The 5 Best Beginner Vintage Motorcycles For 2025

What bikes would you add to this list, comment them down below. These are my picks of some of the easiest bikes to ride, find and maintain that are currently out one the market.
Socials: linktree.com/navsgarage
Sell me your bikes/business email: [e-mail]

[@bradbeall392]

Just a side note here - if you find a Suzuki GS550, be sure to check the rectifier, as they are known for going bad on these bikes. If you find a good one, it’s almost guaranteed to bite the dust sooner rather than later. There are aftermarket conversions available, and I highly recommend getting one. Also note, if your battery keeps dying, your rectifier is probably bad or on its way out.

[@PuncleLeonard]

Personally I wouldn't buy a four cylinder bike in the 500cc range, there's twice as much to fiddle with compared to a twin and will double your frustration when you go to maintain and repair it.

[@navscycles]

I do mention that

[@patrickpoulin3742]

You really know what you're talking about. Thanks

[@GPgundude]

Great video!! Thanks for Sharing!

[@rustyturner431]

CB550 is a better choice than a 500; the transmission is improved and the clutch actuation is better. The 550 also has a bit more mid-range punch. A healthy 550 is almost as fast as a similar-vintage CB750 because it is notably lighter (this also makes it handle better). The later Yamaha 650s are great bikes, but not nearly so smooth at highway speeds as the Honda 550. I'd go for the GS650 Suzuki, especially the shaft-drive G model. Absolutely bulletproof, and a better chassis than the Honda. Dunno about the Enfield, as I've never even ridden one (I as a dealer for both Honda and Suzuki, back in the day). The CB350/60 is a terrific entry-level vintage bike, but it's getting hard to find decent ones...and they seem to command prices almost as high as the Honda 550 or the Suzy 650. Nice as it is, the CB twin is not comparable to either of those bikes.

[@geraldscott4302]

If you are considering a Royal Enfield, I recommend the 2011-2016 B5 Bullet 500 or C5 Classic 500 with the UCE (unit construction engine). These bikes came with EFI, which I absolutely DO NOT recommend, but for less than $400, you can get a kit from a place called Hitchcocks in the UK to convert them to an Amal Concentric MK1 carburetor. The kit includes everything including the carburetor. It gets rid of all the computerized GARBAGE, and the bike with a carburetor runs 10 times better. These bikes have a much more vintage look, sound and feel than any other bike on the list, and all the parts are readily available.

[@navscycles]

But at that point you get more retro classic than classic. But your point is very valid. I still prefer the older one.

[@OogleTheGreat]

The title of this piece is "5 Best Beginner Vintage Motorcycles." To me this means a 'first' motorcycle for a new rider. The Honda CB350 or CL350 ALL DAY LONG! Lightweight, dependable, easy to work-on, and adequate power. A no brainer.

[@mash7745]

Enjoying your videos... Happy New Year! 😀

[@navscycles]

Thank you. Happy new year!

[@motormikeb1047]

I'm on board for your picks.... except.... the Enfield .... they were 80 years old new.... and you'll go broke buying Lucas Prince of Darkness t shirts.... a fine machine for speeds under 40 mph.... I have a 2011.... 500 Classic Bullet..... 55 mph all day... 5 speed.. FI, no valve adjustments... no points.... I do 1200 mile solo camping trips.... The Xs... 3 in the stable... Standards and Specials.... great old machines... If I was to tell a young rider which bike to discover the joys..pitfalls... lessons learned... it'd be the Cb350 Honda... simple... ease of parts,,, my first real motorcycle a half century ago,,, .before that scooters.. mini bikes... mopeds.... 😎

[@navscycles]

The enfield really isn’t that bad. The Indian made ones I’ve never had a problem with. The entire country of India rides them to this day.