6 Best Street Motorcycles for Beginners in 2022

• Table of Contents
• 1. THREE QUESTIONS A BEGINNER SHOULD ANSWER THAT CAN HELP SELECT THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE
• 1.1 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF BUYING A NEW MOTORCYCLE?
• 1.2 HOW MUCH POWER YOU CAN HANDLE?
• 1.3 HOW MUCH YOU ARE WILLING TO SPEND ON A MOTORCYCLE?
• 2. 6 BEST MOTORCYCLES FOR BEGINNERS
• 2.1 YAMAHA YZF-R3
• 2.2 KAWASAKI NINJA 400
• 2.3 SUZUKI GSX250R
• 2.4 HONDA CBR500R
• 2.5 SUZUKI SV650
• 2.6 KAWASAKI Z400 ABS
• 3. TAKEAWAY

Riding a motorcycle is always fun. Motorcycles do not offer the same level of comfort as cars, but they still have a lot to offer. Motorcycles are designed with laid-back ergonomics and equipped with high-class features. For these reasons, more and more people are becoming attracted to motorcycles.

There are plenty of options to choose from when you are searching for a motorcycle to buy. People crave motorcycles with stylish looks and high-performance engines. An experienced rider will look for high-powered specs in a motorbike. Meanwhile, a beginner should look for a motorcycle that is stable and easy to handle. A motorcycle with a balance between looks, performance, and safety is best for a beginner.

1. THREE QUESTIONS EVERY BEGINNER SHOULD ASK WHEN SELECTING THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE

1.1 WHY ARE YOU BUYING A NEW MOTORCYCLE?

Before deciding to buy a specific brand and model, a beginner needs to figure out why he or she needs to buy a new motorcycle. It could be for the daily commute, touring, or riding over the weekends. This can help you to decide which motorbike is best for you.

1.2 HOW MUCH POWER CAN YOU HANDLE?

As a beginner, you should examine your motorcycle riding skills. This will let you determine how much speed and power you can handle in a motorcycle.

1.3 HOW MUCH YOU ARE WILLING TO SPEND ON A MOTORCYCLE?

The cost plays a major role in deciding which motorbike you can buy as it should be one within your budget and be a price you should be willing to spend.

Keeping these questions in mind, it should be easier to narrow down the list of motorcycles you can buy. If you still find it tough to decide, this article will help by providing a list of the six best street motorcycles for beginners in 2022.

2. 6 BEST MOTORCYCLES FOR BEGINNERS

2.1 YAMAHA YZF-R3

Photo Credit: @indiacarnews.com

The Yamaha YZF-R3 offers the best sporty looks and reasonable aesthetic features at an affordable price. The beginner motorcycle market has been dominated mainly by Suzuki and Kawasaki for the past two decades. Honda and Yamaha have only recently broken out in the beginner motorcycle market. The Yamaha YZF-R3 is powered by a 321 cc engine. The YZF-R3 makes it on the list of the best street motorcycles for beginners because of its easy handling at both low and high speeds. The YZF-R3 is suitable for daily commutes and light touring.

The Yamaha YZF-R3 has a seat height of 30.7 inches which is acceptable for street motorcycles and ensures a comfortable riding experience. The 30.7-inch seat height makes the Yamaha YZF-R3 accessible to shorter riders.

For beginners who have only started learning the basics of using the clutch and gear shifts, the Yamaha YZF-R3 is an ideal street motorcycle. It is similar to motorbikes with larger displacements as the Yamaha YZF-R3’s engine is capable of producing a rumbling sound when you twist the throttle.

The only flaws in the Yamaha YZF-R3 are the brakes and suspensions. If you are driving the Yamaha YZF-R3 at higher speeds, the front brake will not be as responsive when braking.

On the other hand, the soft suspensions offer little adjustment. The Yamaha YZF-R3 does not offer the same level of comfort and confidence as a motorbike with high-performing suspensions. But as a tradeoff, the Yamaha YZF-R3 is tagged with an affordable price.

Overall, the Yamaha YZF-R3 is a perfect choice for a beginner because of its sporty looks, high-quality engine, excellent performance for beginners, and rumbling sound.

