Best Beginner Motorcycles - A2 Legal (EU/UK) (2026)
410 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.
#25
2026 Honda PCX160
A2 legal (EU/UK)
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…
#26
2026 Yamaha V-Star 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 67/100 · 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…
#27
2026 Kawasaki W230
A2 legal (EU/UK)
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…
#28
2026 SYM Symphony 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 11.3 hp · 122 kg · 805 mm seat
The SYM Symphony 125 is a practical automatic scooter designed for commuters and novice riders seeking fuel-ef…
#29
2026 Bajaj Dominar 400
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 40 hp · 193 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2026 Bajaj Dominar 400 is a muscular naked bike for riders who want strong single-cylinder performance and…
#30
2026 Piaggio Bv 400 S
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 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…
#31
2026 Can-Am Pulse
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 26.8 hp · 177 kg · 782 mm seat
The 2026 Can-Am Pulse is an electric naked bike aimed at urban and commuting riders who want effortless perfor…
#32
2026 Honda CB500 Hornet
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 46.9 hp · 188 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2026 Honda CB500 Hornet is an agile middleweight naked bike ideal for riders seeking responsive handling a…
#33
2026 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 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…
#34
2026 CF Moto 300SS
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 29.5 hp · 165 kg · 780 mm seat
The CF Moto 300SS is an entry-level sportbike ideal for new riders seeking affordable performance. Known for i…
#35
2026 Ice Bear Leo
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 66/100 · 15 hp · 120 kg · 650 mm seat
The 2026 Ice Bear Leo is a compact 125cc minibike designed for beginner riders and casual trail use. Powered b…
#36
2026 KTM Freeride E
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 14.8 hp · 111 kg · 910 mm seat
The 2026 KTM Freeride E is an electric enduro bike designed for off-road enthusiasts seeking lightweight, torq…
#37
2026 CF Moto 450CL-C
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 40 hp · 181 kg · 686 mm seat
The 2026 CF Moto 450CL-C is a modern custom cruiser designed for riders seeking affordable entry-level cruisin…
#38
2026 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 46.8 hp · 217 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2026 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a modern retro middleweight that appeals to riders seeking classic s…
#39
2026 Suzuki DR650S
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 42 hp · 166 kg · 885 mm seat
The 2026 Suzuki DR650S is a versatile dual-sport motorcycle designed for riders seeking reliable on-road and l…
#40
2026 Piaggio Beverly 400
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 35 hp · 195 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2026 Piaggio Beverly 400 is a large-wheel touring scooter for riders who commute and also cover longer dis…
#41
2026 Honda SCL500
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 45.6 hp · 191 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2026 Honda SCL500 is a scrambler-style middleweight for riders who want retro looks and the option of ligh…
#42
2026 Honda Forza 350
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 28.4 hp · 186 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2026 Honda Forza 350 is a mid-size scooter for commuters who want motorway ability and comfort. Its liquid…
#43
2026 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 12.8 hp · 166 kg · 710 mm seat
The 2026 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250 is a small-capacity cruiser aimed at newer riders and city commuters who …
#44
2026 Kawasaki KLX 140R
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 65/100 · 14.1 hp · 93 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2026 Kawasaki KLX 140R is a lightweight enduro motorcycle designed for beginner to intermediate off-road r…
#45
2026 Kawasaki KLX300R
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 24.4 hp · 128 kg · 899 mm seat
The 2026 Kawasaki KLX 300R is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for beginner to intermediate off-road riders see…
#46
2026 Kawasaki KLX 230R S
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 20.3 hp · 119 kg · 874 mm seat
The 2026 Kawasaki KLX 230R S is a lightweight enduro motorcycle designed for beginner to intermediate off-road…
#47
2026 Voge Trofeo 300ACX Scrambler
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 64/100 · 28.2 hp · 159 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2026 Voge Trofeo 300ACX Scrambler is a lightweight, air-cooled naked bike powered by a 292cc single-cylind…
#48
2026 Bajaj Pulsar N125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 63/100 · 11.8 hp · 125 kg · 795 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2026 Bajaj Pulsar N125 is a sporty commuter bike designed for budget-conscious riders seeking performance …