Best Beginner Motorcycles Under $5000
If I give you a Ferrari to ride on the first day of your car driving class, will it be easy for you? At the same time, are there any benefits of starting your driving class on a bullock cart?
The answer is NO!
Similarly, in the case of motorcycle rides, you should choose the right motorcycle to enhance your riding skills.
Your first motorcycle decides your future riding style and learning curve. That’s why I came up with the best beginner motorcycles under $ 5,000 that sharpen your bike-riding skills.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Factors Should Be Considered In Beginner-Friendly Motorcycle?
- 2 Best Beginner Motorcycles Under $5000
- 3 1. KTM 390 Duke
- 4 2. Kawasaki Ninja 400
- 5 3. Yamaha YZF-R3
- 6 4. Bajaj Dominar 400
- 7 5. BMW G310R
- 8 6. Honda CB300R
- 9 7. Yamaha MT-03
- 10 8. BMW 310GS
- 11 9. Suzuki GSX250R
- 12 10. Royal Enfield Himalayan
- 13 What CC Should A Beginner Start With?
- 14 Which Superbike Is Good For Beginners?
- 15 Conclusion
What Factors Should Be Considered In Beginner-Friendly Motorcycle?
You should keep many factors in mind while choosing a beginner-friendly motorcycle. Some of the important factors are listed below-
- Engine Size: As a beginner in motorcycle riding, you can not start with a 1000cc superbike. Because handling a superbike isn’t easy for beginners and increases the risk of accidents, 300cc to 400cc engine size motorcycles are best for beginners.
- Weight: If you recently got your motorcycle riding license, handling a heavyweight superbike or cruiser is difficult. So, it’s better to choose a lightweight motorcycle initially because it would be easy to handle and sharpen your riding skills.
- Handling: The design of a motorcycle is another factor that affects handling and stability at higher speeds. A motorcycle with good aerodynamics is easier to handle while riding on highways and in the city.
- Height: If you’re not taller, lower seat height motorcycles are good to purchase. You should ensure that both your feet perfectly touch the ground. A motorcycle with a seat height of less than 830 mm is good for beginners.
- Riding Style: You should know your riding style before buying your first motorcycle. Because it will affect your motorcycle riding skills in the future, it’s better to choose a sporty-design motorcycle if you love racing and go for a cruiser if you don’t want to race.
- Safety Features: Your motorcycle should have ABS (antilock braking system) to stop your motorcycle safely on slippery roads.
- Resale Value: Everyone upgrades their first motorcycle after riding it for a year. So, you should keep in mind brand reputation and resale value too.
Best Beginner Motorcycles Under $5000
When selecting your first motorcycle, you need a bike that is easy to handle and control. You can not handle Kawasaki Ninja H2R on the first day of your ride.
So, starting your motorcycle journey with a small engine size is a good idea because such bikes are easy to handle and perfect for learning various motorcycle stunts.
Here are the top 10 beginner-friendly motorcycles that increase your learning curve-
| Bike | Engine Size | Weight | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Duke | 373cc | 153 Kg | 800 mm |
| Kawasaki Ninja 400 | 399cc | 168 Kg | 785 mm |
| Yamaha YZF-R3 | 321cc | 167 Kg | 780 mm |
| Bajaj Dominar 400 | 373cc | 184 Kg | 800 mm |
| BMW G310R | 313cc | 164 Kg | 785 mm |
| Honda CB300R | 286cc | 147 Kg | 800 mm |
| Yamaha MT-03 | 321cc | 168 Kg | 780 mm |
| BMW 310GS | 313cc | 175 Kg | 835 mm |
| Suzuki GSX250R | 248cc | 178 Kg | 790 mm |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | 411cc | 199 Kg | 800 mm |
1. KTM 390 Duke
KTM 390 Duke is a high-performance motorcycle designed with a lightweight trellis frame. It’s a great beginner motorcycle with a low seat height and a compact design that makes it easy to maneuver.
It’s powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that delivers decent power and torque. Also, the suspension system is adjustable and provides a smooth ride over various terrain.
Aside from all the features and performance, the KTM 390 Duke is the best beginner motorcycle with great resale value. So, it’s easy to sell and upgrade to a more powerful bike after riding it for a few months.
Overall, the KTM 390 Duke is the perfect starter motorcycle you should consider as your first bike as a beginner.
2. Kawasaki Ninja 400
If you recently got your motorcycle driving license and looking to buy your first motorcycle, then Kawasaki Ninja 400 could be a good choice. Despite of 399cc twin-cylinder engine, Kawasaki Ninja 400 is very easy to handle and maneuver.
It comes with various electronic aids, including a quick-shifter, switchable ABS, and a traction control system, which helps to enhance the riding experience.
The Ninja 400 has a sporty riding position with a relatively low seat height, making it comfortable for beginners to ride. The motorcycle’s design is also quite aggressive and sporty, making it stand out.
3. Yamaha YZF-R3
Yamaha is a popular Japanese motorcycle brand, and its YZF-R3 is a beginner-friendly model launched in 2015. Since then, it has gone through lots of modifications.
Yamaha YZF-R3 has a 321cc liquid-cooled engine that delivers amazing torque of 30 Nm at 9000 RPM. It’s a lightweight motorcycle with an advanced aerodynamic design. The aerodynamic design increases its stability and handling at high speed.
The motorcycle weighs around 368 pounds (167 kg) and can reach a top speed of up to 112 miles per hour. Its dual-channel ABS (Antilock Braking System) brake provides added stopping power in wet or slippery conditions.
