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- Road trips, in general, can be tough if you don't have the right motorcycle along for the ride, especially if you are a novice rider. Given that, we have updated this list to include a few more entries of motorcycles perfectly suited for the job.
It's easy to romanticize the idea of setting off on a long road trip, especially when it concerns doing it on two wheels. It's a chance to revel in the freedom the open roads give you, explore, and, quite importantly, get to know the vehicle enabling this experience. Given that, though, it's critical to get the right kind of machine along for this trip.
UPDATE: 2024/01/26 16:17 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA
Road trips, in general, can be tough if you don't have the right motorcycle along for the ride, especially if you are a novice rider. Given that, we have updated this list to include a few more entries of motorcycles perfectly suited for the job.
This is especially true if you're a rider devoid of a lot of seat time. The last thing you want to do is bring someone's sportbike along because while it may have a lot of power and consume miles rapidly, it's something you'll tire of rather quickly because of the compromised riding triangle. Luckily, this list should help you get through that selection process. It features beginner-friendly motorcycles you can legitimately rely on for long road trips by the likes of Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, and even Ducati, among others.
How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars made a list of all the appropriate motorcycles on offer that enable long trips. While power was considered a criterion to narrow the list down, the motorcycles also needed to be beginner-friendly, meaning priority was given to motorcycles with comfortable ergonomics, impressive fuel tank capacity, and easy-to-handle curb weight figures. It should be noted that this list is a mix of motorcycles currently in production and those that have been discontinued but can be readily found in the used market. Also, the motorcycles have been organized in increasing order of the current market values.
Top 10 Beginner Motorcycles Under 500cc
If you’re looking for a motorcycle to start enjoying life on two wheels, here are the coolest beginner motorcycles under 500cc to consider.12 Suzuki Boulevard S40
Used Price Range: $2,000-$6,000
Suzuki's cheapest Boulevard doesn't leave you wanting for much. The 652cc engine is strong but not too strong for the bike's weight. It's not quite as long as other cruisers, which is nice for a beginner, and it's got a fairly affordable used price range, too. The seating is relaxed, with handles a little closer to you.
The newer ones come in a cool street-color gray and a classic blue. The way it features less chrome with a blacked-out engine and black finish on the wheels makes it look sporty and simple. A single speedometer over the gas tank is analog, and it has plates on the sides for saddlebags if you need cargo space.
2019 Suzuki Boulevard S40 Specs
Displacement |
652cc |
Engine Type |
Single-cylinder |
Power |
31 hp |
Torque |
37 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
2.6 gallons |
Curb Weight |
380 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
11 Harley-Davidson Iron 883
Used Price Range: $2,000-$10,000
This Harley-Davidson gets 833 America-made ccs of power and goes for well under $10k in the used market. It's one of the best Harleys to start with, and you won't get kicked out of a biker bar for owning one. The Iron 883 has a V-Twin engine. If you don't know, this is a cool thing to have if you wear a leather jacket with patches unironically.
Admittedly, you don't get quite as much for your investment as an Indian Scout Sixty, and both will always be less reliable than a Honda or Kawasaki, but there are some things that just don't compare, like the trademark Harley rumble! Plus, with motorcycles, there's always less to fix than with cars so that you can do a lot of the work yourself.
2008 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Specs
Displacement |
883cc |
Engine Type |
V-Twin |
Power |
N/A |
Torque |
53.8 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
3.3 gallons |
Curb Weight |
565 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
10 Yamaha V Star 250
Starting MSRP: $4,699
The Yamaha V-Star 250 is one of the very best for uneasy beginners looking to road trip. A new one costs just $4,699, and it gets 78 MPG. That means 195 miles between stops, which is pretty decent for a motorcycle. If you haven't figured it out, most of the time, the numbers by the name represent the ccs in a bike, so this has 249 (thus, 250). That means it's a very comfortable beginner's bike that won't scare you but can still get up to cruising speed faster than most cars. It also means the bike is lighter and easier to control.
It has a decent rear seat for passengers and a good base for saddlebags and packs. The speedometer is analog, and the styling is classic, so you might get confused if you park by any V-Star from the past 40 years. Despite the timeless look, the bike holds up to aging well and won't feel rough or uncomfortable on a long trip.
