If you're brand new to motorcycling and are looking for the perfect starter bike, here's a list of 10 motorcycles that are tailored to the needs of beginner riders.
Don't make the mistake of making your first motorcycle an overpowered sportbike or a flashy heavyweight cruiser; think small, manageable, and keep in mind that you'll probably be replacing your humble starter bike sooner than you think.
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1. 2009 Yamaha V-Star 250 ($3,699)
Photo © Yamaha
Yamaha's mighty V-Max is a compelling halo product, but this V-Star 250 offers classic cruiser style in a package that any beginner can handle. Its air-cooled 249cc V-twin lends it a substantial look for such a relatively small bike, and a low seat height of 27 inches makes it easy to manage.
Click here to see the 2008 Yamaha model lineup.
Click here to see the 2008 Yamaha model lineup.
2. 2008 Honda Nighthawk ($3,699)
Photo © Honda
Slightly more upmarket than the Honda Rebel but equally friendly, the Nighthawk takes the Rebel's engine and incorporates it into a standard (as opposed to cruiser) setup.
3. 2009 Yamaha TW200 ($3,990)
Photo © Yamaha
The fat-tired Yamaha TW200 is a welcome alternative to cookie-cutter starter bikes, and its dual purpose abilities make it trail and dirt ready. Its 196cc single-cylinder engine features an automatic cam chain tensioner for minimal maintenance.
Click here to see the 2008 Yamaha lineup.
Click here to see the 2008 Yamaha lineup.
4. 2009 Suzuki DR200SE ($3,949)
Photo © Suzuki
Though it may not be as powerful as some of the other bikes here, the Suzuki DR200SE's on and off-road versatility makes it a great choice for riders who don't want stick to the beaten path.
Click here to see the rest of the 2008 Suzuki model lineup.
Click here to see the rest of the 2008 Suzuki model lineup.
5. 2009 Honda Rebel ($3,999)
Photo © Honda
The Honda Rebel is a staple at basic motorcycle training courses, and for good reason: it's a small, easy to ride beginner bike that is conducive to helping riders improve their skills. An air-cooled 234cc parallel twin engine provides enough power to help learners focus on the fundamentals.
6. 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R ($3,999)
Photo © Kawasaki
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a favorite among performance conscious riders looking for their first bike, and its new-for-2008 redesign offers significant improvements over the previous model.
For more check out our 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Photo Gallery, and Ninja 250R Full Review.
For more check out our 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Photo Gallery, and Ninja 250R Full Review.
7. 2009 Suzuki Boulevard S40 ($4,899)
Photo © Suzuki
Though it shares genealogy with hulking cruisers like the M109R, Suzuki's entry-level Boulevard S40 weighs a reasonable 352 lbs dry, and its 40 cubic inch single-cylinder engine yields an estimated 63 mpg.
Click here to see the 2008 Suzuki model lineup.
Click here to see the 2008 Suzuki model lineup.
8. 2009 Honda CRF230L ($4,999)
Photo © Honda
Honda's entry-level dual purpose CRF230L should appeal to beginners who might consider taking their bikes on trails as well as roads. Its 223cc single-cylinder engine has electric start, and its versatility makes it ready for almost anything.
Check out our Honda CRF230L Review and photo gallery.
Check out our Honda CRF230L Review and photo gallery.
9. 2009 Yamaha XT250 ($4,549)
Photo © Yamaha
The Yamaha XT250 is a bit more dirt ready than most typical beginner bikes, but its long suspension travel and air-cooled 249cc offers a fun, rugged ride for those who plan to venture offroad.
Click here to see the rest of the 2008 Yamaha model lineup.
Click here to see the rest of the 2008 Yamaha model lineup.
10. 2009 Buell Blast ($4,795)
Photo © Buell
The Buell Blast's 25.5 inch seat height makes it easy to handle, but don't let its 492cc engine displacement fool you; the single-cylinder's 34 horsepower output is tame enough for newbies, and its sporty styling puts it second only to Kawasaki's Ninja 250R in terms of road presence.
