2025 250cc to 500cc Motorcycles for Sale

Motorcycles between 250cc and 500cc are often the best for new riders, but they can also be a huge amount of fun for those with more experience. Bikes in this segment have approachable price tags as well, and increasingly they offer bells and whistles that only a few years ago were reserved for higher-displacement motorcycles. There are also a lot of them, so there’s something for everyone.

In this survey of models available in 2025, we’re putting up some additional parameters so the article doesn’t go on for 10,000 words. First, we’re only looking at street-focused bikes. Dual sports will be reserved for another write-up. We’re also going to showcase bikes from well-respected and well-known manufacturers. And finally, they’re all going to be gas-powered.

RS 457: $6899 | Tuono 457: $6599

We’ll kick things off with two options from an Italian brand that up until recently wouldn’t have made the cut on a list like this. Aprilia brings the RS 457 sportbike to market in 2025 and is now taking preorders for its Tuono 457 sibling. Both bikes are powered by a new 457cc parallel-twin engine that put out 44.2 hp at 9360 rpm and 28.8 lb.-ft. of torque at 6590 rpm during a recent spin on the Dynojet.

These bikes also offer the up-spec fit and finish Aprilia is known for, along with features that aren’t always seen at this displacement or price point. The RS 457, for instance, comes with ride-by-wire, selectable ride modes, adjustable traction control, a TFT instrument panel, and optional quickshifter accessory upgrade. The Tuono will be similarly decked once it arrives in dealerships.

G 310 GS: $5695 | G 310 R: $4995

BMW has a pair of phenomenal options in this segment, with the adventure-biased G 310 GS and the G 310 R roadster. Both motorcycles utilize a 313cc single engine that promises to put out up to 34 hp at 9250 rpm and 20 lb.-ft. of torque at 7500 rpm. Both bikes keep the mill cozy within a tubular space frame and both bikes offer BMW Motorrad ABS, ride-by-wire, stainless steel exhaust, and LED lighting throughout.

The GS is built for light off-road duty, with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel configuration along with longer-travel suspension. It is also more suitable for extended, multiday rides thanks to the luggage rack, which is included as standard equipment.

The R meanwhile is set up with 17-inch front and rear wheels and shorter suspension travel. It’s about 20 pounds lighter than the GS too, enhancing the bike’s nimble character on winding backroads.

Rebel 300: $4849 | CB300R: $5149 | CBR300R: $4899 | Rebel 500: $6499 | CB500F: $6899 | SCL500: $6799 | CBR500R: $7399 | NX500: $7399

Honda utilizes its 286cc single and 471cc twin engines to power a sizable line of motorcycles. The Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 each provide approachable cruiser styling and have tons of customization potential thanks to a broad range of bolt-on items Honda has developed over the years.

Riders who want more of a standard style have the CB300R, CB500F, and SLC500 to choose from. The 300R and 500F adopt more of a contemporary look with lots of hard angles in their design while the SLC500 provides a more nostalgic, scrambler-esque vibe. For sportbike riders, there are the CBR300R and CBR500R, and for adventure seekers there’s the NX500.

Honda’s build quality is high, even on its more affordable machines. And the mechanical function of each of these bikes is well suited to newer riders, with approachable, linear power delivery, smooth transmission engagement, effortless handling, and reliability all hallmarks of the brand.

Ninja 500: $5299 | Ninja ZX-4R: $8999 | Z500: $5599 | Versys-X 300: $5699

Kawasaki has a commendable selection of bikes in this ballpark, with the sporty-yet-approachable Ninja 500 for more relaxed sport riding alongside the track-ready, inline-four-powered ZX-4R. A more upright riding position and aggressive styling are on tap with the Z500 while the Versys-X 300 provides an entry point to the world of adventure-touring.

