These Are the Best Beginner Motorcycles That Don't Look Like Kid's Toys!

Rider Justice is a trusted personal injury law firm with a specialty in helping motorcyclists and overlanders after a bike or vehicle accident. ( riderjustice.com/ )
Here's a list of our picks for good bikes to learn on as new riders. ( www.alltfl.com/ )
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[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

I just picked up a new Honda 300L rally yesterday.

[@SVSky]

Mine was a Trail CT125 in 2022. We bought it primarily as a vehicle retrive bike. As hang glider pilots we drive the 4x4 to the top of the mountain with all of our gear, fly down, and then hop on the motorcycle to drive back up the mountain to get the truck. Looking at the new CFR300LS as another bike.

[@terminalogicalinexactitude4561]

Oh

[@aria8928]

That's a super interesting use-case for just like a comfy easygoing sort of cottage bike.

[@coda.9820]

The xr150l is sold here in brazil for more than 10 years now, is sold under the name of honda bros. And is one of the most sold bikes by far

[@GLHS592]

I just bought a Kawasaki Versys-x 300. I really like the seating position and seat height. At 5'10", I can flat foot this bike. It is a very easy to ride, has good power, and I think it looks great. Many people keep them after the beginner stage.

[@andymorton1737]

My first and current bike is a TW200. While I do want to upgrade to something larger, I don't think I am going to be able to part with the TW.

[@tominglis9690]

My first bike was a 1991 Yamaha Virago 535. When I was ready to move on, I sold it to a buddy as his learning bike for $1, on the promise that when he was done with it, he'd do the same.

[@KeepinItSurreal]

My first was a Svartpilen 401. Rode it for two years and it doesn't get better for a beginner bike. Then I sold it for 1k over MSRP when I got it on 2020.. can't beat that. Upgraded to an acid gold Tuareg 660.

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

KTM Duke 200 is an awesome beginner motorcycle and a lot of bang for the buck.

[@mauroignelzi329]

I love my 2020 Super Cub I have over 30,000 miles on it I had a lot of bikes over the last 50 years and the smaller bikes are the most fun 😁

[@rokonman]

Unless I have somehow missed it there is no DCT 500 Honda. Great idea though as it would open up Hondas whole midsize line to DCT. I am a DCT believer and have one in my VW. Performance exceeding the manual version without having to hold in the clutch in traffic.

[@Theophilus1968]

My first bike was a 1982 Honda cb900f with a kerker pipe. I was eighteen, rode it forty miles home over the Bay Bridge in a tank top, athletic shorts and a pair of Air Jordan’s. What an idiot. Haven’t stopped riding since.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Respectable list. I agree with almost all of what you suggested and said why. Especially the "honorable mentions". 1st bike/beginning for me was a 1974 yamaha 100 enduro. (used) I was 12 years old. Although, I had some riding experience prior on various other bikes of different power levels and sizes. Most of my piers that rode dirt bikes at that age were on Kawasaki 80's it seemed. So, I had a slightly more mature bike, but I geared it to be super low end for hill climbs. (top speed was around 35 mph) My 1st street bike was a 1982 Honda 200CM. (POS) It was also used. It was a perfect size to get my permit on, as it was small and easy to maneuver for the cones, breaking, etc. Was lousy as a highway bike as it was so light I got thrown around a lot by traffic. Then I moved up to a 1985 Honda NightHawk 450. AWESOME bike. Best street bike I had ever owned. (also used lol) Best Dual Sport I owned was a 1999 Kawasaki KLR250. (new) Too many others to mention. I would like to see your take on the ARCH brand bikes that Keanu Reeves is involved with. Maybe get a chance to talk to the man himself about his company and test the bikes out for yourselves. 🙂

[@MattLitkeRacing]

I put money down on a XR150L. Should be coming at the end of April

[@C-Henry]

Definitely curious about the Honda XR150L, it looks like it could be a decent starter bike for the price and I'll be looking for reviews as it starts to roll out.

[@chrisss73841]

If it was fuel injected I'd be all over it for my first motorcycle. In Colorado I'd see it being a huge pain dealing with one. The extra $1k makes the CT125 worth it, IMO. If you don't mind dealing with a carb, might as well get a TW200 at that point.

