there is very little A better way to get away from it all than to ride a two-wheeler, but the prospect of getting started with your first motorcycle can be a daunting one. Salespeople and private party sellers have their own engines and without knowledgeable support it can be difficult to decide which motorcycle is best for an ABSOLUTELY beginner in 2023. As I increased my weekend riding party from three to a dozen boys and girls, I’ve devoted more of my wisdom over the years.
Let’s get a few things out right away. Yes, a used machine is often a more affordable option, but it’s not always included. If you’re really wet feet, haggling with sellers on Craigslist and trying to test the machine may not be your business.
If you leave the showroom, you’ll know what you’re getting, and a trusted dealer can also be a good source of spare parts and maintenance. Buying new isn’t always the best option, but if you’re just starting to make your own, it could be the right choice.
Next, remind yourself that a motorcycle is not for everyone. Think about your strength and height before staring at a big HD or creepy KTM; You’ll get more if you’re comfortable on the machine rather than concerned with the image. Some of the most important considerations for comfort are the size and weight of the bike, the comfort and ergonomics of the controls (and perhaps most importantly) the height of the saddle. Now that I’ve become a full-fledged motocross instructor for the weekend, let’s take a look at some bikes.
Best all-rounder: Yamaha XT250 Humble, but lovable, YamahaXT250 is a super accessible motorcycle that is at home anywhere. In addition to opening where the pavement ends, the XT boasts an ultra-low 32.7-inch saddle height, air-cooled mechanical simplicity, and one of the thinnest curb weights at around 291 pounds. The Yamaha XT250 was one of my first picks—especially for smaller riders—and still a few miles away today in my riding group.
The XT250 is one of Yamaha’s older products based on a simple air-cooled architecture, but unlike the TW200, it has received several updates over the years. The more modern, 249 cc SOHC 4-stroke engine makes a modest 19 hp, but it’s enough to keep the XT interesting in the bends. While the highway isn’t its natural habitat, the XT will handle it and is capable of hitting more than 75 mph.
The equipment on the XT is pretty basic, but the controls and LCD screen are easy to use and the fuel injection engine starts at the touch of a button. The clutch is operated by an easy tow cable, and hydraulic discs front and rear provide smooth, predictable braking. Most riders can put both feet on the ground comfortably thanks to the low saddle height, which greatly improves confidence when you’re learning to ride or ride off-road.
Priced at $5,299, the 2023 Yamaha XT250 is a super affordable motorcycle with everyday usability. The XT will take you off-road, carry a passenger, and ride with a little more confidence than a mini—just a few reasons why this XT always makes our list. [Yamaha]
Best funnel coffee: Honda Rebel 300 Maybe dirt isn’t your problem and you need something a little more pavement-oriented. In that case, there are plenty of beginner-friendly cruiser machines in the 300 cc range, but with its super comfortable shape and extremely low saddle height, my first stop is Honda Rebel 300.
The liquid-cooled 286 cc single engine in the Rebel 300 powers several Honda models, including the CRF300L, CB300R and CBR300R, so why choose the Rebel? For one, the bobber aesthetic might be more to your liking, but beyond that, it’s all about ergonomics.
Saddle height is number one, as the Rebel’s 27-inch saddle is 7 inches shorter than the CRF300L and 4.5 inches shorter than the CB300R. In addition to inspiring confidence at stops, you’re sitting more comfortably on the Rebel, meaning less weight on your hands and less fatigue while studying. The Rebel 300 also has a low weight of 364 pounds in the chassis, which makes the car stable and easy to maneuver through intersections.
Obviously, Rebel is safe, but is it fun? Honda’s DOHC 300 puts out around 25 hp, which means it’s not overly powerful, but it’s certainly enjoyable in all conditions. In sixth gear, the Rebel will hit close to 100 mph, so there’s enough transmission when you need it, and a sizable 296 mm disc up front to slow you down.
