Beginner Bike reviews from Reddit

Summary

We analyzed 168 Reddit reviews across 16 subreddits and 52 posts to rank the best Beginner Bike brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/SuggestAMotorcycle, r/motorcycles, r/motorcycle, r/cycling, r/ebikes. Top-rated brands include Honda (4.6/5), Kawasaki (4.2/5), Suzuki (4.1/5).

Stats

Reviews168

Subreddits16

Posts52

Brands60

Products60

Top communities

r/SuggestAMotorcycle72 r/motorcycles45 r/motorcycle11 r/cycling8 r/ebikes5

168 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

Honda

4.6

(46)

"She has a Rebel 500 and is maximum happy with it after a year and 6000km."

"My 5'0" wife loves her Rebel 500 and Trail 125."

"Honda Rebel is built for this."

"6th or 7th the cb500x/nx500. Been very happy with it, was my first bike and the exact fit for what I was looking for."

"I will 5th the cb500x. It was renamed recently to nx500, so you can search for that name too. Same bike just updated."

"Will echo: picked up a used CB500x myself and couldn't be happier. It's tough, already has all the armour installed, and plenty fast for a beginner. Super easy to handle at low speeds."

"A good argument could be made for any of the Honda 500s, Honda's famous "250,000 km" engine (155,000 miles)-- the longest lasting, most reliable, lowest cost-of-ownership, beginner motorcycle engine on the market."

"I'll third the cb500x. generally speaking hondas are very agreeable and reliable machines, and i believe the engine in the cb500x is reused in their rebel 500, cb500f, cbr500r, and scl500 models, in case any of those styles are more appealing to you."

"I second the cb500x or a klr650."

"Pick up a used Honda CB500x based on your needs. The thing is a tank."

Kawasaki

4.2

(26)

"Ninja 300 or R3 is a solid choice if you don’t do much highway commuting :) also they are light and fun"

"I would very much recommend the Kawasaki Versys650."

"Ninja 500 works perfectly for a new rider."

"If you have 0 experience on bikes I’d even recommend starting on a 300 or 400."

"I’d look for a 3-400, ninja 400s are a good first bike"

"KLR650 is an excellent beginner bike for somebody tall like you."

"Another fantastic choice would be a Kawasaki W800, or a W650 if the 800 isn't in your budget."

"The best learner bike for someone your size is the Kawasaki Eliminator 125."

"I'm a beginner and got my first bike 2 months ago: a used 2018 z650. Really easy to ride and plenty of power/torque."

"Z650RS Kawa if you like the retro look."

Suzuki

4.1

(12)

"If you prioritize comfort over speed, go for Suzuki Burgman. I have one, and I love it."

"Of the bikes you've chosen interest in, I would say the SV650 is the best overall for comfort, reliability, maintenance, and cost."

"My first bike was a 1982 dr250. It was great to learn on. Simple. Reliable. Still runs today."

"Suzuki SV60 which has already been said by many."

"Suzuki TU250X. A small, slow, fuel efficient, well handling Japanese version of a British classic but with actual reliability?"

"SV650."

"Someone's gotta say it: SV650!"

"Sv650"

"Vstrom 650 is pretty sporty for an ADV and can be had for cheap on the used market."

"A Lams Vstrom 650.."

Yamaha

4.5

(6)

"You can get a used Mt07 for $5-$6k. Great starter bike if you have self control."

"That might be the one, gonna keep watching more comparison videos and Reddit post and see what fits me the best but looks like xt 250 might be the one."

"This. 2013+ XT250 because fuel injection."

"I think the best first bike that will really take you awhile to outgrow is a ttr230 or crf230. Very tame but you have lots of room to grow."

"Yamaha came out with a couple years ago called the SR400. Very retro and great beginner bike."

"I started on a MT07 and have zero regrets. Great bike."

Honda CB500X

4.5

(4)

"Honda CB500X is exactly what you want."

"Good fit for the big guy, and a good starter bike."

