If you are just getting into riding in 2022, these motorcycles are great choices.
As a new rider, I know how difficult the motorcycle world can be to understand. There are so many bikes to choose from, and the old saying “there's more than one way to skin a cat” rings true. Each bike will have its strengths and weaknesses. Some have more power, while others are lighter or have more features. Picking the first bike is exciting but also daunting at the same time. So, I hope you are ready...
Below are some of the best motorcycles for beginners in 2022 (just don't ask me which is my favorite, because that depends on your skill level and the riding you want to do).
The Honda CBR300R has the smallest engine of Honda’s Neo-Sports Café line, and it comes in two color choices: matte grey metallic and candy chromosphere red. This single-cylinder liquid-cooled 286cc bike is fuel-friendly and agile, offering more fun on the road than a barrel of monkeys.
The CBR300R’s straightforward design makes it easy to maintain and operate for beginners. It doesn’t have many of the advanced features that might distract new riders, but it does have some high-end components like anti-lock brakes, LED lighting, and an inverted fork.
The GSXR, or Suzuki sport bikes, have been around since the 1980s when Suzuki introduced the Katana. It has evolved over the years, but Suzuki only offered larger displacement bikes – 600cc and more. In recent years, Suzuki has started producing entry-level bikes with a 250cc engine for beginners.
The GSX250R has a 31-inch seat height and full fairing for protection from the wind. It has a lean forward riding position like bigger sportbikes but doesn't have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Instead, its dual-piston brake calipers give it good braking power.
Experienced riders would agree that the Ninja 400’s performance is more than meets the eye—the 399cc twin-cylinder engine is rated at 44hp, giving it an edge over other beginner bikes in its category. However, with a price tag of $5,000, the Ninja 400 is arguably the best bike for your money.
The Ninja 400 superseded the 300 in 2018 with sleeker styling, lower curb weight, and better brakes. It also featured beefier front forks, a longer swingarm, and a shorter frame. In addition, a limited KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team) Ninja 400 in a replica race livery was released in 2022.
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Yamaha made the R3 the sportiest 300 on the road by giving it a new MotoGP-inspired look. Its sleek bodywork, aggressive dual LED headlights, and Valentino Rossi’s race-winning DNA are all visible in this Yamaha sport bike.
The R3 offers a fun ride while still maintaining good highway speed thanks to the 321cc inline twin-cylinder engine. Yamaha fitted it with four valves per cylinder, which helped it deliver maximum torque. In addition, the R3 is comfy to cruise for long distances since the diamond-type steel frame offers an upright riding position and a seat height of 30.7 inches.
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In 1980, BMW made the first-ever widely recognized modern adventure bike, the mighty R80 GS. Over the following decades, the Bavarian brand’s Gelände-Straße models became the most popular adventure bikes. In 2016, BMW introduced its smallest adventure bike ever: The G 310 GS. This model was made to attract new riders to the world of adventure riding and help grow that market segment for BMW.
The G310 GS takes its inspiration from the legendary R80 G/S and has a 313cc single-cylinder engine that produces decent power while still being able to cruise on the highway. In addition, it has a luggage carrier, ABS brakes, adjustable levers, and ride-by-wire technology. At 386 pounds, it weighs in at quite a bit less than the typical BMW, making it great for new riders.
The Yamaha SR400 has been a favorite among new riders in the beginner bike category since 1978. The latest model still features retro styling that dates back to the 1970s, including a unique kick-start mechanism in place of the regular push-button starter in modern bikes.
The SR400 comes with a low seat height – slightly below 31 inches – perfect and comfortable for new riders. The 399cc single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke engine coupled to a five-speed transmission makes the bike suitable for highway and city riding. It has no fairing, but it remains an excellent choice for first-time riders.
Since its inception in the mid-1980s, the Honda Rebel has been a popular choice for new riders. However, thanks to its recent resurgence in popularity, Big Red has unveiled a new generation of Rebels—the 300, 500 and 1100. The half-liter variant and the 300 are small enough to welcome new riders while still offering room for growth.
The Rebel’s low seat position and versatile ergonomics make it suitable for riders of all sizes. In addition, it features a smooth six-speed transmission and a light curb weight of 421 pounds. Honda also offers optional accessories such as USB chargers, saddlebags, windshields, and more for people who want to personalize their bikes.
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Like the BMW G310S, KTM has fitted some of its more advanced technology from other motorbikes to a beginner-friendly frame. This makes the KTM390 more manageable for novices. It shares styling and a 373cc engine with the Duke 390.
The 390 Adventure is a first-of-its-kind beginner bike for adventures. Its crash protection feature and long suspension travel make it ideal for riders passionate about off-roading. It is heavy on the pocket compared to its competition but comes with features you typically find in high-specked bikes, such as different ride modes, cornering ABS, and traction control.
Cruiser bikes from Harley Davidson rank among the best in the modern world. The Street 500 is a good option for beginners and features a low seat height (25 inches) to help you sharpen your skills and confidence as a beginner.
The Harley-Davidson Street 500 offers extra storage for long-distance riders with optional saddlebags and an outside front fairing. Powered by a V-twin liquid-cooled 494cc engine, this bike delivers exceptional performance. Unfortunately, the manufacturer ceased production of Street 500 in 2020, citing a focus on large-displacement cruisers.
The Rebel 500X is a beginner-friendly big bike with a versatile platform for new riders wishing to gain riding experience. It includes dual-purpose tires and a long-travel suspension that makes it ready for gravel roads and light trails. The Rebel 500X's 491cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine is the same as the one found in the CB500X.
The 2022 model is 439 pounds, or 5 pounds lighter than the current model. Dual disc brakes and an inverted front fork are new features, making for a safer ride. It's available in pearl organic green or black. The 32.8-inch seat height is suitable for riders of most heights.
When all is said and done, there's no substitute for experience. However, if you're considering taking up motorcycling for the first time, making the right choice of bike can make a huge difference in how enjoyable your experience is. The Ninja 400 seems to be the best overall package for beginners, but that's also dependent on personal preference. So give them all a shot if you can, and see which one suits your needs and desires best.
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| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Volkswagen |
Germany |
| #2 |  Toyota |
Japan |
| #3 |  Stellantis |
Netherlands |
| #4 |  Mercedes-Benz Group |
Germany |
| #5 |  Ford Motor |
United States |
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Michelin |
France |
| #2 |  Bridgestone |
Japan |
| #3 |  Continental |
Germany |
| #4 |  Goodyear |
United States |
| #5 |  Sumitomo |
Japan |
