Unlike driving, riding a motorcycle takes a little more courage. Nothing protecting you other than your riding gear might be intimidating. But, there is a big plus to hitting the open road on a bike — you get to experience an incredible feeling of freedom and be one with the road.

Updated June 2023: As a beginner in the world of sport bikes, choosing the right one can be daunting. With so many options from leading brands like Kawasaki, KTM, and Yamaha, determining the best sport bike to suit your needs easily becomes overwhelming, This comprehensive list delves into the finest 15 sport bikes for beginner riders, taking into account crucial aspects such as cost, user-friendliness, and performance.

Your first sport bike is key to ensuring your riding experience starts on a good foundation. It would help if you found a bike that works for you – one you can control and, in return, help you advance to bigger and better bikes. Plenty of sport bikes are available on the market, but only a few are beginner-friendly. Even though it's hard to pick the right bike, understanding your needs and wants as a beginner should help you choose the right sport bike. Here are our 15 recommendations for the best beginner sport bikes in 2023.

We sourced performance information and prices from J.D. Power, Cycle World, and manufacturer websites.

15 2023 KTM RC 125 – Starting MSRP: $6,036

Reasons To Buy: Combines Sporty Styling With Manageable Power And Handling For New Riders

2023 KTM RC 125
KTM

The new KTM RC 125 is among the best beginner sport bikes thanks to its all-new chassis, improved handling and ergonomics, and dramatic MotoGP-inspired styling. It's an impressive motorcycle for the street or track, making beginners feel like true racers.

The RC 125 takes some design cues from the KTM RC16 racer. It also offers similar ergonomics and exciting color options. KTM uses a new, ultra-lightweight framework with a trellis frame and a bolt-on subframe. This setup helps make the current RC 125 over 3 lbs lighter than the previous generation, which improves high-speed stability and the overall rider feel. As for the motor, the RC 125 uses a proven 15 hp 125cc single-cylinder engine.

Pros

  1. Sporty styling
  2. Shares components like suspension with its bigger siblings
  3. Ultra-lightweight frame that’s easy to handle

Cons

  1. Small engine that’s painfully slow
  2. Pricey compared to other 125cc bikes
  3. Aggressive riding stance

RELATED: 10 Best Cruiser Motorcycles For Performance And Comfort

14 2023 Aprilia RS 125 – Starting MSRP: $6,300

Reasons To Buy: Stunning Looks And Build Quality

2023-Aprilia-RS-125-in-red-and-black---front-quarter
Aprilia

The Aprilia RS 125 has been the benchmark for cool sport bikes aimed at beginner riders, and it's easy to see why. It promises an adrenalin-inducing experience, thanks to the revamped form and technology. The RS 125 boasts a unique style, a more generous engine, and advanced motorcycle components that allow it to shine on the road and the track.

It's the ideal beginner sport bike, thanks to its new Euro 5-compliant motor, superb chassis, and comfortable riding position. The RS 125 also takes some styling cues from its stablemates, giving it the same adrenalin-inducing thrills for the street.

Pros

  1. Stunning styling that screams MotoGP
  2. Incredible brakes
  3. Exquisite handling

Cons

  1. Tricky electrics
  2. Uncomfortable “race” riding position
  3. High price for a 125cc bike
  4. You need to be in the high rev range to get the most out of its tiny engine

13 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 300 – Starting MSRP: $5,299

Reasons To Buy: Powerful Engine, Impressive Handling

2023-Kawasaki-Ninja-300--side
YouTube/gaadi start

When listing some of the greatest sport bikes ever, Kawasaki doesn’t miss the top spots. The Japanese marque has one of the most extensive and most impressive sport bike lineups, ranging from ultrafast sport bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja H2R that can hit an insane top speed of 212 mph to beginner-friendly bikes like our pick today – the Kawasaki Ninja 300.

Kawasaki's Ninja 300 is a legendary motorcycle thanks to its perfect blend of performance, value, and efficiency. The Ninja 300 is a fun-to-ride motorcycle, thanks to its revvy engine and near-telepathic handling. It's also among the best everyday motorcycles. The Ninja 300 is available in two flavors, one with ABS and the other without. Despite the little difference, both models are super light, making it easy for new riders. The Ninja 300 uses a 296cc engine with 34.95 hp and 18 lb-ft of torque – more than enough power for most beginners.

