7 Overlooked Beginner Motorcycles

[@yammienoob]

Get your Chin Mounts @ chinmounts.com/yammie and use code YAMMIE for 10% off the entire order!

[@benikos]

I’ve been begging you to ride a VersysX 300 for a while now. You need to take this bike off-road . You’re sleeping on this bike!

[@ruthlesshatchet6353]

You should get a turbo busa…. Or figure out how to turbo the zx4r. Worst case it blows up. You got nothing to lose

[@jiminidaho6385]

A few years ago I got back into motorcycles after a 40 year absence. Went through a 2014 Honda CB500X, then up to a 2017 Yamaha FZ07 which was/is a magnificent midsize bike but came with other unintended consequences I won't go into here. Finally went to a TU250X and love the little thing. It's not fast but it's incredibly fun to ride. Extremely nimble, comfortable riding position and seat height and lots of fun to wind the piss out of 1st, 2nd and even 3rd gear before you start getting into the really expensive speeding ticket territory. Plus with that air cooled, one spark plug, two valve engine that's accessible from any angle without disassembling half the bike it's super super easy for an amateur mechanic to maintain.

[@zachhamlin1718]

I just got my first bike a few weeks ago, 2013 Triumph Bonneville SE that only had 8000 miles on it. Loving it

[@armymutt25A]

My first bike was an '04 Bonnie. Still have it and love it. Personally, I think they are a great first bike. Enough power to do what you want while learning, but not enough to get you in serious trouble.

[@heyheyspaceman]

I've got 5 years on my tu250x. I'd love to upgrade but it's still kicking ass. Added some panniers for adventures with my wife around Maine. Part of the fun is how analog it is.

[@jonathannielsen3546]

I started on the 1993-2003 Honda CB500 twin. Amazing ride. No abs and carburetted and drums on the rear, but it give me that raw feeling and mastering that gives some skills. Bulletproof engine that runs as long as you change to oil every year. 50 horsepower is good enough for more than just 1 or 2 seasons. I use it as a daily commuter today

[@leanit5756]

My wife had a TW200, then CB500F, then R3, and now a XT250. Should have started her with the XT. What a great bike. Super soft suspension and seat, good wheel travel and ground clearance, outstanding fueling, low seat height, wide bars, wheel sizes that will take real dirt bike knobs... love it. Also have a soft spot as an XT 250 was the first new street legal bike I every bought, back in about 1982 or 1983. I was 16 or 17, not old enough to sign a contract but the dealership owner personally financed it for me without my parents permission or knowing about it. Different (and better) times.

[@Bikencarguy]

Glad yammy mention the cb500f. Most people including me would just go for the lighter and quicker z400. But if you want a beginner bike to build and keep over 3 years the cb500f build quality and parts will definitely be in your favor

[@theheirophant7113]

I'm fascinated by this concept of being able to buy any powered bike as a first foray in biking. As a Brit who first got into bikes in the late 70s, we were restricted as a learner to ride 250s until we passed our (rudimentary) test. Later on the restriction was for new riders to only play with 125s until they too passed a more stringent test. I do not advocate for government deciding what you ride, but experience has taught me that sooner or later a new rider will have a prang, or at the very least have the bike topple because they haven't figured out how to park the fecker. You can still have fun on smaller bike, particularly on twisty roads. Is there a snobbery among some riders that think smaller displacement machines aren't macho enough? Love the content. Keep it up. Oh my first bike was a Honda 70 cub - referred to as a Honda bog seat for obvious reasons, but at least I could service it as a newbie!

[@aidenmornay]

This was one of the many reasons i left UK, too many rules, don't run, don't walk,stay off the grass,in the end it should be my responsibility

[@jlrutube1312]

Why does U.S. gov. allow a 16 year old to buy a liter sport bike? Probably the same reason they keep the borders open allowing fentynal to kill 125000 a year. Namely, they could care less about the American people.

[@godly_boss_hog4305]

I have a a tu250x as my first bike, had it for 3 years now and am just now wanting to get something bigger. Cheap bike, super reliable, great gas mileage i get about 75mpg, fuel injected and with me being a lighter individual (about papa yams size) it will even sit at highway speeds solidly enough. Absolutely killer for riding around in town.

