10 Great Advanced Beginner Motorcycles

If you're relatively new to motorcycling but are considerably bigger, heavier, or more experienced than a first time rider, you'll want to take a look at these 10 Great Advanced Beginner Motorcycles. Some have taller seat heights, others are a bit heftier, but all are great choices if you've got a bit of experience under your belt but aren't ready for a more serious bike.

Additionally, here are some related topics:

• Things You'll Need to Know Before You Start Riding a Motorcycle
• How to Ride a Motorcycle
• 10 Great First Motorcycles
• Buying Your First Motorcycle
• 10 Great Beginner Motorcycles
• Bike Types: A Visual Guide

1. 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 ($5,349)

Photo © Kawasaki

The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dependable, tried and true bike that's been around for over two decades; a recent redesign makes it even more desirable, though its 35 inch seat height might be tall for some beginner riders.

2. 2008 Honda XR650L ($5,949)

Photo © Honda

Honda's XR650L is a rugged dual purpose bike with a reliable, air-cooled single-cylinder engine. Its 37 inch seat height is high, but for taller riders it makes a great advanced beginner motorcycle.

3. 2009 Yamaha WR250X ($5,999)

Photo © Yamaha

The Yamaha WR250X is a supermoto bike whose light weight lends it loads of agility, while its 250cc engine is perfect for beginners.

>>Click here for a photo gallery of the 2008 Yamaha lineup.<<

4. 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R ($6,499)

Photo © Kawasaki

The Ninja 650R is more powerful variant of the 250R and 500R, and features a flexible parallel twin engine. Though this Ninja is one of the more powerful motorcycles on this list, it's an easy to use bike that's completely approachable.

5. 2008 Suzuki SV650 ($5,999) / SV650 ABS ($6,599)

Photo © Suzuki

A favorite of newbies and experienced riders alike, Suzuki's SV650 and its ABS-equipped variant offer a great blend of sportiness and practicality.

6. 2008 Kawasaki Versys ($6,899)

Photo © Kawasaki

The Kawasaki Versys is an aptly named, versatile dual purpose bike that defies categorization. Its fuel injected 649cc parallel twin offers strong enough acceleration, but this motorcycle is characterized by its overall sense of balance.

7. 2008 Suzuki Boulevard M50 ($6,899)

Photo © Suzuki

Suzuki's Boulevard M50 cruiser offers retro styling and a torquey V-twin, but its low seat height makes it well suited to advanced beginners.

>>Click here for a photo gallery of the 2008 Suzuki lineup.<<

8. 2009 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ($6,999) / V-Strom 650 ABS ($7,499)

Photo © Suzuki

Nicknamed the "Wee Strom" because it's the smaller-sized V-Strom, this V-twin-powered bike is a favorite among adventure-seeking riders of all levels.

>>Click here for a photo gallery of the 2008 Suzuki lineup.<<

9. 2009 Ducati Monster 696 ($8,995)

Photo © Ducati

Ducatis tend to be more expensive to maintain than most bikes, but their unique personalities inspire a passionate following among enthusiasts. Entry level Monsters have long been a favorite of newbies, and the new 696 makes this naked Italian bike more attractive than ever.

>>Click here for a photo gallery of the 2009 Ducati Monster 696<<
>>Click here for a review of the 2009 Ducati Monster 696<<

10. 2007 BMW 650 Xmoto ($9,100)

Photo © BMW

BMW's 650 Xmoto jumps on the supermoto trend, while offering all the rugged characteristics we've come to expect from the German manufacturer. Its 53 horsepower single-cylinder motorcycle is one of the tamest BMW powerplants available, which makes it great for beginners.