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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.
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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.

#5532023 Aprilia SR 125
2023 Aprilia SR 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 9.9 hp · 115 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Aprilia SR 125 is a modern commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking reliable daily transpor…
#5542023 KTM 450 EXC-F
2023 KTM 450 EXC-F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 50 hp · 106 kg · 960 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 450 EXC-F is a hard-hitting enduro machine engineered for serious off-road riders who demand perf…
#5552023 Yamaha Y16ZR
2023 Yamaha Y16ZR
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 17.7 hp · 795 mm seat
#5562023 Macbor Eight Mile 500 Street
2023 Macbor Eight Mile 500 Street
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 46.9 hp · 195 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Macbor Eight Mile 500 is an all-around street bike suited for everyday riders seeking reliable perfor…
#5572023 MH Tray 125
2023 MH Tray 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 14.5 hp · 130 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 MH Tray 125 is an all-around commuter bike designed for novice and budget-conscious riders seeking re…
#5582023 Jonway Weifeng YY250-2
2023 Jonway Weifeng YY250-2
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 19.4 hp · 165 kg · 700 mm seat
The 2023 Jonway Weifeng YY250-2 is a lightweight cruiser powered by a 249cc V2 four-stroke engine producing 19…
#5592023 Hanway B50
2023 Hanway B50
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 46.9 hp · 209 kg · 690 mm seat
The 2023 Hanway B50 is a 498cc custom cruiser powered by a liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine producing 46.9 h…
#5602023 Mitt 125 RT Super
2023 Mitt 125 RT Super
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 8.7 hp · 102 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Mitt 125 RT Super is an entry-level automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and novice riders …
#5612023 Mitt 125 Legend
2023 Mitt 125 Legend
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 10.2 hp · 136 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Mitt 125 Legend is a retro-styled 125cc naked bike for learner riders who want classic looks. Its air…
#5622023 Mash Six Hundred 650
2023 Mash Six Hundred 650
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 38.9 hp · 181 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2023 Mash Six Hundred 650 is a retro roadster for riders who want classic British-style looks with a big s…
#5632023 Mash X-Ride 650
2023 Mash X-Ride 650
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 44/100 · 38.9 hp · 177 kg · 850 mm seat
The 2023 Mash X-Ride 650 is a dual-sport for riders who want one bike for roads and dirt tracks. Its 644cc air…
#5642023 Italmoto Tiquattro 125 Scrambler
2023 Italmoto Tiquattro 125 Scrambler
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 9.7 hp · 126 kg · 1060 mm seat
#5652023 Sherco 250 SEF Factory
2023 Sherco 250 SEF Factory
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 102 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Sherco 250 SEF Factory is a lightweight enduro machine built for competitive off-road riders seeking …
#5662023 Sherco 300 SEF Factory
2023 Sherco 300 SEF Factory
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 102 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Sherco 300 SEF Factory is a lightweight enduro machine designed for competitive off-road riders seeki…
#5672023 Lexmoto Pioneer 500X
2023 Lexmoto Pioneer 500X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 43.6 hp · 206 kg
The 2023 Lexmoto Pioneer 500X is a sport-touring middleweight powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled twin producing …
#5682023 Vespa Primavera Red 125
2023 Vespa Primavera Red 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 10.7 hp · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa Primavera Red 125 is an iconic lightweight scooter designed for urban commuters and style-consc…
#5692023 SWM SM 125 R
2023 SWM SM 125 R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 14.8 hp · 132 kg · 914 mm seat
The 2023 SWM SM 125 R is a lightweight enduro motorcycle designed for beginner and intermediate off-road rider…
#5702023 Yamaha YZF-R125
2023 Yamaha YZF-R125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 14.8 hp · 144 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha R125 is an entry-level sport bike designed for new and young riders seeking an affordable, nim…
#5712023 Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail
2023 Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 47.6 hp · 207 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail is a lightweight enduro bike designed for adventure-seeking riders who val…
#5722023 Yamaha XSR125 Legacy
2023 Yamaha XSR125 Legacy
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 14.8 hp · 134 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha XSR125 Legacy is a retro-styled 125cc motorcycle perfect for new riders and commuters seeking …
#5732023 Vespa GTS SuperTech 125
2023 Vespa GTS SuperTech 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 14 hp · 160 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa GTS SuperTech 125 is a stylish automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and casual riders…
#5742023 Yamaha R15S
2023 Yamaha R15S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 18.4 hp · 142 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha R15S is a lightweight sport motorcycle designed for entry-level riders and commuters seeking a…
#5752023 SWM RS300R
2023 SWM RS300R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 26.8 hp · 111 kg · 955 mm seat
The 2023 SWM RS300R is a lightweight enduro motorcycle ideal for trail riders and off-road enthusiasts seeking…
#5762023 Yamaha TMAX Tech Max
2023 Yamaha TMAX Tech Max
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 43/100 · 46.9 hp · 220 kg · 780 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Yamaha TMAX Tech Max is a premium maxi-scooter designed for riders seeking practical urban commuting …