Best Beginner Motorcycles - LAMS Eligible (Australia) (2026)
350 motorcycles in 2026
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 - 2026 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
2026 Honda Rebel 300
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 82/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2026 Honda Rebel 300 is an approachable custom cruiser perfect for beginner and small-framed riders seekin…
#2
2026 Honda Shadow Phantom ABS
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 73/100 · 44.2 hp · 251 kg · 650 mm seat
The 2026 Honda Shadow Phantom ABS is a classic cruiser designed for riders seeking timeless style and reliable…
#3
2026 Honda Super Cub C125 ABS
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 71/100 · 9.6 hp · 108 kg · 780 mm seat
The Honda Super Cub C125 ABS is an ultra-reliable scooter designed for everyday commuters seeking affordable, …
#4
2026 Honda ADV160
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 71/100 · 15.8 hp · 133 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2026 Honda ADV160 is an automatic-transmission adventure scooter designed for urban commuters and casual r…
#5
2026 Piaggio MP3 530 HPE Exclusive
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 44.1 hp · 280 kg · 790 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2026 Piaggio MP3 530 HPE Exclusive is a premium three-wheeled scooter designed for riders seeking stabilit…
#6
2026 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 49.6 hp · 277 kg · 686 mm seat
The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a mid-sized cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with mo…
#7
2026 Honda Rebel 300 E-Clutch
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 70/100 · 27 hp · 172 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2026 Honda Rebel 300 E-Clutch is an accessible cruiser designed for new and returning riders seeking a man…
#8
2026 Zontes 368G
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 69/100 · 38.2 hp · 198 kg · 795 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2026 Zontes 368G is a midsize automatic scooter designed for practical urban commuters seeking efficient d…
#9
2026 Suzuki Burgman 400
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 69/100 · 32.8 hp · 218 kg · 755 mm seat
The 2026 Suzuki Burgman 400 is a mid-sized maxi-scooter ideal for commuters and touring riders seeking comfort…
#10
2026 Yamaha TW200
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 69/100 · 16 hp · 126 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2026 Yamaha TW200 is a lightweight dual-sport designed for beginners and casual riders seeking simplicity …
#11
2026 Italika RT200
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 69/100 · 14.7 hp · 130 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2026 Italika RT200 is a naked street bike for riders stepping up from a 125 who want more pull for commuti…
#12
2026 Honda Unicorn
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 13 hp · 139 kg · 798 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2026 Honda Unicorn is a practical all-rounder designed for everyday commuters seeking reliable, fuel-effic…
#13
2026 Yamaha TT-R125LE
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 15 hp · 90 kg · 805 mm seat
The Yamaha TT-R125LE is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginning riders and those seeking accessible o…
#14
2026 Honda Dio 110
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 7.8 hp · 106 kg · 765 mm seat
The Honda Dio 110 is a practical 109cc automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, econom…
#15
2026 Voge Sfida SR4 Max
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 33.5 hp · 205 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2026 Voge Sfida SR4 Max is a 350cc maxi-scooter aimed at commuters and weekend tourers who want genuine op…
#16
2026 Yadea Keeness
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 7.4 hp · 100 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2026 Yadea Keeness is an electric naked bike designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly mobility. I…
#17
2026 Jawa 350 OHC
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 27.4 hp · 160 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2026 Jawa 350 OHC is a retro-styled custom cruiser powered by a 397cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine deli…
#18
2026 Yamaha V-Star 250
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 68/100 · 21 hp · 147 kg · 686 mm seat
The 2026 Yamaha V-Star 250 is an approachable cruiser designed for new and smaller-framed riders seeking authe…
#19
2026 Honda Trail 125
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 67/100 · 9 hp · 117 kg · 800 mm seat
The Honda Trail 125 is an affordable, beginner-friendly commuter and light trail bike powered by a reliable 12…
#20
2026 Yamaha XMAX
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 67/100 · 27.6 hp · 183 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2026 Yamaha XMAX is a sporty maxi-scooter engineered for commuters and riders seeking nimble urban mobilit…
#21
2026 Piaggio Bv 400 S
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 67/100 · 32.7 hp · 195 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2026 Piaggio BV 400 S is a big-wheel touring scooter built for commuters who also want to stretch their le…
#22
2026 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 67/100 · 18.7 hp · 163 kg · 737 mm seat
The 2026 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise is an affordable cruiser-style motorcycle powered by a 220cc single-cylinder…
#23
2026 Honda PCX160
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 67/100 · 15.8 hp · 131 kg · 764 mm seat
The 2026 Honda PCX160 is a practical commuter scooter sold in Asian markets. Its liquid-cooled 157cc single ma…
#24
2026 Kawasaki W230
LAMS power-to-weight eligible (AU)
Score 66/100 · 17.8 hp · 143 kg · 745 mm seat
The 2026 Kawasaki W230 is a lightweight classic motorcycle featuring a nimble 233cc single-cylinder engine, ma…