10 best motorcycles for newbies
We all were once new to something. Each of us took a license and got behind the wheel for the first time. It doesn't matter what - a car or a motorcycle. And it should be understood that the status of a beginner in this case does not concern age in any way. Many people come to bikes at a fairly mature age, and there are special motorcycles specifically for them.
No, they are not specifically beginner bikes, but riding them without enough experience is much easier and easier. When choosing a bike for a beginner, you should pay attention to several parameters:
- Engine power. It shouldn't be too big.
- The presence of additional electronics. Various auxiliary sensors make the learning process much easier.
- Simple maintenance and repair. Any equipment sooner or later has to be repaired, but in the hands of a beginner this need arises more often, and it is desirable that the motorcycle be easily and cheaply restored in case of breakdown.
And, of course, security. This parameter reflects all the points listed above, and many bikes do not initially fit this definition. But we have selected the 10 best models for you that meet all the criteria. The rating includes both city bikes and bikes for travel and even sports, but first things first.
The best city bikes for newbies
A motorcycle is primarily a means of propelling. More convenient and more compact than a car. But not all bikes are suitable for city riding. Often, excessive engine power and an uncomfortable fit complicate this process. A city bike should be as comfortable as possible, and in addition, it should be equipped with a lot of additional electronics, allowing you to better control yourself and your equipment in the cramped conditions of city traffic.
4 Kawasaki KLR650
The division into urban and non-urban bikes is a convention. In some cases, the motorcycle easily copes with driving through city traffic jams and overcoming off-road conditions. Before us is just such a bike, the main feature of which is the maximum ride height and increased ground clearance. The motorcycle is perfect for tall people who will not feel uncomfortable. And the high ground clearance allows you to overcome even the most serious obstacles.
Simply put, if you are looking for a bike without a specific purpose, and you plan to dilute city trips with travel, then this is the best model you can find. In addition, a 23 liter gas tank is installed here, which allows for fairly long journeys without the need to refuel. Again, don't forget about brand affiliation. It is famous for the quality of all manufactured equipment, and in this case, the price will also please.
3 Suzuki V-Strom 650
Many motorcycles, especially of the sport type, force the driver to be in an uncomfortable position while riding. This is due to many factors and you get used to it over time. But beginners often have a hard time, and then this bike is especially for them. This is a very comfortable fit without forcing you to be in a semi-recumbent position. The height to the saddle is 83 centimeters, which is optimal for a comfortable ride.
Also noteworthy is the presence of an injector and water cooling. If you plan to travel mainly around the city, then this aspect will become extremely important for you. Engine overheating under constant load conditions and no high speed is becoming the norm, but a water-cooled engine can handle even long traffic jams with ease. There is also ABS, which is simply vital in motorcycles for beginners. This system makes driving much easier and makes travel more comfortable.
2 Kawasaki Vulcan S
A popular brand from Japan is trying to reach as large an audience as possible. Including beginners.This technique is especially for them. At least that's how users and testers describe it. The bike is as obedient as possible. It gets under way even at the lowest revs, which will create additional comfort when traveling around town.
But the main feature is the presence of a mass of electronic components. Yes, traction control and rear-view cameras are no surprise today, but experienced bikers in most cases try to give up these options. They replace them with their own experience. But here it is all there, and it works great. Also, experts note a simple and inexpensive bike repair. There are a lot of official spare parts and consumables on the market, so you don't have to dig the entire Internet in search of the part you need. In addition, this is an inexpensive bike, at least by the standards of the Cruiser, and this model belongs to this class of equipment.
1 Harley-Davidson Street 750
At the mention of this brand, many people associate with the harsh American bikers plowing deserts and prairies. And few people know that Harley, in addition to classic choppers, produces bikes for beginners, although he does not openly call them that.
We have just such a technique. Why is this a beginner bike? Firstly, there is an increased ground clearance. This is what the brand's technique is often criticized for, since the slightest bump or obstacle becomes a problem for the technique. Here you do not have to worry about the safety of the motorcycle underbody. Secondly, the weight is significantly reduced. Harleys are famous for their love of bulky and heavy machines, which only a person with experience can control. No skills are needed here. The steering wheel turns easily, and the technique obeys the driver unquestioningly. And finally, the price. American bikes are always expensive, and in our country, Harley is an indicator of status. But before us is a completely budgetary and inexpensive option. By Harley-Davidson standards, of course.
Best motocross bikes for beginners
A motorcycle is not only a means of transportation, but also sports equipment. Bike races are both road and motocross, and the latter are invariably more popular. Largely due to the entertainment and the greater availability of technology. It can be very difficult to master the track, and you need to choose the right sports bike. We have found for you some of the most interesting models that are perfect for a beginner. They aren't the best cross bikes, but that's not what our rating is about.
