These Are The 10 Best Motorcycles For Beginners In 2022

A motorcycle gives you an open-air experience you don’t get in cars. Some motorcycles can hit extreme speeds because they feature engines that are bigger than most cars we see on the road. But these motorcycles can be too big and heavy to handle for a beginner or too powerful for riders who are looking for a laid-back riding experience. Research reveals that most motorcycle wrecks involve new riders within their first few months on the streets, riding machines too big relative to their skills. It’s best to consider smaller bikes that are easy to control and minimize the margin of error with less sensitive controls. This is because motorcycles are more dangerous than cars, due to their lack of airbags, crumple zones, and a protective shell. That is why beginner riders need to make sure they get the right bike to help them improve their skills and become more confident on the road. Luckily, there are plenty of motorcycles for beginners that are fun and offer a beautiful riding and ownership experience.

UPDATED February 2023: There have been some exciting new motorcycle launches for the 2023 model year. Whether you are looking to buy your first motorcycle or just want to get back on the saddle with something practical, safe, and convenient, then you might want to check out our list of the best beginner motorcycles you can buy in 2023.

As a beginner, you also need to consider factors like horsepower, fuel efficiency, brake features, and technology. Riders can perfect their skills with less power before stepping up to more powerful and heavy bikes. The best beginner bikes are light and feature small-displacement engines. Here are the 10 best motorcycles for beginners in 2023.

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10

Honda Rebel 500

Via Honda

Since its inception in the mid-1980s, the Honda Rebel has been a go-to option for newbies. However, it has grown in popularity over the years as one of the best cruiser bikes, prompting Big Red to unveil the new generation Rebel 300, 500, and 1100. The half-liter variant and the Rebel 300 are small enough to welcome new riders while still offering room for growth.

The Rebel 500 seems like the best option, though, because it still offers a decent amount of power for riders to have fun with. The Honda Rebel 500 also offers a low seat position and versatile ergonomics that favor both short and tall riders. It features a super smooth six-speed transmission and a light curb weight of 421 pounds. Honda also offers accessories such as USB chargers, saddlebags, windshields, and more for riders with the urge to tune their bikes.

9

Honda CB500X

Honda

Another motorcycle from Honda is the CB500X, which is a versatile middle-weight adventure bike with a beginner-friendly approachable platform for new riders wishing to gain riding experience. Dual-purpose tires and a long-travel suspension make the bike ready to hit gravel roads and light trails as well. The CB500X utilizes the same 491cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine found in the Rebel 500.

New upgrades in the 2022 version include a 5-pound weight reduction to 439 pounds, dual disc brakes, and an inverted front fork. The 32.8-inch seat height is suitable for many riders, and you can get it in a choice of pearl organic green or black.

RELATED: 10 Underrated Cruiser Bikes Every Biker Should Ride

8

Kawasaki Ninja 400

via: kawasaki

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is such a fun bike that even seasoned riders will enjoy it. Experienced riders would agree that the Ninja 400’s performance exceeds its “entry-level” designation – it easily blows the lid off other beginner bikes thanks to the twin-cylinder 399cc rated at 44hp. With a $5,000 price tag, the Ninja 400 is arguably the best buy in its category.

The Ninja 400 succeeded the 300 and came with improved styling and lower curb weight. Other upgrades include better brakes, a shorter frame, beefier front forks, and a longer swingarm. A limited KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team) Ninja 400 in a replica race livery is also available in 2023. If you like sports bikes, then the Ninja 400 is pretty much your best bet for first-time buyers.

7

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Via: Royal Enfield

The first motorcycle from Royal Enfield that really made a statement in the North American market was the Himalayan. This light and practical adventure motorcycle has gained a significant fan following worldwide for its robust build and high capability for off-road touring. It is an easy motorcycle to ride, and it has just the right amount of power output from its 411cc single-cylinder engine, which is perfect for beginner riders.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan can also be a fantastic urban daily ride because of its comfy seat and upright riding ergonomics. What is truly special about the Himalayan, though, is that it is an adventure motorcycle that’s ideal for almost any off-road trail. The Himalayan certainly makes a statement when it comes to build quality, and what’s even better is that it is very cheap to buy and own.