[@Paul-in-Viet-Nam]

I ride one, too, but did a sprocket change. I have lower torque, but the top speed is higher. You might want to look into doing something like that for now.

[@iR800lbGORILLA]

Learned how to ride a 175CC KAWASAKI BARAKO in the Philippines when I was 8 years old. The W800 gets my attention the most!

[@harolddavis4138]

I started riding motorcycles cycles in the '70s. My first bike was a Honda CB750, which was known as the first superbike. Nobody thought I would live. My first car was a '69 Camaro with a 396. Sink or swim.

[@MrBiggles53]

Saw a CB-750 at work last week!

[@RLfilmz]

I got my first bike last season and its a 2000 Honda Shadow 750 ACE. Of course I bobbered it (because what else would I do with it) and planned to upgrade in a year or so, but I fell in love with it and will probably keep it forever. It's a great bike for around town, can be ridden at 100% without breaking too many laws and I'm even using it to teach my wife to ride (and now she wants a Shadow, too). Please keep sleeping on the Shadows and VLXs, though- at least long enough for me to get another cheap one for her.

[@MikeBarefield]

Glad to see positive comments on the Honda shadow. Yep I own one. 2007. Nice starter bike but also a nice over 70 bike at least for me.

[@ScruffyNerf_Herder]

I started off on an 06 triumph America. I absolutely loved that bike. And then eventually modding the hell out of it. To me it was an amazing bike and even better after the mods.

[@themanwithsauce]

The shadow 750RS is a surprisingly spry little cruiser that was a great choice when compared to the sportsters or harley 500/750 whatever that thing was.... Mid mounted controls and a good handlebar made it handle way better than I gave it credit for at first. One of my friends picked one up for a steal after the previous owner had a low speed slide and decided to upgrade so my buddy learned a bit about how to wrench and do cosmetic repairs while also having his own starter bike. Only thing to keep in mind is that there were certain accessories that fit literally all other shadows besides the RS and I don't remember what they were but I remember getting some simple upgrades was a nightmare for him.

[@Happyfacehotwheels]

My first bike was a Suzuki S40, "LS650". It was a fun little thumper with plenty power. Its a great bike for short riders.

[@iuyozx]

Same here. I was impressed with the low end torque. I quickly outgrew it.

[@bigtreecombatacademy2927]

I’ve had this bike for the last 1.5 years Great for the city and short highway rides Torque is awesome

[@alex._.the._.unlikely9924]

My first bike is what I consider to be a decent overlooked beginner bike. I started on a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja EX500. I loved it, it wasn’t smooth, light, really fast, not that pretty and a little heavy but I learned so much. Now I ride an R6

[@spencerclarkson7578]

I haven’t bought my first bike yet but I have been doing tons of research and honestly I think I’m gonna go for a shadow. Seems like the right way to go for me

[@collinsworld4031]

I had a cb500f for 3 years put 30k miles on it riding it every single day as my daily. Great fuel economy, plenty of power for around town and even for those longer tours (obviously you werent going 100+ but 80-90 was no problem for sustained rides) I absolutely love it and wish i hadnt sold it but now i have had the cb1000r and cb650r so clearly it had a lasting effect.

[@computer_1_guy485]

I learned on a shadow. I thought it was pretty cool, kind of heavy for a beginner though. I remember almost dumping it coming to a stop, but my dad was right there to catch me; good times. Never got my motorcycle endorsement, just rode it around a parking lot long enough to get a feel for the clutch. If I was going to get into riding I think I'd go for something a little more nimble.

[@Wyndstrom]

I appreciate this vid so much! Love your in depth knowledge and sense of humor! Thank you for this!

[@deepwoods_dave7368]

I started on a 1979 Suzuki GS425L. Fun twin, rode it for a few years, never had an issue.

[@jaimymeerveld]

My neighbour had a Honda Shadow, he brought me to my prom on it years ago. They're so underrated and they ride like a dream

[@aridragonbeard745]

I've put over 13000 miles on my TU250X - I don't ride it as much lately (having been putting a similar amount of mileage on a Moto Guzzi V7), but even though it's mostly been sitting around lately, it's still quite reliable when I need it. I've been playing with the idea of selling it, but it keeps coming in handy when the Guzzi is out of commission for any reason (I don't own a car and the motorbike is my primary mode of transportation)

[@PatrikMT07]

I wonder why I still watch all beginner motorcycles content from Yammie. I already bought my first bike..

