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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.

#3132024 Malaguti Dune 125X Black Edition
2024 Malaguti Dune 125X Black Edition
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 13.4 hp · 136 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2024 Malaguti Dune 125X Black Edition is a lightweight enduro motorcycle ideal for novice and intermediate…
#3142024 Kawasaki KLX230S
2024 Kawasaki KLX230S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 20.3 hp · 134 kg · 831 mm seat
The 2024 Kawasaki KLX 230S is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and intermediate off-road riders…
#3152024 Fantic Caballero DeLuxe 500
2024 Fantic Caballero DeLuxe 500
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 40 hp · 150 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2024 Fantic Caballero Deluxe 500 is a lightweight enduro machine built for adventure-seeking riders who va…
#3162024 Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500
2024 Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 40 hp · 150 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2024 Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500 is a light, stylish Italian scrambler that suits riders wanting retro …
#3172024 KTM 350 XC-F
2024 KTM 350 XC-F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 50/100 · 45 hp · 108 kg · 954 mm seat
The 2024 KTM 350 XC-F is a lightweight enduro machine designed for cross-country and off-road riders seeking a…
#3182024 Vespa Primavera Touring 150
2024 Vespa Primavera Touring 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 12.5 hp · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Vespa Primavera Touring 150 is a stylish automatic scooter ideal for urban commuters and leisure ride…
#3192024 Rieju MRT 50 SM Trophy
2024 Rieju MRT 50 SM Trophy
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 5.4 hp · 85 kg · 870 mm seat
The 2024 Rieju MRT 50 SM Trophy is a lightweight Spanish-made streetfighter ideal for novice riders and urban …
#3202024 Yamaha YZF-R125
2024 Yamaha YZF-R125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 14.8 hp · 144 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2024 Yamaha R125 is an entry-level sport bike designed for new and young riders seeking an affordable, nim…
#3212024 Vespa GTS SuperTech 300
2024 Vespa GTS SuperTech 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 23.8 hp · 158 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Vespa GTS SuperTech 300 is a premium urban scooter designed for riders seeking style and reliable per…
#3222024 GAS GAS EX 250F
2024 GAS GAS EX 250F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 104 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2024 GAS GAS EX 250F is a lightweight enduro motorcycle designed for adventure-seeking riders tackling cha…
#3232024 Hunter Cruiser 250
2024 Hunter Cruiser 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 20.1 hp · 160 kg · 700 mm seat
The 2024 Hunter Cruiser 250 is an accessible 234cc twin-cylinder cruiser designed for riders seeking a managea…
#3242024 Kawasaki KLX 230 SE
2024 Kawasaki KLX 230 SE
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 20.3 hp · 132 kg · 884 mm seat
The 2024 Kawasaki KLX 230 SE is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner and intermediate riders seekin…
#3252024 Zontes 368M
2024 Zontes 368M
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 39 hp · 175 kg · 760 mm seat
#3262024 Zontes 368D
2024 Zontes 368D
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 49/100 · 39 hp · 175 kg · 760 mm seat
#3272024 Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure
2024 Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 40 hp · 221 kg · 871 mm seat
The 2024 Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure is a dual-sport workhorse designed for riders seeking reliable, capable ad…
#3282024 Brixton Crossfire 125
2024 Brixton Crossfire 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 13.4 hp · 149 kg · 810 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2024 Brixton Crossfire 125 is a lightweight enduro motorcycle designed for new and budget-conscious riders…
#3292024 Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail
2024 Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 47.6 hp · 207 kg · 835 mm seat
The 2024 Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail is a retro-styled middleweight that appeals to riders seeking classic aest…
#3302024 Vespa Elettrica Red 25 Kmh
2024 Vespa Elettrica Red 25 Kmh
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 4.4 hp · 130 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Vespa Elettrica Red 25 kmh is an electric scooter ideal for urban commuters and riders seeking eco-fr…
#3312024 Aprilia Tuono 125
2024 Aprilia Tuono 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 15 hp · 144 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2024 Aprilia Tuono 125 is a lightweight sport bike designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking a…
#3322024 Honda CRF300L
2024 Honda CRF300L
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 27 hp · 139 kg · 881 mm seat
The 2024 Honda CRF300L is an accessible dual-sport designed for novice and intermediate riders seeking an affo…
#3332024 Yamaha YZF-R15M
2024 Yamaha YZF-R15M
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 18.1 hp · 142 kg · 815 mm seat
The 2024 Yamaha R15M is a lightweight 155cc sport motorcycle designed for beginner and intermediate riders see…
#3342024 Bajaj Pulsar N160
2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 15.8 hp · 152 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 is a versatile 165cc commuter motorcycle designed for everyday riders seeking relia…
#3352024 Kawasaki KLX150BF
2024 Kawasaki KLX150BF
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 15.2 hp · 118 kg · 870 mm seat
The 2024 Kawasaki KLX150BF is a lightweight enduro designed for beginner and intermediate off-road riders seek…
#3362024 Vespa GTS 125
2024 Vespa GTS 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 48/100 · 14 hp · 160 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2024 Vespa GTS 125 is a classic Italian-styled scooter designed for urban commuters wanting timeless desig…