This article has been updated on January 31, 2017.
For a new rider, the selection of motorcycles on the market can seem overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to start. Fortunately there are bikes that prove time and time again to be ideal choices for new riders. We've compiled a list of those bikes with the new woman rider in mind, bikes we think are the best beginner motorcycles.
At Women Riders Now, we recommend starting out on a smaller motorcycle, one
on which a newly minted rider can easily and confidently practice the skills learned in
the motorcycle training class. There are certainly other motorcycles beginners can learn on—for example, some small displacement dual-sports—however this list reflects the most popular new and used motorcycle choices among beginning women riders.
Except for the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 models included in our list, we don't recommend learning on a motorcycle that is more powerful than that so we list only motorcycles with engine displacements less than 500cc, with a few exceptions. The only reason the Sportster 883s are listed is because they were long considered Harley-Davidson's entry level model before the Street was introduced. Because the majority of the female riding population rides a Harley-Davidson it's necessary we include the Motor Company's "entry level" model that many women have started on over the years.
Other than that, all these motorcycles fall into the small displacement category with a few exceptions. Again, it's worth stressing that historically these are the motorcycles that women have had the highest chances of success learning on and practicing with before trading up to a bigger motorcycle. That is the premise of this list. Therefore these are considered the best beginner motorcycles for new riders. Two sections where you can read first-hand from women about the motorcycles they started on, including their successes as well as their "bumps in the road," are the Your Questions Answered, and the Your Stories sections. We do not list prices as they vary from year to year. Also, in recent years some of these models have been discontinued but remain popular choices for beginners thanks to the used market. Where applicable, we've made a note of that. If there is no new or updated model from a manufacturer in a particular category, then one doesn't exist. For example, currently Kawasaki offers no current model year beginner cruiser style motorcycles. Also, it's worth nothing that this article was originally published in 2009 with continual updates through the years. The motorcycles are listed by the categories in this order: cruiser, standard style, sportbike, alternatives, classics.
Cruisers (a lean-back riding position)
Honda Rebel 300 and 500
Displacement: 286cc and 471cc Seat Height: 27.2 inches Fuel Capacity: 2.96 gallons Weight: 365 and 408 pounds
| Description Introduced for model year 2017, the Rebel 300 and 500 provide a modern, urban twist on its predecessor, the Rebel 250. Styling is a mix of old and new school in a minimalist's package designed for both beginners to practice newfound skills, and others who simply want a fun, easy to ride motorcycle they can customize to match their personality. Six speeds and big-bike looks are reasons riders may want to hold on to the bike long after they've moved past the learner stage. | Honda Rebel 250
Displacement: 234cc Seat Height: 26.6 inches Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons Weight: 331 pounds
| Description The Rebel is the consummate entry-level bike encompassing size, looks, and a price tag that continues to attract new riders since Honda introduced it in 1985. There are many used ones on the market, and it's a bike that generally retains its value. The Rebel hasn't changed much looks-wise over the last two decades with traditional cruiser styling, lots of chrome, spoke wheels, 5 speed transmission, and a twin-cylinder four-stroke engine. This is a tried and true starter motorcycle with many successful "graduates." It's not uncommon for a woman to sell her Rebel to another beginning woman rider. Read a review of the Honda Rebel from a WRN reader, and check out our story on the new color options for the 2014 Rebel. For model year 2016, color options and specs remain the same. For 2017, Honda replaced this stalwart with the all-new Honda Rebel 300 and 500, featured above.
| Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750
Displacement: 494cc and 749cc Seat Height: 25.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons Weight: 489 pounds | Description Introduced as an all new model in 2015, the Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 are the Motor Company's newest entry level motorcycles that far surpass the Sportster line as a beginner bike. The 500 is the model being used in Harley-Davidson's Rider Academy New Rider Course, replacing the Buell Blast previously used in what was called Rider's Edge. We recommend the 500cc for true beginners getting used to what it feels like to handle a motorcycle. The low seat height and upright seating position allow new riders to easily learn what it feels like to become "one" with the motorcycle. Read our story on the bikes' introduction. | Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 27 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Weight: 326 pounds
| Description This is the beginner motorcycle in Yamaha's V Star
cruiser lineup. In 2008, the V Star 250 replaced the Virago 250 but retained a lot
of its predecessor's styling and features. There are many used Viragos now on the
market. Yamaha wants the V Star 250 to be as appealing as possible to
beginners, so the bike has many features found on bigger motorcycles, like
a V-twin engine, spoke wheels
and a
two-up seat. Read the WRN review.