The Ninja 500 and Z500 both share a 451cc parallel-twin engine, 41mm telescopic fork, and spring preload-adjustable shock. Both utilize the same braking setup as well. Styling-wise, though, it’s clear the Ninja 500 aims at the sport rider while the Z500 employs the aggressive, angular aesthetic popular among naked streetbikes these days. The ZX-4R also appeals to the sporting crowd, but offers more track-worthy performance in its 399cc inline-four engine and higher-spec suspension kit.

And finally, the Versys-X 300 uses an earlier version of the entry-level Ninja engine, a 296cc parallel twin that puts plenty of usable power and torque to the ground to handle both long trips on the asphalt as well as light off-road duty.

390 Adventure R: $6999 | 390 Adventure X: $5899 | 390 SMC R: $5499 | 390 Duke: $5899 | 250 Duke: $4599 | RC 390: $5899

KTM makes broad use of its 399cc liquid-cooled single. The mill serves as the base engine for all but one of the bikes the brand offers in this range (caveat: at the writing of this article, the RC 390 is still listed as a 2024 model with a 373cc engine, though we fully expect this bike to upgrade in its next iteration).

KTM aims to give riders a lot of bang for the buck, regardless of ride style. The Adventure R and Adventure X are dialed to provide comfortable adventure-touring, with more off-road adventure bias in the R and a comfortable road-going machine with the X. The 390 SMC R is a fantastic supermoto option, or a great bike to use around town. Same goes for the 390 Duke and 250 Duke, naked bikes with plenty of curb appeal and spirit to make twisting mountain roads a blast.

Just about every one of these bikes goes above and beyond its segment too, with durable and adjustable WP suspension components, ride-style calibrated electronics options, and high build quality that’s designed to stand up to some hard riding.

GSX250R: $5149 | DR-Z4SM: $8999

Suzuki’s selections in this category are modest, with a fantastic entry-level sportbike in the GSX250R and a brand-new supermoto machine in the DR-Z4SM.

The GSX250R is a stalwart of the low-displacement sportbike category, holding steady with its 248cc parallel-twin engine while its competitors seem to inch up displacement every few years. It’s electronically uncomplicated, approachable for new riders, and styled to look right at home alongside its more potent siblings.

The DR-Z4SM sits on the other side of the spectrum. Introduced for the 2025 model year, this update to the popular DR-Z400SM has a brand-new 398cc single engine, new chassis, updated suspension, and electronics systems ranging from traction control to ride modes and selectable ABS.

Speed 400: $5195 | Scrambler 400 X: $5795

Last year, Triumph brought two 398cc twin-powered bikes to market, creating attractive entry points to its popular Modern Classics family of bikes. The Speed 400 is the roadster edition and is perfectly suited for spirited road riding, with a nimble chassis, dependable handling, and a mill calibrated for smooth operation on the asphalt.

The Scrambler 400 X has its eyes on more off-road capability, with longer-travel suspension and shorter gearing, giving the bike a bit more pull on the bottom-end. Suspension and tire fitment are both intended for superior off-road performance and the ergos are similarly at home in the dirt.

YZF-R3: $5499 | MT-03: $4999 | V-Star 250: $4799

Yamaha has a three-bike lineup of motorcycles that fit our current criteria, one appealing to the sporting crowd, another that exemplifies modern naked streetfighter design, and a third that brings in a retro cruiser vibe perfectly suited for easygoing, around-town rides.

The YZF-R3 and MT-03 utilize a 321cc twin engine that has proven to be spirited and engaging in previous testing. The R3 satisfies the sport craving, and in 2025 it got revised ergos for an even more approachable character, along with an updated slip-and-assist clutch, LED lighting, and revised R-series styling. The MT-03 sports a new look too, and also gets smartphone connectivity, an updated LCD display, a new slip-and-assist clutch, and better ergos.

The V-Star 250 meanwhile keeps a classic look intact with its exposed 249cc V-twin engine, low-slung seat, and teardrop fuel tank. It’s designed to be dependable, smooth, and nimble and its light weight makes it an appealing machine for riders new to motorcycling.