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Best Beginner Motorcycles - Beginner Friendly (US) (2023)

770 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
A2 Legal (EU/UK) LAMS Eligible (Australia) Beginner Friendly (US)
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.
All years 2027 2026 2025 2024 2023
How this list is ranked - 2023 models, scored out of 100

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.

#12023 SYM Orbit III 125
2023 SYM Orbit III 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 79/100 · 11.3 hp · 115 kg · 750 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Sym Orbit III 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking fuel efficiency a…
#22023 Honda PCX160
2023 Honda PCX160
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 77/100 · 15.8 hp · 131 kg · 764 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Honda PCX160 is a modern commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking reliability and ease of u…
#32023 Honda Rebel 300
2023 Honda Rebel 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 76/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Rebel 300 is an entry-level cruiser designed for new and smaller-framed riders seeking an acces…
#42023 Honda CRF125F Big Wheel
2023 Honda CRF125F Big Wheel
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 75/100 · 15 hp · 90 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Honda CRF125F Big Wheel is an entry-level enduro bike designed for young riders and beginners seeking…
#52023 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
2023 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 74/100 · 18.8 hp · 163 kg · 737 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise is a budget-friendly custom cruiser designed for riders seeking relaxed, lai…
#62023 Super Soco TC Max
2023 Super Soco TC Max
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 74/100 · 5.2 hp · 100 kg · 776 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Super Soco TC Max is an electric naked bike designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly, low-ma…
#72023 Modenas Kriss MR3
2023 Modenas Kriss MR3
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 74/100 · 6.6 hp · 98 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Modenas Kriss MR3 is a budget Malaysian underbone built for cheap, dependable commuting. Its air-cool…
#82023 Lance Cali Classic 200I
2023 Lance Cali Classic 200I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 74/100 · 11.8 hp · 111 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2023 Lance Cali Classic 200I is a retro-styled scooter from the US brand Lance. Its air-cooled 169cc singl…
#92023 SYM VF 185
2023 SYM VF 185
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 73/100 · 18.2 hp · 128 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 SYM VF 185 is an underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through transport. Its 183cc…
#102023 Honda Rebel 300 ABS
2023 Honda Rebel 300 ABS
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 73/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Rebel 300 ABS is a light, low cruiser for new riders, styled like its larger Rebel siblings. It…
#112023 SYM Fiddle 125
2023 SYM Fiddle 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 72/100 · 11.3 hp · 121 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Fiddle 125 is an entry-level scooter designed for commuters and new riders seeking affordable urb…
#122023 SYM Jet 14 200
2023 SYM Jet 14 200
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 72/100 · 12.2 hp · 134 kg · 771 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Jet 14 200 is a practical 169cc automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, …
#132023 Piaggio 1 Active
2023 Piaggio 1 Active
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 72/100 · 2.7 hp · 94 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio 1 Active is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly, low-mainte…
#142023 Husqvarna FE250
2023 Husqvarna FE250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 71/100 · 46 hp · 101 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Husqvarna FE 250 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for versatile off-road riders seeking nimble h…
#152023 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125
2023 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 71/100 · 9.5 hp · 104 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2023 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125 is a retro-styled city scooter popular with commuters in the United States.…
#162023 Ryvid Anthem
2023 Ryvid Anthem
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 71/100 · 10 hp · 109 kg · 762 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Ryvid Anthem is an electric allround motorcycle designed for eco-conscious commuters and casual rider…
#172023 Kawasaki KLX 140R
2023 Kawasaki KLX 140R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 71/100 · 14.1 hp · 93 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 140R is an accessible entry-level enduro bike designed for younger and smaller-framed ri…
#182023 SYM Jet X 125
2023 SYM Jet X 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 111 kg · 770 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Sym Jet X 125 is an entry-level automatic scooter designed for commuters and new riders seeking affor…
#192023 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250
2023 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 12.8 hp · 166 kg · 680 mm seat
The 2023 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250 is a budget twin-cylinder cruiser sold in South America by Keeway, the ex…
#202023 Honda CBR150R
2023 Honda CBR150R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 16.9 hp · 138 kg · 788 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Honda CBR150R is a lightweight sport bike engineered for beginner and intermediate riders seeking aff…
#212023 Kawasaki Ninja 400
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 44.8 hp · 168 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is an entry-level sport bike designed for new riders and commuters seeking an agil…
#222023 Yamaha TW200
2023 Yamaha TW200
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 16 hp · 126 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha TW200 is a lightweight dual-sport designed for beginner and novice riders seeking affordable a…
#232023 Vespa GTV 300
2023 Vespa GTV 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 23.8 hp · 158 kg · 787 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa GTV 300 is a retro-styled Vespa with the headlight mounted on the front mudguard, as on early m…
#242023 Daelim Daystar 125
2023 Daelim Daystar 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 12.7 hp · 154 kg · 720 mm seat
The 2023 Daelim Daystar 125 is a small Korean cruiser aimed at learner riders. Its oil- and air-cooled 124.1cc…