[@repsol6198]

I wonder if the Honda XR150L will be hard to find or will Honda produce enough to handle demand? Alot of the Honda mini-motos are still hard to find in stock.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I thibk it makes a really good vehicle for when you just want to run to the store and back for a couple things. Plus of you see some dirt you can go on it

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

​​@@chrisss73841 i wish the trail 125 was a 300 and had a regular motorcycle trans 1 down 5 up. Wosh the grom was the same way. The 125 is too weak for my area but i love the micro motorcycles just as much as the mega ones. 125 just really limits you on the higher speeds and theres grom tires rated to like 90-130 so the theoretically i wish theyd double the grom displacement

[@shannonmcatee9610]

Looked at one last week, 4200 out the door in NH.... may have my 14 yr old check it out... Definitely a little small for me...

[@morgantalbert7103]

My first motorcycle I learned on was a Honda MB5. I currently own 4 street bikes. :) Btw, Honda does NOT have a Rebel 500 with DCT (mentioned at 9:15) listed on their website. I think you mistakenly were thinking of the 1100 w/DCT. Keep these videos coming.

[@chrisremix6230]

I looked several times just to make sure. The bikes look so similar that they confused the DCT with non DCT.

[@morgantalbert7103]

@@chrisremix6230 I figured as much. But I double checked before I wrote any comments. It would be interesting to see them bring back the CTX700 as a 750 and have the DCT option. Ride safe.

[@thumpersquid]

I'm a DualSport lover and own a 300 Rally and a TW200. I wish I could buy all the bikes on this video! I might be showing early signs of a motohoarder.

[@robertbuckner1064]

My first motorcycle was a 1963 175cc Harley Davidson Bobcat/Scat in 1964 19in knobby tires 3 speed two stroke no battery ran off a magneto. I loved that bike. Great fun off-road and getting me to school

[@EricHeinrich]

My first bike many years ago was a 1980 Suzuki GS450. That was back in 1987. A couple of years with that and I stepped up to a Kawasaki GPz 750. I think all of your suggestions are great. Now with the availabilty of ABS I think every beginner should have ABS. Actually I think everyone should ride a bike with ABS. I recently got back into riding after takine 20plus years off from it. I bought a 2003 BMW F650CS last year. It is not crazy fast but it check all my boxes, ABS, fuel injection, and no chain to maintain (belt drive).

[@thebigguy8306]

Thanks, Kase and Alex, good discussion. A day out riding always beats a day in the office.

[@apexseeker3821]

First time visiting your channel and I gotta say I was impressed. I agree with all your selections. I started on a Yamaha R3 and enjoyed it a lot. Upgraded to an Fz07 after a year or two then went to a Honda Shadow 1100 followed by a bmw f700gt. Currently on a sv650.

[@supersteve8305]

Nice list. My first was a 1986 Harley Sportster. I upgraded 4 years later to a 1989 Harley Heritage Softtail. I wrote that for 16 years. It finally got a little heavy for me (due to aging). I picked up a 2005 50cc Yamaha Zuma to ride around the neighborhood. I still own that. My two favorite on this list was the BMW and the new Honda 150. I'm actually about ready to pick up another bike and keep the Zuma for just goofing off.

[@thetruth3346]

I'm currently building a slightly customized 89 heritage springer soft tail. Cheers

[@Eli_From_LA]

Honda XR150L has been a blast as my first bike. Never rode on a motorcycle prior to this bike. Bought it July 10th and a month later still am loving it. Might be Looking to upgrade to a 300L though pretty soon.

[@boilerdown1]

Great video, but you missed two great KTM bikes! In the Adventure category, the KTM 390 Adventure and in the Naked category the KTM 390 Duke are really good options! They have a 373cc single cylinder four-stroke making 43hp / 27lb-ft, fuel injection, liquid cooling, cornering ABS (Adventure has an offroad mode where ABS can be disabled), adjustable suspension, LED lighting, slipper clutch, quick shifter, a 7” color TFT, bluetooth integration for audio/nav controls with the KTM app, etc. Most importantly the 390 Adventure and Duke look so freaking cool!

[@brianmaris3252]

KTM 200 Duke

[@jacknimble1]

Don't understand the skipping of the 390 adventure except for the seat height. Not even a mention??

[@hhplymouth9473]

My first bike was a 1973 Z1. Currently I have 3 bikes. The small one is a 2007 750 Shadow Spirit. My touring bike is a 2003 VTX1800R. It has a windshield , hard saddlebags and a tourpak. My favorite bike is a 2007 Heritage Softail.

