Although an interest in motorcycles can start at a young age, it will be a few years before you are legally able to take your steel horse on the road. While many people dream of a massive Harley hog or sporty Honda, the fact is that beginners need to start out with much less powerful bikes. Learning on a big bike can lead to fatal accidents for amateur riders.
Harley motorcycles are extremely powerful and quite heavy. If you don’t have the bodyweight to control these behemoth bikes, chances are you will be thrown off faster than a bucking bronco. Speed bikes like Kawasaki Ninjas will have you clipping 140 mph faster than you’re used to and such high speeds can even be dangerous for the pros.
Three Beginner Motorcycles to Consider
When choosing your first motorcycle, check out these excellent bikes that will help you to master the art of riding.
- Yamaha FZ-07: This is a bike for beginners, but it’s not a scooter. This 4-stroke, liquid cooled DOHC, 8-valve V-twin bike is perfect for people just starting out. The inline twin cylinder features a unique linear torque curve, giving the rider a smoother feeling in throttle response. With dual front brakes and a compact wheelbase, the FZ-07 can handle a lot. The design of this bike is ideal for city and country riding and even has a look that says anything but beginner.
- Moto Guzzi V7 II Stone ABS: A retro-style bike with modern features, this Italian-made bike is made for rough terrain and winding roads. The Stone ABS is inspired by vintage 7’s from Moto Guzzi’s rich history with lighter-weight materials. The bike only weighs 417 lbs., making it ideal for beginners and riders with smaller frames. Enjoy taking long trips to learn with a large fuel tank that can hold 5.8 gallons.
- Suzuki GW250: Featuring a displacement of 248cc, a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder SOHC engine and 6-speed transmission, the GW250 won’t make you feel like an amateur rider. A stylish entry-level bike, the GW250 has a mass that is very manageable and is helpful for new bikers negotiating weight distribution and leaning. Ideal for city riding, the GW250’s 6-speed gearing is helpful when learning how to shift properly.
Some experienced riders will recommend simply going for the bike you plan to ride so you know what to expect. Whichever route you choose to take when it comes to selecting your first bike, it is important to develop the riding skills necessary to be safe on the roads.