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6

KTM 390 Adventure

via ktm

Like the BMW G310S, KTM acquired features from their more powerful motorbikes and fitted them to a beginner-friendly frame, making the KTM390 more manageable for novices. The 390 Adventure is one of the most versatile motorcycles a beginner rider could go for. The 390 Adventure shares its platform with the Duke 390, including the wonderful 373cc engine.

This 390 Adventure is a first-in-class beginner bike for adventure riders thanks to its crash protection feature and long suspension travel for riders with a passion for off-roading. It’s a bit heavy on the pocket compared to its competition but comes with features you’d typically find in higher-spec bikes, such as different ride modes, cornering ABS, and traction control.

5

Honda CB300R

Via: Honda

This is the smallest bike in Honda’s Neo-Sports Café range and is also one of the most fun-to-ride compact naked sports motorcycles you can find. Its single-cylinder liquid-cooled 286cc engine packs quite a nice punch and is fuel-friendly, but it offers more fun on the road than a barrel of monkeys.

The Honda CBR300R’s simple design makes it cheap and easier to maintain – it isn’t bogged down with complicated switches, buttons, ride modes, and techno-nannies that would distract beginners on the road. Its high-end features include anti-lock brakes, LED lighting, and an inverted fork.

RELATED: These Adventure Bikes Offer The Best Value For Money In 2022

4

BMW G 310 GS

BMW

In 1980, BMW made the first-ever widely recognized modern adventure bike, the mighty R80 GS. Over the following decades, the Bavarian brand’s Gelände-Straße models became the most popular adventure bikes. BMW made a small-displacement version of the bigger GS lineup to attract new riders to the game, and the bike has been very successful for the German motorcycle maker.

The BMW G310 GS packs a 313cc single-cylinder engine capable of highway cruising and light off-roading. Its head-turner style features a luggage carrier, ABS, adjustable levers, and ride-by-wire. It weighs 386 pounds and has an approachable seat height of 32.8 inches, making the perfect BMW for new riders.

3

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Via: Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield has some amazing classic-styled motorcycles. When the Indian motorcycle manufacturer launched the 650 twins a few years ago, they became instant hits with new and old riders alike. The latest motorcycle from Royal Enfield is the Super Meteor 650. This is essentially a highway cruiser variant of the already popular Interceptor 650.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor has a beautiful 650cc twin-cylinder engine that offers plenty of power for highway touring. The new Super Meteor also comes in different variants and provides plenty of customization options for riders to choose from. The new Royal Enfield Super Meteor will be one of the best retro-styled cruiser motorcycles to launch in 2023, and not just for beginners but for everybody.

RELATED: Here Are The 10 Best Adventure Bikes Available Right Now

2

Yamaha YZF R3

Yamaha

Yamaha made the R3 the most radical 300 on the road by giving it an all-new MotoGP-inspired look. The sleek bodywork echoes Valentino Rossi’s championship-winning race bike. Its aggressive dual LED headlights highlight Yamaha’s R-series DNA.

The R3 offers a fun ride while still maintaining good highway speed thanks to the 321cc inline twin-cylinder engine. To deliver maximum torque, Yamaha fitted it with four valves per cylinder. The R3 is comfy to cruise for long distances since the diamond-type steel frame offers an upright riding position and a seat height of 30.7 inches. The R3 has been around for a long time and, even today, continues to be one of the best entry-level sports bikes you can get your hands on.

1

Suzuki GSX250R

Suzuki

The GSXR lineup has been on the bike scene since the 1980s when Suzuki introduced the Katana. It has since evolved over the years, but Suzuki only offered larger displacement bikes – 600cc and more. They have since started producing entry-level bikes for beginners with a 250cc engine.

The GSX250R is probably the best value-for-money sports bike you can find on the market today. The GSX250R has a 31-inch seat height and features a full fairing and windshield for wind protection. The forward-leaning ride style mimics the larger displacement sport bikes from the Japanese manufacturer. The bike lacks an anti-lock brake system, but its dual-caliper system offers excellent braking performance.