So you’re a new rider looking to buy your first motorcycle? It’s exciting – and a bit overwhelming. I bought my first bike as an older rider at the age of 54 with no riding experience, and now, 2 years later, I’m on my second motorcycle. In the end there is not ‘best beginner motorcycle’ just the best bike for you. Here are some things to think through as you look for your first motorcycle as a beginner rider.
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What kind of motorcycle rider do you want to be?
Before you start researching bikes, take a moment to think bigger: What kind of riding do you want to do, and what kind of rider do you want to be?
Are you picturing yourself:
- Taking short rides around town?
- Cruising long distances on the highway?
- Exploring dirt roads and forest trails?
- Commuting to work on two wheels?
- Packing up for moto camping weekends?
These questions help narrow down the type of motorcycle that fits your lifestyle. But there’s another layer, too – your style as a rider.
Some riders love the loud-and-proud rally scene. Others are looking for performance and speed. Some chase dirt trails, while others chase sunrises in the rear view mirror. There’s a whole motorcycle culture out there, and there’s space for everyone.
You don’t need to fit into any box. You might be drawn to minimalist cafe racers, rugged adventure bikes, classic cruisers, or quiet backroad explorers. Your first motorcycle is a chance to start building that identity.
What kind of riding inspires you? What makes you want to get out there? That’s the direction you want to follow.
Related: Learning to ride a motorcycle as an older woman
Choosing a beginner motorcycle
While you figure out what kind of rider you want to be, you also have to keep in mind that as a beginner rider, you may have some limitations – I certainly did. I was interested in motorcycle travel with the ability to take dirt and gravel roads and go moto camping. I gravitated toward adventure bikes, but they are tall and heavy – and I didn’t have the skill level to manage either of those things.
That’s how I ended up with a so-called naked bike – a 2015 KTM 390 Duke that had already been lowered. If you’re not familiar with the term, a naked bike is basically a standard street bike with minimal bodywork or wind protection. It’s light, nimble, and fun to ride.
And for me, it was the perfect beginner motorcycle. Here’s why:
- It was low enough for me to flatfoot, which was VERY helpful as a new rider
- It was lightweight, so I could pick it up if I dropped it
- It was easy to handle at low speeds – very important when you’re learning to ride
- It had enough power for highway speeds
- It was just plain fun to ride!
Even though it wasn’t an adventure bike, it was a solid stepping stone to help me build skills without being intimidating.
Why I moved on from my beginner motorcycle
After two seasons with the KTM, I started to notice its limits. There wasn’t anything wrong with the bike, but as my skills were grew, there was more I wanted to do. It was comfortable on long rides (the engine is a single cylinder, often referred to as a ‘thumper’), and I wanted something that could handle wind better.
I have no regrets about choosing the KTM as my first motorcycle – it helped me learn and gave me confidence. But now I was ready to go farther and faster, and I started looking for something new.
When it was time for my second bike, I had a much better sense of what I wanted. I still wasn’t looking to ride a monster, but I did want:
- A little more size and stability
- Better wind protection
- A smoother engine
- Something adventure-ready, but not too tall or heavy
- A slightly larger gas tank for fewer fuel stops
My searches kept leading me to the Honda CB500X, which checked all the boxes.
I found a used one I liked and took it for a short test ride. It felt tall and a little top-heavy compared to the KTM, but it also felt very solid and smooth. So I found myself with a new-to-me motorcycle.
Lessons learned from my second motorcycle
After getting it home and riding it more, I found it was still too tall. I could barely touch the ground and trying to back it up while seated was challenging.
But the trade-offs were worth it.
It was smoother (love the twin cylinder engine!), more comfortable on the highway thanks to better wind protection, and surprisingly nimble for a larger bike.
About a week in, I stalled on a slope, tipped over, and broke a foot peg. It was frustrating – but also a great excuse to buy a tool kit and replace the peg myself.
Not long after, I had the seat shaved down so my feet could touch a little better – and I love it! I’ve taken on multi-hour rides, and it’s so comfortable, especially in the wind.
It’s the perfect bike for where I am right now.
The best motorcycle for new riders
If you’re still asking what’s the best motorcycle for new riders, here’s the truth: there isn’t one.
There’s no single “best beginner motorcycle.” There’s only the best motorcycle for you – for your body, your comfort level, your goals, and your style of riding.
Some new riders want a bike that’s sleek and sporty. Others want something classic and low to the ground. Some want a rugged machine that can go just about anywhere. And many, like me, want something lightweight and confidence-building, with room to grow.
So instead of chasing someone else’s list, ask yourself:
- What kind of riding do I want to do?
- What size and weight feel manageable for me?
- Can I pick the bike up if it tips over? (Do I need to?)
- Can I flatfoot it or feel stable when stopped?
And one more thing: don’t be afraid to start small and outgrow your first bike. My KTM was exactly what I needed as a new motorcycle rider, and when I was ready for something that could take me farther and feel more stable at higher speeds, I upgraded. It’s just part of the journey.
I hope this help you decide what’s right for you for your first motorcycle!