| Suzuki GZ250
Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 27.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Weight: 331 pounds
| Description Model year 2010 was the last year Suzuki made the GZ250. It had been in the company's lineup for years because of its popularity with beginners, so you may find plenty of used ones on the market. The GZ250 features classic cruiser styling and is powered by a 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine driven by 5 gears. This motorcycle is often used in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. Read a review by a WRN reader. Suzuki makes two other 250cc (beginner) motorcycles listed in categories below.
| Suzuki Boulevard S40
Displacement: 652cc Seat Height: 27.6 inches Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gallons Weight: 381 pounds
| Description The Suzuki S40 is the Boulevard line's entry level model. The number 40 refers to the engine size in cubic inches (ci), as opposed to cubic centimeters (cc). 40ci is equivalent to 652cc, an engine size some would consider too powerful for a beginner. However, the bike's light weight and low seat height make it ideal for beginners who feel that the 250cc bikes are just too small. The 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission.
| Kawasaki Eliminator 125
Displacement: 124cc Seat Height: 26.8 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons Weight: 291 pounds
| Description An
entry-level bike that's inexpensive to own and operate, the Eliminator 125 is
Kawasaki's smallest cruiser. It was discontinued in 2009, so only used
models are available. The Eliminator 125 is a cruiser featuring an
air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a 5-speed,
chain-driven transmission. It has a seat height of 26.8 inches—low
enough that most riders can easily plant both feet on the ground at
stops. Weighing a scant 291 pounds, it is lightweight and easy for a beginner or smaller rider to handle. Read a review by a WRN reader.
| Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Displacement: 498cc Seat Height: 28.1 inches Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons Weight: 439 pounds
| Description The midsize Kawasaki Vulcan is a popular entry-level motorcycle that was discontinued in 2009 after a nearly 20-year production run. There are plenty of used ones to be had. The Vulcan 500 remained in Kawasaki's lineup for years because it was a top seller among women and first-time riders. We've seen many women less than 5 feet keep this motorcycle as their end-all bike. Despite its smaller engine size, the Vulcan 500 LTD packs a lot of power into its six speeds and features classic cruiser looks, like its chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels, that never go out of style. Read a WRN Reader Review of the Vulcan 500.
| Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow
Displacement: 883cc Seat Height: 25.5 inches Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons Weight: 562 pounds
| Description Before the launch of the Street model, the Sportster SuperLow was Harley-Davidson's entry level model. Confident beginners who feel ready to start on a “real world” motorcycle (versus a small 250cc bike), might like the SuperLow. Harley-Davidson has made many changes to its Sportster lineup over the last decade, tweaking, adding, and discontinuing models, so you’ll find several iterations on the used market. The SuperLow is an all-new design that debuted in 2011. In 2014 the brakes were upgraded and new colors added. To learn more, read the WRN review of the SuperLow. If you’re interested in a different Harley-Davidson as a possible first bike, the company manufactures some of the lowest motorcycles out there that make it easier to get both feet on the ground. Check out our list of the Lowest of the Low motorcycles.
| Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883
Displacement: 883cc Seat Height: 25.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons Weight: 562 pounds
| Description Of Harley-Davidson's Sportster 883 motorcycles currently available, the Iron is the newest, debuting in 2009, and one of only two 883 models available now in 2017. It has the smaller "peanut" style fuel tank so it holds less fuel than the SuperLow. Styling is edgier than the traditionally styled SuperLow with drag style handlebars, a chopped rear fender, and blacked-out accents. The Iron gets beginners going with attitude! In 2014, upgrades were made to the Sportsers including new brakes, an ABS option and of course, new colors. Read a review of the Iron by a WRN reader. | Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low
Displacement: 883cc Seat Height: 25.3 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons Weight: 583 pounds | Description True to its name, this bike's seat height is a low 25.3 inches. The Sportster 883 Low originally replaced the Sportster Hugger, popular in the 1990s because of its low seat. Now the 883 Low itself has been discontinued and replaced by the SuperLow, so don't confuse the two. Like the regular 883, its sister model that was also discontinued in 2011, the Low is relatively light. It has most of the same features as the regular 883, but it comes with a solo seat positioned to scoot the rider closer to the handlebars, which are angled closer to the rider. As with the SuperLow, some may say an 883cc motorcycle should not be included in the same beginner bike class as the 250cc motorcycles. However, we'd be remiss not to include it here as many riders want to ride a Harley-Davidson right out of the gate, and the Sportster line has long been regarded as the entry into the Harley-Davidson family. We recommend the Sportster 883 Low only for the most confident of new riders. |
Standard Style (an upright seating position)
Honda Grom
Displacement: 124.9cc Seat Height: 30.1 inches Fuel Capacity: 1.45 gallons Weight: 225 pounds
| Description The Honda Grom, brand new in 2014, doesn't resemble too many other motorcycles with its 12-inch tires and full size frame, but that's OK with Honda. The company is attracting new, young riders who want something different—maybe a little funky. The 4-speed, fuel-injected single cylinder 125cc engine is so unique that experienced riders are choosing this as an urban "fun-mover." Seat height is on the high side for true beginners, but if height is not an issue, the Grom makes a "different" choice on which to start your motorcycle journey. For 2017, the Grom's been redesigned for a sharper, more aggressive look, and this bright yellow color was added to the line-up.
