Biker Education

Beginner Motorcycles

Summary: Information on price and features of multiple beginner motorcycles from each of the three categories of sport bike, cruiser, and scooter.

Top 4 starter motorcycles from each category of the sport bike and the cruiser, and the top 3 for the scooter. The assumptions I used to cast my opinions are based on the rider being of average height and build, using the motorcycle mostly around city streets and suburbs, but also with highway use. If there is no highway use at all, my recommendations/opinions would change to a smaller cc engine, closer to the 250-500cc size. If you're a bigger guy or gal, my recommendations would be between the 500cc and the 750cc engines. There is no perfect answer here. It all depends on what you're comfortable with and how you feel on the bike. My main concern for the new riders out there is do not get something that is too powerful for you to learn to ride. Learning to ride takes time, concentration, confidence, etc. A smaller bike is easier to handle and is less expensive if you are new and if you potentially drop the bike.

My first bike was a Honda Shadow Aero 750cc. I'm 5'10" and 230lbs, so I felt more comfortable on a slightly bigger bike. My first 3 rides where on suburban streets, back-roads, and some city streets in traffic. Once I got those under my belt, I did a few miles on the highway to get the feel. Take your time as I did and you'll enjoy it more. Again, get something that feels comfortable. You can always trade up to a bigger bike after you have many hours/miles under your belt. Most people I know traded up to a bigger bike after 1 to 2 riding seasons on their starter.

Once you figure out what type of motorcycle you want or need, click on our Buying A Motorcycle page to review the various steps you should take to begin motorcycling.

4 great beginner SPORTBIKES

- Suzuki GS500F - with a MSRP of $5,899, the GS500F is designed for light and agile handling – the kind that lets you enjoy true sport riding on a twisty road. The motor and suspension package inspires confidence in beginning riders. It works as well for your daily commute as it does on the weekends. The GS500F sports a 487cc 6-speed engine, and weighs in at 439lbs.

- Kawasaki Ninja 500R - reasonably priced new at $5,499 MSRP, has the performance needed if you take it on the highway, but is not overpowering for new riders. The Ninja 500R sports a 498cc 6-speed engine, and weighs about 434lbs. A sensible sportbike, the 500R is ready to rip, yet remains friendly enough for beginners to feel confident in its manners.

- Buell Blast - great starting price new at $4,795 MSRP, has a 492cc 5-speed engine, weighs 360lbs. The Buell Blast is a machine that represents everything there is to love about sport riding, and is very friendly to the beginner motorcycle rider.

- Honda CBR600 - great starting sportbike with a new price starting at $10,499 MSRP. The bike features a a 599cc 6-speed engine, weighs 410lbs. The Honda CBR600RR is a machine that in 2009 is first in it's class to offer Anti-locking brakes (ABS) on a sport bike. I know the price is a little high compared to the other bikes here, but this may wind up being the only bike you'll ever need.

 

4 great beginner CRUISERS

- Kawasaki Vulcan 500 - starting new at $5,499 MSRP. The Vulcan 500 is a great starting cruiser for the price, has a 498cc 5-speed engine and weighs 472lbs. The Vulcan® 500 is Kawasaki's answer to motorcyclists yearning to ride the cruiser lifestyle. A low seat height, friendly power delivery and affordable purchase price make it an excellent entry level motorcycle and an easy platform on which to develop those all-important riding skills.

- Suzuki Boulevard S40 - new price starting at $4,899 MSRP. The Suzuki S40 has a 652cc 5-speed engine and weighs 381lbs. This entry cruiser is designed for lightweight handling and a fun, confidence-inspiring ride, whether you’re running around town or cruising along a two-lane back road.

- Yamaha VStar - starting new at $6,290 MSRP. The VStar is a good starting bike with a 649cc 5-speed engine and weighs 513lbs. This cruiser is a lean, low bike with enough power to get you on the highway but not too much for the beginning rider.

- Honda Shadow- Shadow Spirit or Aero beginning new at $7,699 MSRP. Both come with a 745cc liquid cooled VTwin engin. The Spirit showcases the styling of a sport cruiser, while the Aero has the retro styling with the big fenders. Both of these bikes will not dissapoint, have great looks, and offer enough power to ride the back roads or the highways.

 

3 great SCOOTERS

If you're looking for something to get you from point A to B in the city or around town or across town, here are three great performing scooters at a very affordable price. And don't forget the savings you'll see at the gas pump. The models below typically get over 70mpg.

- Honda SH150i - MSRP at $4,499. This scooter sports a gas-sipping 153cc engine, has an automatic transmission, is only about 300 lbs

- Yamaha Zooma 125 - MSRP at a measly $2,999. The Zooma 125 has a 125cc engine and automatic transmission. Great scooter for around town or the city commuter.

- Vespa LX150 - with a MSRP of $4,399, the LX150 has a 150cc engine and automatic transmission, with a max speed around 59mph.

You can check out the full lineup of all motorcycles by clicking on the following links for Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Buell, Harley-Davidson.