They say the best part about your first motorcycle is that you won’t own it forever. It’s a cliché, but they exist for a reason. Put real thought into your choice, but give yourself a pass on finding “the perfect bike.” Got a picture in your head about what bike you look really cool on? Forget that picture. Focus on value, safety, and accessibility. Worry about looking good later. For now, worry about getting a motorcycle you can handle. Also peruse the Best Affordable Used Motorcycles for New Riders 2022 and Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Motorcycles 2019 articles for more affordable streetbike options.
Related: Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Motorcycles
In the interest of upholding Motorcyclist’s reputation for hard-hitting motorcycle journalism, none of last year’s bikes are included in this year’s list. The 2022 choices are great bikes, but let’s dig a bit deeper.
This year’s criteria for inclusion included model longevity, usable power, and more dual sport and/or ADV options. The adventure category is inspiring folks to take the MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation), which is highly recommended. It’s not an exact stat, but taking the MSF course results in 98 percent fewer injuries compared with learning in a parking lot from “Jeff.”
Here’s a brand-new list of affordable motorcycles for beginners. Obviously we missed a few contenders or are completely wrong, so feel free to tastefully disagree in the comments section.
Small Cruiser: Yamaha V Star 250
Made from 2008 to present, the V Star 250 features the smallest V-twin you can buy that powers a real motorcycle. An air-cooled 249cc 60-degree V-twin inspired by the classic Virago will hustle you anywhere you want to go, within reason. Fun fact: People who make fun of Viragos are secretly in love with them. And while most of the V-twin world is busy stocking up on apparel and merchandise extolling freedom and individuality, V Star owners are living the dream atop their 27-inch seats.
Still not sold? Try this: Spend a season cutting your teeth on a V Star, flip it for what you paid, and use the money you saved on a bike you want (and are totally ready for). Remember, you only paid a couple of grand and don’t have bike payments. A new rider gets their first training wheels while you get experience and, eventually, the wheels you want. Karmic, eh?
Price Range: $1,750–$3,000 (good/great condition), $4,699 (2023 MSRP)
All-Around Value: Honda CB500 Family
Everybody’s making parallel twins that serve across a wide variety of models. In that spirit, Motorcyclist is getting in on the act. The Honda CB500 family of 2013–present includes the ADV-minded CB500X, naked CB500F, and sport-oriented CBR500R. All are powered by the same 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin putting out 47 hp of tractable, torquey, beginner-friendly power. And it’s the single reason all three get to cheat into one category. ABS brakes don’t really warrant mention these days, but the CB500X does get a two-position-adjustable windshield, a nice touch for an entry-level contender.
The 10-year model history is a plus. But if you can swing it, look for post-2016 models. The CB500X got a bigger tank and a taller windshield, while the CB500F got upgraded front and rear suspension. The CB500F has a friendly curb weight of 416 pounds, while the CB500X weighs in at 439 pounds. The CBR500R comes in at 430 pounds. They’re not featherweights, but you might end up keeping them longer than the average first bike.
CB500F Price Range: $3,500–$5,000 (good/great condition), $6,799 (2023 MSRP)
CB500X Price Range: $3,750–$5,000 (good/great condition), $7,299 (2023 MSRP)
CBR500R Price Range: $4,000–$5,000 (good/great condition), $7,299 (2023 MSRP)
Dual Sport for Taller Riders: KLR650
This one comes with a qualifier: Riders of short stature need not apply. But for beginner riders who physically fit the bill, the Kawasaki KLR650 offers tractorlike performance with a 36-year history of phenomenal reliability. You’re best off sticking to 2008–present models, with 2022 models seeing the only significant upgrades thereafter (fuel injection and ABS). The 652cc DOHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke might seem large for a beginner. But the ox-strong engine tops out at 36.5 hp and 35.2 lb.-ft. of torque, which limits the trouble you can get into, dirt adventures notwithstanding. The 34.3-inch seat height is a bit tall, but for bigger newbs who want to take on the world (or ride around it), the KLR is worth considering.
Price Range: $2,500–$5,000 (good/great condition), $4,699 (2023 MSRP)
Dual Sport for Shorter Riders: Royal Enfield Himalayan
We did include Royal Enfield in last year’s list, but we didn’t call out the Himalayan specifically. The 31.5-inch seat height means almost anyone can throw a leg over a Himalayan and head for parts unknown. Around since 2015, early Himalayans had some fit and finish issues, but in 2018 a renewed push toward reliability resulted in (by most accounts) a much improved product.
Unlike most of the retro-inspired Royal Enfield lineup, the Himalayan is an almost entirely distinct bike in terms of engine, frame, and concept. Owing to the success of the long-stroke, air-cooled SOHC 411cc single-cylinder fuel-injected four-stroke motor, the newly released Scram scrambler (get it?) shares the same engine. Putting out a friendly 24.5 hp, it capably hauls 438.9 pounds around, not counting the aluminum panniers or bags you can mount. Avoid interstate slabs and you might enjoy the Himalayan longer than you think.