| KYMCO K-Pipe 125
 KYMCO K-Pipe 125 Displacement: 125cc Seat Height: 31 inches Fuel Capacity: 1.2 gallons Weight: 224 pounds
| Description The K-Pipe 125, introduced in 2016, is a 4-speed single cylinder motorcycle that’s ideal for new riders as well as those who want an easy-to-ride zippy motorcycle with which to blast around town. With a confidence-building upright seating position, 4-stroke carbureted engine with electric start (and kick-start back-up), the K-Pipe 125 is an fun and low cost choice for entry-level riders. The 31-inch seat height is on the high side for what we generally recommend for beginners, but the narrow profile of the bike and light weight make it easy for shorter riders to manage. Read our story on the bike's debut here. |
Suzuki Van Van 200
Displacement: 199cc Seat Height: 30.3 inches Fuel Capacity: 1.7 gallons Weight: 282 pounds | Description The Van Van 200 is an exciting new entry to our beginner motorcycles list for 2017 giving pure newbies another option for their first bike. This entry-level Suzuki has one of the smallest displacement engines in our list at 200cc so power stays under control as the new rider learns the basics of riding. Seat height is on the "high" side" at 30.3 inches, but the super light weight makes the bike easy to manage should you find yourself on tip-toes. The single cylinder fuel-injected engine is powered by a 5-speed transmission. Retro styling lets you be cool while you're riding your first several hundred miles as a new motorcyclist. A motorcycle with an upright seating position like this is an ideal way to learn how it feels to control a motorcycle for the first time. Later on you can decide if you want to stay with a standard or choose a cruiser, sportbike, sport touring, or dual-sport. | Suzuki TU250X
Displacement: 249cc Seat Height: 30.3 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gallons Weight: 326 pounds
| Description The TU250X was a new model for Suzuki in 2011 and continues with no new updates for 2017. At 250cc, it makes an ideal beginner bike for riders who prefer the upright seating position of a standard style motorcycle. At 30.3 inches, the seat height is on the higher side, but the narrow profile will help shorter riders reach the ground with both feet. It has a 5-speed, fuel-injected, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a decently sized fuel tank capacity of 3.2 gallons. Not available in California.
| Yamaha SR400
Displacement: 399cc Seat Height: 30.9 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gallons Weight: 384 pounds | Description The SR400 is classically styled standard beginner bike with a decent-powered engine at 400cc. It has more "oomph" than a 250cc, but not too much where the power could overwhelm a new rider. The fuel-injected, single cylinder 5-speed engine is just what a beginner needs to stay in control of the motorcycle while practicing those basic motorcycle handling skills. What makes this bike unique among its counterparts is the absence of a push-button starter. Rather, the bike harkens back to motorcycling's roots with an easy-to-use kickstarter, the only means of getting the engine started. We feel any seat height more than 30 inches is on the high side for average height beginner women, so the 30.9-inch seat height is really the only disadvantage of the SR400 as a beginner bike. Riders 5-feet-5 and taller should be able to handle the size because of the light weight and narrow profile. | Kawasaki Z125 Pro
Displacement: 125cc Seat Height: 30.7 Fuel Capacity: 2 gallons Weight: 224 pounds | Description The Z125 Pro blurs the lines between an upright standard motorcycle and a sportbike. While aesthetically it looks like a sportbike with its edgy angled design, we put it in the standard category because the rider sits on it more like a standard, and to a newbie getting used to the feel of a motorcycle, sitting upright is an easier position to learn on than the leaned-over position of a sportbike. The 125cc single cylinder engine keeps the bike squarely in the entry-level category, but it shares the nimbleness and handling characteristics of its bigger Kawasaki Z motorcycle line cousins, albeit with less power. New riders looking for a more real-world looking motorcycle, but one that's easy to learn on and doesn't get away from you, this 125cc is a nice bike to consider. |
Sportbikes (a leaned-in riding position)
Suzuki GW250
Displacement: 248cc Seat Height: 30.7 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons Weight: 403 pounds | Description The GW250 is a powerful 6-speed parallel-twin upright seating sporty motorcycle introduced in 2013 that's proven popular with confident new riders as well as more experienced riders. This GW250 blurs the line between a standard with its upright seating position, and a sportbike with its aggressive style. So riders not sure if they want the full lean-over position of a sportbike can try the upright seating of the GW250 as a way to ease into this style of riding. The GW250 is cheaper than its Honda and Kawasaki competitors but offers just as much fun for beginners getting familiar with this style of riding. Read our review of the GW250 here.
