Verified fitCrash Protectionvia Amotopart
Frame Slider Crash Protection Kit
Delrin sliders on steel mounts to protect frame and bodywork.
$74.00View
Buying guide · 1970
Best beginner motorcycles
A first bike should be light, forgiving and cheap to fix when it gets dropped — because it probably will be. These are the models new riders most often learn on, with the parts and gear that keep the first year affordable.
Who this segment suits
- New licence holders who want a bike they can flat-foot at a stop
- Riders returning after years off who want progressive power delivery
- City commuters who need light steering and easy parking
Model picks — beginner motorcycles
Every pick links to its fitment reference: chain spec, pad codes, tyre sizes and the parts that fit.
| Bike | Type | Years | Why it makes the list | Own one? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Ninja 400 | Sport | 2018–2026 | Full-fairing looks with a mild parallel twin and a low seat — the standard answer for a first sportbike. | Find parts that fit → |
| Honda Rebel 500 | Cruiser | 2017–2026 | Low seat height and relaxed ergonomics make slow-speed manoeuvres far less intimidating. | Find parts that fit → |
| Yamaha YZF-R3 | Sport | 2015–2026 | Small-capacity sport twin that rewards clean throttle inputs rather than punishing them. | Find parts that fit → |
| Honda CB500F | Naked | 2013–2026 | Upright naked with neutral steering — a bike you can commute on and take to a track day. | Find parts that fit → |
| KTM 390 Duke | Naked | 2013–2026 | Light, sharp and modern, with the most aggressive character of the small-capacity nakeds. | Find parts that fit → |
| Suzuki SV650 | Naked | 1999–2026 | V-twin torque and a huge used supply, so parts and cheap examples are easy to find. | Find parts that fit → |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Naked | 2022–2026 | Simple, low and easy to service yourself — a soft landing into ownership. | Find parts that fit → |
| Kawasaki Z650 | Naked | 2017–2026 | Naked twin that stays comfortable when the commute gets longer. | Find parts that fit → |
What to check before you buy
- Seat height you can manage with both feet — confidence matters more than capacity
- ABS: it is standard on most new bikes and worth insisting on second-hand
- Frame sliders and bar ends fitted before the first ride, not after the first drop
- Cheap consumables: chain, sprockets and pads on small twins cost a fraction of litre-bike parts
- A service history showing chain adjustment and oil changes at the right intervals
What it costs to run
- Consumables on a small twin are the cheapest of any segment — pads, chain kits and filters all sit at the low end of our price tables
- Budget for gear before accessories: helmet, jacket, gloves and boots come first
- Expect a chain and sprocket kit and a pad set within the first two seasons of regular riding
Part-cost ranges and workshop labour rates for 16 countries are in our price guides.
Crash Protection for beginner motorcycles
The category beginner motorcycles owners buy from first.
Verified fitVerified fitCrash Protectionvia MotorcycleID
Engine Guard Crash Bars
Powder-coated steel crash bars for engine and fairing protection.
$249.00View
Parts this segment needs first
All beginner motorcycles in our catalog
77 models with fitment references and matched parts.
Honda CBR600RR
2003–2026
Honda CBR1000RR
2004–2026
Honda CB500F
2013–2026
Honda CB650R
2019–2026
Honda Rebel 500
2017–2026
Yamaha YZF-R1
1998–2026
Yamaha YZF-R6
1999–2026
Yamaha YZF-R3
2015–2026
Yamaha MT-07
2014–2026
Yamaha MT-09
2013–2026
Yamaha Bolt
2014–2026
Suzuki GSX-R600
1997–2026
Suzuki GSX-R750
1996–2026
Suzuki GSX-R1000
2001–2026
Suzuki SV650
1999–2026
Suzuki GSX-S750
2015–2026
Suzuki Boulevard M109R
2006–2026
Suzuki Hayabusa
1999–2026
Kawasaki Ninja 400
2018–2026
Kawasaki Ninja 650
2017–2026
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
1995–2026
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
2004–2026
Kawasaki Z900
2017–2026
Kawasaki Z650
2017–2026
Kawasaki Vulcan S
2015–2026
BMW S 1000 RR
2009–2026
BMW F 900 R
2020–2026
BMW R nineT
2014–2026
BMW G 310 R
2016–2026
Ducati Panigale V4
2018–2026
Ducati Panigale V2
2020–2026
Ducati Monster 821
2014–2026
Ducati Monster 937
2021–2026
Ducati Diavel V4
2011–2026
Ducati Streetfighter V4
2020–2026
KTM 390 Duke
2013–2026
Other segments
Best sport motorcycles
sport motorcycles
Best cruiser motorcycles
best cruiser motorcycles
Best touring motorcycles
best touring motorcycles
Best adventure motorcycles
adventure motorcycles
Best naked motorcycles
best naked motorcycles
Best electric motorcycles
electric motorcycles
Best dirt bikes and enduro machines
best dirt bikes
Best commuter motorcycles
best commuter motorcycles
Best motorcycles on a budget
best motorcycles on a budget
FAQ
What engine size is best for a beginner motorcycle?
Most riders are best served between 300cc and 650cc. The number matters less than weight, seat height and how smoothly the engine delivers power at low revs.
Should a first bike be new or used?
A used bike absorbs the inevitable drops without destroying resale value. Check the chain, tyre dates and brake pad thickness — those three tell you how the previous owner treated it.
What should I fit to a beginner bike first?
Crash protection and rider gear. Frame sliders, bar ends and a set of levers cost far less than the bodywork they protect.