Choosing the Right Motorcycle: A Guide for Adult Beginners

Learning to ride a motorcycle, especially for off-road adventures, can be an exciting journey. However, it’s crucial to start with the right bike to make the learning curve less steep and more enjoyable. This article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting suitable motorcycles for adult beginners, focusing on key characteristics, recommended models, and essential considerations.

Key Considerations for Beginner Bikes

When selecting a motorcycle for learning off-road or dual-sport riding, several factors should be considered:

Weight: Lighter motorcycles are generally better for beginners. Managing a heavy bike, especially off-road, can be challenging and hinder skill development. The biggest mistake new adventure dual-sport riders make is attempting to learn off-roading on heavy motorcycles, over 400 lb. or 180 kg. Learning basic off-road skills is exponentially more difficult if you’re wrestling a behemoth.
Seat Height: It’s essential to be able to comfortably place your feet on the ground. A lower seat height inspires confidence and control, particularly during stops and slow maneuvers.
Power: Too much power can be intimidating for beginners. A manageable power output allows riders to focus on mastering fundamental skills without being overwhelmed.
Cost: Opting for a less expensive bike reduces the financial risk associated with potential damage during the learning process. Additionally, maintenance and repairs should be affordable.
Road-Legality: The bikes are all road-legal from the showroom floor, meaning you can legally ride them on public roads in all 50 states. This is important because if you buy an off-road-only model, you are extremely limited in where it can be ridden, and you lose the versatility of being able to commute to work or ride around town.
Stability: A stable bike gives you enough support from the bike as you balance and corner, allowing it to be predictable and maneuverable at slow speeds. A bike with good stability has a longer wheel base, wider handlebars, and a low standover height so you can more easily put your foot down to steady yourself.
Relaxed Positioning: You want to be comfortable on your bike-the more happy and relaxed you are, the more you’ll ride. Most beginner bikes keep the rider’s back somewhere between a 90- and 70-degree angle with the ground, to put less strain on your back and neck.
Wider Tires: No matter what type of bike you purchase, look for options with wider-than-typical tires. They offer more grip and traction, so you can ride more safely across most conditions.
Proper Fit: Use this guide to get an idea of what size you need. Try to test ride the model you like if you can, or research the geometry and hop on something similar to get a sense of it.

Recommended Motorcycles for Beginners

Here’s a curated list of road-legal motorcycles suitable for new off-road, dual-sport, or adventure riders, categorized by engine size:

1. Honda XR150L

MSRP: $3,099
Weight: 282 lb.
Seat Height: 32.8 in.

The Honda XR150L is one of the smallest and most affordable motorcycles. For less than the price of most new full-suspension mountain bikes, you can have a street-legal dual-sport. It won’t go much over 55 mph, but this won’t matter if your primary use is trail riding.

Pros: Affordable, easy, fun
Cons: Lacking power for highway rides

2. Yamaha TW200

MSRP: $4,999
Weight: 278 lb.
Seat Height: 31.1 in.

With its signature fat tires, the TW200 (a.k.a. the Turtle) is a favorite for riders who regularly need to tackle mud, sand, or other slippery conditions. With a very low seat, even shorter riders should be comfortable. It has been around since the Stone Age, and parts are easy to find. The machine is very reliable and simple with a very passionate community behind them. You can often find TW200s on backroads, farms, trails or even downtown!

Pros: Big traction, low seat, fun to ride.
Cons: Limited suspension capability, slow

3. Kawasaki KLX230S

MSRP: $4,999
Weight: 290 lb.
Seat Height: 33.2 in.

The KLX230S (also available in a non-S taller version) is simple, easy to use, and versatile, and doesn’t cost too much.

Pros: Available ABS, great performance
Cons: The seat is still fairly tall, not very powerful

4. Yamaha XT250

MSRP: $5,399
Weight: 291 lb.
Seat Height: 32.7 in.

The XT250 in various versions has been around for a long time-a very long time. That means it’s a proven design. Models from 2013 on in the USA received fuel injection.

