Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Motorcycles

Every spring brings a new generation of beginner riders—and their first motorcycle. New riders have different criteria and needs. But they all have one thing in common—a budget. There’s no other way to say it, a used motorcycle will cost you a lot more than two years ago. Some used prices exceed the original MSRP of new motorcycles. Thanks, COVID.

Related: Best Budget-Friendly Motorcycles for Beginners 2023

But “budget-friendly” means more than what you pay up front. Upkeep, fuel economy, and expected mechanical issues are part of that budget. Hot deals are often shorthand for “hot mess.” Nothing kills the love of riding faster than wrenching. Can’t afford the right motorcycle? Keep saving. In the meantime check out our original Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Motorcycles article.

Always buy the most motorcycle you possibly can. That means quality and condition, not displacement. That said, there’s a number of somewhat modestly priced candidates any new rider should consider. Here’s an updated list of respectable (and surprising) beginner motorcycles. Looking for a brand-new bike? Read the Best Beginner Motorcycles 2022 article.

A budget-friendly BMW? Keep reading. The legendary GS brand came out with this entry-level “travel enduro” in 2016. Despite the nameplate, it’s priced comparably with the Versys-X 300, still a tick under $6,000. Rather than the Versys-X 300′s Ninja-derived twin, the G 310 GS features a liquid-cooled 313cc single-cylinder engine that bests the Versys-X 300 by 1 hp, at 34 hp with about 20 pound-feet of torque at 7,500 rpm.

Being a BMW, expect few mechanical issues unless you drive through armed conflict or something. On first glance, the budget-friendliness of any BMW is suspect. But over time, quality and lack of mechanical issues will save you money and time. BMW riders are their own tribe. If this tribe is calling you, start your G 310 search.

One motorcycle on this list had to check the “mechanic’s special” box. And the conventional argument for first streetbikes usually starts at 500cc or less. But for riders unafraid of confronting a few issues, air-cooled Monsters are worth a think. The M600 existed from 1995 to 2001 with the M620 bookending things from 2002 to 2006. At around 383 to 390 pounds, with 53 or 57 hp, they’re light and powerful-ish. The M600 was carbureted, while the 620 graduated to EFI.

It’s a Ducati, for better and worse. First owners usually observed maintenance intervals. After that, usually not. If you can find a non-Ducati mechanic to work on a desmo (or do it yourself), you may well find valves out of spec and belts worn. And make sure plastic fuel tanks haven’t been warped by ethanol gas. They’re quite budget-friendly—at first. It’s not for every novice rider. But if your time, labor, and mechanical curiosity are free, have at.

No amount of good sense, rational arguments, or related specs will sway you. You want a Harley or GTFO. That’s OK. A used Sportster can be fine, budget-friendly first motorcycle. The healthy torque they make belies their modest horsepower. Harleys aren’t designed to be dangerous, “death wobbles” notwithstanding (long story, look it up).

The 25-inch ultralow seat height makes guiding 560-plus pounds around easier than you’d think. In 2004, a new frame and rubber mounting greatly tamed vibration, with fuel injection arriving in late 2006-07. In 2014, Sportsters got optional ABS, redesigned speedos, and instruments. Unlike most Harleys, Sportsters in stock trim are plentiful. Have upgrades in mind? Don’t forget to budget for that. Engines are bulletproof, but watch out for questionable mods unless done by a dealer. You’ll pay more for a Harley, but you’ll get it back if or when you sell it.

Around since 1985, the venerable Honda Rebel is the textbook definition of beginner bike. Armed with enough engine to get you from one end of America to the other without dangerous amounts of horsepower, it’s a staple of MSF courses and anyone who wants low-maintenance freedom.

But the 2017 redesign blew the “just a mini-cruiser” argument out of the water. They took a proper naked bike and translated it into a reimagined cruiser. The 234cc air-cooled twin became a liquid-cooled 286cc single, nestled in a trellis frame. Mated to a 27.2-inch-high seat, it’s ideal for beginners. People tell new riders “don’t worry about looks” for their first ride. But newer Rebels look the part—and the business. New-gen Rebels have held their value, but “classic” Rebels are inexpensive and literally everywhere.

Introduced in 2011 as the Honda CBR250, 2013 saw the upgraded CBR300. Whichever model you find, you get the older-sibling-inspired fairings and bodywork and a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine worth anywhere from 22 to 30-plus hp. Upright bars and sensible pegs mean newer riders can guide those ponies around with ease.

CBR250s were inspired by the recently redesigned VFR1200F, while the CBR300s took cues from the CBR1000RR and took aim at Kawasaki’s then-new Ninja 300. These CBRs paired flickable fun with usable power and superb gas mileage. Despite all the cerebral and cognitive activity that go into safe riding, these CBRs are a no-brainer. Over the last 11 years, Honda made quite a few of these. If you can’t find a good one at your price, you’re not looking hard enough.

If adventure-touring is your ultimate goal, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 can start you on that journey. Around since 2017, it features a low 32.3-inch seat height and the smallest engine in its class, a 296cc DOHC liquid-cooled twin. It beat all comers price-wise, so a used example might have all sorts of nice bits like saddlebags, 30-liter top case, auxiliary lights, or hand guards with a little searching.

ABS was an option in 2017, but became standard in 2021. Its diminutive size means highway passing takes planning. But you’ll have fun on single-tracks and dirt that larger ADV companions might think twice about. Used examples are plentiful, and generally lower price points leaves room in the budget for travel or add-ons.

It wouldn’t be a beginner motorcycle list without the Ninja. Kawasaki’s smallest Ninja has grown throughout the years, making comparisons between models a moot point. It spent its first 26 years at 249cc, growing to 296cc from 2013 to 2017. Being Kawasaki, they got bored and just went straight for 399cc in 2018. Unless you like problem-solving and wrenching, avoid any middle-aged Ninjas in the 20-plus year old range.