Pros

  1. Comfortable riding position
  2. Slipper clutch with better control and faster gear shifts
  3. More powerful than its 250R predecessor

Cons

  1. Uncomfortable pillion as it lacks rear grab bars
  2. Fragile full fairings
  3. Basic console compared to other bikes of its class like the KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RR 310

RELATED: How The 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator Now Punches Up At The Honda Rebel 500

12 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 – Starting MSRP: $5,299

Reasons To Buy: The Best In Its Class Regarding Performance

2023-Yamaha-YZF-R3 in blue
Yamaha

Yamaha is a renowned motorcycle manufacturing company that builds some of the best Japanese bikes on the market. The YZF-R3 is one of the best Yamaha bikes to buy. It is perfect for anyone looking for a bike that's easy to handle for a beginner, but still powerful enough to serve them well even after they gain the necessary experience to handle faster bikes. The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a lightweight bike that is easy to handle and maintain. However, don’t let this bike’s beginner status fool you. The YZF-R3 packs a punch and features an advanced forged piston design that adds significant performance to the bike.

As a beginner, you need a comfortable seat that gives you control of the bike. The Yamaha YZF-R3 has precisely that — a flat seat that distributes your weight evenly and allows you to firmly position your feet on the ground during stops. This bike is the best of both worlds — it is sporty and pocket friendly.

Pros

  1. Arguably the best stock exhaust sound in its class
  2. More power and cruising speed than other 300cc class bikes
  3. Comfortable cockpit and seat for short riders

Cons

  1. Minimal suspension adjustment
  2. Brakes could be better
  3. Rough gear shift, especially for the 2015 and 2016 model years

11 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R – Starting MSRP: $6,650

Reasons To Buy: Impressive Looks And Decent Power

2023-Kawasaki-Ninja-ZX-25R-(green)---side
Kawasaki

If you want to start your riding career on a sporty and edgy bike, then the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R might be the right bike for you. The Ninja ZX-25R has been in production for only three years, but it's already becoming one of the most popular Kawasaki motorcycles.

This lightweight bike is a good example of a small bike that packs a punch. It's the only inline-four motorcycle in its class, boasting an all-new engine with superior performance. The ZX-25R is a 250cc beast with a big bore attitude. Its liquid-cooled engine produces 43.5 hp and 15.6 lb-ft of torque. Kawasaki uses a high-spec ECU with the same base platform as the ZH2 to achieve this.

Pros

  1. Small and nimble for beginners
  2. Impressive tech features
  3. Manageable power for new riders

Cons

  1. Not-so-powerful LED headlamps, especially during dark conditions
  2. Slightly stiff suspension setup for urban riding
  3. Uncomfortable pillion for short riders

10 2023 Suzuki GSX250R – Starting MSRP: $4,999

Reasons To Buy: Easy To Handle And Control At Traffic Speeds

The Suzuki GSX250R is a fully faired sport bike that offers extreme excitement and riding satisfaction. Suzuki aims to introduce fun and reliability to beginner riders with the GSX250R. To achieve this, the GSX250R offers attractive styling, brilliant performance, and comfort features that appeal to a broad range of enthusiasts.

Unlike its competition, the GSX250R is an approachable street sport bike thanks to its low seat height, lightweight, and slim fuel tank. It also offers responsive yet easy-to-control performance, agile handling, exceptional fuel efficiency, and a comfortable riding position. At the heart of the GSX250R is a proven, easy-to-service 248cc parallel twin generating 24 hp, giving it outstanding performance.

Pros

  1. Refined engine
  2. Solid build quality
  3. Comfortable riding ergonomics

Cons

  1. Underpowered compared to its twin-cylinder rivals
  2. Gearbox occasionally fails when shifting from neutral to first gear
  3. A bit heavy

RELATED: 10 Best Dual Sport Motorcycles To Buy In 2023

9 2023 KTM RC 390 – Starting MSRP: $5,549

Reasons To Buy: Updated Design And Additional New Features From 2022

2023-KTM-RC-390-in-orange---rear
KTM

KTM offers some of the best beginner-friendly motorcycles on the market, including the aforementioned RC125. However, for those who want a bit more power than what the RC 125 has to offer but still want beginner-friendly handling characteristics, the RC 390 is the best choice. The 390 lineup offers the best of both worlds with the naked Duke variant and faired RC version. The RC 390 has been around since 2013. Even though it uses a single-cylinder 373 cc engine, it packs a hell of a punch.