| Honda CBR250R / Honda CBR300R
Displacement: 286ccSeat Height: 30.7 inchesFuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons Weight: 357 pounds
|
Description In 2011, Honda released the CBR250R sportbike or beginners desiring the sportier side of riding. In 2015, the displacement was increased to 300cc to keep pace with competitors introducing a 300cc entry level sportbike category. Both Honda models are full of high-tech features including a 6-speed transmission in an affordable, lightweight package. At 30.7 inches, the seat height is on par for a sportbike, but thankfully it's on the lower side so newly minted motorcyclists can easily handle the bike. Check out our story on the Honda CBR250R’s introduction. And read this reader story featuring the CBR300R in it.
| Honda CB300F
Displacement: 286ccSeat Height: 30.7 inchesFuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons Weight: 348 pounds | Description Not to be confused with its sportier, aggressively styled racetrack inspired cousin, the CBR300R, the CB300F has a roomier upright seating arrangement and is lightweight with nimble handling that inspires confidence in beginners who want a real-world feeling sportbike as their first motorcycle. While it shares the same electronic fuel-injected single cylinder engine as the CBR300R, the power delivery has been tuned for riders still getting comfortable with riding a motorcycle. No changes have been made to this motorcycle since 2015. We are not listing the CBR300R here because the aggressive seating and power delivery is not ideal for those new to riding a motorcycle.
| Displacement: 296cc
Seat Height: 30.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
Weight: 379 pounds
|
Description In 2013, Kawasaki replaced the Ninja 250R with the all-new Ninja 300, still billing it as an entry level sportbike. Instead of continuing to upgrade what was becoming a technologically outdated model, Kawasaki created a new platform from the ground up. The Ninja 300 still sports rider friendly ergonomics, a more upright seating position, and is light weight—features beginners can appreciate—but it has many features and advancements from Kawasaki's more powerful motorcycles so beginners don't feel like they're riding a beginner motorcycle. For 2014, an ABS option was introduced. Read WRN's review of the Ninja 300 here.
| Displacement: 249cc Seat Height: 30.5 inches Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons Weight: 335 pound | Description Up until 2011 (when the Honda CBR250R was introduced), this was the only sportbike under 500cc available from a major manufacturer. The Ninja 250R was Kawasaki's top-selling model in 2007, then it underwent a complete makeover in 2008 only to be replaced by the Ninja 300 in 2013. There are plenty of used Ninja 250Rs on the market as this makes an ideal bike for new riders who want a sporty ride. Other features include a full fairing similar to that on the Ninja ZX-6R and 10R supersport bikes, plus more aggressive styling that goes head to head with big-boy sportbikes. This Ninja may not look like a beginner bike, but it can act like one for those who are still getting used to the ride. Read WRN's review of the Ninja 250R.
| BMW G 310 R
Displacement: 313cc Seat Height: 30.9 inches Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gallons Weight: 349 pounds
| Description With the introduction of the all-new G 310 R roadster in 2017, BMW is recognizing the need for a smaller displacement motorcycle to attract younger riders, as well as new riders including women. Now one can buy into the BMW family for under $5,000 and have fun on a nimble confidence-inspiring motorcycle. Its sporty looks make it a sportbike, but its upright seating position allow newer riders to gain confidence. ABS comes standard.
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Classics (if you can find a used one)
Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 Hugger
Manufactured: 1988-2003 Displacement: 883cc Seat Height: 27.1 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons Weight: 486 pounds
| Yamaha Virago 250
Manufactured: 2000-2007 Displacement: 249cc Seat Height: 27 inches Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Weight: 301 pounds
| Yamaha Virago 535
Manufactured: 1987-2001 Displacement: 535cc Seat Height: 28.3 inches Fuel Capacity: 2.27 gallons Weight: 401 pounds
| Buell Blast
Manufactured: 2000-2009 Displacement: 492cc Seat Height: 27.5 inches Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gallons Weight: 360 pounds
| Honda Nighthawk 250
Manufactured: 1982-2008 Displacement: 234cc Seat Height: 29.3 inches Fuel Capacity: 4.3 gallons Weight: 286 pounds
| Honda VLX/VLX Deluxe
Manufactured: 1989-2007
Displacement: 583cc
Seat Height: 25.6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gallons
Weight: 452 pounds
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More Powerful Motorcycles for Confident Beginners
The motorcycles below are considered middleweights, the level of motorcycle a typical beginner trades up to after spending time on a 250cc motorcycle. However, some beginning riders who are confident or on the tall side may feel like they overpower a 250cc motorcycle. Or, while the 250cc bike was great to learn on in the training class, they are ready for a “real world” motorcycle. Below is a list of recommended middleweights for new riders who fall into this category.
