As a beginner, getting your first motorcycle can be a daunting task. Where do you start? Should it be a used motorcycle? A cruiser, scooter, or something quicker so you won't outgrow it too soon? Will it be friendly enough to accommodate your riding style? Or will you need to tailor it to the bike's needs?

UPDATE: 2024/01/12 23:26 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

Given the specific requirements for a beginner-friendly motorcycle and the sheer number of options available in the market, we have updated this list with a few more entries. Picking any one of the motorcycles on this list will be a good place to start.

As we said, it is daunting. Given all that, though, there is an easier way to approach the entire process. It's not by chance that big-name manufacturers like Honda, Triumph, Kawasaki, and Yamaha have gotten to where they are today. They spend countless hours and resources catering to demands. And whipping up a motorcycle that's beginner-friendly is in their best interest. This list focuses on precisely that. While plenty of shapes and sizes are present here, the common denominator is that they're forgiving enough and will help you become a better rider. And that's the whole point, isn't it?

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars did a thorough search on motorcycles that would be best suited to novice riders. A number of factors were considered while narrowing the list down, including prices, overall value, ease of riding, engine capacity, and, to a certain extent, future-proofing. It should be noted that a mix of motorcycles currently in production and those that can be found on the used market have been included. To learn more about our ranking system, check out the HotCars Methodology Page. Lastly, the motorcycles have been organized in increasing order of their current value.

13 Harley-Davidson SuperLow

Used Price Range: $2,000-11,000

Some features that make Harley-Davidsons perfect for any rider are their gorgeous styling, comfortable design, and dependable performance. But if you're looking for another manlier Harley that can help you appreciate the world of two-wheeled vehicles, look no further than the Harley-Davidson Superlow.

The low seat height makes it easy for most riders to get up and get the engine running. The seat is also ergonomic, so you can ride for hours without hurting your back. Overall, the Superlow is one of the most affordable cruisers that can make any beginner look like a pro.

2011 Harley-Davidson SuperLow Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

12 Harley-Davidson Street 500

Used Price Range: $2,500-$7,600

If you want to start your motorcycling journey the American way, there's no better motorcycle to pick than the Harley-Davidson Street 500. Though some may say this is one of the worst Harleys ever made, it may be because it's best suited for total beginners.

The driver is granted absolute control and back comfort while riding thanks to the mid-range seat and the upright riding position. It also has a decent amount of torque (for beginners) at 29.5 lb-ft. This makes it an ideal ride for anyone who wants to start riding a bike without the strong pull of the Harley brand.

2017 Harley-Davidson Street 500 Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

11 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Used Price Range: $3,000-$3,900

Kawasaki Ninjas can look very intimidating. From an amateur's point of view, it looks like a very heavy motorbike built only for those who won't panic when the engine suddenly dies in the middle of the highway.

But there are actually a few Kawasaki models that are suited for beginners, and the Ninja 300 is one of them. It not only has a smaller frame. The 300 is maybe 150 lbs lighter than the Ninja H2R, which happens to be one of the fastest bikes today. But it's still one of the best Kawasaki sports bikes out there. Also, the Ninja 300 doesn't look like a beginner's bike at all, so you won't have to feel shy if your friends ever see you practicing on one.

2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

10 Honda Grom

Starting MSRP: $3,599

Some believe the Honda Grom isn't exactly, well, a motorcycle. And sure, it is tiny, but there's absolutely no harm in starting off small, and the Grom is a patient ally.

Its diminutive size also directly correlates to low curb weight, but its tiny 124cc engine is also supremely efficient, leading to a claimed 160+ MPG. The point to remember is that the Grom won't be the quickest, best looking, or even a long-term consideration. But as far as starter bikes go, few will be able to match the little Honda's abilities.

2024 Honda Grom Specs

Specs referenced from Webbikeworld

9 Kawasaki Z125 Pro

Starting MSRP: $3,649

One of the greatest mistakes a practicing motorcycle rider can make is accidentally toppling the bike to its side while attempting to ride it. What's worse than this is having to scurry your way to pick up the bike, only to realize that it's way heavier than you thought.

A good solution is to get a bike that's reasonable in weight, like the Kawasaki Z125 Pro. This little guy may only weigh 225 pounds, but it packs 9.3 horsepower, just the right amount for a newbie. This is also one of the cheapest motorbikes out there.