Regardless of model, Kawasaki sold tons of these Ninjas, making your search much easier. You should find plentiful examples, though not at prices you’d hoped for. Again, thanks, COVID.

The KTM RC 390 hit the US market in 2014, with the Duke 390 coming in 2015. Although positioned to take on its well-known Japanese peers, this Austrian/Indian contender punches above its weight, or lack thereof. The RC 390 weighed in at 324 pounds, with the Duke 390 hitting a mere 306 pounds. Factory numbers are famously optimistic, but either one makes a fantastic intro to the principles of power-to-weight ratios.

Both models got a DOHC single-cylinder liquid-cooled 373cc powerplant that put out 44 hp or so. ABS is standard for both, regardless of year. KTM offers a thick catalog of track-ready add-ons and fun bits. And of course, you’ll already have one of the better trackday weapons around, in terms of handling, composure, and flickability. For a novice rider with trackday aspirations and a modest budget, the 390 means you’re halfway there before you hit the starter.

Take your age and divide it by two. Don’t buy any Royal Enfield in this age range. But since the mid-2010s, Royal Enfield has been putting out wonderful midsize (and smaller) motorcycles that define simplicity, fun, and adventure. Royal Enfield has even evolved from classic cafe to adventure bike—see the recent Himalayan. One cylinder, 411c, 438 pounds, and a $4,999 MSRP? You can swing that. Pre-owned examples are even more budget-friendly.

Not into “adventure”? Take a look at the Meteor, a fine cruiser. Want a twin? Check out the Continental GT. Or the INT650. That 47 hp means you won’t get into too much trouble. Surprisingly good handling and brakes mean you’ve got a fighting chance to escape any trouble you might get into. A word of warning though. The friendly price points belie the small dealer network. Royal Enfield North America calls Milwaukee home, but there are only 90 dealers in the U.S. of A. But three years ago there were none, so you be the judge.

Rechristened the Boulevard after 18 years under the Savage badge, the Boulevard 40 carries the same formula: one cylinder, 652cc, 31 hp, and around 381 pounds wet. Despite the high displacement, this is the sweet spot for many beginning riders and their first motorcycle. With a 28-inch seat height, this motorcycle isn’t off-limits to anybody.

Metric cruisers unfairly get tagged with a reputation for being somehow “less” legit. But only two current motorcycles have a larger single thumping away beneath the frame—the Suzuki DR650SE and the KTM 690 Duke. It’s a moderate number of ponies, but torque-friendly for usable power in the city. And it hits 60 mph at only 4,000 rpm or so. That’s pretty legit. And they get quite budget-friendly past the seven-to-eight year mark.

In 1999, Suzuki had a really boring idea. Build an entry-level naked bike that would appeal to lots of riders. By year two, people were openly discussing how to import the sportier, faired SV650S from Europe and Canada. People loved an inexpensive 90-degree V-twin sportbike that weighed 417 pounds, dry. A poor man’s Ducati? SV650 owners laughed all the way to the bank.

Twenty-plus years later, you’ll have a hard time finding a trackday without a couple of SV650s ready to go. From 2003 on, SV650s got fuel injection, with a major redesign introducing a steel trellis frame in 2017. That’s 14 years of continuously produced motorcycles to choose from. Prices are reasonable, but watch out for the aforementioned trackbikes. They endured lots of beginner abuse (no offense). Anything with 64 to 73 hp is a bit advanced for a smaller or (very) inexperienced rider. But if freedom and responsibility call, answer it.

Harkening back to the classic two-stroke 1969-72 Suzuki T250, the modern Suzuki TU250X updated the minimalistic charm with minimal maintenance and upkeep. Imported to the US from 2009 to 2019, it made for great riding fun for beginners and veterans alike. Hey, the longer you ride, the more you appreciate fun-per-cc as a real metric of riding enjoyment.

A single 249cc cylinder sipped fuel from electronic fuel injection and breathed from a proprietary air induction system called PAIR. It started cold (with an electric starter) and got mpg into the high 60s and 70s. A proper wheelbase of 54.1 inches meant highway grooves were no problem. The only bummer? Emissions meant California never got the TU250X.

Introduced in 2015, the Yamaha YZF-R3 initially dethroned the Kawasaki Ninja 300 in the realm of entry-level sportbikes. But Kawasaki took its ball home and came back with 2018′s Ninja 400 at virtually the same price point. None of this should make any difference to a first-time buyer. At 36 hp, It’s a great motorcycle to master before thinking about anything north of 50-plus hp.

ABS was added as an option in 2017, but is standard on 2021 models. Whichever year you find, the seat’s a mere 30.7 inches high, making it that much easier to guide 321cc of 180-degree parallel-twin fun around. They were a huge hit, with used examples plentiful. As mentioned earlier, all used motorcycles prices are verging on stupid, which makes a new $5,299 Yamaha YZF-R3 something to think about. Just saying.

One of Yamaha’s better motorcycles is actually two motorcycles. From 2006 to 2014, the Yamaha MT-03 was a 660cc single-cylinder hooligan streetfighter bike. Please do not buy this as your first motorcycle. But in 2016, they put the “3″ back in MT-03 and replaced the beastly thumper with a DOHC 321cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder motor, same as in the R3.

The design is unapologetically modern, angular, and maybe a bit polarizing. But you ride motorcycles now, so get used to it. It’s everything the R3 is, but with upright, aggressive ergonomics you’ll appreciate in city environs. This MT-03 makes a fantastic first motorcycle. Prices are a tad less than new-gen Rebels and about the same as comparable Ninja 300s.