9 Best Motorcycles for Beginners in 2024

Buying your first motorcycle is a good investment but can be intimidating. Apart from the vast collections of motorcycles available, your rider friends, the dealership, and training school instructors will all be in your ear telling you what they think is the best motorcycle for you as a beginner. Unfortunately, most of this advice will be based on their personal preference and may not appeal to you.

Therefore, as a beginner, you need to know all there is to be certain of the most beginner-friendly motorcycle models that promise easy handling without breaking the bank. Here are the 9 top beginner motorcycles and their key features.

Honda Rebel 500

The Rebel 300 and 500 are among the most popular beginner motorcycles for a good reason. The Rebel Line has been the most beginner-friendly motorcycle for over 30 years. The Rebel 500, in particular, is easy to handle, has excellent fuel efficiency, and is reliable. It boasts a 471cc parallel engine with moderate power (47 horsepower). This gives it a smooth and predictable power delivery, making it easier to manage than a larger engine. It offers a comfortable riding position with low seat height (27.2 inches) and is well capable of highways.

KTM 250 Duke

The KTM's 2024 250 Duke is a sporty, beginner-friendly bike. It's livelier than ever with a new 31hp engine and lighter chassis. It offers enough power to learn the ropes but is not overwhelming for beginners. It weighs 360 lbs, making it easier to handle and maneuver at low speeds than heavier bikes. While not the quickest in its class (compared to G 310 R, CB300R, or Speed 400), it boasts sharp handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2024 250 Duke also comes with additional features than its predecessors. It has Bluetooth connectivity and a snazzy dash that allows turn-by-turn navigation. The only problem is that the seat may feel slightly cramped, especially for taller riders. However, you can purchase a taller seat of 820mm for better comfort.

Honda Grom

The Honda Grom has been a beginner favorite since its introduction in 2014, thanks to its low price tag, easy handling, and design. Its upgrades over the years have touched all the right places, from fuel efficiency to engine power and ease of customization. Although it's pretty short, which can be an issue with tall riders, it has a longer seat that allows you to slide back easily.

The 124.9 cc engine gives enough power without overwhelming beginners, and its lightweight design (224 pounds) makes it easy to handle and maneuver. The 2024 Grom ABS-equipped version will be available in June 2024, while SP will be available in August.

Yamaha MT-03

The Yamaha MT-03 excels in manageability and performance. It delivers smooth power, essential to beginner riders, thanks to its 321 cc liquid-cooled two-cylinder engine. Its upright riding position is comfortable for new riders and gives good road visibility. Yamaha MT-03 has advanced features like ABS (anti-lock braking system), which can help prevent skidding during hard braking, modern fuel injection, compact exhaust system, and six-speed transmission.

Kawasaki Ninja 400

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 offers the largest displacement engine in its class. This, plus a stylish design and superb ergonomics, makes it the ultimate choice for beginner riders seeking a thrilling and enjoyable experience. It has a 399cc engine offering enough power for new riders to learn without being overwhelming. In essence, it strikes a good balance between performance and ease of use.

The Ninja 400 is relatively lightweight, making it easier to handle at slower speeds and navigate traffic. It has a stylish and sophisticated appearance and is designed with a lightweight trellis frame and excellent fit and finish. While it has a sporty look, the riding position of the Ninja 400 isn't extremely aggressive. It allows for some upright posture for comfort yet lets you lean forward slightly for better control. Modern features on this bike include a gear position indicator and an anti-lock brake system.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is the bike for you if you want one with more powerful displacement and excellent offloading capabilities than most bikes in this list. The 2024 model has a 452cc engine but weighs 399 lbs, so it's still easy to handle. Unlike its predecessors, who lacked advanced features, this model has integrated LEDs and an all-new TFT instrument cluster that gives access to information like weather, fuel efficiency, and distance to empty.

Moreover, its high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and knobby tires make the Himalayan adept at handling rough roads, gravel, and off-road trails.