YAMAHA YZF-R3 SPECS

Model	Yamaha YZF-R3
Engine	DOHC Inline, Twin-Cylinder
Motorbike Type	Sport Bike
Year Model	2022
Displacement	321 cc
Valves Per Cylinder	Four
Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Transmission	Six-Speed
Bore	68 mm
Stroke	44.1 mm
Compression Ratio	11.2:1
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Steel Diamond
Wet Weight	170.1 kg
Ground Clearance	6.3 in
Saddle Height	30.7 in
Mileage	56 mpg
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gal
ABS	Yes
Colors Available	Midnight Black and Team Yamaha Blue
Base Price	$5,299

2.2 KAWASAKI NINJA 400

Photo Credit: @rideapart.com

The Kawasaki Ninja 400’s looks draw inspiration from high-performance larger motorbikes.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a successor of the Ninja 300, having a more aggressive and sporty design. The fairings were updated to give the Ninja 400 a more aerodynamic structure. The Ninja 400 also was built to weigh less, with high-performance brakes, and heavier front forks.

The Ninja 400 is powered by a 399 cc engine capable of producing a horsepower of 49 hp. The 399 cc engine makes it a high-class beginner-level motorcycle.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has great handling, ergonomics, style, high-performance specs, and suspensions that make it ideal for beginners. A beginner can easily ride the Kawasaki Ninja 400 on long commutes.

After discontinuing the Kawasaki Ninja 300 in 2009, the Ninja 400 is the only entry-level motorbike in this lineup suitable for beginners.

This motorbike is available with and without ABS. The ABS feature will cost you a little more than the base price. What makes the Kawasaki Ninja 400 the best beginner street motorcycle is its affordability. The non-ABS version only costs $5,199 to $5,399. The ABS version costs $5,599 to $5,799. For a beginner rider, the ABS is a necessary feature that helps riders be safer.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 weighs only 166 kg, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The Ninja 400 has a seat height of 30.9 inches, along with perfect handlebars and adjustable footrests to provide comfortable ergonomics.

Despite being a beginner motorcycle, the Ninja 400 is capable of producing high power and speed. If you know the basics of operating a motorbike and can confidently handle this much power and speed, only then you should select this motorbike.

KAWASAKI NINJA 400 SPECS

Model	Kawasaki Ninja 400
Engine	DOHC, Twin-Cylinder, Four-Stroke
Motorbike Type	Sport Bike
Year Model	2022
Displacement	399 cc
Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Transmission	Six-Speed
Bore	70 mm
Stroke	51.8 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Final Drive	Sealed Chain
Frame	Trellis, High-Tensile Steel
Wet Weight	166 kg
Seat Height	30.9 in
Ground Clearance	5.5 in
Mileage	58.8 mpg
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gal
ABS	Yes
Colors Available	Metallic Carbon Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black and Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Metallic Graphite Gray
Base Price	Non-ABS ($5,199 to $53,99) ABS ($5,599 to $5,799)

2.3 SUZUKI GSX250R

Photo Credit: @timesnownews.com

The Suzuki GSX250R is a low-power, stylishly designed motorbike in the GSX lineup. Its 248 cc engine is ideal for beginners as it produces a manageable level of power and speed. The look of the Suzuki GSX250R is unmatched, allowing a beginner to ride on this motorbike with style.

The Suzuki GSX250R is designed with full-body fairings, smart performance, and comfort features that are highly appealing to beginners.

The Suzuki GSX250R was introduced in 2018, coming into the beginners’ market later than other models. However, it still developed a good reputation. The low seat height of 31.1 inches, manageable power and speed, and light weight of 181 kg made the GSX250R easier to handle.

The Suzuki GSX250R beared a close resemblance to the GSX-R lineup. But the GSX250R gets most of its inspiration from the Katana models.

The GSX250R’s suspensions are softer, making it difficult to maneuver while traveling on rougher roads. However, it is a comfortable riding experience while maneuvering on smoother roads at lower speeds.

The 2022 Suzuki GSX250R comes with an ABS, giving this motorbike reliable braking power.

