Congratulations! You got your motorcycle license, took the required safety classes, and you’re ready to buy a brand new (or previously loved) bike. The question is, which bike is best for a rider who is just starting out?
Before making an impulse purchase, check out our recommendations to learn more about what motorcycles are most suitable for beginners.
What to Look for in a Beginner Motorcycle
The first thing to determine is what you plan on using your motorcycle for. Is it for joyriding on the weekends? Will it be your primary form of transportation? Do you plan to go off-road? Once you’ve figured that out, you can begin narrowing your selection.
Budget
First things first. How much do you want to spend? A motorcycle can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000 or more. For most beginners, the recommended price range is under $10,000, but there’s still a lot of range. Pick a price you’re comfortable paying and stick to it.
Remember that the amount you pay for your bike is not the only cost you’ll face. You will also have to buy insurance, gear, and incur additional costs for maintenance.
Power
The size of your motorcycle engine affects not only speed and power but also the weight of the bike. You can get anything from a 125cc (cubic centimeter) engine to something more than 2,000cc.
For beginner motorcycle riders, the recommended engine is 500cc to 600cc. The lower the cc figure, the easier the bike will handle, and the more forgiving it will be to the inevitable mistakes that new riders make.
Just because a bike has a smaller engine doesn’t mean you can’t still ride fast. A 600cc motorcycle can easily go up to 200mph and be ridden comfortably at 75 to 80mph.
Weight
You might have your eye on a beast, but it’s important to realize that heavy bikes can be a challenge to handle, and they go down hard. When you’re comparing manufacturers and models, stick to the lightweight end of the spectrum.
Technology
Features like Bluetooth connectivity, variable ride modes, and advanced handling features will add to your bike’s price tag, but you might appreciate the convenience and flexibility that technology adds to the riding experience. If you plan on keeping the motorcycle for a while, the cost could be well worth it.
Comfort
As you already know, riding a motorcycle feels a lot different than driving a car. Generally, that’s a good thing! However, from a practical standpoint, it’s also important to acknowledge that riding isn’t going to be as comfortable as driving.
Before you commit to a bike, make sure it fits your body right, and you feel at ease. You might need a different seat height depending on how tall you are, for example.
Manufacturer
Premium, iconic brands are inevitably going to be more expensive than less established companies. On the plus side, you’ll have an expansive dealer network and easy access to parts. How well a model does at retaining resale value can also be a consideration if you plan on selling the bike for a more advanced model down the road.
Our Top 3 Picks
There are several bike categories, but to keep things simple, we’ve picked a favorite from three categories: Adventure bikes, sportbikes, and cruisers.
Top Adventure Beginner Motorcycle: BMW G 310 GS
BMW has been in the adventure bike game for more than 40 years, and they’re a solid contender. Known for luxury vehicles, quality engineering is also prevalent in the brand’s motorcycles. This bike is versatile and lightweight, perfect for touring and limited off-road adventures.
Top Sportbike Beginner Motorcycle: Aprilia RS125
This Italian stallion will have you feeling confident on the road in no time. Its eighth-liter engine is a pared-down version of the liter-sized model that’s more suitable for experienced riders. Other than the reduced engine size, there’s almost no discernable difference between this bike and its flagship model.
Top Cruiser Beginner Motorcycle: Yamaha V-Star 250
Cruisers are known for being large and unwieldy, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Yamaha’s V-Star has the authentic look of a cruiser without the bulk. With top speeds of more than 80mph and incredible fuel economy, you’ll love the experience of this bike. You can even add a passenger.
Enjoy Your Ride with Law Tigers
At Law Tigers, we’re not just motorcycle accident attorneys. We’re also a team of motorcycle riding enthusiasts. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, callus at 1-888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation. Sign up for our free riders benefit package today..