[@harolddavis4138]

I've been riding 45 years and I still watch beginner bike videos. It's because I don't believe there is such a thing as a beginner motorcycle. Only beginning motorcycle riders and motorcycles they have less chance to get hurt on.

[@Paul-in-Viet-Nam]

Small displacement bikes are just fun. I think the most fun I had on a bike was the Suzuki GD110; it weighed close to nothing and was simply a blast to ride.

[@notyourpapa]

Started on a twin cylinder virago 535. Great first bike. Low seat height, comfortable and gas tank is under the seat for low center of gravity.

[@cyberrednec]

I drive an '86 shadow 1100 with just under 30k miles. I picked it up from a friend for $700 2 years ago and I'm currently using it as a daily. Though I might say it's a good beginner bike under pure bias, and if you do want one as your first bike, I'd pick up something a little newer. Other than that, I've had a blast on it thus far 😀👍

[@adamlanglois563]

The 85-86 1100 shadows actually had good power and gearing. I have a 94 with the 4 speed an that is a slower bike

[@gargantula3274]

On the subject of oddball beginner bikes, an '87 Honda Magna v45 somehow found its way into my life, and with a little work it will be the bike I learn on. Kind of a monster to start on, I know, but it'll be fun to see where it takes me. In the mean time, thanks Papa Yams for the entertainment and the knowledge!

[@bikesbrewsbarbells4801]

Finally! The CB500F!!

[@thenexthobby]

'82 Honda CM200T Makes similar power to the TU250X from its smaller twin, and weighs 50lbs less. Scoots around town nicely, which is why I bought it. From about 45-mph on, things get "buzzy" real fast, so it's not fun to ride at 65 but it'll get up there with no issue.

[@forrestihler504]

I bought the TU250X brand new in 2017 as a 2016 model for cheap as my first bike cause I didn’t wanna kill myself. One of the best decisions ever. Seriously, it’s been a great bike to learn how to ride on.

[@rimasrr1]

7:20 Kawasakali - love it

[@trixtonx]

came here to say this lmao

[@cjjorge6636]

1st bike was a dirt bike then a grom on to a cb600f and a xt i still have them all and love every bike i have owned shops full and im happy !

[@mikescombatgames]

I’m going to be “that guy” and respectfully submit that a scooter maybe should have made the list. Something like the Genuine Buddy 125 has been around forever, still hits 60mph, has fantastic aftermarket support, and is easy to ride, especially for a new rider.

[@MrBiggles53]

After 23 years off bike and some medical issues, I bought a 50cc Hona Ruckus because that’s all I could handle with my energy levels. Still use a 125 Zuma for my daily, in town commuting. No shifting, high MPG, nimble takeoff and handling. Underseat, floorboard - I converted the passenger pegs to drop downs forvmy use - and trunk storage. Incredibly practical and fun!

[@HeldIntegral]

Motorcycles only ☕

[@Paul-in-Viet-Nam]

@@HeldIntegral Maybe for you, but some of us have outgrown our egos.

[@RoadRage810]

I started on a Yamaha JT 1 in 1978. But after I took a break from riding and got back into it I bought an R3 as a commuter and track toy. Now I am down to just the 2022 MT-07 because I'm a 50 year old hooligan who still does sketchy stuff with his bike friends. 🤣

[@TheCallMeCrazy]

Started on a CB250. Can't think of a better starter for in-town commuting honestly. It's one of the few bikes in that class that's actually comfortable to sit on.

[@stanclapper7179]

My 1st bike for my 12th birthday, Kawasaki G4 100cc. Made me feel like Rogar DeCoster. My stable included Bultaco 250 pursang, YZ250, RMZ450, TM 400 susuki, 800 Susuki Marauder, 1200 Susuki Bandit, and now a Goldwing. Ride till u cant.