The Suzuki GSX250R is built for daily commutes. The 248 cc engine can produce a horsepower of 24.7 hp. The GSX250R is not the fastest or most powerful motorbike, but it can keep up with the speed of traffic if ridden at full capacity. The stylish and large side mirrors installed help you see behind and ensure better safety while commuting on busy roads.

The Suzuki GSX250R’s high-class features and styling come at an affordable base price of $4,999.

SUZUKI GSX250R SPECS

Model	Suzuki GSX250R
Engine	SOHC, Parallel-Twin, Four-Stroke
Motorbike Type	Sport Bike
Year Model	2022
Displacement	248 cc
Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Bore	53.5 mm
Stroke	55.2 mm
Compression	11.5:1
Transmission	Six-Speed
Final Drive	Chain, Sealed O-Ring Type
Frame	Steel
Wet Weight	181 kg
Seat Height	31.1 in
Ground Clearance	6.3 in
Mileage	76 mpg
Fuel Capacity	4 gal
ABS	Yes
Colors Available	Metallic Crystal Blue/Pearl Nebular Black
Base Price	$4,999

2.4 HONDA CBR500R

Photo Credit: @bikewale.com

Most beginners want to buy a motorbike with a stylish and high-class design with an affordable price range. The Honda CBR500R is one such motorbike that fits these characteristics. The CBR500R is equipped with a 471 cc engine that offers extreme yet comfortable power and speed for beginners. This motorbike is ideal for beginners who have a decent understanding of road and traffic laws.

However, some riders might consider the 471 cc engine a negative aspect as the high-powered specs and added weight make it more suitable for riding on the tracks than on the streets.

The styling of the Honda CBR500R is similar to that of members of the CBR lineup: the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR.

The 31.1-inch seat height and enhanced legroom of the Honda CBR500R allow you to sit upright. This makes the CBR500R a highly comfortable ride for longer commutes. The CBR500R weighs 191.87 kg, slightly heavier compared to other beginner motorcycles.

The 2022 Honda CBR500R model comes fitted with an ABS. With high-class features and specs, the price of the Honda CBR500R is higher compared to other beginner street motorcycles. The base price of the Honda CBR500R is $7,199.

HONDA CBR500R SPECS

Model	Honda CBR500R
Engine	Parallel-Twin
Motorbike Type	Sports Bike
Year Model	2022
Displacement	471 cc
Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Bore	67 mm
Stroke	66.8 mm
Compression	10.7:1
Transmission	Six-Speed
Final Drive	O-Ring, Sealed Chain
Frame	Steel-Tube
Wet Weight	191.87 kg
Seat Height	31.1 in
Ground Clearance	5.12 in
Mileage	72 mpg
Fuel Capacity	4.5 gal
ABS	Yes
Colors Available	Sword Silver Metallic, Grand Prix Red
Base Price	$7,199

2.5 SUZUKI SV650

Photo Credit: @rideapart.com

The Suzuki SV650 is a sports bike with specs that are slightly more advanced than what most beginners can handle. However, if you have a basic understanding of how to ride a motorcycle and know how to manage power and speed, then the SV650 may be perfect for you. Even after you have gained experience as a biker, you can still ride this motorcycle for a while before upgrading to a better motorbike. Starting with the Suzuki SV650 will make it easier for beginners to transition from a 250 to a 400 cc motorbike.

This motorcycle is equipped with a powerful and reliable 645 cc engine. The sound this motorbike produces when you twist the throttle is pleasing to the ear.

Beginner motorcycles should ideally not exceed a displacement limit of 500 cc. 250 cc to 400 cc is an ideal engine displacement range for beginner riders. Still, it does not mean that you should ignore the Suzuki SV650. If you are confident enough to ride, the Suzuki SV650 is a good beginner motorcycle that is reliable and can serve you for a long time.

The Suzuki SV650 falls in the comfortable middleweight range and is easy to handle. The SV650 weighs 198 kg and has a seat height of 30.9 inches, offering a comfortable riding experience and upright ergonomics. Besides being a good-looking bike, it also has a fuel economy of 56 mpg.

However, the Suzuki SV650 is slightly more difficult to handle due to being heavier compared to most lightweight beginner bikes. Also, shorter riders may find it difficult to ride the Suzuki SV650.