The Honda Rebel 300 is a surprisingly affordable product at just $4,749 for the non-ABS model, making it the cheapest of Honda’s 300 cc offerings. [Honda]
Best beginner sports naked bikes: Yamaha MT-03, BMW G 310 R and Honda CB300R A small displacement bike doesn’t have to be the same as another, as this group of 300 cc sport/naked motorcycles from Yamaha, BMW and Honda all draw inspiration and attitudes from their larger displacement brethren. of them. Packed with aggressive styling and sharper handling, these light fliers provide an accessible starting point for street sport riding.
Some of our favorite 300 cc street machines are Yamaha MT-03, CHEAP BMW G 310 And Honda’s CB300Rand each brings something different to the segment. All three bikes have a low saddle height of 30” to 31,” manageable weight in the mid-300-pound range and a low center of gravity. With their low saddles and moderate-height handlebars, all three bikes are easily maneuverable for anyone of a slightly below average height and a bit more comfortable than sports machines. like CBR300R and Kawasaki Ninja 400.
All three bikes are closely competitive on price—under $200 apart—and so the hardware is pretty standard between them. Inverted forks, single discs and modern LED lighting are standard in the segment, and all three have a sharp, naked look. Breaking our hair, we chose to ride a Yamaha, maintain a Honda and get to see a BMW.
Pressured to pick one, we had to go home with Yamaha’s MT-03, as its 321 cc tandem engine makes significantly more ponies than the single-cylinder BMW and Honda, but it does nearly 60 pounds heavier than the CB300R. The point is, that’s the difference between them — pick the one you like. [Yamaha] [BMW Motorrad] [Honda]
Best dirt bikes for beginners: Kawasaki KLX300 and Honda CRF300L Not everyone can live in a place where dirt roads and two-wheelers are a short drive away, but if you’re there, there’s nothing better than riding small cc enduro bikes with my friends. With just enough power to get you to your destination and just enough suspension to keep you happy when you get there, small cc enduros are a great way to (more or less)) do it all on a budget.
The 250 cc enduro segment has been hit hard after Yamaha scrapped the WR250R back in 2021, putting Honda’s CRF and Kawasaki’s KLX in competition, both of which have grown to 300 cc. Both bikes are based on a steel frame with long-travel suspension, upside-down forks and 21F/18R wheel combinations. Both weigh about 300 pounds at the curb and deliver about 30 horsepower, meaning both bikes aren’t as enjoyable for long trips on the highway.
Choosing one is really a matter of personal preference—Red Team versus Green Team—but there are some differences when you glance at the specs sheet. The Honda CRF300L excels on the road, handles bumps better, runs smoother and feels more solid at highway speeds.
The Kawasaki KLX300 Even so, the suspension has an advantage for the feel of the terrain and the front end doesn’t sag too much when you grab the right lever. That off-road ability comes at a price, though, as the KLX sells for $6,199 versus the CRF’s $5,399 (both models don’t have ABS).
For beginner riders, both the CRF300L and KLX300 offer exciting and predictable performance, but even these bikes aren’t for everyone. Seat height — we say it over and over — but a 35-inch seat height is too high for many new riders. Riders under 5’6 inches and taller will find these bikes tiptoe when stopping and the greater ground clearance will move the center of gravity up considerably. [Kawasaki] [Honda]
What about Minis? There’s a lot to love about in today’s mini-motorcycles and we’re huge fans of Monkey, Grom, TNT135 and Z125 Pro. These bikes are super affordable, easy to handle and (above all) fun! As for getting around town and tackling back roads, small cars are a riot and if that’s where you’ll be riding, be sure to consider one. However, it is worth noting that a few things come with the territory.
These bikes are small (duh), but you’ll feel it in traffic. You may not be easily seen by other motorists, and passing a pickup in the opposite lane is downright scary at highway speeds—ask me how I know. Also, everything is smaller on a mini, including the brakes and suspension, and hard bumps at speed aren’t always fun.
We’re not here to scare anyone away from mini cars, but here are a few things that I definitely want new riders to know. There are benefits to a full-size motorcycle that we don’t always consider, especially if you’re just learning about ropes.