[@genebond]

My first bike was a '69 Harley Baja 125. Followed that with a YZ125. 40 years later, I got my TW200, and I don't need anything more! Sorry to see it didn't make the DS honorable mention. I was told it was the #1 bike used in rider training. I agree, the Rebel 250-300 is a good one to learn street riding, but the TW can do so much more.

[@seanlloyd9424]

02 Honda CBR954. Loved it and just sold it last year.

[@stevencote7951]

My first bike was a new 75 Suzuki GT380, a triple 2 stroke making about 40hp , oil injection with a 6 speed transmission it even had a lcd gear indicator. It was faster in 5th then 6th, was very smooth, got MPG in the high 30's scared the crap out of me the first time I went through the gears. I put 9K on it in one year, never really went anywhere but you couldn't keep me off it, I didn't drive my car for months.

[@seanmorden7411]

I was 15 and first bike was 1978 Honda CB125. The year was 1980. And 30 plus motorcycles later Riding xr150 and loving it.😊 From Harleys to Hondas, small bore most enjoyable!

[@scubasteve9449]

Just got my license. And got a xr150l for around town and a mt-03. For longer rides and better speeds for major roads. Everyone said a bike would be 10,000. Totally not true. So now I have a variety

[@brendanjewels4889]

First (and still my current) bike is a 2015 Victory Gunner. Was very close to getting a Kawasaki Vulcan 650s but a great deal popped up for the Vic.

[@cblank928]

Great video 👍🏼 Nice when the beginner bike video actually has good beginner bikes

[@kalaharimine]

Honda XL125S trail bike, great learner bike and such fun for riding bush trails, exploring and commuting to college.

[@minutemanfl]

I got an XR150L about a month ago as my first bike. I'm going to run it into the ground learning to wheelie, pivot turn, etc... Then I'll likely upgrade to a DRZ400 or DRZ400SM

[@bryanmiller2023]

Unless you're looking for a first bike for an immature teenager, skip the lower displacement options on their list. The Rebel is a good example, if you can afford to step up to the 500 do so, it's still a perfect starter bike but will have more usable power for when you have to go on roads that traffic necessities higher speeds. I started on a Duke 390 and I couldn't imagine starting on a 125 or 250 unless all your riding will be limited to a tiny town with one stop light. All their suggestions are reasonable but keep in mind there are other bikes that literally have the same engine and frame as those they mentioned while fitting into another category like the KTM 390 Adventure that has the same engine as the Husqvarna and KTM RC390 they included on their list. I have been completely impressed with my Duke 390, the only thing I wish it had is some wind protection and some storage which will influence the decision on my next bike.

[@boilerdown1]

I'm getting ready to take the MSF course and have my eyes on a leftover 2022 390 Adventure as my first bike! I've been doing a ton of research and it seems like it offers a lot with the main caveat being the 33.7" seat height which would prevent an average height rider from flat footing.

[@conniewaite1371]

My first bike was a honda 400 automatic

[@MichaelWhite-cx4ho]

Thanks for the great info and for including the Honda XR150. I have a deposit on one, but I'm going nuts trying to decide between the black colorway or the white. Hoping for input from you and readers on your choices and why. Thanks again!

[@ericadams4898]

Like many, started on a dirt bike when I was 5. Suzuki 50. First street bike: Buell Lightning XB12S, and I’m never selling it!

[@CARandDRONE]

My first was going to be a Scram but my daughter (11) was too scared of me riding after seeing many riders laid out here. So I got us both e-bikes (terrible parent). She’s now frustrated by the low speed and I’ll probably grab us a Grom to share then skip the scram and go straight to that pretty Husky that got honorable mention. Thank you!

[@chrisss73841]

depending on where you ride, ebikes can hit some stupidly high speeds with the right mods.

[@FrankyRedEyes]

First bike was a 1973 Suzuki TS 125. It was slow but never broke. 2nd bike 1978 CanAm 250 enduro. The CanAm broke quite a lot but was fast af for its time ....until it got blown away by liquid cooled 250cc bikes.

[@1122redbird]

I love my XR150L but it's not a "brand new bike from Honda", it's been around the world and also in a 125cc as well for many years. New to the USA, a standard bike worldwide. No nonsense versatile little bike.

