Here's What A Real Beginner Bike Looks Like

The term “beginner bike” gets thrown around a lot these days. Unfortunately what most manufacturers will prefer not to tell you, is that actual “beginner bikes” are not all that profitable for them.

Their solution has long since been to market their entry level model, no matter what the size or displacement, as a beginner bike. This has only served to fuel the long standing debate of what kind of motorcycle new riders should buy. Several well respected enthusiasts make an argument that appeals to our pride, and in many ways our wallet too, saying new riders should simply “get the bike they want.” This is not only bad advice, it is pretty dangerous for riders with no experience. In most aspects, we all think our skill level is above where it really is, but on a motorcycle there is no room for ego.

In Europe, the definition is effectively tied to their A2 license which restricts new riders to motorcycles that make 47 hp (35 kW) or less. Although this is reasonable, this is still rather vague, because there are several motorcycles that make less than 47 hp that are not exactly “beginner friendly.” Here’s what beginners really need in a motorcycle.

Low Seat Height

Contrary to popular belief, a low seat height isn’t attached to any particular number. It all depends on your size, the numbers are there just to help you ascertain exactly which bike will fit you.

Any size person can indeed ride any size bike, but when you are starting out, it will make your life much easier knowing that you can flat-foot the bike at any time. So, if you are planning on getting a big ADV down the line, start with a more accessible dual-sport like the Yamaha XT250. While this may not appeal to everyone, a dual sport is the best place to start for anyone who wants to get into adventure riding.

Modern ADVs are getting more advanced all the time, but learning the basics on something more analog is an essential first step. You might also discover that dirt riding wasn’t all it's cracked up to be, and pivoting to a touring bike will become that much easier.

Light

You might crash, and you will most likely fall over, but one thing is for certain, and that is that at some point you are going to be picking your bike up off the floor. No matter how cautious you are, it is quite simply unavoidable.

For most people this is a little tip-over in the driveway, and as hard as it hits the ego, neither you nor the bike will suffer too much damage. It gets a whole lot less fun if you are unable to get the bike up without assistance, and if the bike is too heavy for you then this should be a concern. Getting one of the neighbors to help you out in the driveway is one thing, but if it happens on a secluded road somewhere far from civilization, then simply not being able to pick up your bike becomes incredibly dangerous.

While there are several great tutorials out there showing everyone how easy it is to pick up a 600 pound cruiser, it is always harder to execute in the real world, even for experienced riders. For new riders, weight matters, and just like seat height we are all built differently. So you will have to figure out what sort of weight you are comfortable picking up at an awkward angle, setting your ego (yes, ladies can have this too) to one side for the sake of safety.

Manageable Power Delivery

In the past displacement was the first limitation imposed on new riders. But, in some cases this actually loses its meaning as there are bikes that pack a lot of power into a small engine.

Europe gives us a good yardstick, with A2 (or new riders) capped at 47 hp (35kW). But even this can be deceptive, as not all 40ish hp bikes are equal. Some deliver pretty punchy power that will catch beginners out in a heartbeat. A Suzuki DR-Z400S for example, makes 40 horsepower, but with it being one of the last carbureted motorcycles, its power delivery can catch a new rider out. Whereas Honda’s modern 500cc EFI p-twins all make around 47 hp (not by accident), make their power in a smooth, predictable manner.

As a new rider it is important to avoid motorcycles with “peaky” performance. The power should come on relatively early in the rev range, and if there are more than 50 horses to play with it might not be ideal. We live in an age where we are blessed with a huge selection of motorcycles to choose from, and just because you are new, doesn’t mean you should restrict yourself to the new market.

Used

Finding a used or at least old stock motorcycle will save you a lot of money. This is especially true if you don’t plan on keeping the bike for longer than you need to, and plan to sell it once you are ready for something a little more "spicy."

Although there are a host of sub-400cc bikes that are way more than simple beginner bikes, and can be just as fun to ride for experienced riders, for most, your first bike won’t be your dream bike. It should be a bike that can stand up to a bit of abuse as you learn to ride, and possibly maintain it. It needs to be something that you won’t be afraid of actually riding, and breaking.

While it might sound like a good idea to go out and get the bike you desire, this will only serve to disappoint you. With so many great bikes on the market today, you are sure to find something you like that you can flat-foot when you sit on it, pick up when you drop it, and not crash because it has a snatchy throttle!