into an adventure package means great things for new riders. The 390 Adventure is lightweight and packs an excellent 373cc single-cylinder engine, making 43 HP.

The 390 Adventure received a few updates in 2022, like new traction control modes for both street and off-road scenarios. The TFT display is easy to read, and there’s Bluetooth connectivity as well. The bottom line? This is a tech-laden machine built to get you way off the beaten path and back again, especially if you’re new to that aspect of motorcycling.

Why We Picked It:

It’s almost a rule here at BBM that we need to have at least one “way out there” bike on each list. For that reason, we present to you the Honda GROM. Belonging to the “minimoto” class, the GROM is nonetheless a great starter bike despite its tiny size.

With its mighty fuel-injected 125cc four-stroke single, it produces a solid 10 HP and will get pretty much any rider under 200 lbs going at up to 50 mph without too much effort. Being a tiny little munchkin, it is also hilariously fun to ride, with versatile handling but not enough power to get you in trouble.

You also get plenty of high-quality Honda parts here—including the ABS system, suspension, wheels, and of course, the nigh-unkillable engine. If you like little bikes that are agile and controllable, this little beast should be your best friend.

Here’s the kicker: once you’ve moved on to a larger second bike, the GROM will still be fun to have around. It’s great for bombing around the neighborhood or puttering down the street to the corner store. Many riders get GROMs instead of scooters for short trips, and it’s really easy to see why!

Why We Picked It:

Anyone who knows anything about starter bikes (or has watched more than three recommended starter bike YouTube videos) knew this one was coming. Ever since emerging in 1999, the SV650, in all its guises and forms—including the Gladius—has been on every annual recommended starter bike list without fail.

But why? Is it the 645cc V-twin that puts out 75 HP? Is it the six-speed manual that you can literally hit with a sledgehammer and still use? Is it the Tokico race-grade brakes on cast-aluminum wheels, sprung from Suzuki motorsport suspension? In a word: yes.

The SV650 for 2023 comes with an assist-and-slipper clutch, and the same easily-read dash that it’s been sporting for the past four years. Oddly, they've taken away ABS as standard, and made it optional. The predictable but agile handling, the useable power from the engine, and the gentle throttle for newer riders all make sure this remains one of the best beginner bikes ever.

Why We Picked It:

Not one, but three sport cruisers! In 2022, the Rebel 1100 was a new addition to the Honda motorcycle lineup, and we included it on our recommended list then as well.

The reason the 1100 gets included as a beginner bike is that despite its fairly powerful engine (86 HP and more than enough torque to move the Rebel with a little pep), it is still the same simple, un-scary sport cruiser that Honda developed to welcome more riders into two-wheeled life.

It’s also worth noting that riders over 250 lbs often didn’t feel that the smaller Rebel 500 had sufficient power to move them or, like with some of our contributors who are over 6 feet tall, it felt too small and cramped . For others, the 500 feels too big, which is why Honda also makes the smallest variant, the Rebel 300.

No matter which of the Rebels you start out on, you are getting quite simply the best possible introduction to sport cruisers possible. As a bonus, at least with the Rebel 300 and 500, you are getting a bike that is not complicated, follows the "Keep It Stupidly Simple" concept to a T, and will teach you everything you need to know about the nuances of riding cruisers.

Why We Picked It:

If you have always dreamed of riding a Harley, then the 2022 Iron 883 is your gateway drug. It’s by far one of the most pared-down, stripped back, simple riding experiences you can purchase from Harley-Davidson, but that doesn’t mean you should underestimate it. Its 883cc V-twin (dubbed the Evolution Engine) still gives you 50 HP and 54 lb-ft of torque.

For the same reason the Honda Rebel models are perfect starter sport cruisers, the Iron 883 is the best introduction you can get to muscle bikes. It’s got the classic looks and classic V-twin rumble, but it doesn’t challenge you with all that history. Hell, they even have the engine on rubberized engine mounts to knock some of the vibrations out of the frame.

The dragster handlebars are also perfectly positioned to give you a slightly forward-leaning posture, and the pegs are technically mid-mount but pushed really far forward. You can choose from 3 colorways for 2022, but I am all about the Gunship Gray.

Note: The Iron 883 has sadly been discontinued, but are still being produced until Summer 2023. That means that there is more than likely still some in inventory at your local Harley dealership.

Why We Picked It:

A Ducati? For a new rider? Oh hell yes; that is what I am saying. Not every new rider is going to want something like this, but if you’re in the market for a scrambler than it’ll be perfect.

Scrambler bikes have a long history as versatile machines. Ducati Scramblers in particular are made for many different applications, and my recommendation is really for any of the 803cc models that fit you. Call it a bit of favoritism, but the Nightshift model in particular just looks awesome with its dark color scheme and blacked out engine and exhaust.

The L-Twin Ducati engine among the most powerful you’ll find on this list (it has 73 HP). This may feel like too much riders who are still struggling with confidence, but not every new rider is. Ducati Scramblers are also easy to handle, thanks to brilliant ergonomics and smooth power delivery from their 803cc engines. The Nightshift has a low wide handlebar that feels just right, and the Brembo brakes have a quality powerful feel to them.

Trust me: you will love the sound that comes through the twin pipes with every twist of your right wrist. If that’s not enough to excite you, I don’t know what is.

Why We Picked It:

Although it’s certainly capable as an off-roader, there’s a great argument to be made for keeping this BMW on street tires. The 34 HP 313cc single-cylinder engine packs the perfect amount of power for light highway riding and commuting.

The G310 GS also includes a number of rider aides and features as standard equipment. These include ABS, USD forks, adjustable rear suspension, an LED taillight, a 19” front wheel, a luggage rack, a windshield, and more.

I really love this little Beemer—and since the bulk of your riding, while you learn, is going to be in the city, you’ll most likely have no problems with the engine or the riding experience of the G310 GS.

Being a BMW, it will also hold onto its value well—so don’t be concerned about wanting to sell it in a few years. It should still be worth most of what you paid for it (although many people who own these bikes hang onto them even after moving up, since they’re just that much fun).