[@newbilpun8944]

Forget first bike. This is the first comment

[@aidenmornay]

How on earth did you manage this ? I'm impressed

[@reidspeed77]

But how do you know that

[@newbilpun8944]

@@aidenmornay i put a cross on my r3 and St. Rossi blessed me with the gabagool

[@carlosvejar3938]

I can't give you a like because you have 69. Not all heroes wear capes

[@newbilpun8944]

@@carlosvejar3938 🫡

[@Iriscal]

Can confirm, am 5'3" woman, and my 2016 Shadow Aero 750 (R342C Candy Prominence Red) is my one true love.

[@MrBiggles53]

First bike: used 1984 Honda CM-450 that I had in Las Vegas in the late 80s; put 10,000 miles a year on that beast for 3 years while working away from home 4-4.5 days per week. Current bike: used 2013 Honda Shadow Soirit!

[@littleshopofelectrons4014]

"Vertical twin" is a term that goes back to the 1950s. The biggest sellers were Triumph and BSA which had 2 parallel cylinders that were indeed vertical. There were also non-vertical parallel twins such as the Norton with the cylinders slanted forward. But, yes, they were all parallel twins. Its sort of like Ducati calling their engines "L twins" when in fact they are 90-degree V twins. Its just that the "V" is rotated so that it looks like an "L".

[@andycapps7975]

I just bought 2023 an absolutely ❤ it. I find myself lost almost everyday on it.

[@akramch1910]

Yammie always with the good infos

[@jinaarrin]

i have the tu250x and its a blast, i live in SF and its a perfect city bike for anyone that gets one i highly suggest getting stiffer springs on the clutch. other than that its amazing and for fuel mileage with these hills i get about 70mpg

[@kelinryan8222]

Last summer I was actually given a 2007 Honda VT1100 Shadow Saber for free from an older rider that wanted to get a either a Harley or something fuel injected. Ya it was heavy, needed a carb clean, a new turn signal and a battery. But it was free. These bikes are great, low maintenance, shaft drive bikes and will run forever. If you are on a budget they are a fantastic option, I just wish it had a sixth gear for the highway.

[@KiRiTO72987]

Yeah after exhaust the next mod i did to my shadow 750 was putting a 39 tooth rear sprocket on it to lower the revs on the highway

[@franklowry4852]

Good video! This list of motorcycles is also good for us cheap skate older riders who refuse to pay more than 10,000 dollars for a motorcycle. Us riders who prefer motorcycles that weight 550 pounds or less and who think anything over 70 horsepower is over kill. I don't do track days myself and 85 mph is the highest speed limit I've seen in Texas, so I think this is good list.

[@yodan4466]

i’ve got a 2002 honda shadow 1100 and i think it’s great. it needs a little work to look less like a grandpa bike but it rides really well so far and everyone who has seen me riding says they like it too

[@onoes9646]

Those TUs have really good brakes for size, too.

[@solterodad]

Way back in 1975 my first bike was 1968 Honda SS 175. Kind of would like to have it back again.

[@robreynolds721]

‘05 VTX1300S was my first bike. Still have it!

[@TruckingShooter]

My first bike was a 99 shadow ace 1100. Great bike

[@milkywayprince_]

w800/w650 always been a dream. just a solid one with nothing crazy going on.

[@georgejameson9317]

They all come with throttles, use them. My first street bike was a hand me down 1 liter. Practice, short shift, and learn to modulate all the controls. If it physically fits you will be ok, if it doesn’t find one that does.

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

My first bike came from Sears catalog. Italian made Gilera 124 single, sold as Sears 124. Cost about $400 in 1968. It would do sixty mph and that was enough.

[@killerkalili]

Just got my first bike about a month ago and it is a Honda CB500F that I got a great deal on. I love it!

[@mauricetremblay1324]

At 55 I started on a Honda ST1100. Now I am on a BMW R1200RT. Comfort is king. Lol.

[@Paul-in-Viet-Nam]

Thank you for another great video. I'm delighted to see my bike made your list; albeit at the end, but still on it. I like my Suzuki TU250, but I've ridden it for a while and it's time to upgrade. I'm thinking about a Honda Steed 400 or Kawasaki Ninja 400.