"Honda CB500X is a good option. Not a sport bike, but it should be comfortable."

"Honda CB500X, Kawasaki Ninja 500, CFMoto 650 Adventura, Suzuki V-Strom 650."

Decathlon

4.5

(4)

"Super happy with it so far."

"Really good value for money at the low end there."

"If you do, go into the store and look at their bikes. Great for beginners and more advanced too."

"Decathlon do a great range of beginner bikes."

Royal Enfield

3.6

(5)

"Royal Enfield interceptor or conti gt. Great beginner bikes with classic styling"

"The newer RE Hunter 350 might be a good option..."

"A little higher maintenance, but a whole lot cheaper than those are the Royal Enfield Continental GT/INT 650s."

"RE interceptor 650"

Honda Shadow 750

4.3

(4)

"Would be a great choice."

"No get a honda shaddow 750."

"A Honda 750 Shadow 44hp, a Kawasaki 900 50hp."

"When they're bought in decent condition, they're solid rides, very forgiving, easy to learn on."

Triumph

3.7

(3)

"If you're wanting something a little lower maintenance, Triumph bonnies/thruxtons are great, too."

"Triumph Trident"

"Triumph speed twin 900"

#10

Honda Rebel 500

4.5

(2)

"My first bike was a Rebel 500."

"Is a good option, just get a windscreen and you're good to go"

#11

Kawasaki Ninja 650

4.0

(2)

"I reccomend this bike to most new riders for the seating position mainly."

"If you're not intimidated by the size/height a Versys/V-strom 650."

#12

Zwift

4.0

(2)

"The Zwift Ride is a great option."

"Just get a Zwift Ride."

#13

Yamaha FZ6

4.0

(2)

"Used Yamaha FZ6?"

"Yamaha FZ6 or FZ6R. Nice, reliable, relatively inexpensive."

#14

Hyosung

4.0

(2)

"Still see lots of GT 250's and some GV250's on the road today. And it's a proper v-twin, which is great for a cruiser."

"Hyosung GV250 or GV650."

#15

Riverside

3.5

(2)

"I would seriously consider the 500 over the 120."

"It's a perfectly fine commuting bike."

#16

Ozark Trail

3.0

(2)

"It’s not a bad bike, but you’ll get a better value out of something nicer"

"The cheapest I can find is the Ozark Trail ebike for $650"

#17

Suzuki V-Strom 650

5.0

(1)

"Get a V-strom. Same reliable engine as the SV650."

#18

Kawasaki Ninja 400

5.0

(1)

"The 400 is even lighter and pretty sure a little lower seat height so even better for beginner riders."

#19

Kawasaki Z400

5.0

(1)

"Yes, a naked 400 is a fantastic first bike."

#20

Kawasaki KLR650

5.0

(1)

"KLR650 or Vstrom 650. They'll be comfortable on the highway, tough as nails, super reliable."

#21

Kawasaki Ninja 400/Z400

5.0

(1)

"Ninja 400 or z400, reliable, cheap, and will easily commute at 70 miles an hour."

#22

Trek FX+2

5.0

(1)

"Best deal out there right now is a Trek FX+2 for $2,000 if you have the cash."

#23

Rize RX

5.0

(1)

"I have a Rize RX with a mid drive and thing is phenomenal, especially with dual battery option."

#24

Yamaha FZ6R

5.0

(1)

"Ended up getting an 09 yamaha fz6r and love it."

#25

Honda Rebel 250/300

5.0

(1)

"Sport bikes are UNCOMFORTABLE cruisers are so chill and comfortable."

#26

Trinx

4.0

(1)

"Check out Trinx M1000 Quest 29. Already equipped with Shimano Cues 2x9 gruppo and semi-internal cabling frame, priced at around 12-13k."

#27

Jaison

4.0

(1)

"I have a few hundred miles on mine now. Not a thing wrong with it."

#28

Toseek

4.0

(1)

"Toseek Avacier 2.0 12,300php naka mt200 na naka hallowtech crank and shimano altus rd and shifter."

