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. 2012 Honda Rebel ($4,190)
Photo © Honda
Honda's trusty rebel is a standby at Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses, and its 26.6 inch seat height and mellow 243cc powerplant make it an excellent cruiser for new riders.
2. 2011 Honda CBR250R ($3,999, $4,499 with ABS)
Photo © Honda
The all-new Honda CBR250R is a single-cylinder sportbike that goes against the mighty Kawasaki Ninja 250R. Unlike the Kawasaki, the CBR250R is fuel-injected and available with anti-lock brakes.
>>Click here for a 2011 Honda CBR250R Photo Gallery<<
>>Click here for a 2012 Honda Buyer's Guide<<
3. 2011 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 fully-faired design gives it grown-up looks combined with approachable road manners. The Ninja 250R starts at $3,999, and the Special Edition color scheme seen here runs $4,249.
For more check out our 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Photo Gallery, and Ninja 250R Full Review.
4. 2011 Suzuki TU250X ($3,999)
Photo © Suzuki
The Suzuki TU250X combines traditional styling with a fuel-injected, single-cylinder powerplant and surprisingly plush suspension. Not only does it combine classic standard motorcycle looks with modern functionality, it does so with a price tag that's under $4,000.
Click here for a photo gallery, and here for a review, and check out our 2011 Suzuki Buyer's Guide.
5. 2012 Yamaha V-Star 250 ($4,190)
Photo © Star Motorcycles
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 2012 Yamaha Star cruiser lineup.
6. 2011 Yamaha XT250 ($4,099)
Photo © Yamaha
The Yamaha XT250 is a bit more dirt ready than most typical beginner bikes, but this dual purpose motorcycle's suspension travel and air-cooled 249cc offers a fun, rugged ride for those who plan to venture offroad.
7. 2012 Yamaha TW200 ($4,490)
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.
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, and our 2011 Honda Buyer's Guide.
9. 2011 Suzuki Boulevard S40 ($5,099)
Photo © Suzuki
Though it shares genealogy with hulking cruisers like the M109R, Suzuki's entry-level Boulevard S40 weighs a reasonable 381 lbs, and its 40 cubic inch single-cylinder engine yields an estimated 63 mpg.
10. 2009 Honda CRF230M ($5,399)
Photo © Honda
The Honda CRF230M takes characteristics of the dual-purpose CRF230L-- like long suspension travel and rugged bodywork-- and converts it into a supermoto-style bike with a seat that's .2 inches shorter.
Click here for a CRF230M photo gallery, here for a review, and check out our 2011 Honda Buyer's Guide.
