Best Beginner Motorcycles - LAMS Eligible (Australia) (2023)
335 motorcycles in 2023
Scooters
Underbones
Naked Motorcycles
Sportbikes
Sport Tourers
Touring Motorcycles
Cruisers
Adventure Motorcycles
Dual-Sport Motorcycles
Enduro Bikes
Motocross Bikes
Supermotos
Trials Bikes
Minibikes
Electric Motorcycles
Beginner Friendly
How this is worked out: eligibility below is calculated from each motorcycle's published power and weight specs, not an official legal determination. EU/UK A2 uses the real formula (≤35kW, power-to-weight ≤0.2kW/kg) but can't account for factory-restricted variants of a more powerful base model. Australia's LAMS scheme is officially an approved list, not a pure formula - the power-to-weight ratio shown (≤150kW/tonne) is a strong indicator but always check the current state LAMS list before buying. The US has no federal beginner power cap, so those picks reflect commonly-recommended low-power specs, not a legal requirement. Always confirm current rules with your local licensing authority.
How this list is ranked - 2023 models, scored out of 100
- 35 points - fit for purpose: a low seat, light weight and the most usable power within the licence limit, compared with every other bike in this list.
- 25 points - rider interest: how often riders look the bike up on MotorcycleDB.
- 20 points - owner ratings: the average MotorcycleDB rating, weighted by how many people rated it (unrated bikes get a neutral score).
- 10 points - complete data: power, torque, weight, seat height, tank, top speed and ABS on record.
- 10 points - verified specs: figures checked against published manufacturer sources.
No manufacturer pays to appear or to rank higher. A high score means a strong, well-documented bike for its class - always check the full specs and the size comparison for your own fit.
#1
2023 SYM Orbit III 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 80/100 · 11.3 hp · 115 kg · 750 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Sym Orbit III 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking fuel efficiency a…
#2
2023 Honda PCX160
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 77/100 · 15.8 hp · 131 kg · 764 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Honda PCX160 is a modern commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking reliability and ease of u…
#3
2023 Honda Rebel 300
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 76/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Rebel 300 is an entry-level cruiser designed for new and smaller-framed riders seeking an acces…
#4
2023 Lance Cali Classic 200I
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 75/100 · 11.8 hp · 111 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2023 Lance Cali Classic 200I is a retro-styled scooter from the US brand Lance. Its air-cooled 169cc singl…
#5
2023 Honda CRF125F Big Wheel
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 75/100 · 15 hp · 90 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Honda CRF125F Big Wheel is an entry-level enduro bike designed for young riders and beginners seeking…
#6
2023 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 74/100 · 18.8 hp · 163 kg · 737 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise is a budget-friendly custom cruiser designed for riders seeking relaxed, lai…
#7
2023 SYM VF 185
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 73/100 · 18.2 hp · 128 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 SYM VF 185 is an underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through transport. Its 183cc…
#8
2023 Honda Rebel 300 ABS
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 73/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Rebel 300 ABS is a light, low cruiser for new riders, styled like its larger Rebel siblings. It…
#9
2023 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 73/100 · 100 hp · 688 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra is a premium three-wheeled touring cruiser designed for riders seekin…
#10
2023 Super Soco TC Max
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 72/100 · 5.2 hp · 100 kg · 776 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Super Soco TC Max is an electric naked bike designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly, low-ma…
#11
2023 SYM Fiddle 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 71/100 · 11.3 hp · 121 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Fiddle 125 is an entry-level scooter designed for commuters and new riders seeking affordable urb…
#12
2023 SYM Jet 14 200
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 71/100 · 12.2 hp · 134 kg · 771 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Jet 14 200 is a practical 169cc automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, …
#13
2023 Piaggio 1 Active
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 71/100 · 2.7 hp · 94 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio 1 Active is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly, low-mainte…
#14
2023 Ryvid Anthem
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 71/100 · 10 hp · 109 kg · 762 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Ryvid Anthem is an electric allround motorcycle designed for eco-conscious commuters and casual rider…
#15
2023 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 12.8 hp · 166 kg · 680 mm seat
The 2023 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250 is a budget twin-cylinder cruiser sold in South America by Keeway, the ex…
#16
2023 Honda CBR150R
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 16.9 hp · 138 kg · 788 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Honda CBR150R is a lightweight sport bike engineered for beginner and intermediate riders seeking aff…
#17
2023 Yamaha TW200
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 16 hp · 126 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha TW200 is a lightweight dual-sport designed for beginner and novice riders seeking affordable a…
#18
2023 Vespa GTV 300
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 23.8 hp · 158 kg · 787 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa GTV 300 is a retro-styled Vespa with the headlight mounted on the front mudguard, as on early m…
#19
2023 Daelim Daystar 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 12.7 hp · 154 kg · 720 mm seat
The 2023 Daelim Daystar 125 is a small Korean cruiser aimed at learner riders. Its oil- and air-cooled 124.1cc…
#20
2023 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 9.5 hp · 104 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2023 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125 is a retro-styled city scooter popular with commuters in the United States.…
#21
2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 90 hp · 673 mm seat
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 is a heavyweight touring cruiser designed for riders seeking long-distan…
#22
2023 Honda Shadow Phantom
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 44.2 hp · 249 kg · 655 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom is a classic cruiser designed for riders seeking timeless style and reliable per…
#23
2023 AJS Cadwell 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 9.8 hp · 113 kg · 740 mm seat
The 2023 AJS Cadwell 125 is a retro 125cc naked bike for learner riders who like classic café looks. Its air-c…
#24
2023 Kawasaki KLX 140R
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 14.1 hp · 93 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 140R is an accessible entry-level enduro bike designed for younger and smaller-framed ri…