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Best Beginner Motorcycles - Beginner Friendly (US) (2027)

106 motorcycles in 2027
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 - 2027 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.

#12027 Kawasaki Ninja 500
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 73/100 · 44.8 hp · 171 kg · 785 mm seat
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 carries into the 2027 model year. It's powered by a engine displacing 451cc, through a …
#22027 Yamasaki EX007 150
2027 Yamasaki EX007 150
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 72/100 · 11.5 hp · 95 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2027 Yamasaki EX007 150 is a big-wheel 150cc scooter for urban commuters. It makes 11.5 hp at 7,500 rpm, w…
#32027 Genuine Scooter Buddy 170I
2027 Genuine Scooter Buddy 170I
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 71/100 · 14.4 hp · 110 kg · 749 mm seat
The 2027 Genuine Scooter Buddy 170I is a retro-styled city scooter built for commuters and new riders who want…
#42027 Kawasaki Ninja 400
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 400
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 71/100 · 46.9 hp · 167 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a lightweight sportbike for newer riders and anyone wanting an easy, nimble roa…
#52027 Bultaco Rally GT 300
2027 Bultaco Rally GT 300
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 28 hp · 150 kg · 883 mm seat
The 2027 Bultaco Rally GT 300 is an adventure bike for riders who want long-distance comfort with light off-ro…
#62027 Triumph Scrambler 400X
2027 Triumph Scrambler 400X
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 39.5 hp · 179 kg · 835 mm seat
The Triumph Scrambler 400X continues as the off-road-styled entry point into Triumph's 400 range for 2027, pow…
#72027 Kawasaki Meguro S1
2027 Kawasaki Meguro S1
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 143 kg · 740 mm seat
The Kawasaki Meguro S1 continues into 2027 as the brand's modern-retro cruiser, reviving the historic Meguro n…
#82027 Kawasaki Z400
2027 Kawasaki Z400
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 45 hp · 165 kg · 785 mm seat
The 2027 Kawasaki Z400 is a light, upright naked bike for newer riders and commuters who want an easy-going tw…
#92027 KTM 300 EXC SixDays
2027 KTM 300 EXC SixDays
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 50 hp · 104 kg · 963 mm seat
The 2027 KTM 300 EXC Six Days is a lightweight two-stroke enduro machine engineered for competitive off-road r…
#102027 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
2027 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 50 hp · 108 kg · 963 mm seat
The 2027 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days is a premium enduro machine built for competitive off-road riders seeking exce…
#112027 Triumph Bonneville T40 Black
2027 Triumph Bonneville T40 Black
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 66/100 · 30 hp · 191 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2027 Triumph Bonneville T40 Black is a lightweight retro roadster for newer riders who want classic Bonnev…
#122027 Kawasaki W230
2027 Kawasaki W230
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 65/100 · 17.8 hp · 143 kg · 745 mm seat
The Kawasaki W230 continues for 2027 as the brand's smallest classic-styled roadster, powered by an air-cooled…
#132027 KTM 300 EXC Hardenduro
2027 KTM 300 EXC Hardenduro
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 65/100 · 50 hp · 104 kg · 963 mm seat
The 2027 KTM 300 EXC Hardenduro is a lightweight two-stroke enduro machine designed for technically proficient…
#142027 Triumph Bonneville T40
2027 Triumph Bonneville T40
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 65/100 · 30 hp · 191 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2027 Triumph Bonneville T40 is a lightweight retro roadster for newer riders who want classic Bonneville s…
#152027 Kawasaki KLX 140R
2027 Kawasaki KLX 140R
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 14.1 hp · 93 kg · 780 mm seat
The 2027 Kawasaki KLX 140R is a lightweight enduro motorcycle designed for beginner to intermediate off-road r…
#162027 KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days
2027 KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 45 hp · 107 kg · 963 mm seat
The 2027 KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days is a lightweight enduro machine built for serious off-road competitors and tec…
#172027 Kawasaki Z250
2027 Kawasaki Z250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 64/100 · 34.9 hp · 164 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2027 Kawasaki Z250 is a compact naked bike for new riders and city commuters who want a light, upright mac…
#182027 KTM 300 EXC
2027 KTM 300 EXC
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 50 hp · 105 kg · 963 mm seat
The KTM 300 EXC carries into 2027 as KTM's flagship two-stroke enduro machine, powered by a 293.2cc single-cyl…
#192027 Kawasaki Z500 SE
2027 Kawasaki Z500 SE
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 44.8 hp · 168 kg · 785 mm seat
The Kawasaki Z500 SE carries into the 2027 model year as a Naked bike. ERGO-FIT®, LCD Instrumentation with Sma…
#202027 Zero SR-F
2027 Zero SR-F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 46.9 hp · 227 kg · 787 mm seat
The 2027 Zero SR-F is an electric naked bike designed for riders seeking thrilling performance without emissio…
#212027 Kawasaki Ninja 250
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 250
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 34.9 hp · 166 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 250 is an entry-level faired sportbike for the Japanese market, aimed at new riders wh…
#222027 Yamasaki PG-1 125
2027 Yamasaki PG-1 125
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 63/100 · 10.1 hp · 110 kg · 795 mm seat
The 2027 Yamasaki PG-1 125 is a small trail-style 125 for city riders who like rugged looks. It makes 10.1 hp …
#232027 KTM 450 EXC-F
2027 KTM 450 EXC-F
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 62/100 · 50 hp · 107 kg · 963 mm seat
The KTM 450 EXC-F continues for 2027 as KTM's flagship four-stroke enduro racer, powered by a 449.9cc single-c…
#242027 Piaggio Bv 400 S
2027 Piaggio Bv 400 S
Popular beginner choice (US)
Score 62/100 · 32.7 hp · 195 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2027 Piaggio BV 400 S is a big-wheel touring scooter built for commuters who also want to stretch their le…