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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.
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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.

#5052024 Cleveland Misfit 2
2024 Cleveland Misfit 2
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 39/100 · 15.4 hp · 154 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2024 Cleveland Misfit 2 is a lightweight 229cc all-rounder designed for beginner and novice riders seeking…
#5062024 Ather 450 Plus
2024 Ather 450 Plus
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 39/100 · 4.4 hp · 112 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2024 Ather 450 Plus is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking performance and technology…
#5072024 BSA Gold Star 650
2024 BSA Gold Star 650
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 39/100 · 45 hp · 213 kg · 782 mm seat
The 2024 BSA Gold Star 650 revives one of British motorcycling's most storied names as a modern retro roadster…
#5082024 Morbidelli MBP Morbidelli M502N
2024 Morbidelli MBP Morbidelli M502N
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 39/100 · 47 hp · 208 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Morbidelli M502N is a naked roadster powered by a 486cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing …
#5092024 Vespa Primavera Red 125
2024 Vespa Primavera Red 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 38/100 · 10.7 hp · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Vespa Primavera Red 125 is a stylish retro scooter ideal for urban commuters and leisure riders seeki…
#5102024 Rieju MR 200 Ranger
2024 Rieju MR 200 Ranger
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 38/100 · 105 kg · 903 mm seat
The 2024 Rieju MR 200 Ranger is a lightweight enduro machine designed for riders seeking affordable off-road p…
#5112024 Sur-Ron Light Bee X
2024 Sur-Ron Light Bee X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 38/100 · 59 kg · 830 mm seat
#5122024 Kawasaki Z125 Performance
2024 Kawasaki Z125 Performance
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 38/100 · 15 hp · 147 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2024 Kawasaki Z125 Performance is an entry-level naked bike ideal for new riders and urban commuters seeki…
#5132024 Talaria XXX
2024 Talaria XXX
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 38/100 · 8 hp · 50 kg · 800 mm seat
#5142024 E-Racer Bestial-E
2024 E-Racer Bestial-E
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 38/100 · 110 hp · 220 kg · 790 mm seat
E-Racer’s 2024 Bestial-E continues as a Zero SR-based special from Bologna: Z-Force 75-10 motor, 110 hp, 190 N…
#5152024 Cake Kalk INK
2024 Cake Kalk INK
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 38/100 · 15 hp · 82 kg · 899 mm seat
The 2024 Cake Kalk INK is a lightweight electric off-road motorcycle producing up to 15 hp and 280 Nm of wheel…
#5162024 Vespa Sprint S 150
2024 Vespa Sprint S 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 37/100 · 12.5 hp · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Vespa Sprint S 150 is an iconic lightweight scooter tailored for urban commuters and style-conscious …
#5172024 Kawasaki KLR 650 Traveller
2024 Kawasaki KLR 650 Traveller
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 37/100 · 40 hp · 214 kg · 871 mm seat
The 2024 Kawasaki KLR 650 Traveller is a versatile adventure-focused motorcycle powered by a liquid-cooled 652…
#5182024 Benelli Leoncino Trail
2024 Benelli Leoncino Trail
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 37/100 · 47.6 hp · 207 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2024 Benelli Leoncino Trail is a lightweight 500cc twin-cylinder enduro designed for adventure-focused rid…
#5192024 Yamaha R15S
2024 Yamaha R15S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 37/100 · 18.1 hp · 142 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2024 Yamaha R15S is a lightweight sport bike designed for entry-level riders and commuters seeking an affo…
#5202024 Kawasaki Z e-1
2024 Kawasaki Z e-1
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 37/100 · 12 hp · 135 kg · 785 mm seat
#5212024 Maeving RM1
2024 Maeving RM1
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 37/100 · 4 hp · 111 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2024 Maeving RM1 is an electric city bike for urban commuters who want vintage cruiser style without the n…
#5222024 Neco NC-N01
2024 Neco NC-N01
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 36/100 · 15 hp · 815 mm seat
Neco’s 2024 NC-N01 stays a full-size A1 roadster: 124.2 cc water-cooled four-valve single, EFI, ~15 hp, 6-spee…
#5232024 Vespa Sprint Racing Sixties 125
2024 Vespa Sprint Racing Sixties 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 36/100 · 11 hp · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Vespa Sprint Racing Sixties 125 is a lightweight retro scooter ideal for urban commuters and casual r…
#5242024 UM DSR 125 EX
2024 UM DSR 125 EX
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 36/100 · 14.8 hp · 124 kg · 910 mm seat
The 2024 UM DSR 125 EX is a lightweight enduro motorcycle ideal for beginner and novice off-road riders. Power…
#5252024 SWM RS500R
2024 SWM RS500R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 36/100 · 33.5 hp · 116 kg · 955 mm seat
The 2024 SWM RS500R is a lightweight enduro motorcycle ideal for trail riders and off-road enthusiasts seeking…
#5262024 Malaguti Madison 200 City
2024 Malaguti Madison 200 City
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 36/100 · 17.3 hp · 154 kg · 810 mm seat
The 2024 Malaguti Madison 200 City is a practical urban scooter designed for commuters seeking reliable daily …
#5272024 Vmoto Stash
2024 Vmoto Stash
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 35/100 · 12.1 hp · 153 kg
#5282024 KTM 300 XC-W
2024 KTM 300 XC-W
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 35/100 · 104 kg · 960 mm seat
The 2024 KTM 300 XC-W is a lightweight two-stroke enduro bike built for technical terrain and cross-country ri…