Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
You won’t find the 15-year-old, carbureted 250cc Yamaha V Star 250 here; we’re going with more modern options for our 2024 starter bike list. (Yamaha/)First-timers on two wheels? New graduates of an MSF riding course? Returning riders needing to shake off some cobwebs? Small-displacement and beginner bikes often get a bad rap for their occasionally underwhelming power output and less than exciting feature sets, but for the kinds of riders we just listed, choosing qualities like user-friendly engines, low seat heights, and low weights has commonsense appeal. The bikes we’re ticking off here bring better-than-average performance and feature sets than you’ll normally find in the beginner bike class, and will appeal not just to recent MSF course alums, but also older riders seeking an easy riding machine. If you’re looking for more than your basic air-cooled 250 single, this is a good place to start.Related: Best Beginner Motorcycles 2023BMW’s G 310 GS cops some ADV riffs from its 1250 GS brother, but it’s more of a competent streetbike with some dirt potential, and it’s very good at that indeed. (Jeff Allen/)2024 BMW G 310 GS | $5,695BMW’s G 310 GS utilizes the same 313cc DOHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine found in the G 310 R, but gives this ADV-ish variant more suspension travel (7.1 inches of suspension travel versus 5.2 inches), 19-inch front wheel, longer wheelbase, and a more relaxed steering head angle. It’s still an extremely approachable and user-friendly machine, with a seat height that starts at 32.8 inches, but can be lowered to 32.3 inches with the accessory low seat. Ride-by-wire, ABS, and LED lighting round out the standard feature list, but if you’re looking to spice up your ride with some dirt road stints, be sure to swap in some more aggressive tires and remember the wee GS isn’t a hardcore adventure bike. Think of it instead as an urban-leaning dual sport with moderate off-road abilities, that’s probably happier on pavement.Related: 2021 BMW G 310 GS First Look PreviewThoroughly modern styling with standard-bike ergos, the light, comfortable, and well-balanced Honda CB300R is a solid choice for new and old street riders alike. (Honda/)2024 Honda CB300R | $5,149OK, so an inverted 41mm fork, lightweight steel chassis, upright naked bike ergos, and radial-mount four-piston caliper with standard ABS already make Honda’s 2024 CB300R a more-than-solid solid entry in the class, but ya gotta admit, it looks pretty sharp too. (Read or watch our official review during the 2019 Honda CB300R MC Commute Review). While the docile 286cc liquid-cooled single engine and smooth throttle won’t intimidate new riders, there’s still a good amount of torque on tap, and the CB300R’s got a wonderfully smooth gearbox and clutch to egg on more experienced pilots. What’s more, seat height is an easy 31.6 inches off the deck and the bike weighs in at a breezy 316 pounds wet (claimed) which when paired with the nicely balanced chassis makes for a seriously nimble (and seriously fun) ride. Impressive build quality and a starting price just north of $5K doesn’t hurt either.Related: 2024 Honda CB300R First Look PreviewYou’ll find Honda’s Rebel 500 on these lists almost every year, thanks to a smooth, torquey parallel-twin engine, a robust set of features, and great styling. (Honda/)2024 Honda Rebel 500 | $6,499Honda makes a variety of beginner-friendly bikes in different segments, but in the case of the Rebel, there are no fewer than three displacements to choose from so you can start small with the 300 and eventually graduate to the 1,100cc model, which is heavier and more powerful. Of course, your choice would come down to body type and skill level, but we especially like the Rebel 500 (read or watch our official test during the 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS MC Commute Review); there’s enough power and plenty of torque from the 471cc parallel twin, a 408-pound weight, and a low 27.2-inch seat, all of which make it a great all-around cruiser, period. Standard features include mid-mount controls, ABS, and a slip-and-assist clutch, and with its composed handling, very good fit and finish, and big-bike