Image via Complex Original
Choosing a motorcycle should be a thorough process. We know you're jumping at the bit to get out and ride, but if you aren't smart and sensible about what bike you purchase, you'll end up flipping over a guard rail or skidding under a taxi. You need to recognize your limits and stay within them. Having false pride on a bike can be deadly, so it is important to make sure you get a bike that allows for fun, but keeps you safe. We found some motorcycles that give you the sense of thrill you're looking for without threatening your well-being. Click on to see our list of 10 Great Beginner Motorcycles.
Written by Kate Erwin
Kawasaki Ninja 250 R
Displacement: 249cc
Engine: 4-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission: 6-speed
If you love the sport-bike styling and are hoping to one day bomb on a liter bike, this is a perfect start. The Ninja 250 is great for learning how to properly shift gears, preparing you for more precise driving when you upgrade later.
Honda CBR 250 R
Displacement: 249cc
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission: 6-speed
Although a four-cylinder CBR250 was around long ago, the new single-cylinder CBR is essentially Honda's answer to the Ninja 250. It's light weight, narrow, and has the new option for an ABS system, which could be helpful for new riders. You'll have a blast on the torquey baby blade.
KTM 125 Duke
Displacement: 125cc
Engine: 4-stroke, water-cooled
Transmission: 6-speed
In Europe there something called a graduated license, meaning you can't legally ride larger engine bikes until you master the lower cc. Enter the Duke. The KTM has the lowest displacement on the list, but still offers a sharp, stylish look of the more powerful sport bikes. The 125 is an attractive, extremely fun beginner with stock Brembo brakes for those initial close calls.
Honda Rebel CMX 250 C
Displacement: 234cc
Engine: 4-stroke, inline parallel-twin, air-cooled, SOHC
Transmission: 5-speed
There's a reason you'll likely be riding one of these during Motorcycle Safety School. You have a low riding height, the parallel-twin still gives you formidable power, and it's incredibly nimble. Master one of these first, then bump it up to more cc when you're ready.
Yamaha XT250
Displacement: 249cc
Engine: 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC
Transmission: 5-speed
This part-dirt, part-street character's light weight makes it perfect for a beginning rider. Its personality is more of a NY rapper with a country twang rather than the other way around, but its dual functionality doesn't suffer. This is a fantastically comfortable entry-level bike and is easy on the pockets.
Kawasaki Ninja 650 R
Displacement: 649cc
Engine: 4-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission: 6-speed
Here we have another sexy number from Kawi. If you've already had some experience riding a friend's bike and are looking for a little more power than the 250, this gives you higher displacement with similar set up and comfort. It's a great bike for the city.
Ducati 696 Monster
Displacement: 696cc
Engine: L-twin, 2-valve-per-cylinder Desmodromic, air-cooled
Transmission: 6-speed
Take the name seriously. This a torquey L-twin bugger, and with a little throttle control, you should be Italian styling in no time. Just have a bit of experience before dropping the loot cakes on this baby. Those dents aren't cheap to hammer out.
Suzuki SV650S
Displacement: 645cc
Engine: 4-stroke, V-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission: 6-speed
If you can't afford a Ducati, try the SV! It is coveted cult bike and is one of the best bikes you could ride at your first track day. The SV is light weight, has a rigid chassis, and is pretty easy to handle, even for beginners. Plus, unlike some of the bikes on this list, you won't be sacrificing torque or power.
Triumph Bonneville
Displacement: 865cc
Engine: 4-stroke, parallel-twin, air-cooled, 360º firing interval, DOHC
Transmission: 5-speed
This is a great bike to have if you are a fan of the old but want the reliability of a modern bike. It is fantastic for two-up, meaning your lady (or man) friend can enjoy jaunts in the city, while doing an excellent (and safe) impression of Steve McQueen.
Suzuki DR-Z400S
Displacement: 398cc
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
This dual-purpose, single-cylinder is about the best way to navigate around large potholes. If you're just starting to ride, it gives you the street-legal option, as well as the ability to go off-road (or trail) and explore with its dirt styling.