3 Kayo T2 250
An engine capacity of 250 cc is considered optimal for motocross. Yes, more powerful bikes participate in professional competitions, but this is quite enough for beginner athletes. With this volume and power of the engine, you can easily cope with the controls and can even perform some tricks such as jumps and sharp turns. At the same time, safety is maintained, which is very important at the initial stage.
This brand comes from China, and is a vivid example of the fact that decent equipment is produced in the Celestial Empire at the most attractive prices. This bike has been tested many times and there are a lot of reports on its performance on the net. It is worth noting that the reviews are mostly positive. The motorcycle lacks stars from the sky, but it is quite worthy to become a sports equipment for a beginner. Simply put, this is the best bike for your money. Equipment with similar characteristics, but from well-known brands is much more expensive.
2 Kawasaki KX85-I
Japanese manufacturers are famous primarily for the high quality and reliability of their equipment. Buying a bike of almost any Japanese brand, you can be sure that it will last for many years, and therefore its cost is completely leveled.
As for this model, the price is the main, and probably the only drawback. But there are much more advantages. First, it is the ideal technique for newcomers to motorsport. The motorcycle is lightweight, and the engine power is such that even a person who first sat behind the wheel can handle it.Yes, it is not suitable for participation in professional competitions. It is corny that there is not enough power, but with its help you will easily master all the basics of this sport, and you will be able to independently understand when the moment will come to change the technique to a more powerful and professional one. It should also be said about the availability of spare parts and consumables. They are relatively inexpensive and, most importantly, affordable, so the price of the bike does not seem so high anymore.
1 LIFAN LF200GY-5
Often, some kind of sport seems attractive to us only from the couch. And as soon as you decide to participate in it yourself, you find a lot of shortcomings. And it's one thing when it comes to a sport that does not require significant funding, but motocross is not that kind. You should not buy an expensive sports bike if you are not completely confident in your abilities, and in this case we present the best bike at the most attractive price.
It is a popular and inexpensive Chinese brand, the main advantage of which is its low price. Yes, this is the best price on the market today, and at the same time, you should not think that the equipment is of low quality or not working. The bike performs well in field trials and gives excellent results. Of course, according to their class. A beginner athlete will feel as comfortable as possible on it, and will be able to appreciate this difficult, but spectacular and interesting sport. Later, when you have experience and understanding of what you need, you can buy a more powerful version, but at the initial stage this bike will be enough.
Best Touring Motorcycles for Beginners
If you are looking for a travel bike, you should pay attention to things like convenience, capacity and ease of repair. It is necessary to understand that during long trips, the load on equipment is not as high as in the city, but it will be very difficult to spend a long time driving in an uncomfortable position. A sports bike won't do here. There is no need for it either, as many brands have special lines of bikes designed for long distance riding.
3 BMW F800GT
If you are looking for an inexpensive travel bike, then you may not even read this section. The German concern has never been distinguished by loyalty in its pricing policy, and in this case, as in most others, the price is the main, and perhaps the only drawback. This is by far the best bike for travel and city riding. It has everything you need, and most importantly - the presence of a huge amount of auxiliary electronics.
It is thanks to the availability of additional options that this motorcycle got into our rating, as it is ideal for beginners, even despite its heavy weight and powerful engine. The smart electronics independently regulates the speed and torque of the engine, and also works with the suspension and brakes. Both a beginner and a professional will feel comfortable driving such a bike. Unless, of course, they will spare the money for the purchase and further maintenance of this technique.
2 CF-Moto 650 TK
Another brand from China, not particularly well-known outside the Middle Kingdom. And it’s completely in vain, since this is one of the best touring motorcycles, and also inexpensive. It is worth noting that this brand is engaged in the provision of motor vehicles to the Chinese government, and also produces motorcycles for law enforcement agencies.
It is supplied to the foreign market in several lines, in particular in the tourist segment. This is a relatively small bike, with a minimum engine power, which in 2014 set a record, having traveled 34 thousand kilometers. Agree, a very good indicator, especially given the relatively low cost. The comfort conditions are also at an altitude, which is not surprising, given the similarity with one of BMW's touring motorcycles.Chinese engineers did not copy equipment from Germany, but simply adopted all the most interesting from it, creating truly the best touring motorcycle with high technical and quality characteristics.
1 Honda NT700V Deauville
A touring motorcycle should have the most comfortable fit and large capacity of luggage compartments. Honda took all of these requirements into account and produced a relatively powerful bike designed for both travel and city use. The main advantage here is the cardan transmission. This won't tell a lot of newbies, but experienced riders know that bikes with a gimbal last much longer, and are much less likely to need repairs than their chain cousins.
As for the shortcomings, and they can be found even in the best and most popular brand, here it is quite a lot of weight. 255 kilograms is considered a very big figure, and even powerful sports bikes weigh less. But he perfectly obeys the driver and even the greenest newcomer will not have any control problems. And the relatively low landing height, only 80 centimeters, will allow you to lean your feet on the ground if necessary.