looks, the Rebel 500 still has what it takes to stay on this list.Related: 2024 Honda Rebel 500 First Look PreviewYou just can’t deny the fun-loving appeal of the Honda Grom, but it’s surprisingly competent too—mini or not. (Honda/)2024 Honda Grom | $3,599See, we’re just getting started with the Hondas. The third Honda on the list may seem like an ultra-lightweight pitbike geared toward the most entry-level of pilots, but the Grom does pretty well in the hands of more experienced motorcyclists, and for around-town work, well, it’s just a blast. As we’ve said before, there’s almost nothing this bike can’t do (except handle high-speed freeways). The superlight and willing machine is powered by a tiny 124cc air-cooled single paired with a five-speed transmission, comes with an inverted fork, and rolls on 12-inch wheels. Throw in a 30-inch seat height, 224-pound curb weight, standard ABS, and, oh yes, a $3,599 price tag, and you can see why the competitively priced minimoto and its claimed 166.5 mpg is still so popular 12 years after its introduction.Related: 2024 Honda Grom First Look PreviewUpdated for 2024, the stylish Svartpilen 401 brings a larger motor, revised ergos, and adjustable suspension, yet stays below 400 pounds. (Husqvarna/)2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 | $5,899With the Hondas out of the way, let’s turn our attention to Husqvarna’s futuristic Svartpilen 401, which got a few updates for 2024 including a punchy new motor, new trellis frame, and adjustable suspension. The Svart provides a more upright riding position compared to its Vitpilen sibling, but the Svart also has more rugged looks with knobby tires and new dark bodywork. Husky says the Svartpilen 401 “offers a fresh twist on two-wheel urban exploration,” but the smartly styled bike is more than just a design exercise; there are the larger (yet lighter) 398cc single-cylinder engine good for a claimed 44 hp, adjustable WP suspension, cornering ABS, an easy 350-pound weight, and a 32-inch seat height, along with a 5-inch TFT display. All those features should beckon to pilots looking for a light, manageable machine that’ll slice around street corners with gusto.Slim, lightweight, and ready to have fun, the Z400 will catch the eye of newbies but still appeal to returning seasoned riders. (Kawasaki/)2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS | $5,399The light-middleweight Z400 continues being an excellent choice for new or returning riders, packing a fun-loving 399cc parallel-twin engine into a machine with agile handling and sharp aesthetics, all for under $5,500. A seat height of 30.9 inches and a weight of 364 pounds amplifies the liquid-cooled mill’s broad torque curve that won’t spook beginners, but can be cranked WFO for thrills; there’s even an assist-and-slipper clutch to help control that smooth power delivery. Given its upright ergonomics, the Kawasaki Z400′s natural environment is the mean streets, but it definitely won’t complain on winding back roads either. The bottom line here is that it’s an approachable, easy-to-ride bike that’s still peppy, light, and unintimidating, and one that riders of all experience levels can use to improve their skill sets for many years to come.Would-be adventurers not interested in the BMW badge can look to Kawasaki’s similarly equipped Versys-X 300. (Kawasaki/)2024 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS | $6,199German or Japanese? Although the Versys-X 300 ABS brings a liquid-cooled twin-cylinder mill to the party, it’s otherwise very close in spec to the BMW G 310 GS, with their 386-ish curb weights, 19/17 tire sizes, running gear, and other features all comparable. The GS gets a longer-travel suspension but the Versys trumps it on fuel capacity with a larger 4.5-gallon tank (versus 3 gallons). But the Versys-X 300 similarly brings an assist-and-slipper clutch to help row through the six gears of the transmission, as well as ABS (but no ride-by-wire); seat height is a slightly more approachable 32.1 inches. Add in a roomy rider triangle, linear power delivery, and easy handling, and the Versys-X 300 should appeal not only to newer riders but to those looking to explore limited off-road scenarios.A wolf in wolf’s clothing, the 390 Duke