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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.

#1932023 Vespa GTS 300
2023 Vespa GTS 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 23.8 hp · 158 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa GTS 300 is a modern automatic scooter that appeals to urban commuters and leisure riders seekin…
#1942023 Yamaha Aerox 155
2023 Yamaha Aerox 155
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 14.8 hp · 126 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Aerox 155 is a sporty 155cc automatic scooter designed for riders wanting performance styling …
#1952023 Piaggio Liberty 150
2023 Piaggio Liberty 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 12.5 hp · 113 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio Liberty 150 is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, f…
#1962023 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
2023 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 144 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is a sporty commuter bike from TVS with a four-valve engine, made in India. Its…
#1972023 KTM 300 EXC SixDays
2023 KTM 300 EXC SixDays
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 50 hp · 104 kg · 960 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 300 EXC Six Days is a lightweight two-stroke enduro designed for serious off-road competitors and…
#1982023 Benelli BKX 250 S
2023 Benelli BKX 250 S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 25.5 hp · 164 kg · 835 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli BKX 250 S is a supermoto for riders who want agile, lively handling on city streets. Its 249c…
#1992023 Honda AirBlade 160
2023 Honda AirBlade 160
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 15 hp · 113 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Honda AirBlade 160 is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking reliable dai…
#2002023 Aprilia RX 125
2023 Aprilia RX 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 15 hp · 134 kg · 905 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Aprilia RX 125 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for novice and young riders seeking affordable o…
#2012023 Suzuki Trojan
2023 Suzuki Trojan
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 20 hp · 132 kg · 850 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki Trojan is a lightweight 199cc enduro built for novice and recreational off-road riders seeking…
#2022023 Yamaha Xenter 125
2023 Yamaha Xenter 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 12.3 hp · 142 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Xenter 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking reliable, fuel-ef…
#2032023 Honda CD110 Dream
2023 Honda CD110 Dream
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 8.7 hp · 112 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Honda CD110 Dream is a versatile entry-level commuter motorcycle designed for novice and budget-consc…
#2042023 Hero Xtreme 160R
2023 Hero Xtreme 160R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 15 hp · 139 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Hero Xtreme 160R is a sporty commuter motorcycle designed for young riders seeking performance on a b…
#2052023 Husqvarna FE501S
2023 Husqvarna FE501S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 44.3 hp · 108 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Husqvarna FE 501s is a premium enduro bike engineered for serious off-road riders seeking maximum per…
#2062023 Husqvarna TX 300 Heritage
2023 Husqvarna TX 300 Heritage
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 24.1 hp · 100 kg · 948 mm seat
The 2023 Husqvarna TX 300 Heritage is a lightweight two-stroke enduro bike designed for riders seeking classic…
#2072023 KTM 250 XC-F
2023 KTM 250 XC-F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 38 hp · 102 kg · 954 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 250 XC-F is a lightweight enduro bike designed for intermediate to advanced off-road riders seeki…
#2082023 Jawa 350 OHC Sport
2023 Jawa 350 OHC Sport
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 58/100 · 26.8 hp · 160 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Jawa 350 OHC Sport is a retro-styled cruiser powered by a 397cc twin-cylinder engine producing 26.8 h…
#2092023 Yamaha XMAX 300 Tech MAX
2023 Yamaha XMAX 300 Tech MAX
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 57/100 · 27.6 hp · 183 kg · 795 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Yamaha XMAX 300 Tech Max is a premium maxi-scooter designed for riders seeking practical daily commut…
#2102023 KTM 125 Duke
2023 KTM 125 Duke
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 57/100 · 15 hp · 139 kg · 830 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 KTM 125 Duke is an agile naked bike engineered for beginner and young riders seeking sharp handling a…
#2112023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200
2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 57/100 · 24.1 hp · 160 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is a lightweight naked bike designed for entry-level riders and daily commuters se…
#2122023 Suzuki GSX250R
2023 Suzuki GSX250R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 57/100 · 24 hp · 181 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki GSX250R is an agile sport bike engineered for novice and intermediate riders seeking accessibl…
#2132023 SYM Symnh X 125
2023 SYM Symnh X 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 57/100 · 10.7 hp · 143 kg · 787 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Symnh X 125 is an entry-level naked bike designed for new riders and city commuters seeking an af…
#2142023 FB Mondial HPS 125
2023 FB Mondial HPS 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 57/100 · 14.8 hp · 133 kg · 850 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 FB Mondial HPS 125 is an accessible all-rounder designed for novice and commuter riders seeking a rel…
#2152023 Yamaha XSR155
2023 Yamaha XSR155
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 57/100 · 19 hp · 134 kg · 810 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha XSR155 is a lightweight classic-styled motorcycle ideal for beginner and intermediate riders s…
#2162023 Peugeot Metropolis Allure
2023 Peugeot Metropolis Allure
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 57/100 · 35.1 hp · 265 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Peugeot Metropolis Allure is a premium 399cc scooter designed for urban commuters and riders seeking …