The Suzuki SV650 can reach 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. Riders, either beginners or experienced, are always suggested to buy motorbikes that come with the ABS feature. An ABS can improve the safety features of the motorcycles and better ensure a rider’s wellbeing. The latest Suzuki SV650 comes with the ABS feature.

Like the Honda CBR500R, the Suzuki SV650 also comes at a higher price compared to other beginner motorcycles. The Suzuki SV650 has a base price of $7,749.

SUZUKI SV650 SPECS

Model	Suzuki SV650
Engine	DOHC, 90˚, V-twin, Four-Stroke
Motorbike Type	Sport Bike
Year Model	2022
Displacement	645 cc
Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Bore	81 mm
Stroke	62.6 mm
Compression	11.2:1
Transmission	Six-Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Slim Steel
Wet Weight	198 kg
Seat Height	30.9 in
Ground Clearance	5.3 in
Mileage	56 mpg
Fuel Capacity	3.8 gal
ABS	Yes
Colors Available	Metallic Matte Black No. 2
Base Price	$7,749

2.6 KAWASAKI Z400 ABS

Photo Credit: @motonewsworld.com

Kawasaki is one of the most reliable brands to produce beginner motorbikes. With its Z and Ninja series, Kawasaki has produced great beginner motorcycles with engines that fall in the 250 to 400 cc range.

The Kawasaki Z400 is an improved version of the Z300, built with better features, better performance, reduced weight, and more stylish.

Low-power motorbikes have a specific place and demand in the global cruiser market. Kawasaki focuses on looks and ergonomics when manufacturing low or mid-range performance motorbikes. This is what you should expect from the Kawasaki Z400.

Despite having a parallel-twin 399 cc engine, the Z400 has an overall weight of 165 kg. This makes the Kawasaki Z400 a lightweight motorbike that is easy to handle. Together with the 30.9-inch seat height and narrow saddle, this ensures a comfortable riding experience.

The Z400 is suited for taller and heavier riders. The riding experience is quite smooth until heavy winds start to blow. Because it’s lightweight, the Z400 becomes a bit unstable in windy weather.

The latest Z400 models come with the ABS feature which helps ensure a safe ride and offers reliable braking. The suspensions installed in the Kawasaki Z400 reduce bumps caused by uneven surfaces on the road. The natural upright riding position of the Z400 helps reduce fatigue during long trips.

Another aspect of the Kawasaki Z400 is that because it is manufactured in Thailand, this makes the price of this machine more affordable. The Z400 has a good resale value compared to other beginner motorbikes. The base price of the Kawasaki Z400 is $5,199.

KAWASAKI Z400 ABS SPECS

Model	Kawasaki Z400
Engine	DOHC, Two-Cylinder, Four-Stroke
Motorbike Type	Sport Bike
Year Model	2022
Displacement	399 cc
Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Bore	70 mm
Stroke	51.8 mm
Compression	11.5:1
Transmission	Six-Speed
Final Drive	Sealed Chain
Frame	Trellis, Tensile Steel
Wet Weight	165 kg
Seat Height	30.9 in
Ground Clearance	5.7 in
Mileage	61.16 mpg
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gal
ABS	Yes
Colors Available	Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray and Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black
Base Price	$5,199

3. TAKEAWAY

Riding a motorcycle is a fun and adventurous activity. However, the safety features should be considered a priority, whether you are a beginner or even an experienced biker. Wearing a helmet, taking a safety course, inspecting your motorbike before a ride, and obeying traffic rules are required before you start to ride a motorcycle.

The best street motorcycles for beginners listed above were not solely manufactured for only beginners. These street motorcycles were picked based on the moderate or low-powered specs that make them easier for beginners to operate.

Before selecting the proper street motorbike to buy, the beginner should identify his or her skills. There are some beginners’ bikes for those with no riding experience and there are other beginner riders for those with basic knowledge of motorcycle operation.

Beginners can also use the street motorcycles for touring with the help of the aftermarket parts. To increase vehicle storage, you can find different types of LUGGAGE carrying options at Viking Bags. These include SADDLEBAGS, TAIL BAGS, BACKPACKS, and TANK BAGS for your street motorcycles.