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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.

#732023 Rieju Aventura 125
2023 Rieju Aventura 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 65/100 · 14.8 hp · 138 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju Aventura 125 is a nimble 125cc enduro bike designed for novice and budget-conscious off-road ri…
#742023 Longjia Nevada 250I
2023 Longjia Nevada 250I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 65/100 · 18.1 hp · 173 kg · 720 mm seat
The 2023 Longjia Nevada 250I is a cruiser for riders who want laid-back style and a low, relaxed seat. Its 249…
#752023 Honda CMX500 Rebel
2023 Honda CMX500 Rebel
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 65/100 · 45.6 hp · 191 kg · 690 mm seat
The 2023 Honda CMX500 Rebel is a lightweight cruiser designed for new and experienced riders seeking accessibl…
#762023 Honda Supra GTR150
2023 Honda Supra GTR150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 65/100 · 15.4 hp · 121 kg · 786 mm seat · 3 ratings
The 2023 Honda Supra GTR150 is an underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through transport. I…
#772023 TVS Ntorq 125
2023 TVS Ntorq 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 9.3 hp · 118 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 TVS NTorq 125 is a stylish automatic scooter designed for urban commuters seeking practicality and ag…
#782023 SYM Joymax Z Plus 250
2023 SYM Joymax Z Plus 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 21.7 hp · 185 kg · 747 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Joymax Z Plus 250 is a practical maxi-scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking co…
#792023 SYM Cruisym Alpha 300
2023 SYM Cruisym Alpha 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 25.6 hp · 194 kg · 750 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Sym Cruisym Alpha 300 is a practical automatic scooter designed for everyday urban commuters seeking …
#802023 Haojue DR 300
2023 Haojue DR 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 28.8 hp · 177 kg · 785 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Haojue DR 300 is a lightweight naked bike powered by a 298cc twin-cylinder engine producing 28.8 hors…
#812023 Italika VORT-X300R
2023 Italika VORT-X300R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 26.9 hp · 140 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Italika VORT-X300R is a lightweight naked bike designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking …
#822023 KTM Freeride E
2023 KTM Freeride E
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 12.1 hp · 111 kg · 910 mm seat
The 2023 KTM Freeride E is an electric enduro bike for quiet off-road riding and trail parks. Its electric mot…
#832023 Yamaha Fazzio 125
2023 Yamaha Fazzio 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 8.2 hp · 95 kg · 750 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Fazzio 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for budget-conscious urban riders seeking …
#842023 Suzuki Smash 115
2023 Suzuki Smash 115
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 8.6 hp · 99 kg · 765 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Suzuki Smash 115 is a practical entry-level scooter designed for first-time riders and daily commuter…
#852023 Bajaj Dominar 250
2023 Bajaj Dominar 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 26.6 hp · 180 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Dominar 250 is an Indian-built sports tourer offering highway comfort at a modest price. Its li…
#862023 Beta Alp 4.0
2023 Beta Alp 4.0
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 28.4 hp · 133 kg · 863 mm seat
The 2023 Beta Alp 4.0 is a light Italian dual-sport built for trails and road riding. Its air-cooled 349cc fou…
#872023 Yamaha XT250
2023 Yamaha XT250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 21 hp · 132 kg · 810 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha XT250 is a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle designed for beginner and intermediate riders see…
#882023 Bajaj Avenger 160 Street
2023 Bajaj Avenger 160 Street
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 14.8 hp · 156 kg · 737 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Avenger 160 Street is a budget-friendly cruiser designed for riders seeking a relaxed riding po…
#892023 Kikker 5150 Hardknock
2023 Kikker 5150 Hardknock
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 24 hp · 100 kg · 635 mm seat
The 2023 Kikker 5150 Hardknock is a classic cruiser built for riders seeking vintage style with modern reliabi…
#902023 BMW G 310 R
2023 BMW G 310 R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 34 hp · 164 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 BMW G 310 R is an entry-level naked bike designed for new riders and urban commuters seeking nimble h…
#912023 California Scooter SG250 Cafe Racer
2023 California Scooter SG250 Cafe Racer
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 16.1 hp · 124 kg · 660 mm seat
The 2023 California Scooter SG250 Cafe Racer is a nimble 230cc retro-styled motorcycle ideal for urban commute…
#922023 Malaguti Madison 125
2023 Malaguti Madison 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 12.1 hp · 153 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Malaguti Madison 125 is a practical 125cc scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeking…
#932023 Kawasaki Z400
2023 Kawasaki Z400
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 45 hp · 165 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2023 Kawasaki Z400 is an accessible naked bike designed for novice and intermediate riders seeking an agil…
#942023 Yamaha MT-03
2023 Yamaha MT-03
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 42 hp · 169 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha MT-03 is a lightweight naked bike powered by a 321cc parallel-twin engine delivering 42 horsep…
#952023 Yamaha Nmax 155
2023 Yamaha Nmax 155
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 12.1 hp · 127 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha NMAX 155 is a practical urban scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking reliabl…
#962023 Royal Alloy GP 300 S LC
2023 Royal Alloy GP 300 S LC
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 24.1 hp · 152 kg · 770 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Royal Alloy GP 300 S LC is a practical 278cc automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and rider…