The seat height is 31 inches, easily accessible for both medium and short riders. Overall, Yamaha designed this motorcycle for beginners; it could be the right choice to start your motorcycle journey.
4. Bajaj Dominar 400
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a great option for beginner riders seeking a sporty motorcycle. It has a 373cc engine, providing a good balance of power and control for new riders.
The Dominar 400 is a great alternative to the KTM 390 Duke at a lower price. It has a sporty and aggressive design, which gives it a good road presence. It also has a low seat height of 811mm, which makes it comfortable for shorter riders.
The Dominar 400 also has several safety features, including a dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), providing added stopping power in wet or slippery conditions.
5. BMW G310R
BMW is good at making not only cars but also motorcycles. The BMW G310R is an excellent motorcycle under a $5000 budget. It’s a beginner-friendly motorcycle known for its lightweight and easy handling.
BMW G310R is powered by a 313 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 34 horsepower and 28 Nm torque at 7500 RPM. It has a 6-speed transmission, delivering a smoother riding experience at higher speeds.
The seat height is low at 785 mm, which makes it easy for most riders to flatfoot the bike. The handlebar is also well-positioned for a comfortable and upright riding position.
The G310R is also well-suited for city riding, with a compact size and nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces.
6. Honda CB300R
Honda CB300R has a 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that provides smooth power and easy-to-handle torque. The motorcycle is lightweight (146 kg) and has a low seat height, making it easy to maneuver and control in city rides.
The CB300R’s modern and sporty design, full LED lighting, LCD instrumentation, and minimalist bodywork give it a premium look and feel. The well-tuned suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
The Honda CB300R is a great option for beginners looking for a reliable, easy-to-handle, and stylish motorcycle. Also, the resale value of the Honda CB300R is decent; hence, you can always upgrade in the future.
7. Yamaha MT-03
The Yamaha MT-03 is a lightweight motorcycle that is well-suited for beginner riders. It features a compact, easy-to-handle design and a smooth power delivery that makes it easy to control.
The bike has a 292cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine producing 42 horsepower, which is enough for city riding and highway use.
The suspension is also well-tuned for a comfortable and stable ride. It is easy to maneuver and learn various riding stunts because it’s lightweight. The seat height of 780 mm makes it accessible for shorter riders.
Overall, the Yamaha MT-03 is a great option for beginner riders looking for a reliable and manageable motorcycle that can handle city and highway riding.
8. BMW 310GS
If you’re a beginner looking for a stylish motorcycle with great performance, you should consider BMW310GS in your wishlist.
BMW310GS is a compact, lightweight bike that is easy to handle and navigate through city traffic. It has a 313cc water-cooled single-cylinder engine that generates 34 horsepower and 27 Nm torque at 7500 RPM.
One of the standout features of the 310GS is its powerful yet fuel-efficient engine. The bike can easily cruise at highway speeds, but it won’t burn through gas too quickly, making it a great option for longer trips.
The suspension and handling of the bike are also great. It’s smooth, comfortable on the road, and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, it’s a great choice for beginners looking for their first bike.
9. Suzuki GSX250R
Suzuki GSX250R is yet another beginner-friendly motorcycle with a 248cc twin-cylinder engine. The engine generates 25 horsepower and 24 Nm torque at 6500 RPM. This much power is suitable for a beginner motorcycle rider.
This motorcycle has a top speed of 85 miles per hour, which is decent for highway rides. Also, the bike is comfortable, even on rough roads, and it’s easy to maneuver in tight corners and make quick turns.
Overall, the Suzuki GSX250R is a great option for riders looking for a sport-style motorcycle that is easy to handle. It’s a great combination of city, sport-style riding, power, efficiency, and style.
10. Royal Enfield Himalayan
Royal Enfiled is an extremely popular motorcycle brand in India. I bought this motorcycle a few years ago and am happy with the overall riding experience.
The 411cc engine can easily take me on long off-road adventures and highway rides. Although it’s a heavyweight motorcycle (weighs approximately 200 kg) but it’s quite easy to handle.
I only suggest Himalayan if you’re looking for a beginner cruiser motorcycle under a $5000 budget.
What CC Should A Beginner Start With?
The engine size of a motorcycle decides the power generation. So, it’s not easy to handle a 1000cc motorcycle as a beginner. It’s always better to start with a 300cc to 400cc motorcycle as a beginner because handling such bikes is easy.
Which Superbike Is Good For Beginners?
You should sharpen your riding skills if you love racing and bike stunts. KTM 390 Duke is a great beginner motorcycle that can reach a top speed of up to 115 miles per hour. It has an aerodynamic design, which gives excellent stability at higher speeds.
Conclusion
If you have some experience in riding motorcycles, then KTM 390 Duke should be your first choice. It delivers great power and offers great handling and stability at higher speeds. It’s a great bike to learn various riding stunts.
However, if you just got your motorcycle license and are looking for an entry-level motorcycle, then the Honda CB300R (with 286cc engine), Yamaha MT-03 (with 293cc engine), and Suzuki GSX250R (with 248cc engine) are the right choices.
Royal Enfield Himalayan is recommended if you want a beginner-friendly cruiser motorcycle under a $5,000 budget.
Don’t forget to wear a helmet and all motorcycle gear for safe rides. Enjoy a safe ride!
Also Read: How Fast Is The World’s Fastest Motorcycle?
