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.
#25
2023 SYM FNX 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 69/100 · 11.3 hp · 125 kg · 765 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Sym FNX 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking fuel-efficient, low-mai…
#26
2023 Honda Shadow Aero
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 69/100 · 44.2 hp · 254 kg · 658 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Shadow Aero is a mid-sized cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliabi…
#27
2023 Yamaha Jupiter Z1
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 69/100 · 9.9 hp · 101 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Jupiter Z1 is a practical 114cc underbone designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, fuel-…
#28
2023 KTM 250 Duke
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 29.5 hp · 165 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 250 Duke is a lightweight naked bike for newer riders and city commuters. Its 248.8cc liquid-cool…
#29
2023 SYM VF 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 8.3 hp · 111 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 SYM VF 125 is a lightweight underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through transport…
#30
2023 KTM 390 Adventure
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 42.9 hp · 165 kg · 830 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 KTM 390 Adventure is an entry-level adventure bike designed for beginner to intermediate riders seeki…
#31
2023 Rieju Tango 125I
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 15 hp · 109 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju Tango 125i is a versatile allround commuter suited to new and experienced riders alike. Powered…
#32
2023 Malaguti Dune 125 Adventure
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 13.4 hp · 130 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Malaguti Dune 125 Adventure is an adventure-styled learner bike from the Italian brand Malaguti. Its …
#33
2023 AJS Tempest Roadster 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 9.5 hp · 126 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 AJS Tempest Roadster 125 is a retro-styled learner bike sold in the UK. Its air-cooled 124cc single m…
#34
2023 Suzuki Satria F150
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 24.5 hp · 109 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki Satria F150 is a lightweight 147cc scooter designed for urban commuters and budget-conscious r…
#35
2023 Kollter Esum S Pro
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 6.7 hp · 122 kg · 665 mm seat
The 2023 Kollter Esum S Pro is a dual-sport for riders who want one bike for roads and dirt tracks. It has a 6…
#36
2023 Keeway Kee 110
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 6.9 hp · 103 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Keeway Kee 110 is a compact underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through transport…
#37
2023 Suzuki Burgman 400
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 32.8 hp · 218 kg · 755 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki Burgman 400 is a practical mid-size scooter designed for commuters and touring riders seeking …
#38
2023 Italika Blackbird 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 19.4 hp · 136 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Italika Blackbird 250 is a sporty 250cc single-cylinder motorcycle designed for budget-conscious ride…
#39
2023 Yamaha V-Star 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 68/100 · 21 hp · 147 kg · 686 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha V Star 250 is an accessible cruiser designed for beginner and smaller-framed riders seeking cl…
#40
2023 TVS Sport
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 67/100 · 8.2 hp · 110 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 TVS Sport is an entry-level commuter motorcycle designed for budget-conscious riders seeking reliable…
#41
2023 Piaggio 1 Plus
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 67/100 · 1.6 hp · 90 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio 1 Plus is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking emission-free, low-mainten…
#42
2023 Italika RT200
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 67/100 · 14.7 hp · 130 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Italika RT200 is a naked commuter motorcycle for riders who want more power than a 125. Its 200cc air…
#43
2023 Honda XRM125 DS
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 67/100 · 9.6 hp · 102 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Honda XRM125 DS is a lightweight underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through tran…
#44
2023 Honda AirBlade 150
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 67/100 · 16 hp · 113 kg · 773 mm seat
#45
2023 SYM Jet 14 125 LC
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 135 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Jet 14 125 LC is a practical urban scooter designed for commuters and new riders seeking affordab…
#46
2023 SYM Symphony 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 11.3 hp · 123 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Symphony 125 is an entry-level scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeking afford…
#47
2023 Yamaha Neos
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 3.1 hp · 98 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Neos is a compact electric city scooter for short, quiet urban trips. Its hub-mounted motor is…
#48
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 38.9 hp · 175 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS is a small adventure bike for newer riders and light touring. Its liquid-co…