Cruisers: - Yamaha Star Motorcycles V Star Classic or Custom: Both of these bikes feature a 650cc engine and are similar to each other, except for styling and ergonomics. The Custom has a 27.4-inch seat height, and the Classic has a 27.9-inch seat height. Read a review by a WRN reader.
- Honda Shadow line (Shadow RS, Shadow Phantom, Shadow Aero, Shadow Spirit): All these models share the same 750cc engine—the main differences between them are styling and ergonomics. Seat heights on the Honda Shadow bikes range from a high of 29.4 inches for the RS to a low of 25.7 inches for the Spirit. Read WRN’s review of the Shadow Spirit, as well as a reader review of the Shadow Spirit. You can also read a WRN review of the Aero and a reader review of the Aero.
- Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic: This is an 800cc middleweight with a 27.6-inch seat height. A low center of gravity makes this bike easy to maneuver around. Read the WRN review of the C50T, a similar model.
- Kawasaki Vulcan S: This 650cc is unique in that the seat, handlebars, and footpegs are adjustable right from the factory giving the motorcycle lots of versatility for new riders. Read the WRN review here.
 Kawasaki Vulcan S - Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom: Kawasaki replaced its longstanding 750cc and 800cc Vulcan motorcycles (you can find these on the used market) with the 900cc Vulcan creating a more powerful motorcycle for the higher end of the middleweights (although some will argue a middleweight goes all the way up to 1300cc). We’re listing the Vulcan 900 because it’s typically compared to the Honda Shadow, Yamaha V Star Classic, and Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic. Seat height is 27 inches. Read the WRN review of the Vulcan 900 Custom.
- Indian Scout Sixty: This is an 1100cc motorcycle, much more powerful than we'd recommend for a beginner, but because the Scout Sixty is the entry-level model for Indian Motorcycle, we are mentioning it, much like we mention the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 as a beginner motorcycle. Power aside, what makes the Scout Sixty appealing to highly confident beginners is that the seat height is so low at 25.2 inches so most new riders can put both feet on the ground, an important factor for beginners gaining control and confidence on a motorcycle. Additionally, the low center of gravity and nimble handling make it easy for beginners to practice their newfound skills. Read our review of the Scout Sixty here.
 Indian Scout Sixty
Standard: - Triumph Bonneville: This classic is a longtime favorite among women riders looking for something different. Triumph has expanded the Bonneville line in recent years with many new iterations of this classic. The smallest powered Bonneville is the 900cc, the size we recommend if you feel confident to start on a larger motorcycle such as this. The classic upright seating position makes getting used to a motorcycle easy, but the 29.5-inch seat height could be difficult to manage if you're not tall enough and can't reach your feet flat to the ground. Here's our most recent review by a reader of a classic Triumph Bonneville.
Sportbikes:
- Honda CBR300R and CBR500R: If you want a true sportbike because perhaps you see racing in your future, Honda offers these two aggressively designed sportbikes. Both can give you a real feel for what it's like to ride a sportbike as both of these bikes have components that are designed and used on Honda's supersport motorcycles. If you want a sporty ride, but not the aggressive lean-over seating position, then consider the CB500F, a more powerful version of the CB300F mentioned above in the beginner's bikes list. Read our story on lightweight step-up motorcycles here.
 Honda CBR500R
- Ducati Monster 696: Ducati has tweaked its Monster line a lot over the last two decades. The most recent one we reviewed is the Monster 696 (discontinued in 2014) that works well for confident beginners who can flat foot it. It's compact and rider friendly for riders who want something different.
- Yamaha FZ-07 and Yamaha FZ6R: We reviewed both of these motorcycles, and while Yamaha considers them entry-level for sport-minded riders, we feel you must be really confident or have previous experience to consider either of these as the motorcycle on which you'll practice your newfound riding skills. Both have a more upright seating position, similar to Honda's CB-F series, so that is why we're listing them. Read our review of the Yamaha FZ6R here, and the FZ-07 review here.
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