43,656 bikes · 494 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister

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.

#3852023 Kawasaki KLX 230 SE
2023 Kawasaki KLX 230 SE
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 51/100 · 20.3 hp · 132 kg · 884 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 230 SE is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginners and recreational riders seeki…
#3862023 Kawasaki KLX300 SM
2023 Kawasaki KLX300 SM
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 51/100 · 24.4 hp · 138 kg · 861 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX300 SM is a lightweight supermotard suited for riders seeking versatile street and light …
#3872023 Kawasaki KLX230S
2023 Kawasaki KLX230S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 51/100 · 20.3 hp · 134 kg · 831 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 230S is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking …
#3882023 Ice Bear Maddog 150
2023 Ice Bear Maddog 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 51/100 · 9 hp · 159 kg · 599 mm seat
The 2023 Ice Bear Maddog 150 is an entry-level scooter designed for budget-conscious commuters and new riders …
#3892023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 51/100 · 46.3 hp · 241 kg · 740 mm seat
The 2023 Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a modern classic cruiser that appeals to riders seeking retro styling wit…
#3902023 Lance PCH 125
2023 Lance PCH 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 51/100 · 11.2 hp · 109 kg · 787 mm seat
The 2023 Lance PCH 125 is a practical automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeking af…
#3912023 Vespa Sprint S 150
2023 Vespa Sprint S 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 12.5 hp · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa Sprint S 150 is a stylish automatic scooter ideal for urban commuters and leisure riders seekin…
#3922023 Hero Xpulse 200
2023 Hero Xpulse 200
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 19.1 hp · 158 kg · 825 mm seat
The 2023 Hero XPulse 200 is a versatile entry-level adventure bike designed for riders seeking affordable expl…
#3932023 Royal Enfield Enfield Himalayan
2023 Royal Enfield Enfield Himalayan
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 24.3 hp · 194 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Enfield Himalayan is a lightweight adventure motorcycle designed for riders seeking affordable off-ro…
#3942023 Vespa GTS SuperSport 125
2023 Vespa GTS SuperSport 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 13.8 hp · 160 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa GTS SuperSport 125 is a stylish scooter ideal for urban commuters and riders seeking retro Ital…
#3952023 Piaggio Beverly S 400
2023 Piaggio Beverly S 400
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 34.9 hp · 195 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio Beverly S 400 is a mid-sized automatic scooter ideal for commuters and casual riders seeking …
#3962023 Keeway Versilia 125
2023 Keeway Versilia 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 7.6 hp · 107 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Keeway Versilia 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking affordable, rel…
#3972023 Beta Alp 200
2023 Beta Alp 200
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 17.9 hp · 108 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2023 Beta Alp 200 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and intermediate off-road riders seek…
#3982023 Yamaha Delight 125
2023 Yamaha Delight 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 8.3 hp · 101 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Delight 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking reliable, fuel-e…
#3992023 Husqvarna FE350S
2023 Husqvarna FE350S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 37.5 hp · 107 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Husqvarna FE 350s is a lightweight enduro bike designed for competitive off-road riders seeking agili…
#4002023 Aprilia SR GT 125
2023 Aprilia SR GT 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 14.8 hp · 115 kg · 799 mm seat
The 2023 Aprilia SR GT 125 is a stylish urban scooter designed for commuters and new riders seeking practical …
#4012023 Brixton Crossfire 500 X
2023 Brixton Crossfire 500 X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 46.9 hp · 190 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Brixton Crossfire 500 X is a sport-oriented middleweight powered by a 486cc liquid-cooled twin engine…
#4022023 Ather 450X
2023 Ather 450X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 8 hp · 108 kg · 780 mm seat
#4032023 Orcal NK01 125
2023 Orcal NK01 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 9.1 hp · 126 kg · 755 mm seat
The 2023 Orcal NK01 125 is a versatile all-rounder designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an af…
#4042023 Linhai Aeolus 260
2023 Linhai Aeolus 260
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 16.7 hp · 168 kg · 739 mm seat
The 2023 Linhai Aeolus 260 is a practical mid-sized scooter powered by a 257cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder e…
#4052023 TVS Apache RTR 180
2023 TVS Apache RTR 180
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 16.8 hp · 141 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 TVS Apache RTR 180 is a nimble naked bike designed for budget-conscious riders seeking daily commutin…
#4062023 Peugeot Tweet 125 Active
2023 Peugeot Tweet 125 Active
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 11.3 hp · 120 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Peugeot Tweet 125 Active is a practical scooter designed for urban commuters and casual riders seekin…
#4072023 Janus Halcyon 450
2023 Janus Halcyon 450
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 30 hp · 157 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2023 Janus Halcyon 450 is an all-around middleweight single-cylinder motorcycle powered by a 445cc SWM eng…
#4082023 Aprilia RS 125
2023 Aprilia RS 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 14.8 hp · 144 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 Aprilia RS 125 is an entry-level sport bike designed for novice and young riders seeking affordable p…