2024 Yamaha V-Star 250 Specs
Displacement |
249cc |
Engine Type |
V-Twin |
Power |
21 hp |
Torque |
15.2 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
2.5 gallons |
Curb Weight |
324 lbs |
(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld)
These Are The Best Cheap Beginner Motorcycles From Japan
These bikes deliver on all fronts without compromising on performance and style.9 Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
Used Price Range: $5,000-$7,000
The Scrambler Sixty2 is a 399cc sportbike marketed more towards women. It weighs less than any on this list at just 403 lbs, which is great for people worried about laying it down on accident. It may look like a "naked" (a sportbike with no fairings or extra body covers), but this bike gets just shy of 250 miles of range, and even though the seat is a little more aggressive and won't hug your buns, the way it's shaped actually is relaxing and won't rub your behind the wrong way like a dirt bike (for men and women).
This bike won't be able to hold saddlebags, but the Sixty2 makes a great road trip bike for someone who won't spend more than three days riding in a row and wants a good in-town motorcycle the rest of the time. Surprisingly, for its size (but not for Ducati's standards), it can go up to 100 mph, so you'll never be left wanting more power on the freeway.
2018 Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 Specs
Displacement |
399cc |
Engine Type |
L-Twin |
Power |
41 hp |
Torque |
25.3 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
3.7 gallons |
Curb Weight |
403 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
8 BMW G 310 GS
Starting MSRP: $5,890
The BMW G 310 GS is an adventure bike, meaning with some knobby tires, it makes a decent dirt bike for trails as well. With an adventure bike, you get way more travel (7.5 inches) for smoother rides, a more comfortable seat than a dirt bike, and a more upright seating position than dirt or bullet bikes. The 310 GS is one of the cheapest Beamers you can buy new for just $5,890. That being said, it is a Beamer. This won't win any awards for reliability.
The 310 GS makes a comfortable 313cc that won't get you up any hill climbs but will easily take you up to 90 miles per hour. With 71 MPG, it has a range of 213 miles. The digital display shows gas, gear, and speed in bold fashion, and the LED light makes for a great off-road light in bright mode.
2024 BMW G 310 GS Specs
Displacement |
313cc |
Engine Type |
Single-cylinder |
Power |
34 hp |
Torque |
20 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
4 gallons |
Curb Weight |
386 lbs |
(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld)
7 Honda Rebel 500
Starting MSRP: $6,499
The Rebel 500 is an affordable and comfortable bike that will last you your whole life. It has 471ccs, which won't let you do any wheelies but does get you up to cruising speed sooner than you need. To keep yourself from locking up your brakes (a significant factor in motorcycle crashes), you can and should get the ABS option. The blacked-out bike may mimic a Harley, but the low seat height makes it ideal for women and the height-challenged. It is also surprisingly fitting for full-height people.
The Rebel has been around for years, so used ones aren't hard to find, and a new one will run for just $6,499. The digital cluster is simple and includes a fuel gauge (not included on all motorcycles). Honda’s slip/assist clutch makes shifting easy for the uninitiated, but sadly, this doesn't come with an automatic transmission. The manual is very forgiving, easy to learn, and worth it, in our opinion. This bike is ideal for beginners who don't plan on switching bikes for years to come.
2024 Honda Rebel 500 Specs
Displacement |
471cc |
Engine Type |
Parallel-Twin |
Power |
46.9 hp |
Torque |
31.7 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
2.9 gallons |
Curb Weight |
414 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
These Are The Best Beginner Motorcycles Money Can Buy
New motorcyclists should always start with a less powerful bike that's easy to ride, and that's what makes the following bikes perfect for beginners.6 Kawasaki Vulcan S
Starting MSRP: $7,349
According to their official website, Kawasaki advertises the Vulcan as being able to fit a wide range of people. The 649cc engine has a good kick at low to mid-range for city stops, but it can also get up to 100 mph. For $7,349, it will feel sportier and quicker than other bikes, but it's also reportedly fun to sit on on the freeway! It has one of the most natural seating positions of any bike under $10,000, probably because it's adjustable.
It may look nothing like a beginner's bike, but it is what Kawasaki offers as their entry-level cruiser. If you're not worried about the bike weighing a little more, it is a very forgiving and comfortable ride. ABS is available, features like a windshield and back support are easy to add, and they are a massive plus on long rides.
