Best Beginner Motorcycles - A2 Legal (EU/UK) (2023)
380 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.
#241
2023 Lexmoto RSS 125 EFI
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 50/100 · 14.1 hp · 163 kg · 740 mm seat
The 2023 Lexmoto RSS 125 EFI is a retro-styled 125cc naked bike for learner riders who want neo-classic looks.…
#242
2023 Lance PCH 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 50/100 · 11.2 hp · 109 kg · 787 mm seat
The 2023 Lance PCH 125 is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeking af…
#243
2023 Aprilia Tuono 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 15 hp · 144 kg · 810 mm seat
The 2023 Aprilia Tuono 125 is an agile naked bike designed for young riders and commuters seeking sporty perfo…
#244
2023 BMW G 310 GS
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 33.5 hp · 175 kg · 833 mm seat
The 2023 BMW G 310 GS is an entry-level adventure bike designed for new and budget-conscious riders seeking ve…
#245
2023 Serpento Tornado 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 15.8 hp · 110 kg
The 2023 Serpento Tornado 250 is an all-round 249cc single-cylinder motorcycle designed for novice and interme…
#246
2023 Linhai Aeolus 260
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 16.7 hp · 168 kg · 739 mm seat
The 2023 Linhai Aeolus 260 is a practical mid-sized scooter powered by a 257cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder e…
#247
2023 Peugeot Tweet 125 Active
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 11.3 hp · 120 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Peugeot Tweet 125 Active is a practical scooter designed for urban commuters and casual riders seekin…
#248
2023 Italika 125 FL
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 11.7 hp · 110 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Italika 125 FL is an all-round commuter motorcycle ideal for budget-conscious riders and beginners se…
#249
2023 Nipponia Miro 130
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 7.5 hp · 107 kg · 670 mm seat
The 2023 Nipponia Miro 130 is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking affordable, r…
#250
2023 Lance Havana Classic 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 7.8 hp · 100 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2023 Lance Havana Classic 125 is a retro-styled scooter aimed at new and around-town riders who want easy,…
#251
2023 Kawasaki KLX230SM
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 20.3 hp · 134 kg · 846 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX230SM is a lightweight supermoto designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking ve…
#252
2023 VeliMotor VL350RS
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 49/100 · 24.8 hp · 132 kg · 920 mm seat
The 2023 Veli VL350RS is a lightweight sport motorcycle ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking aff…
#253
2023 Serpento Naga 200
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 13.6 hp · 118 kg
#254
2023 Vespa GTS SuperSport 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 13.8 hp · 160 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa GTS SuperSport 125 is a stylish scooter ideal for urban commuters and riders seeking retro Ital…
#255
2023 Benelli TRK 251
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 25.8 hp · 153 kg · 835 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli TRK 251 is a lightweight adventure-touring motorcycle designed for new and budget-conscious r…
#256
2023 Vespa GTS 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 14 hp · 160 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa GTS 125 is an iconic scooter perfect for urban commuters and style-conscious riders seeking ret…
#257
2023 Electric Motion Escape
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 8.1 hp · 83 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 Electric Motion Escape is a lightweight electric enduro motorcycle designed for off-road enthusiasts …
#258
2023 Apollo RFN Thunder 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 16.1 hp · 106 kg · 910 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Apollo RFN Thunder 250 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and intermediate off-road r…
#259
2023 Benelli Imperiale 400
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 19.4 hp · 197 kg · 780 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Benelli Imperiale 400 is a versatile middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling…
#260
2023 Hunter Cafe Racer
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 25.5 hp · 160 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Hunter Cafe Racer is a lightweight 320cc custom cruiser designed for entry-level and style-conscious …
#261
2023 Rieju E-City 3
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 4 hp · 90 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju E-City 3 is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly, low-maintena…
#262
2023 Janus Gryffin 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 14 hp · 121 kg · 838 mm seat
The 2023 Janus Gryffin 250 is a hand-built Indiana scrambler, not a Jawa 350. An air-cooled 229 cc OHV single …
#263
2023 Hero Passion Xtec
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 9 hp · 117 kg · 799 mm seat
The 2023 Hero Passion Xtec is a lightweight 113cc sport commuter designed for budget-conscious riders seeking …
#264
2023 Shineray XY250Y-23
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 48/100 · 15 hp · 125 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Shineray XY250Y-23 is a naked bike for riders who want straightforward, upright everyday riding. Its …