Like most of its competitors, it's on the lighter side. Its slim, lightweight frame makes it easy to handle, especially for beginners. In 2017, KTM changed the front disc brake to 320 mm, improving its handling drastically. The RC390 gets the bold KTM brand orange color scheme. The vibrant colors complement the sporty look, making the RC 390 a serious head-turner.

Pros

  1. Powerful engine
  2. Brisk acceleration
  3. Stunning visual appeal

Cons

  1. Heightened pillion for short riders
  2. Aggressive riding stance
  3. Stiffened suspension

8 2023 Hyosung GT250 – Starting MSRP: $4,199

Reasons To Buy: V-Twin Engine With Impressive Low-End Torque

Hyosung-GT250R
Hyosung

Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia have come a long way in the auto industry over the last few decades, stealing a large share of the market previously belonging to their Japanese counterparts. Hyosung is trying to do the same in the motorcycle industry, and looking at the GT250, it's clear that the company means business. Since its unveiling in 2005, the Hyosung GT250 has quickly scaled the popularity ladder, finding a home among beginners and veteran riders. This Korean machine uses a 249cc four-stroke air/oil-cooled, DOHC, eight-valve, V-twin engine.

This bike features dual front disc brakes, giving it incredible stopping power. Its well-thought features make it an ideal learning bike for beginners interested in sport bikes. The Hyosung GT250’s body makes it look like it has a larger displacement, but if you strip it down, you will find that this is a pretty lightweight bike.

Pros

  1. Sweet styling that beats some 500 and 600cc bikes
  2. Modern instrument cluster
  3. Incredible performance

Cons

  1. Fully faired (expensive to repair if crashed)
  2. Unproven reliability from a new company
  3. No sixth gear

7 2023 Honda CBR650 R – Starting MSRP: $9,899

Reasons To Buy: A Perfectly Balanced Sports Bike

2023 Honda CBR650R Profile Image
Honda

The 600cc class is typically reserved for savvy riders, but with the CBR650 R, Honda aims to make even beginners feel safe and comfortable. The CBR650R boasts a 649cc transverse inline-four engine that's responsive, well-balanced, and smooth, making it a brilliant choice for a sport bike like the CBR650R. Like the Yamaha R7 and Kawasaki Ninja 650, the CBR650R hits a huge sweet spot since it's maneuverable, light, and a joy to ride.

Over the years, Honda has improved the CBR650R with a suspension upgrade, making riding on the streets and track fun. Even though four-cylinder motorcycles aren't common today, the CBR650R is the perfect bike for those who appreciate riding a little more than most.

Pros

  1. Loaded with features
  2. Aggressive, sporty styling
  3. Unique inline-four engine

Cons

  1. Non-adjustable fork
  2. Quickshifter should be stock
  3. Can turn out too powerful for beginners

6 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 – Starting MSRP:$8,999

Reasons To Buy: Provides A Perfect Way For Beginners To Enter The Track Scene

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sportbike
Yamaha

The modern R7 marks a new-generation sport bike with Yamaha's legendary CP2 engine and styling. It boasts an ultra-thin and lightweight chassis. Its entire setup offers ample torque on both the street and the track.

The R7 gets all-new dimensions to give it slim proportions, unlike any other bike in the R-Series family. These proportions aid in agile direction changes on twisty roads and confident cornering performance on the track. Hidden under the fairings is a proven 689cc liquid-cooled engine producing 73.4 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque. Even though it's a lot compared to most bikes on this list, it makes the R7 the bike to ride without ever getting bored.

Pros

  1. Slim proportions
  2. Lightweight design
  3. Superb build quality

Cons

  1. Quickshifter isn’t standard
  2. Unimpressive (less than claimed) fuel economy
  3. Rough gear shifts

5 2023 Honda CBR500 R – Starting MSRP: $7,299

Reasons To Buy: A Much Larger Bike That Gives Beginners A “Full-Size” Feel

The Honda CBR500 is one of the larger displacement beginner bikes out there. Still, it's not overly powerful, and in typical Honda fashion, the Japanese automaker made it a very neutral ride – so safe it's borderline boring. Of course, some aftermarket parts will make it much more exciting for thrill-seeking beginners.

