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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.

#4572024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 250
2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 42/100 · 30 hp · 164 kg · 820 mm seat
#4582024 Rieju MR 300 Ranger
2024 Rieju MR 300 Ranger
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 105 kg · 925 mm seat
The 2024 Rieju MR 300 Ranger is a lightweight two-stroke enduro designed for riders seeking affordable off-roa…
#4592024 Vespa Sei Giorni 300 II
2024 Vespa Sei Giorni 300 II
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 23.8 hp · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Vespa Sei Giorni 300 II is a stylish automatic scooter powered by a 278cc liquid-cooled engine produc…
#4602024 Herald Brat 125
2024 Herald Brat 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 14 hp · 147 kg · 820 mm seat
The Herald Brat 125 is a lightweight British retro-styled commuter designed for new riders and urban enthusias…
#4612024 Benelli TRK 502X
2024 Benelli TRK 502X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 47.6 hp · 235 kg · 860 mm seat
The 2024 Benelli TRK 502X is a versatile middleweight adventure tourer designed for riders seeking accessible …
#4622024 Yamaha X-MAX 125
2024 Yamaha X-MAX 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 14.1 hp · 175 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2024 Yamaha XMAX 125 is a practical maxi-scooter designed for commuters and urban riders seeking fuel-effi…
#4632024 Macbor Montana XR5 500
2024 Macbor Montana XR5 500
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 46.9 hp · 178 kg · 840 mm seat
The 2024 Macbor Montana XR5 500 is a lightweight super motard designed for riders seeking versatile urban and …
#4642024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Plus
2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Plus
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 119 hp · 223 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Plus is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking a balance of perfor…
#4652024 Herald Cafe 125
2024 Herald Cafe 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 10 hp · 126 kg · 835 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2024 Herald Cafe 125 is an accessible retro-styled commuter suited for beginner and budget-conscious rider…
#4662024 Kawasaki KLX300
2024 Kawasaki KLX300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 33 hp · 137 kg · 894 mm seat
The 2024 Kawasaki KLX300 is a lightweight enduro designed for beginner to intermediate off-road riders seeking…
#4672024 AJP SPR 240X Enduro
2024 AJP SPR 240X Enduro
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 20 hp · 108 kg · 920 mm seat
The 2024 AJP SPR 240X Enduro is a lightweight, approachable offroad machine designed for riders seeking advent…
#4682024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
2024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 50 hp · 108 kg · 963 mm seat
The 2024 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days is a competition-focused enduro bike engineered for serious off-road riders ta…
#4692024 Aprilia Storm 125
2024 Aprilia Storm 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 9.8 hp · 115 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2024 Aprilia Storm 125 is a practical commuter scooter designed for urban riders seeking reliable daily tr…
#4702024 KTM 300 EXC Erzbergrodeo
2024 KTM 300 EXC Erzbergrodeo
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 50 hp · 104 kg · 963 mm seat
The 2024 KTM 300 EXC Erzbergrodeo is a lightweight 293cc two-stroke enduro machine built for experienced off-r…
#4712024 Macbor Rockster 125
2024 Macbor Rockster 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 41/100 · 10.5 hp · 130 kg · 730 mm seat
The 2024 Macbor Rockster 125 is a lightweight custom cruiser designed for beginner and cost-conscious riders s…
#4722024 KTM 300 XC
2024 KTM 300 XC
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 104 kg · 954 mm seat
The 2024 KTM 300 XC is a lightweight two-stroke enduro bike designed for competitive off-road riders and trail…
#4732024 Sherco 300 SE Factory
2024 Sherco 300 SE Factory
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 102 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2024 Sherco 300 SE Factory is a competitive two-stroke enduro machine built for serious off-road riders se…
#4742024 Herald Maverick 250
2024 Herald Maverick 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 24 hp · 148 kg · 885 mm seat
The 2024 Herald Maverick 250 is a lightweight enduro designed for beginner and intermediate off-road riders se…
#4752024 Husqvarna TE150
2024 Husqvarna TE150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 11.5 hp · 100 kg · 952 mm seat
The 2024 Husqvarna TE 150 is a lightweight enduro bike ideal for beginner to intermediate riders seeking an ac…
#4762024 UM DSR 125 SM
2024 UM DSR 125 SM
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 14.8 hp · 124 kg · 865 mm seat
The 2024 UM DSR 125 SM is a nimble supermotard designed for agile urban riders and track enthusiasts seeking a…
#4772024 Yamaha Niken GT
2024 Yamaha Niken GT
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 114 hp · 270 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2024 Yamaha Niken GT is a sport-touring leaning trike that suits riders seeking stability and confidence i…
#4782024 Aprilia SR GT Sport 125
2024 Aprilia SR GT Sport 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 14.8 hp · 144 kg · 799 mm seat
The 2024 Aprilia SR GT Sport 125 is a lightweight scooter designed for urban commuters and new riders seeking …
#4792024 Keeway Vieste 300 XDV
2024 Keeway Vieste 300 XDV
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 24.8 hp · 159 kg · 800 mm seat
The 2024 Keeway Vieste 300 XDV is a practical maxi-scooter designed for commuters and casual riders seeking co…
#4802024 Macbor Eight Mile 500 Scrambler
2024 Macbor Eight Mile 500 Scrambler
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 40/100 · 46.9 hp · 195 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2024 Macbor Eight Mile 500 Scrambler is a versatile middleweight scrambler powered by a 471cc twin-cylinde…