Price Range: $3,000–$4,000 (good/great condition), $5,449 (2023 MSRP)
Daily City Rider: Yamaha TW200
Just look at the Yamaha TW200. How can that not be fun? Big chonky tires and enough scrambler DNA to jump a curb or two? This is an ideal city motorcycle. And Yamaha’s been making it forever, meaning 1987. In 2001 it got electric starting and a disc brake up front. It’s simple, inexpensive, and meant for moderate abuse. With no TFT nonsense or rider aids, you can put a leg over the 31.1-inch seat and enjoy anywhere the 10.4-inch ground clearance allows. You might have a tough time traveling several states away, but Japanese rider Shinji Kazama made it to the North Pole on one in 1987. So adjust expectations accordingly. The other downside is that it’s carbureted, so prolonged winter storage might necessitate a spring carb cleaning.
Alternate: The 2017–19 Suzuki Van Van 200 looks almost identical and makes a fine second choice.
Price Range: $2,500–$3,500 (good/great condition), $4,899 (2023 MSRP)
Sportbike: Suzuki GSX250R
On paper, the Suzuki GSX250R is the least interesting and capable entry-level “sportbike.” While the Honda CBR300 went to 286cc and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 went to 399cc, Suzuki clings to an aging 248cc four-stroke liquid-cooled SOHC parallel-twin mill. It’s underpowered, yet proportioned like a midsize bike. Graphics and design suggest something bigger underneath, but alas. The oversquare bore and stroke means all the power is up high, not down low. So you’ll have lots to learn about powerband, shifting, and maximizing speed.
In other words, it’s the perfect beginner sportbike. Channel your inner Álex Rins and make every ride to work a warmup lap at Silverstone. Despite the 56.3-inch wheelbase, it’s narrow and easy to lane-split and keeps good composure at speed, even if the engine’s working overtime. The six-year model history means they’re not easy to find, plus they’ve held their value for some reason. Likely because they usually haven’t been stunted or “modded” like many Gixxers.
Price Range: $3,500–$4,500 (good/great condition), $4,999 (2023 MSRP)
Retro Thumper: Yamaha SR400
While much of the rest of the world got 43 years of time with the classic Yamaha SR400, the US market enjoyed the kickstart-only classic single from 2014 to 2021. And the 2021 Final Edition was limited to just 1,000 examples. Still, a six-year production run isn’t bad. And it’s basically a vintage bike without the issues that vintage bikes come with. Gaining fuel injection for its American debut, it personified minimalist fun and accessibility, with a caveat. The single-cylinder air-cooled 399cc two-valve engine only comes to life with kickstarting. But that will really impress people in 10 years. And if you’re considering the SR400, you’re a person who appreciates vintage design and smart decisions. Plus, you can simply pretend you’re on a vintage SR500.
Price Range: $3,750–$4,500 (good/great condition)
Vintage: Yamaha RD350 and Honda CB350
Piggybacking on the above, don’t buy a vintage motorcycle as your first bike. Unless you grossly overspend on a perfect example, you’re just buying oil stains and disappointment. But if you won’t listen to reason, spend as much money as your budget allows on a Yamaha RD350 or Honda CB350.
Yamaha R5/RD350/RD400
The original Giant Killers, the R5 (1970–72), RD350 (’73–75), and RD400 (’76–79) embarrassed thousands of CB750s and KZ900s at stoplights in the 1970s and handled better. Two-strokes are the simplest machines on earth. Unless you’re tuning for the track, they’re easy-ish to dial in. Did it stop running? Try another spark plug. Still not working? You probably holed a piston. That’s an hourlong job at most. Reproduction parts are plentiful, thanks to shared engine concepts with the four-wheel Banshee and generations of loyal owners and amateur racers. And all three models share similar 64mm pistons. Stock up, you’ll need them.
Price Range: $1,000 (non-running)–$4,000 (great/good condition)
Honda CB350
Listen, you’re probably drooling over CB750s and CB550s, but the Honda CB350 is the best all-around bike Honda made in the early 1970s. Made from ‘68–73, they’re bulletproof, fun, easy to own, and even raceable. Rough ones start at $1,000, but try to spend north of $2,000. Reproduction and aftermarket parts are plentiful, as are forums, tutorials, and all sorts of semi-helpful advice on the interwebs. If you buy the nicest one you can find, you’ll have a fun year of riding before learning about carb cleaning and replacement gaskets. When that happens, you’ll have only two carbs to worry about. Easy-peasy.
Price Range: $1,000 (non-running)–$4,000 (great/good condition)
Related: Best Beginner Motorcycles 2023
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com