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.
|
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
|
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.
|