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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.

#4332023 Husqvarna FE 250 Heritage
2023 Husqvarna FE 250 Heritage
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 46 hp · 106 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Husqvarna FE 250 Heritage is a lightweight enduro machine designed for riders seeking nimble off-road…
#4342023 Suzuki GSX-R125
2023 Suzuki GSX-R125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 14.8 hp · 137 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki GSX-R125 is an entry-level sport bike designed for new riders seeking affordable performance a…
#4352023 Lexmoto LS-Z 125
2023 Lexmoto LS-Z 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 12.7 hp · 149 kg · 790 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Lexmoto LS-Z 125 is an accessible naked bike designed for beginner and commuter riders seeking reliab…
#4362023 Rieju E-City 3
2023 Rieju E-City 3
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 4 hp · 90 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju E-City 3 is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly, low-maintena…
#4372023 Suzuki AX4 Evolution
2023 Suzuki AX4 Evolution
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 8 hp · 108 kg · 766 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki AX4 Evolution is a practical, lightweight allrounder designed for beginner and commuter riders…
#4382023 Suzuki Address 125
2023 Suzuki Address 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 8.6 hp · 105 kg · 770 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Suzuki Address 125 is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeki…
#4392023 Italika 125 FL
2023 Italika 125 FL
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 11.7 hp · 110 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Italika 125 FL is an all-round commuter motorcycle ideal for budget-conscious riders and beginners se…
#4402023 Honda Dio Sports
2023 Honda Dio Sports
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 7.7 hp · 105 kg · 650 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Dio Sports is a practical commuter scooter designed for everyday urban riders seeking fuel effi…
#4412023 Nipponia Miro 130
2023 Nipponia Miro 130
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 7.5 hp · 107 kg · 670 mm seat
The 2023 Nipponia Miro 130 is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking affordable, r…
#4422023 Lance Havana Classic 125
2023 Lance Havana Classic 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 7.8 hp · 100 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2023 Lance Havana Classic 125 is a retro-styled scooter aimed at new and around-town riders who want easy,…
#4432023 Kawasaki KLX230SM
2023 Kawasaki KLX230SM
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 20.3 hp · 134 kg · 846 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX230SM is a lightweight supermoto designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking ve…
#4442023 VeliMotor VL350RS
2023 VeliMotor VL350RS
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 24.8 hp · 132 kg · 920 mm seat
The 2023 Veli VL350RS is a lightweight sport motorcycle ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking aff…
#4452023 Rieju MR 300 Pro
2023 Rieju MR 300 Pro
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 105 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju MR 300 Pro is a lightweight two-stroke enduro machine built for competitive off-road riders see…
#4462023 Serpento Naga 200
2023 Serpento Naga 200
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 13.6 hp · 118 kg
#4472023 Benelli TRK 251
2023 Benelli TRK 251
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 25.8 hp · 153 kg · 835 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli TRK 251 is a lightweight adventure-touring motorcycle designed for new and budget-conscious r…
#4482023 Bajaj CT 125X
2023 Bajaj CT 125X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 10.9 hp · 129 kg · 810 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj CT 125X is a practical all-rounder designed for everyday commuters and budget-conscious riders …
#4492023 Bajaj Pulsar N160
2023 Bajaj Pulsar N160
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 15.7 hp · 154 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar N160 is a versatile 165cc commuter motorcycle designed for everyday riders seeking relia…
#4502023 Voge 525DSX
2023 Voge 525DSX
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 47 hp · 206 kg · 810 mm seat
#4512023 Yamaha MT-15
2023 Yamaha MT-15
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 19 hp · 133 kg · 810 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Yamaha MT-15 is an agile 155cc naked bike designed for new riders and urban commuters seeking a light…
#4522023 Apollo RFN Thunder 250
2023 Apollo RFN Thunder 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 16.1 hp · 106 kg · 910 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Apollo RFN Thunder 250 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and intermediate off-road r…
#4532023 Hunter Cafe Racer
2023 Hunter Cafe Racer
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 25.5 hp · 160 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Hunter Cafe Racer is a lightweight 320cc custom cruiser designed for entry-level and style-conscious …
#4542023 Yamaha MT-125
2023 Yamaha MT-125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 14.8 hp · 142 kg · 810 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Yamaha MT-125 is an entry-level naked bike designed for new riders and commuters seeking an affordabl…
#4552023 KTM 450 SMR
2023 KTM 450 SMR
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 63 hp · 109 kg · 898 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 450 SMR is a lightweight supermotard built for aggressive street and track riders seeking nimble …
#4562023 KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days
2023 KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 45 hp · 104 kg · 960 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for intermediate to advanced off-road rider…