2023 Kawasaki Z125 Pro Specs

Specs referenced from Webbikeworld

8 Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Starting MSRP: $4,699

This classic cruiser from Royal Enfield has a lot going for it. If you're considering an easy-going, friendly cruiser that will get you to point B in a relaxed and unhurried manner, RE's Meteor 350 could be a great bet.

What also helps is the Meteor 350's very affordable price tag, and it's not too heavy, either, so maneuvering it in and out of traffic won't be a pain. The seat height is also decently low, so shorter riders won't struggle to mount and dismount. Still, you can easily admire the Meteors' gorgeous paint when you do the latter.

2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

7 Honda Rebel 300

Starting MSRP: $4,849

An ideal motorcycle for a beginner shouldn't only have equal power and handling. It should also look good to make the beginner rider feel confident in their ride.

This is where the Honda Rebel 300 comes in. This model has good power distribution and is comparably lighter to most of the other motorcycles sold under the same category - making it one of the best Honda motorcycles out there. The seat is also lower, so beginners won't have trouble supporting themselves once they get on the bike.

2023 Honda Rebel 300 Specs

Specs sourced from Webbikeworld

6 Honda CB300R

Starting MSRP: $5,149

Everything about the Honda CB300R screams novice-friendly. There's the uncomplicated design, the liquid-cooled 286cc single, the low curb weight, and the inviting starting MSRP.

Couple all that with the fact that Honda's are typically bulletproof, and it's hard not to see the CB300's utility shine through. This probably won't be a forever bike, though, so once you learn the ropes, you might outgrow it, so to speak. Even then, for the amount of money you're spending, it's a great way to become confident astride two wheels.

2023 Honda CB300R Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

5 Yamaha YZF-R3

Starting MSRP: $5,499

The Yamaha YZF R lineup has extremely stylish superbikes that look nothing like what you'd imagine to be a beginner's bike. But under the intimidating sports bike series is the Yamaha YZF R3, which is great for both those who are just starting out and experienced riders.

The bike has a dependable 321cc engine that can take you where you need to go while still being easy for first-timers. It also takes light sips of the fuel at 56 MPG so you can go for longer practice rounds.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

4 Suzuki SV650X

Used Price Range: $6,000-$8,000

Some motorcycles may require the rider to bend slightly to reach for the handlebars. Some will require the rider to stretch out his arms to reach them. Though it may look cool, it's definitely a nightmare if you don't know what you're doing yet.

Though the SV650 is a bike we'd choose over any car, the Suzuki SV650X is the perfect choice to avoid these problems. It doesn't only let the rider sit in a comfy, upright position; it also lets them reach the handlebar without causing too much stress to their backs. The seat is also low-slung, so most people can easily lift their legs over it.

2020 Suzuki SV650X Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

3 Honda CB1100 EX

Used Price Range: $7,000-$10,000

Honda bikes come with impressive designs paired with ease of maneuverability and dependability. This, along with other features, makes the Honda CB 1100EX a great motorcycle for beginners.

The classic frame design makes it easy for beginner motorcycle drivers to adjust to other bikes once they familiarize themselves with two-wheeled vehicles. The Honda CB1100 EX also has triple-disc brakes for better braking power that quickly pauses any wheel momentum. Since it's also a low-swinging ride, the CB1100 EX is perfect for most learners with average height.

2016 Honda CB1100 EX Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

2 Yamaha Bolt

Starting MSRP: $8,899

The Yamaha Bolt is another great bike any beginner can learn to ride on. Aside from bearing all the important features that make a great beginner's bike, it's also a good-looking model, so there's a bonus point there.

It comes with a simple engine and a low seat that even shorter riders can easily get on. However, it does have over 900cc and 59.3 lb-ft of torque. This makes it an ideal motorcycle unit for someone who wants to get used to a bike with more power. Also, training on a bike like this will make transitioning to a more powerful motorcycle easier.

2023 Yamaha Bolt Specs

Specs sourced from Webbikeworld

1 Triumph Bonneville T120

Starting MSRP: $12,695

The Triumph Bonneville T120 is a beautiful motorcycle that bears the iconic vibe of its predecessor. Though it comes from a family of trusted performance bikes, this particular model offers a great balance of power and control.

It comes with a 1,198cc engine, which is perfect for anyone trying to get a hold of what real performance bikes are about. The disc brakes also add more grip, so the untrained rider has a better brake application and quicker time. And once you get the hang of it, the T120 is a great bike for carrying a pillion.

2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 Specs

Specs sourced from Triumph Motorcycles

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• Sources for features: Respective manufacturers' websites
• Sources for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Webbikeworld
• Source for used prices: Cycle Trader