#29

HPS Mondial

4.0

(1)

"Or an HPS Mondial 125."

#30

Cycrun

4.0

(1)

"You might want to check out something like cycrun, it's basic and well built beginner option with smooth pedal assist."

#31

Norco

4.0

(1)

"Norco goes from $700 to $1,500 for their cheapest models either Commuter style hybrid road/trail VFR 3 with flat bar, or a road built drop bar style Search A1 models."

#32

Aprilia

4.0

(1)

"Tuono 457 or 660, tons of nanny features to keep you in check, lots of torque to keep you from stalling but not enough to launch your front wheel up constantly, and extremely good looking bikes."

#33

Specialized

4.0

(1)

"A used endurance bike. Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Endurace, BMC road machine, something like that."

#34

Ducati

4.0

(1)

"If you don't mind a bit of wrenching, the early fuel injected or even carbureted Ducati monsters look amazing and ride even better"

#35

KTM

4.0

(1)

"390 duke is a great beginner bike. It's a KTM though"

#36

Shimano

4.0

(1)

"I’d look for a 2nd hand aluminum frame with a shimano 105 rimbrake groupset."

#37

Triban 520

4.0

(1)

"The triban 520 is a very good bike for the price"

#38

Triban

4.0

(1)

"Check out used Triban bikes; they are a decent platform for upgrades down the line."

#39

Ninja EX250

4.0

(1)

"You can find a used ninja ex250 for sub 2500 easily!"

#40

Ninja 250

4.0

(1)

"Used Ninja 250-400 and its cheap enough youll have money left over for proper gear."

#41

SV650

4.0

(1)

"Sv650 if u can find one."

#42

Vulcan 900

4.0

(1)

"Fantastic starter cruisers."

#43

Triumph America

4.0

(1)

"I’m 6’2 and very comfy on my America."

#44

CFMoto 450MT

4.0

(1)

"I'd suggest getting an adventure bike instead."

#45

Yamaha MT-15

4.0

(1)

"Get a mt 15 if you are interested."

#46

Honda Shadow 600

4.0

(1)

"Try to find a Honda shaddow 600 or 750."

#47

Harley-Davidson Evo Dyna

4.0

(1)

"Buy an Evo Dyna. 1996-1998 for most aftermarket part options."

#48

Honda Rebel 300

4.0

(1)

"I would have no issue buying a rebel 300 if I were you."

#49

BMW F800ST

4.0

(1)

"A BMW F800ST might also be a consideration."

#50

Halcyon

4.0

(1)

"I got my Halcyon 2 years ago as my first bike, I’m 6’6 260lb. I’ve really enjoyed riding it."

#51

Trek Roscoe 7

4.0

(1)

"My new hardtail (Trek Roscoe 7) is getting me out and biking. Got it on sale, and it's a lot of bike for the price."

#52

Kawasaki Versys 300/650

4.0

(1)

"Any small to mid size adv will work. Versys 300 or 650 would be my go-to's."

#53

CFMoto 300NK

4.0

(1)

"I am going to pick up my cfmoto 300nk as my first bike next week."

#54

KTM Duke 390

4.0

(1)

"Ktm duke 390, Yamaha mt03, Honda rebel 300 of 500 preferably 500."

#55

Kawasaki ZZR1400

4.0

(1)

"Perfect beginner bike, small amount of bhp and nice and light easy to handle"

#56

Suzuki Bandit 600

4.0

(1)

"Indestructible"

#57

Kawasaki Z650

4.0

(1)

"Excellent, comfortable bikes and can be found used for a song."

#58

Honda Shadow

4.0

(1)

"Has a relatively low-powered 745cc V-Twin with around 45-50hp and is fast and comfortable enough to do highway for long distances."

#59

Yamaha Ninja 650

4.0

(1)

"Ninja 650 and R7 are great."

#60

Kawasaki Ninja 250

3.0

(1)

"Find a used Ninja 250 if $2000 is your budget."

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