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Best Beginner Motorcycles - Beginner Friendly (US) (2024)

577 motorcycles in 2024
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 - 2024 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.

#252024 KTM 390 Adventure
2024 KTM 390 Adventure
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 42.9 hp · 165 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2024 KTM 390 Adventure is an entry-level adventure motorcycle designed for riders seeking affordable off-r…
#262024 Honda ADV150
2024 Honda ADV150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 14.6 hp · 133 kg · 795 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2024 Honda ADV150 is a sporty adventure-styled scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking fu…
#272024 Lambretta V125 Special
2024 Lambretta V125 Special
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 11.3 hp · 86 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2024 Lambretta V125 Special is a lightweight scooter ideal for urban commuters and riders seeking retro st…
#282024 KTM RC 390
2024 KTM RC 390
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 44 hp · 155 kg · 824 mm seat
The 2024 KTM RC 390 is a lightweight sport bike perfect for beginner and intermediate riders seeking affordabl…
#292024 Daelim Daystar 125
2024 Daelim Daystar 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 12.7 hp · 154 kg · 720 mm seat
The 2024 Daelim Daystar 125 is a small Korean cruiser aimed at learner riders. Its oil- and air-cooled 124.1cc…
#302024 Benelli 502C
2024 Benelli 502C
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 47.6 hp · 217 kg · 750 mm seat
The 2024 Benelli 502C is a mid-size power cruiser from the Italian brand Benelli. Its liquid-cooled 500cc para…
#312024 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125
2024 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 9.5 hp · 104 kg · 762 mm seat
The 2024 Genuine Scooter Buddy 125 is a retro-styled city scooter from the American brand Genuine Scooter Comp…
#322024 Kawasaki KLX 140R
2024 Kawasaki KLX 140R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 14.1 hp · 95 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2024 Kawasaki KLX 140R is a lightweight enduro bike designed for young riders and beginners seeking an acc…
#332024 Honda PCX160
2024 Honda PCX160
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 68/100 · 15.8 hp · 131 kg · 764 mm seat
#342024 Rieju Tango 125I
2024 Rieju Tango 125I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 15 hp · 109 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2024 Rieju Tango 125i is a retro scrambler from the Spanish brand Rieju, aimed at learners on a 125 licenc…
#352024 Piaggio Medley 150
2024 Piaggio Medley 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 14.7 hp · 136 kg · 799 mm seat
The 2024 Piaggio Medley 150 is a practical, easy-going urban scooter aimed at commuters who want comfort and c…
#362024 Honda Shine
2024 Honda Shine
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 10.6 hp · 113 kg · 791 mm seat
The 2024 Honda Shine is one of India's best-selling commuter motorcycles, known for economy and reliability. I…
#372024 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250
2024 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 12.8 hp · 166 kg · 680 mm seat
The 2024 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250 is a budget V-twin cruiser sold in South America by Keeway, the export br…
#382024 Kollter Esum S Pro
2024 Kollter Esum S Pro
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 6.7 hp · 122 kg · 665 mm seat
The 2024 Kollter Esum S Pro is a dual-sport for riders who want one bike for roads and dirt tracks. It has a 6…
#392024 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
2024 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 18.7 hp · 163 kg · 737 mm seat
The 2024 Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise is a budget-friendly custom cruiser designed for riders seeking relaxed, lai…
#402024 Cleveland Ace Scrambler
2024 Cleveland Ace Scrambler
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 16.9 hp · 130 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Cleveland Ace Scrambler is a lightweight 249cc classic scrambler ideal for beginner and intermediate …
#412024 Honda Rebel 300 ABS
2024 Honda Rebel 300 ABS
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2024 Honda Rebel 300 ABS is an approachable cruiser designed for new and smaller-framed riders seeking man…
#422024 Honda Rebel 300
2024 Honda Rebel 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 27 hp · 165 kg · 691 mm seat
The 2024 Honda Rebel 300 is an accessible cruiser designed for new and smaller riders seeking an approachable …
#432024 Honda CMX500 Rebel
2024 Honda CMX500 Rebel
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 67/100 · 45.6 hp · 191 kg · 690 mm seat
The 2024 Honda CMX500 Rebel is a middleweight cruiser designed for new and returning riders seeking accessible…
#442024 Suzuki Smash 115
2024 Suzuki Smash 115
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 8.6 hp · 99 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2024 Suzuki Smash 115 is an affordable, lightweight scooter designed for budget-conscious commuters and fi…
#452024 SYM Jet 14 125 LC
2024 SYM Jet 14 125 LC
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 135 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2024 Sym Jet 14 125 LC is a practical commuter scooter ideal for urban riders seeking reliable daily trans…
#462024 Aprilia RS 125
2024 Aprilia RS 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 14.8 hp · 144 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2024 Aprilia RS 125 is an entry-level sport bike built for A1/learner-license riders wanting genuine sport…
#472024 KTM 250 Duke
2024 KTM 250 Duke
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 30.8 hp · 165 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2024 KTM 250 Duke is a lightweight naked bike for newer riders and A2 licence holders. Its liquid-cooled 2…
#482024 KTM 390 Adventure SW
2024 KTM 390 Adventure SW
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 43 hp · 161 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2024 KTM 390 Adventure SW is a lightweight single-cylinder enduro bike designed for beginner to intermedia…