Getting your hands on a motorcycle will get your blood pumping and your adrenaline off the roof. This is because of the thrill and power behind these two-wheeled rides. Unlike driving a car, a motorcycle gives you full access to the wind and the road ahead.

As a beginner, you will want to go for the big guns. However, as any instructor will tell you, you need to start small and make your way up the power ladder. This is because more power means bigger risks as well as bigger bills. The best and most affordable beginner bikes come from the East, and Japan is at the top of the list. This is because many Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have found a balance in performance, price, and style.

Starting small does not in any way imply that you will get a mediocre bike, far from it. On the contrary, depending on your preferences, you will find it amazing and maybe even cheap. In this piece, we will have a look at some of the best cheap beginner motorcycles from Japan.

These bikes deliver on all fronts without compromising on performance and style.

2020 Honda Rebel 300

2020 Honda Rebel
Via: Honda

The Honda Rebel 300 made its debut in 2017 and has been in production to this day. This simple, nimble bike is proving to be a favorite among beginners. Honda has been rolling out the Honda Rebel lineup for the past 36 years since its debut in 1985. The Honda Rebel 300 is a revised and modernized version of the 1985 Honda Rebel 250.

This beginner-level cruiser bike will see you cough up only $4,499, just a few hundred shy of $5,000. The Honda Rebel 300 is nimble and has a low riding height, a long wheelbase, and a comfortable 27-inch saddle. If you are in the market for a bike that gives you more control and style, this bike is for you.

The blend of sports bike and dual sports bike is a big selling point for this bike. While the retail price tag on this bike is slated at $4,599, you can get it at $4,000 in some places. A second-hand Honda Rebel 300 can sell for as cheap as $2,000 depending on its condition.

If you are a numbers person, here is a summary of the Honda Rebel 300’s numbers.

This motorcycle packs a 286-cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine that is paired with a 6-speed transmission. This engine has a maximum power output capacity of 27 hp and 19.9 lb-ft of torque. The top speed of this bike is 85 mph.

RELATED: 2021 Honda Rebel 300: Costs, Facts, And Figures

2020 Suzuki DR200S

2-Via ADB Magazine
Via ADB Magazine

The 2020 Suzuki DR200S is one of the most reliable bikes on the market today. This motorcycle is a balance of retro and dual-sport line bikes. Unlike most bikes on the market today that feature a DOHC engine, the 2020 Suzuki DR200S features a SOHC two-valve motor that is air-cooled.

This bike has a modest power output capacity, it handles like a charm, and the suspension is something to be in awe of. For a beginner motorcycle, the 2020 Suzuki DR200S is easy to ride hence its popularity. In addition, this bike has a 3.3-gallon fuel tank that will see you travel approximately 150 miles before you need refueling.

The starting price of this bike is $4,649 (according to Fred Cummings Motorsports), but you can get it for a few hundred cheaper if you are looking to buy a secondhand one. The engine specs on this motorcycle are pretty impressive. The engine is a single-cylinder engine with a 199 CC displacement. The engine is paired with a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. The power output capacity of this engine is 20 hp and 13-lb-ft of torque. The top speed stands at 70 mph.

RELATED: The 9 Best Beginner Motorcycles For Long Road Trips

2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400

2-Via Hotcars
Via Hotcars

If you are looking to start your motorcycle life with well-known brand names, nothing beats Kawasaki, particularly the Kawasaki Ninja. Like its predecessors, the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a versatile bike with two trim options, one with ABS and the other without.

This sports bike serves as both a daily driver and a weekend track beast. This gives you the flexibility to enroll in amateur racing events or just crank it up and go wild on the track. The starting price of the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is $4,999 for the trim with no ABS and $5,399 for the one with ABS.

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 packs a 399-cc parallel-twin engine with a 4 VPC DOHC valve. This engine is paired with a 6-speed w/Positive Neutral Finder. The maximum power output of this engine combination is 45 hp for the ABS option and 28 lb-ft of torque. The maximum top speed of this bike is a staggering 105 mph. With this bike, you stand every chance to build your confidence and grow into something wilder.