Suzuki GSX250R

If you are looking for a beginner-friendly sport bike, the GSX250R is an ideal choice. This motorcycle boasts a 248cc engine, which is a manageable power output. It suits new riders who are developing throttle control, clutch coordination, and overall maneuvering skills.

GSX250R is lightweight, weighing 392 lbs, and very fuel-efficient. The seat is comfortable with a height of 31.1 inches, so it's quite okay for most riders.

BMW 2024 G 310 GS

Blending urban versatility with off-road capability, the BMW G 310 GS is a standout entry-level adventure bike. This two-wheeler weighs approximately 374 pounds and is propelled by a 313cc single-cylinder engine. These two features offer a smooth and lively ride for novice and experienced adventurers. G 310 GS has a seat height of 32.9 inches, is adjustable to accommodate every rider, and has standard ABS for added safety. It's also engineered for confidence across different terrains. 

Getting design inspiration from its bigger GS counterparts, this bike comes with a powerful suspension system and adjustable clutch and brake levers for personalized control and comfort. Embodying BMW's signature style and quality, the G 310 GS offers an affordable gateway into adventure riding, ensuring a fascinating, reliable experience for everyday commutes and explorative rides.

Benelli Tornado Naked Twin 500 and Tornado 500

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear about the Benelli 500 twins is bells and whistles, followed by cool styling. Indeed, Chinese motorcycles have come a long way, and these two bikes are enough proof of that. They seem to have figured out the formula this time, and Benelli is taking the beginner segment head-on.

The Naked Twin 500 features a sporty design that might not be attractive to everyone. However, powered by a 500cc parallel twin-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, it offers enough performance and agility to tackle competitors like the 390 Duke. While the Tornado 500 is entirely developed on the same 500 platform, it features a modern sports bike design with adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes.

What makes a good motorcycle for a beginner?

When most experienced riders are looking for a new bike, they usually look for more power or specific handling characteristics depending on their riding preferences (e.g., touring, cruising, and sportier riding). This is because they have already mastered riding and know what works for them. However, as a new rider, you are mostly experimenting. That said, here are a few things that make a motorcycle ideal for beginners that you need to consider when making your choice:

• Engine size: If you recently completed an MSF safety course, the biggest engine you have handled is probably a 125-250 cc engine. For this reason, when buying your first bike, ensure it has a small to medium engine displacement, typically between 250cc and 400cc. This provides ample power to learn maneuvering and handling without feeling overwhelmed.
• Manageability: Weight and seat height are crucial aspects of manageability. A lighter motorcycle is easier to control at slower speeds, especially during practice sessions. Although an average bike weighs about 600-700 pounds, it's best to buy one that weighs 300-400 for easier management. Similarly, a lower seat height allows you to comfortably place both feet flat on the ground, boosting confidence and control during stops.
• Safety features: While not all beginner bikes come equipped with them, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) can be a lifesaver for new riders. ABS helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, offering more control in emergencies.
• Predictable power delivery: A smooth and predictable power delivery is essential for beginners. The motorcycle should respond intuitively to your throttle inputs, allowing you to focus on mastering the basics of shifting and handling without the surprise of jerky acceleration.
• Comfort: Don't underestimate the importance of a comfortable riding position. A well-designed seat and handlebar placement can significantly reduce fatigue, especially on longer rides, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the ride.
• Speed: Buying a high-speed bike as a beginner can be exciting, but it's the easiest way to cause an accident or even die on the road. It's recommended not to buy a motorcycle that exceeds 80-120 mph.
• Terrain: Chances are you want to try different terrains because you are unsure what you like more. Choose a bike that can handle various terrains.

Conclusion

There you have the nine best motorcycles for beginners in 2024. Hopefully, you already have your favorite.

However, regardless of your choice, it's good that you take a motorcycle safety course before hitting the road. This equips you with the skills and knowledge to navigate traffic confidently and handle your motorcycle safely. Furthermore, like you need the right auto insurance to legally drive on the United States roads, motorcycle insurance is mandatory in most states.