Ten Great Beginner Motorcycles

1. 2009 Yamaha V-Star 250 ($3,699)

Photo © Yamaha

Yamaha's mighty V-Max is a compelling halo product, but this V-Star 250 offers classic cruiser style in a package that any beginner can handle. Its air-cooled 249cc V-twin lends it a substantial look for such a relatively small bike, and a low seat height of 27 inches makes it easy to manage.

Click here to see the 2008 Yamaha model lineup.

2. 2008 Honda Nighthawk ($3,699)

Photo © Honda

Slightly more upmarket than the Honda Rebel but equally friendly, the Nighthawk takes the Rebel's engine and incorporates it into a standard (as opposed to cruiser) setup.

3. 2009 Yamaha TW200 ($3,990)

Photo © Yamaha

The fat-tired Yamaha TW200 is a welcome alternative to cookie-cutter starter bikes, and its dual purpose abilities make it trail and dirt ready. Its 196cc single-cylinder engine features an automatic cam chain tensioner for minimal maintenance.

Click here to see the 2008 Yamaha lineup.

4. 2009 Suzuki DR200SE ($3,949)

Photo © Suzuki

Though it may not be as powerful as some of the other bikes here, the Suzuki DR200SE's on and off-road versatility makes it a great choice for riders who don't want stick to the beaten path.

Click here to see the rest of the 2008 Suzuki model lineup.

5. 2009 Honda Rebel ($3,999)

Photo © Honda

The Honda Rebel is a staple at basic motorcycle training courses, and for good reason: it's a small, easy to ride beginner bike that is conducive to helping riders improve their skills. An air-cooled 234cc parallel twin engine provides enough power to help learners focus on the fundamentals.

6. 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R ($3,999)

Photo © Kawasaki

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a favorite among performance conscious riders looking for their first bike, and its new-for-2008 redesign offers significant improvements over the previous model.

For more check out our 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Photo Gallery, and Ninja 250R Full Review.

7. 2009 Suzuki Boulevard S40 ($4,899)

Photo © Suzuki

Though it shares genealogy with hulking cruisers like the M109R, Suzuki's entry-level Boulevard S40 weighs a reasonable 352 lbs dry, and its 40 cubic inch single-cylinder engine yields an estimated 63 mpg.

Click here to see the 2008 Suzuki model lineup.

8. 2009 Honda CRF230L ($4,999)

Photo © Honda

Honda's entry-level dual purpose CRF230L should appeal to beginners who might consider taking their bikes on trails as well as roads. Its 223cc single-cylinder engine has electric start, and its versatility makes it ready for almost anything.

Check out our Honda CRF230L Review and photo gallery.

9. 2009 Yamaha XT250 ($4,549)

Photo © Yamaha

The Yamaha XT250 is a bit more dirt ready than most typical beginner bikes, but its long suspension travel and air-cooled 249cc offers a fun, rugged ride for those who plan to venture offroad.

Click here to see the rest of the 2008 Yamaha model lineup.

10. 2009 Buell Blast ($4,795)

Photo © Buell

The Buell Blast's 25.5 inch seat height makes it easy to handle, but don't let its 492cc engine displacement fool you; the single-cylinder's 34 horsepower output is tame enough for newbies, and its sporty styling puts it second only to Kawasaki's Ninja 250R in terms of road presence.
(www.motorcycles.com)