Best Beginner Motorcycles - LAMS Eligible (Australia) (2024)
240 motorcycles in 2024
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 - 2024 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
2024 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 80/100 · 100 hp · 688 mm seat · 4 ratings
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra is a three-wheeled touring cruiser designed for riders seeking ultima…
#2
2024 Suzuki Raider R150 Fi
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 79/100 · 18.1 hp · 112 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2024 Suzuki Raider R150 Fi is a sporty underbone sold in Asian markets, popular with young riders and comm…
#3
2024 SYM FNX 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 74/100 · 11.3 hp · 125 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2024 Sym FNX 125 is an automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking practical, fuel-efficient tr…
#4
2024 SYM VF 185
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 74/100 · 18.2 hp · 128 kg · 790 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2024 SYM VF 185 is a lightweight underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through transport…
#5
2024 Honda Super Cub C125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 74/100 · 15 hp · 109 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2024 Honda Super Cub C125 is a compact, fuel-efficient commuter designed for new riders and urban dwellers…
#6
2024 Genuine Scooter Buddy 170I
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 74/100 · 14.4 hp · 110 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2024 Genuine Scooter Buddy 170I is a retro-styled scooter from the American brand Genuine Scooter Company.…
#7
2024 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 73/100 · 90 hp · 665 mm seat
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler is a three-wheeled cruiser powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine deli…
#8
2024 SYM Jet 14 200
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 72/100 · 12.2 hp · 134 kg · 771 mm seat
The 2024 Sym Jet 14 200 is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and casual riders seekin…
#9
2024 BMW C400X
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 72/100 · 34 hp · 204 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2024 BMW C400X is a premium mid-size scooter for commuters who want comfort and motorway ability. Its liqu…
#10
2024 Yamaha Mio Sporty
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 72/100 · 7.6 hp · 94 kg · 745 mm seat
The 2024 Yamaha Mio Sporty is a light, affordable scooter sold in Asia for daily commuting. Its air-cooled 114…
#11
2024 SYM Orbit III 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 71/100 · 10.1 hp · 115 kg · 750 mm seat
The 2024 Sym Orbit III 125 is a lightweight Taiwanese scooter designed for commuters and urban riders seeking …
#12
2024 Yamaha Mio I 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 71/100 · 9.4 hp · 94 kg · 750 mm seat
The 2024 Yamaha Mio i 125 is a light, practical 125cc scooter sold in Asian markets. Its air-cooled 125cc four…
#13
2024 SYM Fiddle 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 11.3 hp · 121 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2024 Sym Fiddle 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking affordable, reliable…
#14
2024 Honda ADV160
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 15.8 hp · 133 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2024 Honda ADV160 is an adventure-styled scooter for commuters who also ride rough roads and gravel tracks…
#15
2024 SYM Symphony 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 11.3 hp · 123 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2024 Sym Symphony 125 is an automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, fuel-efficien…
#16
2024 Lambretta V125 Special
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 11.3 hp · 86 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2024 Lambretta V125 Special is a lightweight scooter ideal for urban commuters and riders seeking retro st…
#17
2024 Rieju Tango 125I
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 15 hp · 109 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2024 Rieju Tango 125i is a retro scrambler from the Spanish brand Rieju, aimed at learners on a 125 licenc…
#18
2024 Italika RT200
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 14.7 hp · 130 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2024 Italika RT200 is a naked commuter motorcycle for riders who want a stronger engine than a 125 for dai…
#19
2024 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 9.5 hp · 104 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2024 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125 is a retro-styled city scooter from the American brand Genuine Scooter Comp…
#20
2024 Honda PCX160
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 15.8 hp · 131 kg · 764 mm seat
#21
2024 Honda Rebel 300 ABS
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2024 Honda Rebel 300 ABS is an approachable cruiser designed for new and smaller-framed riders seeking man…
#22
2024 Honda CRF125F Big Wheel
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 15 hp · 90 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2024 Honda CRF125F Big Wheel is an entry-level enduro bike designed for younger riders and beginners learn…
#23
2024 Honda ADV150
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 67/100 · 14.6 hp · 133 kg · 795 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2024 Honda ADV150 is a sporty adventure-styled scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking fu…
#24
2024 Honda Shine
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 67/100 · 10.6 hp · 113 kg · 791 mm seat
The 2024 Honda Shine is one of India's best-selling commuter motorcycles, known for economy and reliability. I…