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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.

#1212023 Qjmotor SRK250RS
2023 Qjmotor SRK250RS
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 62/100 · 27.5 hp · 162 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 QJmotor SRK250RS is a versatile middleweight sportbike designed for riders seeking an accessible blen…
#1222023 SYM ADX 125
2023 SYM ADX 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 12.1 hp · 179 kg · 750 mm seat
The 2023 Sym ADX 125 is an automatic scooter ideal for urban commuters and new riders seeking practical everyd…
#1232023 SYM Symphony ST 200
2023 SYM Symphony ST 200
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 12.1 hp · 128 kg · 792 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Sym Symphony ST 200 is a practical automatic scooter designed for everyday commuters seeking affordab…
#1242023 SYM Cruisym Alpha 125
2023 SYM Cruisym Alpha 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 14.1 hp · 179 kg · 750 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Cruisym Alpha 125 is a nimble automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeki…
#1252023 Yamaha YZF-R3
2023 Yamaha YZF-R3
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 42 hp · 170 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 is an accessible 321cc sport bike designed for new and intermediate riders seeking an a…
#1262023 Honda Dio 110
2023 Honda Dio 110
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 7.7 hp · 104 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Dio 110 is a lightweight automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeking …
#1272023 Honda Activa 125
2023 Honda Activa 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 8.2 hp · 109 kg · 712 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Activa 125 is a practical automatic scooter designed for daily commuters and casual riders seek…
#1282023 Husqvarna TE125
2023 Husqvarna TE125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 15 hp · 117 kg · 960 mm seat
The 2023 Husqvarna TE125 is a light two-stroke enduro bike for younger and newer riders. Its liquid-cooled 124…
#1292023 Shineray XY400-390K
2023 Shineray XY400-390K
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 27.1 hp · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Shineray XY400-390K is a retro-styled naked motorcycle for riders who want classic looks and easy tor…
#1302023 Super Soco TS Street Hunter
2023 Super Soco TS Street Hunter
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 3.4 hp · 103 kg · 927 mm seat
The 2023 Super Soco TS Street Hunter is an electric naked bike designed for urban commuters seeking an eco-fri…
#1312023 Lifan KPX250
2023 Lifan KPX250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 20 hp · 151 kg · 904 mm seat
The 2023 Lifan KPX250 is a dual-sport for riders who want one bike for roads and dirt tracks. Its 249cc liquid…
#1322023 Honda Trail 125
2023 Honda Trail 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 9 hp · 117 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Trail 125 is a lightweight, fuel-injected commuter and entry-level adventure bike designed for …
#1332023 Bajaj Dominar 400
2023 Bajaj Dominar 400
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 39.4 hp · 193 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Dominar 400 is a muscular naked bike for riders who want strong single-cylinder performance and…
#1342023 KTM 390 Adventure SW
2023 KTM 390 Adventure SW
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 43 hp · 161 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 390 Adventure SW is a lightweight single-cylinder enduro bike designed for budget-conscious rider…
#1352023 Benelli TRK 502
2023 Benelli TRK 502
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 46.9 hp · 213 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli TRK 502 is a big-feeling, budget-friendly adventure tourer aimed at riders who want long-dist…
#1362023 Lambretta V200 Special
2023 Lambretta V200 Special
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 12.1 hp · 86 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Lambretta V200 Special is a modern retro scooter designed for urban commuters and style-conscious rid…
#1372023 Honda Rebel 500 SE
2023 Honda Rebel 500 SE
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 61/100 · 46.9 hp · 189 kg · 690 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Rebel 500 SE is an approachable middleweight cruiser designed for new and returning riders seek…
#1382023 Honda CB125F
2023 Honda CB125F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 10.7 hp · 117 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Honda CB125F is an accessible entry-level motorcycle ideal for new riders and commuters seeking relia…
#1392023 Serpento Defender RR 150
2023 Serpento Defender RR 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 11.4 hp · 105 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 Serpento Defender RR 150 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner to intermediate off-road …
#1402023 Honda SH125I
2023 Honda SH125I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 12.9 hp · 134 kg · 799 mm seat
The 2023 Honda SH125i is a practical urban scooter designed for commuters seeking reliable, efficient daily tr…
#1412023 Kymco People S 150I
2023 Kymco People S 150I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 13.5 hp · 130 kg · 800 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Kymco People S 150i is a practical automatic scooter powered by a fuel-injected 149.8cc four-stroke e…
#1422023 Royal Alloy GT 125I
2023 Royal Alloy GT 125I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 9.5 hp · 130 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Royal Alloy GT 125i is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, f…
#1432023 Yamaha NMAX 125
2023 Yamaha NMAX 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 12.2 hp · 131 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha NMAX 125 is a practical urban scooter designed for commuters and new riders seeking reliable d…
#1442023 Hyosung GV 300 S Aquila
2023 Hyosung GV 300 S Aquila
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 29.4 hp · 172 kg · 740 mm seat
The 2023 Hyosung GV 300 S Aquila is a lightweight cruiser designed for riders seeking an accessible entry poin…