Motorcycle.com's Top 10 Beginner Bikes of 2018 - Video
It’s a question we get all the time at Motorcycle.com: What should I get as a first bike? Well, there isn’t just one answer to this question, as different people have different wants, needs, and desires in their first motorcycle. We’re lucky to live in a time where, no matter what kind of riding you’re into, there’s a lightweight, beginner-friendly machine just for you. Here, we’ll give you our take on the 10 best beginner motorcycles available today.
You’ll likely notice this list is made up of mostly asian motorcycles (with a few exceptions), as they are the ones producing lightweight, agreeable motorcycles that aren’t a burden on the wallet. Still, this isn’t to say other models, like the Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 aren’t worthy candidates for this list. Also, we’re sticking with current model year bikes, as delving into the used market would make this exponentially more complex. However, there are definitely advantages to buying used: lower cost and less anxiety over dropping it – and you will – being two main ones.
No conversation about beginner bikes would be complete without also mentioning gear. A common mistake we see is the new rider spending all their cash on that shiny new bike, only to ride away with nothing more than a helmet (and a cheap one at that). When budgeting for a new bike, be sure to also set some money aside for proper gear. A helmet, jacket, sturdy gloves, riding jeans, and riding boots/shoes is ideal.
This list is presented in alphabetical order, as there are no winners or losers in this group. Of course, there are far more than 10 bikes eligible for this list, so if you have something you want to suggest (new or old), feel free to let us know in the comments below – and if you have ideas for future videos you want to see, tell us about those, too.
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Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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Just a thought but how about a part two where you look at what it costs to own and ride these bikes? Things like fuel milage, labor and parts costs for valve inspections/ adjustments, oil/ filter changes, etc. How long will a set of tires last? A chain and sprockets will cost what and labor to change them will be how many hours? Insurance would be easier for the individual to look into but you could give people looking into owning their first bike a look into the actual costs.
I assume the BMWs and KTMs will cost more to but is that correct? if it is, how much more? Will the twins cost more to own than the singles?
Some good choices here, although I'd pick up a Royal Enfield Himalayan over that Chinese bike, personally. Honda's CRF-based adventurer looks really promising, too.
Is the SR400 still being built? It'd be a fun project bike for someone wanting that retro look and feel, without the unreliability.