Motorcycles lack the protective benefits of an automobile’s shell, airbags, and crumple zones, and, as such, expose the rider to far more danger.
Add to that the fact that piloting a motorcycle is a markedly more active and involved experience than driving a car, and you can quickly start to see why it’s so important to start one’s riding career on an appropriately sized, entry-level machine.
And while this segment was once limited to only a handful of models (looking at you, original Honda Rebel and Kawi Ninja 250), the entry-level motorcycle class currently boasts more options than any previous time in the history of motorcycling.
Despite the abundant number of choices, it can still be intimidating to purchase a new type of vehicle for the first time, and this very much extends to the two-wheeled realm.
So, with this in mind, we’ve thoroughly scoured the entry-level moto market to deliver this guide to the best beginner motorcycles.
In addition to counting down our picks for the most learner-friendly models, we’ll also be exploring what to consider when shopping as well as how to find the right bike for you, and why it’s so crucial to start your riding career on a learner-friendly model.
So without further adieu, let’s get into it.
NEW RIDER REALITIES
Why Starting Small When Riding Is The Way To Go
When compared to small-displacement, entry-level models, full-size motorcycles are markedly more difficult to control, with ultra-sensitive controls that allow for a minimal margin of error.
Not only are bigger bikes less forgiving and more difficult to ride, but they also impede a new rider’s ability to learn, grow, and progress as a rider, as too much effort and energy is spent on keeping the bike in check, rather than focusing on the primary fundamentals of riding like vision and body positioning.
By starting on an appropriate model relative to your skin and experience level, you give yourself now only the best chance of growing as a rider, but you also minimize the likelihood of an easily avoidable wreck.
If you look at motorcycle crash statistics, the vast majority of wrecks involve riders within their first six months on the road, that are piloting machines that are objectively too large relative to their skin level, commencing their careers on full-size cruisers or cutting-edge superbikes.
To frame things in a more digestible manner, think of it like this; you probably wouldn’t advise a new driver to learn the basics behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or Hellcat-engined muscle car, and a new rider starting on a full-size motorcycle (or even a 600cc i4) is an equally atrocious, and even more dangerous idea.
We’d urge any new rider to hone their skills on an entry-level machine before stepping up to a larger bike at a later date.
SELECTING A STEED
How To Find The Motorcycle That’s Right For You
With so many different genres of motorcycle constituting today’s entry-level class, it can be tricky even knowing where to begin your search, however, there are a few crucial tools to help you narrow down your search considerably.
The first thing you should ask yourself is “what is my intended use?” as this largely dictates the style of motorcycle that will be most appropriate for your wants and needs.
If you solely plan on using your bike for urban commuting, you’ll likely want a gas-efficient (or electric) model that’s nimble and maneuverable, though if you plan on doing some off-road riding, then a dual-sport or adventure motorcycle may be an ideal choice.
ENTRY-LEVEL MOTOS 101
The Main Factors To Consider When Buying A Beginner Motorcycle
There are admittedly dozens of specs and areas one can pore over when shopping for a motorcycle, though for new riders buying their first bike, there are really only about half a dozen key areas you need to focus on.
Below, we’ll be touching on the most important aspects to factor into your purchase.
Engine:
As the heart of every motorcycle, a bike’s engine should be one of the first things you look at when buying a new model.
For new riders, we would recommend limiting your choices to models with a displacement of 500ccs or less, and engine configurations with no more than two cylinders.
It’s also worth noting that, while entry-level models are admittedly smaller than their full-sized two-wheeled counterparts, many of the leading models offer enough power to competently tackle freeway riding, with 300-400cc’s increasingly becoming the entry-level standard — a major bump up from the quarter-liter bikes that once dominated this class.
Running Gear:
While a motorcycle’s speed and acceleration are primarily determined by its engine, its cornering and stopping duties are owed to its running gear, i.e. the chassis, suspension, and brakes.
These components do perform the same functions, though they can hugely vary in terms of quality and performance.
And, while high-end running gear was once reserved for large-displacement, high-dollar motorcycles, premium componentry has increasingly found its way onto entry-level bikes.
Technology:
Another phenomenon that’s appeared on entry-level models in recent years is high-tech amenities and rider aids.
This includes features such as smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity, lean-angle-sensitive ABS, and multiple ride modes.
These features do come at a financial premium, but add a significant amount of convenience to the mix.
Speed:
Determined by a motorcycle’s power output and weight (or power-to-weight ratio), how fast a particular motorcycle is will determine what riding applications are possible.
Models capable of speeds exceeding 70mph open the door to a myriad of riding applications such as freeway use or long-range touring.
By referencing a bike’s top speed, you should get a decent sense of what riding applications it is conducive to (and which it isn’t).
Price:
Today’s entry-level motorcycle market boasts some incredibly competitive pricing, with $5,000 being enough to acquire the majority of learner-friendly models.
With that said, some bikes offer much more bang for your buck than others.
For this reason, it’s important to explore exactly what a given model’s MSRP gets you, as the value being offered can vary greatly.
Low-mile used motorcycles are also a great way of saving a few bucks.
Manufacturer:
Far more than just the badges on the tank, the company behind a given motorcycle model will play an enormous role in a machine’s overall reliability and performance.
It doesn’t end there, however, as buying from a larger, more reputable marque — which is almost always more expensive – also comes with access to more replacement OEM and aftermarket parts, plus a more robust dealer network.
Some company’s bikes also retain their value much better than others — another area well worth looking into, especially if you plan on selling your first bike to upgrade to a larger model later on down the road.
Weight:
The more a motorcycle weighs, the more difficult it will be to control.
Smaller bikes not only pack more lightweight engines, but their lack of weight means they can also get away with using a lighter frame, suspension setup, and whilst, amongst other components.
With motorcycles, weight begets more weight, with bigger bikes needing bigger brakes and whatnot.
For these reasons, it’s important to opt for a lightweight motorcycle, as this will be the most conducive to progressing as a rider.
ADVENTURE BIKES
Unlimited Exploration
One of today’s fastest-growing segments, adventure motorcycles are … [ keep reading on HICONSUMPTION ]
