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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.

#3132023 Rieju MRT 125 SM LC
2023 Rieju MRT 125 SM LC
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 54/100 · 15 hp · 112 kg · 870 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju MRT 125 SM LC is a nimble super motard designed for riders seeking an agile, street-focused mac…
#3142023 Yamaha Neos Electric
2023 Yamaha Neos Electric
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 54/100 · 3.1 hp · 90 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Neos Electric is a practical urban commuter scooter designed for city riders seeking affordabl…
#3152023 Kawasaki KLX 230R S
2023 Kawasaki KLX 230R S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 54/100 · 20.3 hp · 115 kg · 899 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 230R S is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for beginner to intermediate riders and trail …
#3162023 UM Renegade Vegas 300
2023 UM Renegade Vegas 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 54/100 · 27.5 hp · 172 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 UM Renegade Vegas 300 is a sporty 300cc single-cylinder machine ideal for budget-conscious riders see…
#3172023 Yamaha TT-R125LE
2023 Yamaha TT-R125LE
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 54/100 · 15 hp · 90 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha TT-R125LE is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for novice off-road riders and trail enthusiasts.…
#3182023 Hero Pleasure Pluss Xtec
2023 Hero Pleasure Pluss Xtec
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 54/100 · 8.1 hp · 106 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Hero Pleasure Pluss Xtec is a practical 110.9cc automatic scooter designed for daily commuters seekin…
#3192023 Lance Cabo 125
2023 Lance Cabo 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 54/100 · 11.2 hp · 99 kg · 787 mm seat
The 2023 Lance Cabo 125 is a practical automatic scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking affo…
#3202023 Suzuki V-Strom 250SX
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 250SX
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 25 hp · 188 kg · 835 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 250SX is a lightweight adventure-styled motorcycle ideal for beginner and intermediate…
#3212023 Herald Maverick 250
2023 Herald Maverick 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 24 hp · 148 kg · 885 mm seat
The 2023 Herald Maverick 250 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for novice and intermediate off-road riders…
#3222023 FB Mondial HPS 300
2023 FB Mondial HPS 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 22.8 hp · 149 kg · 850 mm seat
The 2023 FB Mondial HPS 300 is a versatile middleweight allround motorcycle ideal for beginner and intermediat…
#3232023 Haojue DL 150
2023 Haojue DL 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 12.5 hp · 148 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Haojue DL 150 is a lightweight naked bike designed for beginner and budget-conscious riders seeking a…
#3242023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160
2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 16 hp · 154 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is an all-rounder commuter bike designed for entry-level and budget-conscious ride…
#3252023 Vento Nitrox 250
2023 Vento Nitrox 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 18 hp · 120 kg · 800 mm seat
#3262023 Keeway Vieste 175
2023 Keeway Vieste 175
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 11.5 hp · 128 kg
The 2023 Keeway Vieste 175 is a practical commuter scooter designed for budget-conscious riders seeking reliab…
#3272023 Herald Maverick 125
2023 Herald Maverick 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 10 hp · 120 kg · 885 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Herald Maverick 125 is an all-around commuter and entry-level motorcycle suited for new riders and ur…
#3282023 Sur-Ron Ultra Bee
2023 Sur-Ron Ultra Bee
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 24.1 hp · 89 kg · 910 mm seat
#3292023 Emco Retro Nova R 3000
2023 Emco Retro Nova R 3000
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 4 hp · 91 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 emco Retro Nova R 3000 is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly, low-…
#3302023 Honda CB150X
2023 Honda CB150X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 12 hp · 140 kg · 817 mm seat
The 2023 Honda CB150X is a lightweight super motard designed for nimble urban commuting and spirited weekend r…
#3312023 Piaggio Liberty S 125
2023 Piaggio Liberty S 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 10.9 hp · 99 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio Liberty S 125 is a practical automatic scooter ideal for urban commuters and new riders seeki…
#3322023 Yamaha X-Ride 125
2023 Yamaha X-Ride 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 9.4 hp · 98 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha X-Ride 125 is a practical scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable daily transpor…
#3332023 Can-Am Pulse
2023 Can-Am Pulse
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 47 hp · 111 kg · 782 mm seat
The 2023 Can-Am Pulse is an electric prototype motorcycle powered by Rotax E-Power technology, designed for ri…
#3342023 Fantic Caballero DeLuxe 500
2023 Fantic Caballero DeLuxe 500
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 40 hp · 150 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 Fantic Caballero DeLuxe 500 is a retro scrambler for riders who want classic style with light off-roa…
#3352023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350
2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 20.2 hp · 191 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Enfield Meteor 350 is a modern classic cruiser that appeals to riders seeking relaxed, accessible per…
#3362023 Hunter Daytona 350
2023 Hunter Daytona 350
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 53/100 · 22.8 hp · 180 kg · 510 mm seat
The 2023 Hunter Daytona 350 is a cruiser for riders who want laid-back style and a low, relaxed seat. Its 320c…