Pros: Simple, easy to use, reliable
Cons: 5-speed transmission, limited power

5. Yamaha WR250R (Second-hand)

MSRP: Second-hand only
Weight: 295 lb.
Seat Height: 36.6 in.

Yamaha’s WR250R is no longer available as a new model in the US, but it’s worth mentioning. They are so reliable and fun, that many people simply don’t sell them. If you can find a good one for sale, they will likely not be cheap. The MSRP was around $7,000 and low mileage samples can be found for around four to six thousand dollars depending on condition. These are some of the lightest, trail-worthy and most reliable dual-sports made in recent years.

Pros: High-revving bullet-proof engine, requires only normal maintenance, light weight and crazy fun on trails.
Cons: Limited power for highway-speeds

6. Honda CRF300LS

MSRP: $5,749
Weight: 311 lb.
Seat Height: 32.7 in.

The LS version is a lower-seat version of the venerable CRF300L but still retains legitimate long-travel suspension for good off-road performance and ride quality.

Pros: Long-travel suspension, good power, reliability, great aftermarket
Cons: Soft suspension for heavier riders

7. Kawasaki KLX300

MSRP: $6,199
Weight: 302 lb.
Seat Height: 35.2 in.

Unlike the Honda 300, the Kawasaki has much nicer suspension components-albeit at the cost of a higher seat height and bigger price tag.

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Pros: Great suspension, highly capable, good power
Cons: Tall seat height, expensive

8. BMW G310GS

MSRP: $5,695
Weight: 386 lb.
Seat Height: 32.8 in.

Technically an adventure bike, the G310GS sacrifices some off-road chops for more highway comfort. Able to hit upwards of 85 mph, this is an option for riders who want “more” than a dual-sport for highway rides.

Pros: Highway ability, great financing through BMW
Cons: Much heavier than any dual-sport

9. KTM 390 Adventure

MSRP: $7,599
Weight: 379 lb.
Seat Height: 33.6 in.

If you want to give some larger bikes a run for the money on the street and still have some decent off-road ability, look no further than the 390 Adventure. It’s a total riot to ride, very quick, has tons of features, and is travel-ready.

Pros: Fast, amazing features, extremely fun
Cons: Ground clearance and suspension are limited for true off-roading

10. Suzuki DR-Z400S

MSRP: $7,100
Weight: 317 lb.
Seat Height: 36.8 in.

If you have a longer inseam and want a light weight, tried and true dual-sport bike with more of a trail/off-road bias, then Suzuki’s stalwart DR-Z400S is worth checking out. Although even new ones are still carbureted, second hand bikes can be found which often have a lot of upgrades. Last, but not least, there’s tremendous aftermarket support for this model so getting it set up for your adventures is easy.

Pros: Fun, versatile dual-sport with plenty of power, light weight and decent stock suspension.
Cons: Dated technology in need of an update and tall

11. Triumph Scrambler 400X

MSRP: $5,595
Weight: 395 lb.
Seat Height: 32.9 in.

Although Scramblers don’t have the larger wheels of a traditional dual-sport bike, they can handle gravel and dirt roads just fine. Triumph’s recently introduced Scrambler 400X is a fun and affordable way to get into mostly street riding, without having to worry about getting a little dusty.

Pros: New model with smooth motor and fun both on and off-road
Cons: Limited suspension travel, Aftermarket accessories may not be as plentiful as more established models.

12. Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 or 450

MSRP: ~$6,000
Weight: 438 lb.
Seat Height: 33.6 in.

Although these two bikes share the same name, they are worlds apart in terms of looks, performance and handling. The original generation Himalayan (410cc) is a wonderful, easy-going, retro-mod thumper that is comfortable on gravel or paved roads. It has a fairly low seat height to boot. Another variation of the Himalayan is Royal Enfields’ SCRAM, which is naked (no fairing), uses the same frame but has smaller wheels for an even lower seat height. The new Himalayan 450 version is a fully modern dual-sport adventure bike with more power, high tech features and sportier handling.

