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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.

#1452023 Lifan KPV150
2023 Lifan KPV150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 12.3 hp · 143 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Lifan KPV150 is a practical 150cc scooter designed for urban commuters and budget-conscious riders se…
#1462023 TVS Raider 125
2023 TVS Raider 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 11.2 hp · 123 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 TVS Raider 125 is an all-around commuter bike designed for budget-conscious riders seeking reliable d…
#1472023 Soriano Giaguaro V1 Gara
2023 Soriano Giaguaro V1 Gara
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 80.5 hp · 820 mm seat
The 2023 Soriano Giaguaro V1 Gara is an Italian electric motorcycle with sporty styling. Its liquid-cooled ele…
#1482023 Genuine Scooter Rattler 200I
2023 Genuine Scooter Rattler 200I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 14.4 hp · 116 kg
The 2023 Genuine Scooter Rattler 200I is a rugged, sporty scooter from the American brand Genuine Scooter Comp…
#1492023 Honda Wave 125i
2023 Honda Wave 125i
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 9.1 hp · 106 kg · 758 mm seat
#1502023 CF Moto 450SS
2023 CF Moto 450SS
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 50 hp · 168 kg · 795 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 CF Moto 450SS is a middleweight sport bike designed for riders seeking accessible performance and agi…
#1512023 Benelli Leoncino 125
2023 Benelli Leoncino 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 12.6 hp · 145 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2023 Benelli Leoncino 125 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and novice riders seeking aff…
#1522023 Suzuki DR650SE
2023 Suzuki DR650SE
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 42 hp · 166 kg · 845 mm seat
#1532023 Yamaha Mio Sporty
2023 Yamaha Mio Sporty
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 7.6 hp · 94 kg · 745 mm seat
#1542023 Bajaj Pulsar 125
2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 11.6 hp · 142 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 is an entry-level sport motorcycle ideal for first-time buyers and daily commuters s…
#1552023 Xmotos XZ250R
2023 Xmotos XZ250R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 15.4 hp · 115 kg · 920 mm seat
The 2023 Xmotos XZ250R is an enduro bike for riders who want genuine off-road and trail performance. Its 243cc…
#1562023 Ural Gear-Up
2023 Ural Gear-Up
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 41 hp · 331 kg · 813 mm seat
The 2023 Ural Gear Up is a classic sidecar motorcycle designed for adventurous riders seeking unique, retro-st…
#1572023 Suzuki DR-Z400SM
2023 Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 40 hp · 146 kg · 890 mm seat
The 2023 Suzuki DR-Z400SM is a lightweight supermoto designed for riders seeking versatility between street an…
#1582023 Rieju Century
2023 Rieju Century
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 15 hp · 135 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Rieju Century is a retro-styled 125cc naked bike for learner riders who like classic looks. Its liqui…
#1592023 Yamaha Zuma 125
2023 Yamaha Zuma 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 9 hp · 128 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Zuma 125 is a sporty automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and recreational riders se…
#1602023 Rokon Hunter
2023 Rokon Hunter
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 7 hp · 99 kg · 813 mm seat
The 2023 Rokon Hunter is a lightweight enduro bike engineered for riders seeking simplicity and reliability in…
#1612023 KTM 250 EXC-F
2023 KTM 250 EXC-F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 38 hp · 103 kg · 960 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 250 EXC-F is a lightweight enduro machine designed for intermediate to experienced off-road rider…
#1622023 Piaggio 1
2023 Piaggio 1
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 1.6 hp · 85 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Piaggio 1 is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking zero-emission, low-cost city mo…
#1632023 Yamaha Vega Force
2023 Yamaha Vega Force
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 60/100 · 8.6 hp · 96 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Yamaha Vega Force is an affordable underbone for commuters who want frugal, practical step-through tr…
#1642023 Honda SH350I
2023 Honda SH350I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 59/100 · 29 hp · 172 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 Honda SH350i is a premium maxi-scooter designed for commuters and leisure riders seeking comfort, rel…
#1652023 Honda CB500F
2023 Honda CB500F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 59/100 · 46.9 hp · 192 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Honda CB500F is a lightweight naked bike perfectly suited for beginner to intermediate riders seeking…
#1662023 SYM Symphony 200
2023 SYM Symphony 200
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 59/100 · 12.1 hp · 124 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Sym Symphony 200 is an automatic scooter designed for practical, everyday commuting and urban riding.…
#1672023 Italika DM250X
2023 Italika DM250X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 59/100 · 16.2 hp · 123 kg · 870 mm seat
The 2023 Italika DM250X is a lightweight enduro motorcycle designed for budget-conscious riders seeking off-ro…
#1682023 Honda CB1000R
2023 Honda CB1000R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 59/100 · 143.5 hp · 213 kg · 830 mm seat · 2 ratings
The 2023 Honda CB1000R is a middleweight naked bike powered by a 998cc inline-four engine producing 143.5 hors…