[@Mark-i9k5i]

The new line of honda rebels are bad ass*** especially 1100

[@Fobes]

Just got my second Shadow Spirit. Well under $5k. Only $1700 and it’s an 1100. Around my area there are many Shadows in different sizes under $2500.

[@kawasukiyamahonda]

Don't forget about the Suzuki DR650. Lower seat height than the DRZ400, and air/oil cooled.

[@j.a.3993]

I started riding in 2008 with a Qlink Pegasus. I now ride a Honda PCX 150.

[@TomHouse-qk3hd]

Stop hating on the cbr500r its not for americans doesnt mean its bad it has the power limit for a2 license and is more comfortable than the other small sport bikes it also has very good fuel economy which is important in european countries where fuel isnt cheap as hell like in america. Basically its a veylry good commuter bike cheap fuel reliable bc honda powerfull enough and keeps the wind off you perfect commuting bike

[@StardustADV]

I started on a Vstrom 650, and bought a Harley as a seccond motorcycle 6 months later. entered myself into dad mode motorcycles... way to quickly.

[@bigtreecombatacademy2927]

I want a vstrom and ride a lightweight cruiser Dad mode operational

I literally spit out my drink when I saw a Ténéré 250 (xtz250z) in the exact same color and model as mine briefly showing as first suggestion. Great bike, but I had no idea you guys had them out there in the US. The Ténéré 250 is a little different from the regular xtz because it has a bigger fuel tank and windshield, it's a bike that a lot of people use to travel long distances around where I live.

[@oofrostyoo8173]

I'm a beginner trying to see what to get and you helped out a lot new subscriber here

[@heyitsme3155]

The Yamaha FZS/N 600 line is a reale nice bike for beginners.

[@frazierisenberg2290]

I just bought a W800 and it is a FANTASTIC bike!! It is worth the 6 grand I paid!!

[@kimber1911]

My first bike, reasonable or not, was a 1986 Shadow 1100. Loved that bike as my dad gifted it to me. Regret selling it. Have since had a 2006 Aero 750 and currently a 1998 1100 Aero.

[@JuanSanchez-zg7ti]

The best used or new motorcycle that you can buy is the TRIUMPH.

[@joshknight129]

I owe a cb500f right now and it’s my first road bike. Would highly recommend it as a first bike especially if you find a good deal on one!

[@1sttimegunowner]

Used the TU250 on my msf so hard to find them great bike. Definitely will eventually grab one

[@Mathei91]

I own a black 2016 Shadow Aero 750. If you want to feel only a little bit of speed... This bike is wrong. I'm scraping pegs in every roundabout, it's slow, heavy, 120-150km/h takes about 2 to 3 business days... BUT: this bike definitely delivers on the feel and vibe department. If you know what you're getting into and driving the motorcycle accordingly, it's really fun. Also it turns heads like no other bike i ever owned.

[@ultimateedits8517]

I used to have a versys 300 it's actually extremely capable off-road it kinda surprised me I have some street and trail tires and It handled the trails like it wasn't nun

[@benikos]

Honestly everyone sleeps on this bike! Anyone who knocks it clearly hasn’t ridden one.

[@ultimateedits8517]

@@benikos agreed it's actually not bad other than the short ass gears lol but that's so it's easier to ride through trails

[@GLHS592]

I bought one three months ago. I love it. I was watching videos on all the dual sports and ran across the Versys-x 300. I thought it looked interesting. The more I looked at it the more interesting it looked. The price sealed the deal. It does great on the highway and is very capable on the rough roads and creek crossings around where I live. It's a very smooth bike, but the high rpms take a little getting used to. I may buy another bike, but I'd hate to get rid of my little Versys.

[@Lodethebig]

Hopefully getting my license in two weeks! The CB500F or CB500X (yea, quite a bit different from eachother) have been on my radar for a while now and gonna test ride them as soon as I get the chance to!