[@plokmko0]

My 1st bike was a Honda MR 175 that I still have !!!

[@dbdchristopher]

Mine is a trail 125 but i officially drove a Honda Elite sa50 scooter around for about 2 weeks before buying a Honda Trail

[@hexhead5732]

We started on a SSR 125 pit bike and now 3 years later riding full size dirt bikes we still have the pit bike for our beginner riders

[@tedwitus]

Thanks TFLbike ..! 'm sure someone's pointed out but the DCT is only available in the Rebel 1100 - not the 500 (*would be nice and a big seller i'm sure)

[@elliottlee1050]

riding classes will also lower your insurance, whether new or seasoned rider. for those that do not ~ I wish I had started out on a smaller engine. Though I wanted what I wanted and that was BIG LOL!! So it is neat that the Rebel and the Ninja, I'm sure others have the "LOOK". I started out with a 1991 HD Heritage Softail, the Sportster of the time weren't as cool as they now. Ironically now, I would prefer to have Indian scout bobber or FTR. Or a HD Roadster, so definitely smaller. But all still have enough power for me. As a side note, I was walking in the last week, walking down 6th St in Govenor's park.(Denver) And I saw a Rider Justice advertisement on a p/u truck at a personal injury attorney office! Thought of you all

[@daveplem]

I’m a newbie, and I’m starting on a 2007 V-Strom 1000. I weigh 320 pounds so getting a small bike doesn’t make sense. I paid $4000 with 15,000 miles, but post COVID, I could get one with more farkles for $3500.

[@ceejaypilot4226]

First bike: 1990 Vulcan 500; kept it for 8 years.

[@elliottlee1050]

Come to Agadir! 😂❤ If on this side of the 🌍still😘. Currently where we are, Ducati to 🐫! Or true Defender😂🤷. So neat to hear your excitement in riding overseas! The 🇪🇺 definitely has better roads for the most part, though they tend to pay for them too. Spain & Greece tend to be less so** I hope you get more adventures over here! Well Europe or wherever 😊

[@husabergpower4700]

My first motorcycle: MZ TS 250

[@Mayjay87]

My first bike was a Suzuki DR350.

[@toddbachman3912]

WELL... I HAD A SHIT TON OF BIKES.. BUT MY FIRST WAS A 1977 HONDA XL 125...NEW OF COURSE.👍👍😎

[@conniewaite1371]

Ever do a revue on the Janus motorcycles?

[@MrRelax-vt7gq]

Are the Honda XR150L's available in Colorado cause I haven't seen any at dealerships around me.

[@terminalogicalinexactitude4561]

Hairyv agina for my first ride. As i got more experience, trimmed Beaver C 3OOO rode better.

[@postersm7141]

14:50 here’s the problem, I agree that is an awesome bike for the price. The problem is good luck finding a dealer that’s going to sell it to you for that price and not market up like they do with the Grom, the monkey and every other affordable motorcycle.

[@sgt_sledge]

Great list. Something to consider is adding a list for bigger, mature first time riders. I got my license at 32 and my first bike was a honda shadow. Alittle more power and torque than the rebel 500, but much heavier. At 250 lbs, only a couple of the bikes you listed would be comfortable for me. That doesn't change how great the bikes are, just not practical for me. I guess older and bigger first time riders are probably more in the intermediate range for bikes since we aren't necessarily in it for the speed. That being said, my honda monkey was far and away my favorite bike to ride, just not on the highway.

[@yorkchris10]

CF Moto has a Mini? XR is new to US? Other countries have imported them.

[@TheNielsAlmelo]

kawasaki should make a versys 400, it would be great

[@shadowdance4666]

300cc class the weight should match the cc imo

[@Ken-yp1dg]

Starter Bikes can be whatever you want.

[@BlueRidgeRider]

No mention of the CF Moto 450 sport bike?