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Pros: Unique styling, huge bang for buck ratio, highly versatile, decent aftermarket support
Cons: Ground clearance is limited for technical off-road/trail riding

Additional Beginner-Friendly Motorcycles

SWM RS300R: This bike is 50-state street legal and great for those looking to spend more time on trails. It features quality components like KYB suspension, Mikuni fuel Injection, and Brembo brakes. However, its two-gallon tank limits its cross-country capabilities.

Beyond Dual-Sport: Exploring Other Beginner Bike Options

While dual-sport and adventure bikes are excellent for those looking to combine on and off-road riding, other types of motorcycles can also be great for beginners, depending on their riding preferences:

Road Bikes

Road bikes are purpose-built for fast, efficient riding on paved surfaces. They typically have skinny tires, lightweight frames, and drop handlebars that promote a forward-leaning riding posture. The narrow tires reduce rolling resistance and make maintaining higher speeds on flat surfaces easier.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are designed to tackle rough, uneven terrain - think dirt trails, rocky paths, and steep inclines. They feature wider, knobby tires for enhanced traction, front or full suspension to absorb bumps and a sturdy frame that can withstand the rigors of off-road riding.

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes blend characteristics of road and mountain bikes to create a versatile option for recreational riding. With wider tires than road bikes but narrower tires than mountain bikes, hybrid bikes offer a comfortable midpoint between the two styles. Additionally, some hybrid bike models come with front suspension. This feature provides extra cushioning for your wrists and arms while riding over rougher terrain.

E-bikes

If you are looking for a bike for transportation or want some pedal-assisted exercise, e-bikes get you to your destination with less effort (and less sweat) than a regular bike. While an e-bike still requires pedaling, the motor boosts your speed according to how hard you pedal (up to 20mph).

Recommended E-bikes

Aventon Level.2: This Class 3 e-bike can reach speeds up to 28 mph with pedal assist and 20 mph with the throttle. It features strong brakes, a balanced ride, and a cleanly integrated battery.
Cannondale Adventure Neo 4: Ideal for cruising along bumpy streets and bike paths, this e-commuter bike has an excellent Bosch motor, wide tires, and a step-through frame.
Aventon Pace 350: A more affordable option, this Class 2 e-bike has a throttle and five levels of e-assist.

Other Types of Beginner Bikes

Cruiser Bikes: A cruiser bike is a classic-looking bike with a wide, sweeping handlebar that’s great at lower speeds.
Gravel Bikes: The wider, grippier tires makes your dirt or gravel road riding more comfortable when the pavement ends.

Additional Considerations

Frame Material: Aluminum frames are lightweight and resistant to rust, making them popular for beginners. Steel frames, though heavier, offer excellent durability and absorb road vibrations well, providing a smoother ride.
Gears and Shifters: Multiple gears are essential for beginners planning to ride over diverse terrains or tackle hills. It allows them to adjust the resistance level according to the slope or terrain conditions, ensuring a comfortable riding experience.
Suspension Systems: Quality suspension systems contribute significantly to handling rough trails by absorbing impact from obstacles like rocks and tree roots.

Enhancing Your Learning Experience

Training: Invest in professional off-road training to develop essential skills and techniques.
Practice: Progressively build your skills, experience, and confidence on smaller motorcycles before transitioning to larger machines.
Patience: Don’t feel pressured to upgrade to a larger bike until you are comfortable and proficient.

Finding the Right Fit: Bike Shops and Brands

Local Bike Shops: Local bike shops offer the advantage of personalized service and expert advice. They can discuss your specific requirements with experienced personnel who might even share tips on maintenance and care for your new ride.
Reputable Brands: Several reputable brands produce high-quality, beginner-friendly bikes. Trek and Aventon are well-regarded for their wide range of beginner-friendly bikes designed to ease new riders into the cycling world.

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