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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.

#4572023 Benelli 502 Cruiser
2023 Benelli 502 Cruiser
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 47.6 hp · 217 kg · 750 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli 502 Cruiser is a accessible mid-size cruiser powered by a 500cc liquid-cooled twin that deliv…
#4582023 Yamaha FreeGo 125
2023 Yamaha FreeGo 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 9.4 hp · 101 kg · 780 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Yamaha FreeGo 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for everyday urban riders seeking reliable…
#4592023 Janus Gryffin 250
2023 Janus Gryffin 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 14 hp · 121 kg · 838 mm seat
The 2023 Janus Gryffin 250 is a hand-built Indiana scrambler, not a Jawa 350. An air-cooled 229 cc OHV single …
#4602023 Hero Passion Xtec
2023 Hero Passion Xtec
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 9 hp · 117 kg · 799 mm seat
The 2023 Hero Passion Xtec is a lightweight 113cc sport commuter designed for budget-conscious riders seeking …
#4612023 Suzuki DR-Z400E Cape York
2023 Suzuki DR-Z400E Cape York
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 40 hp · 138 kg · 935 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki DR-Z400E Cape York is a versatile 398cc single-cylinder enduro bike designed for riders seekin…
#4622023 Shineray XY250Y-23
2023 Shineray XY250Y-23
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 15 hp · 125 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Shineray XY250Y-23 is a naked bike for riders who want straightforward, upright everyday riding. Its …
#4632023 Kawasaki Z125 Performance
2023 Kawasaki Z125 Performance
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 15 hp · 147 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki Z125 Performance is an entry-level naked bike designed for new riders and commuters seeking …
#4642023 Yamaha FZ-X
2023 Yamaha FZ-X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 12.4 hp · 139 kg · 810 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha FZ-X is a lightweight classic-styled commuter designed for new and budget-conscious riders see…
#4652023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Plus
2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Plus
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 119 hp · 223 kg · 820 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Plus is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking a balance of perfor…
#4662023 Lexmoto Apollo 125
2023 Lexmoto Apollo 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 8.7 hp · 146 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Lexmoto Apollo 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking affordable, fuel…
#4672023 Yamaha WR250F
2023 Yamaha WR250F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 38 hp · 115 kg · 955 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Yamaha WR250F is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for trail riders and off-road enthusiasts seeking ve…
#4682023 Bajaj Pulsar N250
2023 Bajaj Pulsar N250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 24.1 hp · 162 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar N250 is a lightweight naked bike ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an a…
#4692023 Benelli Leoncino 250
2023 Benelli Leoncino 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 25.5 hp · 162 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli Leoncino 250 is a lightweight super motard designed for beginner and intermediate riders seek…
#4702023 Keeway Vieste 300 XDV
2023 Keeway Vieste 300 XDV
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 24.8 hp · 159 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Keeway Vieste 300 XDV is a practical maxi-scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking co…
#4712023 Suzuki Gixxer
2023 Suzuki Gixxer
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 13.6 hp · 141 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki Gixxer is a lightweight naked bike perfectly suited for beginner and budget-conscious riders s…
#4722023 Honda Shine
2023 Honda Shine
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 10.6 hp · 121 kg · 791 mm seat
The 2023 Honda Shine is a versatile 123.9cc commuter motorcycle designed for everyday riders seeking reliable,…
#4732023 Vento Alpina 300
2023 Vento Alpina 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 28 hp · 150 kg · 810 mm seat
The 2023 Vento Alpina 300 is an all-around commuter and beginner-friendly motorcycle powered by a fuel-efficie…
#4742023 GAS GAS EC 250F
2023 GAS GAS EC 250F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 106 kg · 960 mm seat
The 2023 GAS GAS EC 250F is a lightweight enduro machine designed for technical off-road riding and competitio…
#4752023 Genuine Scooter G400C
2023 Genuine Scooter G400C
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 26.1 hp · 160 kg · 794 mm seat
The 2023 Genuine Scooter G400C is a practical allround commuter scooter designed for everyday riders seeking r…
#4762023 KTM 125 XC
2023 KTM 125 XC
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 15 hp · 89 kg · 850 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 125 XC is a lightweight enduro machine engineered for young riders and beginners seeking competit…
#4772023 KTM 250 EXC SixDays
2023 KTM 250 EXC SixDays
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 45 hp · 103 kg · 960 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 250 EXC Six Days is a lightweight enduro machine built for competitive off-road riders and seriou…
#4782023 Cleveland Misfit 2
2023 Cleveland Misfit 2
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 15.4 hp · 154 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Cleveland Misfit 2 is a versatile 229cc single-cylinder motorcycle designed for beginner and intermed…
#4792023 Husqvarna FE350
2023 Husqvarna FE350
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 45 hp · 107 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Husqvarna FE 350 is a lightweight enduro bike built for riders seeking agile off-road performance and…
#4802023 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
2023 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 47/100 · 50 hp · 106 kg · 960 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days is a premium enduro bike engineered for experienced off-road riders tackling c…