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.
#97
2023 Honda Rebel 500 SE
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 61/100 · 46.9 hp · 189 kg · 690 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Rebel 500 SE is an approachable middleweight cruiser designed for new and returning riders seek…
#98
2023 Serpento Defender RR 150
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 11.4 hp · 105 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 Serpento Defender RR 150 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner to intermediate off-road …
#99
2023 Hyosung GV 300 S Aquila
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 29.4 hp · 172 kg · 740 mm seat
The 2023 Hyosung GV 300 S Aquila is a lightweight cruiser designed for riders seeking an accessible entry poin…
#100
2023 Lifan KPV150
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 12.3 hp · 143 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Lifan KPV150 is a practical 150cc scooter designed for urban commuters and budget-conscious riders se…
#101
2023 Super Soco TS Street Hunter
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 3.4 hp · 103 kg · 927 mm seat
The 2023 Super Soco TS Street Hunter is an electric naked bike designed for urban commuters seeking an eco-fri…
#102
2023 Benelli Leoncino 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 12.6 hp · 145 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli Leoncino 125 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and novice riders seeking aff…
#103
2023 Xmotos XZ250R
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 15.4 hp · 115 kg · 920 mm seat
The 2023 Xmotos XZ250R is an enduro bike for riders who want genuine off-road and trail performance. Its 243cc…
#104
2023 Bajaj Dominar 400
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 39.4 hp · 193 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Dominar 400 is a muscular naked bike for riders who want strong single-cylinder performance and…
#105
2023 Ural Gear-Up
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 41 hp · 331 kg · 813 mm seat
The 2023 Ural Gear Up is a classic sidecar motorcycle designed for adventurous riders seeking unique, retro-st…
#106
2023 Lambretta V200 Special
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 60/100 · 12.1 hp · 86 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Lambretta V200 Special is a modern retro scooter designed for urban commuters and style-conscious rid…
#107
2023 Honda SH125I
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 12.9 hp · 134 kg · 799 mm seat
The 2023 Honda SH125i is a practical urban scooter designed for commuters seeking reliable, efficient daily tr…
#108
2023 Kymco People S 150I
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 13.5 hp · 130 kg · 800 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Kymco People S 150i is a practical automatic scooter powered by a fuel-injected 149.8cc four-stroke e…
#109
2023 Royal Alloy GT 125I
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 9.5 hp · 130 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Royal Alloy GT 125i is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, f…
#110
2023 Honda CB500F
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 46.9 hp · 192 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Honda CB500F is a lightweight naked bike perfectly suited for beginner to intermediate riders seeking…
#111
2023 SYM Joyride S 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 13.7 hp · 153 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Joyride S 125 is an automatic scooter ideal for urban commuters and new riders seeking affordable…
#112
2023 Honda ADV160
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 15.8 hp · 133 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Honda ADV160 is a practical adventure-styled scooter ideal for commuters and casual riders seeking re…
#113
2023 Yamaha Mio Sporty
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 7.6 hp · 94 kg · 745 mm seat
#114
2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 11.6 hp · 142 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 is an entry-level sport motorcycle ideal for first-time buyers and daily commuters s…
#115
2023 Hero Super Splendor
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 10.7 hp · 123 kg · 798 mm seat
The 2023 Hero Super Splendor is a 125cc commuter motorcycle for riders who want economy with extra pull. Its a…
#116
2023 Rieju Century
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 15 hp · 135 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju Century is a retro-styled 125cc naked bike for learner riders who like classic looks. Its liqui…
#117
2023 Rieju Tango 125I Scrambler
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 15 hp · 109 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju Tango 125i Scrambler is a lightweight naked bike ideal for new riders and urban commuters seeki…
#118
2023 Kawasaki KLX230R
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 20.3 hp · 115 kg · 919 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 230R is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and intermediate off-road riders…
#119
2023 Piaggio 1
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 1.6 hp · 85 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio 1 is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking zero-emission, low-cost city mo…
#120
2023 Yamaha Vega Force
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 59/100 · 8.6 hp · 96 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Vega Force is an affordable underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through tr…