Ten Great Beginner Motorcycles
After assembling a list of Ten Great First Motorcycles, my original intention was to create a sequel entitled "Ten Great Beginner Bikes" and call it a day. Boy was that naïve.
Slicing through a long list of motorcycles proved futile, as there are several layers of what one would consider "beginner" bikes-- some are sportier, heavier, more powerful, and a bit more challenging to ride, even though they still qualify as excellent choices.
So check out Ten Great Beginner Bikes,* and stay on the lookout for a list of "Ten Great Advanced Beginner Bikes"... and while you're at it, tell us about what motorcycle you cut your teeth on, and why.
*This list includes the Harley Sportster 883, pictured here, which I rented back in the day so I could take my motorcycle license test. Ahh, the memories...
Photo © Harley-Davidson
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Comments
You’ve selected a nice group of bikes *that may be available on a showroom floor*, but this list leaves out most of the great motorcycles of all times. The Honda CB series from the 80s, the YZ line, and many other older rides are still strong performers, easily maintained, and are able to be picked up for pennies on the dollar compared to the new bikes. And learning maintenance on them is actually fun!
Hello, and thanks for your comment.
The list is based on new models; I’d love to include great beginner bikes of all time (like my trusty old Yamaha Seca II), but that’s another entirely different (and much longer) list.
-Basem
What do you recommend for me ? I’m a woman I am only 5 ft tall and I don’t like those racing bike looks. I am more into the street bikes and touring look . My main concern is a seat low enough for me to be able to touch the ground on flat feet as apposed to just touching just my toes .Is there a bike for me ? I’ve looked at tons of bike on the internet but i still don’t know
Hello Joy,
When you mention street bikes, are you open at all to cruisers? Most touring bikes are taller, and if you’re 5 ft tall you might have difficulty finding an appropriate touring bike, as they tend to sit higher than cruisers.
Basem
absolutly I like the cruisers very much .I am just not into the sporting racing look.I want something not to heavy either as this will be my first bike and i want to control it not have it control me .Can ya help me ?
Hi Joy, my first bike was Suzuki Savage (650cc)– newer ones are called “Boulevard”. It was only 350lbs dry, and super easy to ride (I’m 5′2″) I loved it, and last year I moved to a Honda Shadow (750cc)
Hi Joy,
I’ll email you directly, as its easier to have a “conversation” that way.
Basem
hi,iam wats to to called a beigner.petrolhead with cars but thinking of buying a HD.i need one that will pass the intro period and be fun later also. Sportster 1200 C,nightster or street bob…any advice
Im thinking about getting a Motorcycle. Due to the head injury I got when I was in Iraq I want a safe bike. Before I left MN I had seen a motorcycle I think it was called the Syder 2 wheels in the front and 1 in the back. But everytime i get on he computer I keep looking at Honda’s and I really like the Kawasaki Ninja’s. But I have never driven a Motorcycle. So what would be the safest Ninja for me to get?