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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.

#252023 Italika 125Z
2023 Italika 125Z
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 10.8 hp · 111 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Italika 125Z is a commuter bike from Mexico's popular Italika urban line. Its 124cc four-stroke singl…
#262023 AJS Cadwell 125
2023 AJS Cadwell 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 9.8 hp · 113 kg · 740 mm seat
The 2023 AJS Cadwell 125 is a retro 125cc naked bike for learner riders who like classic café looks. Its air-c…
#272023 Yamaha Jupiter Z1
2023 Yamaha Jupiter Z1
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 70/100 · 9.9 hp · 101 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Jupiter Z1 is a practical 114cc underbone designed for urban commuters seeking reliable, fuel-…
#282023 SYM VF 125
2023 SYM VF 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 69/100 · 8.3 hp · 111 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 SYM VF 125 is a lightweight underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through transport…
#292023 Malaguti Dune 125 Adventure
2023 Malaguti Dune 125 Adventure
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 69/100 · 13.4 hp · 130 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Malaguti Dune 125 Adventure is an adventure-styled learner bike from the Italian brand Malaguti. Its …
#302023 AJS Tempest Roadster 125
2023 AJS Tempest Roadster 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 69/100 · 9.5 hp · 126 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 AJS Tempest Roadster 125 is a retro-styled learner bike sold in the UK. Its air-cooled 124cc single m…
#312023 SYM FNX 125
2023 SYM FNX 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 69/100 · 11.3 hp · 125 kg · 765 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Sym FNX 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking fuel-efficient, low-mai…
#322023 Honda Shadow Phantom
2023 Honda Shadow Phantom
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 69/100 · 44.2 hp · 249 kg · 655 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom is a classic cruiser designed for riders seeking timeless style and reliable per…
#332023 Keeway Kee 110
2023 Keeway Kee 110
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 69/100 · 6.9 hp · 103 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Keeway Kee 110 is a compact underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through transport…
#342023 Honda Shadow Aero
2023 Honda Shadow Aero
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 69/100 · 44.2 hp · 254 kg · 658 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Shadow Aero is a mid-sized cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliabi…
#352023 Italika Blackbird 250
2023 Italika Blackbird 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 69/100 · 19.4 hp · 136 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Italika Blackbird 250 is a sporty 250cc single-cylinder motorcycle designed for budget-conscious ride…
#362023 KTM 390 Adventure
2023 KTM 390 Adventure
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 42.9 hp · 165 kg · 830 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 KTM 390 Adventure is an entry-level adventure bike designed for beginner to intermediate riders seeki…
#372023 KTM 390 Duke
2023 KTM 390 Duke
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 42.9 hp · 150 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 390 Duke is a lightweight naked bike designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an agi…
#382023 TVS Sport
2023 TVS Sport
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 8.2 hp · 110 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 TVS Sport is an entry-level commuter motorcycle designed for budget-conscious riders seeking reliable…
#392023 Kollter Esum S Pro
2023 Kollter Esum S Pro
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 6.7 hp · 122 kg · 665 mm seat
The 2023 Kollter Esum S Pro is a dual-sport for riders who want one bike for roads and dirt tracks. It has a 6…
#402023 Piaggio 1 Plus
2023 Piaggio 1 Plus
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 1.6 hp · 90 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio 1 Plus is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking emission-free, low-mainten…
#412023 Honda XRM125 DS
2023 Honda XRM125 DS
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 9.6 hp · 102 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Honda XRM125 DS is a lightweight underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through tran…
#422023 Yamaha V-Star 250
2023 Yamaha V-Star 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 21 hp · 147 kg · 686 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha V Star 250 is an accessible cruiser designed for beginner and smaller-framed riders seeking cl…
#432023 KTM 250 Duke
2023 KTM 250 Duke
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 29.5 hp · 165 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 250 Duke is a lightweight naked bike for newer riders and city commuters. Its 248.8cc liquid-cool…
#442023 SYM Jet 14 125 LC
2023 SYM Jet 14 125 LC
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 135 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Jet 14 125 LC is a practical urban scooter designed for commuters and new riders seeking affordab…
#452023 SYM Joymax Z Plus 300
2023 SYM Joymax Z Plus 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 25.6 hp · 185 kg · 747 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Sym Joymax Z Plus 300 is a practical maxi-scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking co…
#462023 SYM Symphony 125
2023 SYM Symphony 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 11.3 hp · 123 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Symphony 125 is an entry-level scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeking afford…
#472023 Yamaha Mio M3 125
2023 Yamaha Mio M3 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 9.4 hp · 92 kg · 750 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Mio M3 125 is a practical 125cc scooter designed for daily commuters seeking reliable, fuel-ef…
#482023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 46.8 hp · 217 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 Enfield Interceptor 650 is a retro-styled middleweight twin designed for riders seeking classic aesth…