[@kinangeagle133]

I think australia and southeast asia have had the XR for the past 120 years with a retail around 1800 USD. Legit, my laptop is more expensive and i have what some would call a “bang for the buck” laptop

[@Bauks]

Suzuki FA50

[@user-dv7hb2sc9m]

Hey Guys, ya'll alive out there ?? I've got a question about all these bikes which I didn't hear you talk about but it's about the Maintenance Schedule for these bikes..... I saw one dual sport that had an upper end required maint every 6,000 miles & it CO$Ts $500-$600 bucks plus your down time? But after you bought the bike, the gear, the Insurance..... Ummm, you barely have money left for gas so an expensive maint. schedule would be a real slam & it might make you quit riding? And there's no Salesman that's gonna share this w/o being prompted or after he's got your signature? Good video & do any of the bikes come w/ a metal skid plate? One of them had an aluminum plate but I wasn't sure if that was aftermarket or not? Anyhoo, ty again for all the info. peace & GB ALL

[@aceone7048]

2019 Suzuki RV200 VanVan. Great retro dual sport and it’s fuel injected. Now looking to sell it and move on to the next

[@chrisss73841]

I've wanted one since new but missed the boat. Where are you selling?!

[@aceone7048]

@@chrisss73841 NW WA

[@chrisss73841]

@@aceone7048 dang that's far from me! I'm in CO and have been keeping an eye out for a VanVan.

[@aceone7048]

@@chrisss73841 how much do you think one would sell for?

[@chrisss73841]

@@aceone7048 no idea. Everyone in CO wants MSRP but back east you'd be lucky to get $2k

[@engir63]

The Honda CB500x is a better starter adventure bike it has an upright riding position and is cheaper than the smaller BMW. The scrambler triumph has a 250 and 400 the 400 is a better bike than your chooses. The Rebel you are absolutely right, there is no bike that has gotten more people into riding though history.

[@brianmaris3252]

WOW, how about the RC 390

[@gregferris9378]

The Royal Enfield I would choose would be the classic 350.

[@dbruntz1]

First bike was a 2002 SV650

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Wow! The Honda 150 is as cheap as most regular ebikes. Lol.. I would still get the XT250 Yamaha however.. Just more versatile

[@brianmaris3252]

KTM 200 Duke !!!

[@snowbank9386]

Honda 50 cub

[@robertadams4415]

Just bought my wife a 2023 rebel

[@border411]

The Honda XR150 is a close second to my #1 pick. Just buy a Hawk! $1800 shipped, same they have proven their reliability.

[@BobSaint]

What is the bike on the screen behind You?

[@damianl3]

In Australia, 1990, Suzuki RGV250. A bike a beginner should not have had

[@tech_gear]

Wait a second, I was always told a turbo Hayabusa was the best beginner motorcycle. I was deceived.

[@varunchauhan214]

The rebel 500 doesn't come in DCT only the 1100 does

[@rik999]

Yamaha R5

[@thenexthobby]

My first and only was acquired last year, a '82 Honda CM200T. There are some great reasons for such a bike being a learner bike, but overall, the hobby cannot be sustained by old bikes. Parts for some critical pieces can become a real problem, so unless you get lucky and find a mint example, don't bother pretending it's a good idea. I would strongly caution abasing making a video of old bikes due to the unavailability of most of them being in great condition. Instead, if and when you come across a nice example of something, feature it as something someone might consider.

[@princem9235]

Triumph Speed 400?

[@dy3dsl648]

Why do western bikers always says beginners motorcycle that has a smaller displacement. So does a professional dirt bike rider who uses a 125cc or a little bigger displacement is still a beginner? Only Americans says beginner bikes. There’s no such thing. So if I ride a small displacement engine I’m still a beginner even I rode 30 years of my life? So should I always have to buy bigger displacement to be called a intermediate and a lot bigger as I go on ? That’s why there’s lesser younger Americans are riding bikes because the so called beginner.

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I would never recommend a new bike for a first time rider unless they don't mind paying to repairs that need to be done after dropping it at least twice. 😮

[@the_jarmel]

👏👏👏ALEX 👏👏👏 KASE ...........HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY EVERYONE ✌️

[@daniyaldanish8996]

Honda Rebel

[@roydenvickers6382]

Timestamps on the timeline...

[@cerberus2881]

You make too much of gear shifting, it's not that big of a deal. My first was the FZ 1000.

[@DKosu48]

KTM just does this better. Hello you get kick backs I get it but look around.

[@mikealger4721]

What about the Honda CRF 300 LS. 32.7 inch seat height.

[@TheTaylorfam1988]

You missed one of the best in the KTM 390 Adventure.

[@janniemeyer9951]

Engine made in China😂😂😂

[@ribalderr6052]

I want a swm 500 but u cant find one for 20 states i think arizona has one.