[@randyloud7419]

Yammie thanks 🙏 for making great videos..We thank your great ..south west ga boy

[@tonyl9636]

I got turned down for financing but I think it's like the best thing that happened to me two years. I got an amazing deal on a really clean low mileage 2015 Duke 390, I've been riding even when I didn't really have the time to go for a ride because I'm just having a lot of fun. And I actually got to keep some money in my savings

[@VAZSFV4]

Picked up a Duke 790 a month ago as a first bike, little spicy but manageable

[@Mark-i9k5i]

Shandow/* is great especially the 750!!!,but i d buy a vt,1100 instead

[@Mark-i9k5i]

Bye honda night hawk550,650,or 750,are super fun,and super reliable **as/super low maintenance, you can pick one up for under3k

[@kolbybroussard5505]

The shadow is a fantastic motorcycle the only true draw back is the barely more than 100miles per tank.

[@cmpmendes]

I'm an Euroboy. Started on a 50cc Gilera and after 20 years of no bike riding grabbed a 125cc scooter. Still deciding the next one.

[@marshallpixley2643]

I technically started on a CB125, which only ran for like a month when i was 8. Rode buddies bikeshere and there, and stoppedabout 10 years ago. my "reentry" bike is a boomer spec 2003 electraglide that i ripped the tour pack off of to make a poor mans street glide if you stand a quater mile away and squint really hard lol. big and very heavy pig of a bike, but i am also quite big so it fits lol.

[@mjo4981]

It IS a vertical twin! That's what they used to call BSAs and Triumphs...

[@dwightblackman5696]

It’s Suzuki TU 250 is literally the bike. I learn to ride on. But in a way, that’s like saying, my first video game console was the Sega pico

[@Sapioso]

*TU250x* finally getting some respect! Everyone thinks she’s a Bonnie😂

[@arrows1440]

Vertical twin was what we called it in the jurassic era (70's). Check out a Yamaha xs650.

[@alexandrlux6977]

Me watching Yammie talk about bikes for new rider wile riding R1 (it’s not my first bike, I slowly grew into it started on ninja 300)

[@kennethallison4804]

First bike, Honda Shadow Sabre 1100.

[@MrJerry2468]

My first and current bike is a 75 yamaha tx 500. Let's see hpw it goes I took it to a shop and it runs amaz8ng now

[@4DMASTR]

There are piles of used R3 and Ninja 400's for sale. Definitely a lot of other options out there.

[@Simulera]

Good beginner bikes tend to be just good bikes, period. After you maybe get over your various fantasies in the first 20 or 30 years that you ride and go through bikes looking for the perfect expression of self, its often true that you might wind up with an appreciation for something your 25 year old self wouldn’t imagine possible. Like “bullet proof” wtf is wrong with that? Only good around town and back roads. Sounds good. “Cheap” is a lovely word when paired with “bullet proof” and “great fun”. That it doesn’t attract attention is excellent too. Yeah, I’m pretty old and have ridden bikes for a very long time. I enjoyed the search over bike and riding space, just saying these beginner bikes are simply great bikes in almost every case. Even certain classic sorts of bikes much smaller that what is being described in this video.

[@ruthlesshatchet6353]

My dad had a Shadow 750. It annoyed him so much that my little ninja 250 got talked about and strangers just ignored his. It’s a perfectly good bike but has nothing that stands out. It’s comfy to ride on. Kinda a dorky knock off of Harley.

[@thepenguinhouse]

Those 500cc Hondas are great for riders in Aus who are limited in the bikes they are legally allowed to ride, untill they are fully licensed

[@derivitiv]

I really like the Honda Shadow. However, there is still that whole issue of sitting at a red light and someone calling out "Hey! Is that a Harley?"

[@patrickmarrone8565]

i had a tu 250 2 weeks ago on my msf course. high seat hight. the lot was ona slant and only one of my feel would hit the ground on it at 5'7''

[@kell7195]

Love it!

[@joesmithey7131]

My first bike was an 85 kawasaki eliminator 900 that I bought for 150 bucks I spent 2 years rebuilding it cause it had sat up for about 10 years and I had no mechanical experience but damn it I loved that bike

[@evilmessiah81]

i would add a royal enfield himalayan and interceptor and a hyosung aquilia and GT to this list

[@kevincoggeshall3079]

My first bike was a 1979 Honda 750four

[@rdbjr52]

You didn’t mention the Harley Davidson Road King? That was my first bike. Wish I still had it.