is probably the most versatile, full-featured bike on this list, suitable for greenhorns and crusty vets alike. (KTM/)2024 KTM 390 Duke | $6,299It’s hard to call this a beginner bike, since the Wee Duke is really just a small-bore hooligan looking to be unleashed—or not. Sure, you can just cruise the boulevard easy as you like, thanks to the supremely manageable engine, or you can wind ‘er out, tap into the peak 44.3 hp, and scream through the canyons. For newbies, the 364-pound wet weight and 32.3-inch seat height make the Duke a cinch to ease through tight spaces. This year the 390 also got a significant refresh, with a new frame, a modified single-cylinder engine, and sharper looks; capacity is now 399cc and power is up fractionally as is torque. Standard features include cornering TC and ABS, and three riding modes along with adjustable suspension should appeal to riders with a sporty outlook. Not cheap, but one of the best-equipped bikes here.Related: 2024 KTM 390 Duke Review From Duke Fest With VideosPseudo-retro styling, a mellow yet reliable 350cc engine, and easy handling define the Hunter 350. Plus, it’s a solid bargain. (Royal Enfield/)2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | $3,999Even within Royal Enfield’s deep stable of entry-level mounts, the Hunter 350 stands out with its impressive feature set—classic but not crusty styling, easy handling, a neutral riding position, and a versatile 350cc engine—especially considering the price. It’s the same two-valve air-cooled mill found in the Classic 350 and Meteor 350, but thanks to its lighter curb weight, the Hunter feels more agile at low speed.That said, you’re looking at an output of just 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and 19.9 lb.-ft. of torque, but the Hunter’s neutral, comfortable ergos and low seat height of 31.1 inches still suit a wide range of riders, and if you’re looking for a solid bike full of character, the Hunter 350 fits the bill. (Plus we’re done with seeing the overpriced V Star 250 on this list.)For burgeoning trackday beginners and small-bore sportbike buffs alike, it’s hard to go wrong with Suzuki’s GSX250R. (Suzuki/)2024 Suzuki GSX250R ABS | $5,099Looking for a fully faired, quarter-liter machine with lines that riff on Suzuki’s sportbike heritage? You’re probably not a true beginner then, but hey, no judgment, because the GSX250R ABS hits all those points and makes for a great mount for those looking to dip a toe into the world of small-bore racing. In fact, we featured this entry-level ride in our Top 5 Motorcycles for Trackday Beginners article last year, and for 2024, there are no changes; the fuel-injected 248cc twin-cylinder engine continues serving up a responsive, broad powerband and convenient features like a 4-gallon tank, 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels, petal-type brake rotors, and quality KYB suspension components. A reverse-lit LCD instrument panel and a bright halogen headlight make night rides safer and the comfortable, roomy ergonomics make it easy for riders to easily reach the ground at a stop.Related: 2024 Suzuki GSX250R PreviewNaked but aggressive styling, a lively engine, and agile handling make the Yamaha MT-03 a top pick for new riders, commuters, and road vets alike. (Yamaha/)2024 Yamaha MT-03 | $4,999Think of Yamaha’s entry-level MT-03 as a naked derivative of the racier YZF-R3, with a more upright riding position. In short, it’s an approachable, entertaining, and affordable do-it-all bike, whether for in-town jaunts or for whipping around twisty mountain roads, and an excellent entrée into Team Blue’s renowned MT lineup. The lively 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine is tons of fun, and the MT-03′s handling is equally impressive; we’ll even praise the bike’s surprisingly comfortable ergonomics, given its compact dimensions. The smaller MT’s aggressive styling also channels the dynamic vibes of its bigger MT-07 and MT-09 brethren, but there’s more to it than that; throw in qualities like turn-on-a-dime handling, a slick-shifting six-speed transmission, inverted fork, standard ABS, and easy-to-swallow pricing, and you can see why the baby MT makes the list.Related: 2023 Yamaha MT-03 First Look Preview