2024 Kawasaki Vulcan S Specs
Displacement |
649cc |
Engine Type |
Parallel-Twin |
Power |
61 hp |
Torque |
46.5 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
3.7 gallons |
Curb Weight |
491.7 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
5 Honda NC750X
Starting MSRP: $9,499
If there were a contender for the bike on this list that you could buy with your eyes closed, the Honda NC750X would be right up there at the top of that list.
It's easy on the eyes, great for beginners in terms of the riding ergonomics, is affordable enough, has a great ride, and the DCT on it is the cherry on the icing. It even includes riding modes, a windshield, and a low seat height. That the NC750X often gets discounted is a puzzle.
2024 Honda NC750X Specs
Displacement |
745cc |
Engine Type |
Parallel-Twin |
Power |
57.8 hp |
Torque |
50.9 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
3.7 gallons |
Curb Weight |
493 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
4 Triumph Tiger 660
Starting MSRP: $9,695
The star of the show here is, of course, Triumph's lovely 3-cylinder engine, but the Tiger 660 is no one-trick pony. This is about as close to ideal for beginners to get on and go on a long trip.
Tack on luggage and load it up, and the excellent tractability of the motor will still pull you along comfortably. You can even add optional extras that will make the journey more comfortable, like additional lighting and heated grips. Hard to fault the Tiger 660, really.
2023 Triumph Tiger 660 Specs
Displacement |
660cc |
Engine Type |
Transverse 3-cylinder |
Power |
80 hp |
Torque |
47 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
4.5 gallons |
Curb Weight |
454 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
10 Best Beginner Motorcycles Money Can Buy
Beginner-friendly motorcycles are usually low-powered, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be boring - check out these perfect beginner bikes!3 BMW F 750 GS
Starting MSRP: $9,695
BMW's GS motorcycle lineup is legendary. The F 750 GS is a natural at completing longer journeys in absolute comfort. One of the most important factors is, of course, the seat, and the F 750 GS makes do with one that's ideally suited to road trips.
At 32.1 inches, it's much lower than you'd expect for a bike this size, but if that's not enough, BMW will also sell you a suspension lowering kit and soft seat, bringing the seat height down further to 30.3 inches. In addition to that, it also gets dynamic traction control, ride modes, and adjustable brake and clutch levers, among others. For the money, it's quite a deal.
2023 BMW F 750 GS Specs
Displacement |
853cc |
Engine Type |
Parallel-Twin |
Power |
77 hp |
Torque |
61.2 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
4 gallons |
Curb Weight |
500 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
2 Indian Scout Sixty
Starting MSRP: $11,749
The Indian Scout Sixty is one "beginner" bike that will earn you a lot of respect. It starts at $11,749 and is pretty long and wide but isn't necessarily heavy. The wider handlebars give you better in-city control around corners, and ABS is an option. The engine is 1000ccs, the most of any on this list, but not something an average-fit person couldn't handle easily.
While this is more of a luxury option, it allows for things like a windshield (don't discount how useful one of these is after just two hours of 60+ mph wind in your face) and genuine leather saddlebags. The seat is wide, which benefits the narrow-waisted as well as larger people.
2024 Indian Scout Sixty Specs
Displacement |
999.6cc |
Engine Type |
V-Twin |
Power |
78 hp |
Torque |
65.5 lb-ft |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
3.3 gallons |
Curb Weight |
564.8 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)
1 Energica EVA EsseEsse9+
Starting MSRP: $16,110
This electric bike warrants some cautionary tales: First, do not listen to music until you are comfortable with traffic flow and riding defensively! Cars cannot hear you at all, and they can't see you too well either. Also, its range is 143 miles combined, which is not the best for long trips but is still passable with some planning.
With that out of the way, you get an 80% charge in 40 minutes with a fast charge! All you need to do is stop for a meal by a power station, and you're as well off as any ICE bike. The EsseEsse9 has a nice, upright position, but you're also working with a lot of torque, so make sure you take it slow, or you can pop a wheelie. Otherwise, unlike combustion bikes, it's small and simple and won't have any mechanical issues to stump you. The gauge is simple and can tell the range so you won't be left without power.
2020 Energica EVA EsseEsse9+ Specs
Motor |
Permanent magnet AC |
Power |
109 hp |
Torque |
147.5 lb-ft |
Range |
143 (combined) |
Weight |
573 lbs |
(Specs sourced from Bikez)
- Source for features: Respective manufacturers' websites
- Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Bikez, WebBikeWorld
- Source for used prices: Cycle Trader