The CBR500 offers more legroom for riders of larger stature and more power and stability on the freeway while still being easy to maneuver. It comes with a diamond-shaped steel-tube frame that connects to its engine with four mounts, giving it a rock-solid foundation for superb handling and a great riding feel. The CBR500 R gets a twin-cylinder engine that revs freely to produce plenty of torque. The power plant enables Honda to make the CBR500R narrow and nimble.

Pros

  1. Lots of legroom
  2. Flat torque curve that redlines at around 8,500 RPM
  3. Revised shock settings

Cons

  1. Awkwardly placed horn button
  2. A bit heavier than other smaller displacement bikes
  3. Less aggressive styling

4 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 – Starting MSRP: $5,899

Reasons To Buy: Updated And Newer Entry-Level Alternative To The Ninja 250 And 300

2023-Kawasaki-Ninja-400-(whitre)---front-quarter
Kawasaki

The Ninja 250 and 300 are no longer available fresh from the dealership. Kawasaki debuted the Ninja 400 for the 2018 model year as the successor to the Ninja 300. Nowadays, most riders consider the Ninja 400 an entry-level model.

Unlike its predecessors, the Ninja 400 gets many changes, including a fairing design similar to the H2 and ZX-10R. The Ninja 400 is still a good beginner bike because of its lightweight, low seat height, and easy handling. It offers approachable power, excellent ergonomics, class-leading performance, and a smooth, manageable ride that both new and experienced riders enjoy.

Pros

  1. Ninja H2-inspired styling
  2. Features the proven trellis frame
  3. Manageable power

Cons

  1. Uninspired colorways
  2. Unrefined suspension
  3. Lack of electronic rider aids

3 2023 Kawasaki ZX4RR – Starting MSRP: $9,699

Reasons To Buy: Combines Superbike Characteristics With Compact dimensions And A Screaming Engine

2023 Kawasaki ZX-4RR
Ultimate Motorcycling

The ZX-4RR is another sport bike offering from Kawasaki. It boasts a revolutionary 399cc inline-four-cylinder engine with class-leading performance and a compact chassis. The ZX-4RR also promises unprecedented power, an intoxicating high rpm wall, and sharp handling.

Even with its powerful engine, the ZX-4RR offers the best of both worlds, including light maneuverability for the road and supersport handling for the track. Kawasaki also kits the ZX-4RR with the latest electronics for more confidence in all riding situations.

Pros

  1. A screaming engine up to over 15,000 rpm
  2. Compact size and low weight
  3. Top-shelf electronics

Cons

  1. Steel frame
  2. Lacks adjustable suspension
  3. Costlier than its equals

2 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 – Starting MSRP: $7,899

Reasons To Buy: Easy To Handle Middleweight Bike

2023-Kawasaki-Ninja-650,-black-and-silver---side
Kawasaki

Much like the Yamaha YZF-R7 and the Honda CBR650R, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is another option to consider for a beginner rider who is taller and more confident in handling a bigger motorbike. It's also an excellent choice for beginner riders who don't want to upgrade too soon after their first purchase.

The Ninja 650 looks just like a proper sport bike, and that's not the only similarity to the more potent Ninjas, as it also offers stable handling. Unlike its sportier siblings, the Ninja 650 has a more upright seating position, making the bike much more comfortable and suitable for taller riders.

Pros

  1. Value friendly
  2. Comfortable riding posture for tall riders
  3. Refined engine

Cons

  1. Low ground clearance
  2. Slightly heavier
  3. Dated design

1 2023 Aprilia RS 660 – Starting MSRP: $11,499

Reasons To Buy: Offers Serious Performance And Versatility In The middleweight Supersport category

2023-Aprilia-RS-660,-yellow---side
Aprilia

Like most Italian motorcycle manufacturers, Aprilia is synonymous with creating stunning motorcycles. The latest addition to the lineup is the RS 660, a sport bike with better stability at high speeds. The RS 660 promises a head-turning design and a pleasurable riding experience.

It's also available in multiple color options and variants. Chief among them is the 46.9 hp version for beginners. If you want all the power, the RS 660's 650cc engine offers 98.6 hp and 49.4 lb-ft of torque. That's enough for a comfortable riding experience.

Pros

  1. Class-leading electronic rider aids
  2. Packed with street and performance
  3. Stylish looks

Cons

  1. Costs as much as an inline-four sports bike
  2. Small pillion space
  3. High handlebars