7 Best Used 1st Motorcycles for Beginners

Every year brings a good number of new riders on the roads. The more new riders on the streets, the more motorcycles there will be, and the busier roads. You may be unable to limit the number of motorcycles on roads; however, you can make motorcycling safer by recommending suitable motorcycles to beginners.

Beginners have many considerations to think about before buying their first motorcycle. They have a limited budget. However, they want the best out of it.

If you want to save money as a beginner, it is best to use a first motorbike. Don’t worry! If you find it hard to find the perfect match, we have a list of great suggestions for beginners.

This article comprises the list of the seven best used first motorcycles for beginners, and we have not only considered the budget limitations. The below 7 best used first bikes for beginners also ensure reliability, entry-level performance, and the best learning platform.

Continue reading this article if you are looking for the best used 1st bike as a beginner.

The Honda Rebel 250 is among the most certified best used 1st motorcycles for beginners. It has been used by the Motorcycle Safety Federation (MSF) as a learning motorbike for years. It was used as a learner motorcycle for riders’ training.

The Rebel 250 was successfully produced for around 30 years. The Rebel was born in 1985 and has continued to impress both new and experienced riders, thanks to its classic motorcycle look.

Despite being a smaller bike with a low-powered engine and a bit of a restricted rider triangle for taller riders, it was equipped with a twin-cylinder engine.

The Rebel 250 featured a 234 cc air-cooled, parallel-twin four-stroke engine with separate dual exhaust pipes on either side. This bike has a single constant velocity (CV) carburetor for fuel delivery.

The slim, lightweight build with vintage looks still makes the Rebel 250 relevant for beginners. It can be a perfect used 1st bike for a beginner because you can buy used models for only $2200 or even less, depending on the model year.

The Rebel 250 is considered to be a great first used motorcycle for beginners because of its following useful characteristics:

• Though classic, the Rebel 250 has a lightweight design and slim silhouette.

• It features an easily manageable 250 cc engine size, making it an ideal beginner platform.

• Being a classic cruiser, it offers comfortable ergonomics and riding position.

• The parallel-twin engine ensures a smooth power delivery and keeps the rider engaged.

• As a beginner bike, the Rebel 250 ensures stable low-speed handling for a safe riding experience.

• It is cheap, easy to work on, and has a superior user-friendly performance.

• The Rebel 250 is also among t he most fuel-efficient beginner-friendly  bikes, providing an exceptional fuel economy of 84 mpg.

The Honda Rebel 250 is a great starter bike and learning platform for new riders with no prior riding experience.

The next year, when the Rebel 250 was discontinued, the Honda Rebel 300 was introduced to replace it in 2016. Though named the Rebel, it was a completely different motorbike than the original Rebel 250.

The Rebel 300 is still in production, which shows how well this bike is doing in sales. It is a great 1st first for beginners looking for a street-capable sport-style modern cruiser with versatile capabilities.

The Rebel 300 uses the same frame and design as the bigger Rebel variants, including the Rebel 500 and the Rebel 1100. However, the small-displacement 286 cc single-cylinder engine makes it very beginner-friendly.

It may not sound as good as a V-twin cruiser, but the Rebel 300 checks all the boxes for beginners. Though there is not much difference in the engine size between the Rebel 250 and the Rebel 300, the latter produces greater power and torque.

The Rebel 300 delivers a peak power output of 27.6 hp and a maximum torque of 28.74 Nm. It looks modern, performs well on city roads, and can be used for light highway cruising.

The Rebel 300 features a liquid-cooled engine with a slightly modern look for better heat dissipation. The bike has a mostly blacked-out look with several bobber elements. It looks exceptional as a beginner bike.

Let’s have a look at the most notable features that make the Rebel 300 a great used 1st bike for learners:

• The Rebel 300, unlike the Rebel 250, is not an old-school cruiser. However, it is still very comfortable, with a low seat height of 27.2 inches.

• It is an ideal starter bike if you want to use it for city traveling mostly.

• It has a low center of gravity, making this bike easily maneuverable and easy to handle.

• It is quite light, making low-speed handling an easy task.

• The mild power delivery ensures a smooth and manageable performance for beginners.

• Being made by Honda, the Rebel 300 is known for superior reliability.

• As a beginner, you can buy the Rebel 300 at a low price range of $2,800 to a maximum of $4,500, depending on the model year.

• The Rebel 300 has a programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI), ensuring a superior claimed fuel mileage of 78 mpg.

• The Rebel 300 has ABS as an optional feature.

The Yamaha V-Star 250 has been there for a very long time now. However, it is recognized with different names in different motorcycle markets. It was introduced as the Yamaha Virago 250 in 1988, and in 2008, it was renamed the V Star 250 and is also known as the DragStar 250 in different parts of the world.

The V-Star 250 is still in production and is the smallest-displacement V-Twin-powered cruiser. It is very classic with loads of chrome parts.

The 249 cc air-cooled, 60° V-Twin engine produces only 21 hp of peak horsepower and 20.6 Nm of torque. This bike still features a Mikuni 26 mm carburetor.

Due to being in production for a very long time, you can find a used V-Star 250 at a very affordable price. The new 2024 Yamaha V Star 250 costs only $4,799. You can get a full-sized classic cruiser, like the V Star 250, for $2,400, depending on the model year and condition of the used bike.

There are several good reasons why the Yamaha V-Star 250 is one of the best used 1st motorcycles for beginners. These include:

• Thanks to the V-Twin engine and the bigger look, the V Star 250 doesn’t look like a smaller bike.

• It is a very comfortable classic cruiser thanks to the spacious rider triangle and ergonomics.

• However, it is still lightweight, making it handy and easy to handle.

• The V-Twin engine produces a decent rumble and smooth power delivery.

• You don’t look like a new rider on this bike.

• It is stylish and attractive, and it is a competent cruiser.

• It is very affordable, especially if you want a used one

The Honda Grom is the most eligible used 1st bike option for beginners. It is among the most recommended 1st bikes for beginners without prior riding experience.

It is not a regular motorcycle; it is a Minimoto by Honda. Nevertheless, it still has a seat height of 30 inches. If you are new to motorcycling, especially a vertically challenged or a first-time female rider, the Honda Grom is the most suitable learning bike.

Despite being a 125 cc engine-powered bike, it is still fun to ride because it is light and small. Most skilled riders also use the Honda Grom to go completely hooligan.

You can ride however you want and open the full throttle without worrying.

Let’s talk about some great features and characteristics of the Honda Grom, making it a perfect used 1st bike for new riders.

• The 125 cc engine is believed to be the perfect displacement size for completely new riders.

• It is a highly affordable option to purchase.

• It is among the cheapest options to operate and use, thanks to its amazing fuel economy of 166.5 mpg.

• You can easily find a used Honda Grom for as low as $1,900.

• The Grom is still in production, and you can also buy a new model for only $3,599.

• It looks modern, aggressive, sporty, and completely relevant.

• It is a stylish option for urban commuting.

• Due to being small and extremely light, it shows an amazing flickability.

• Changing direction on this bike is very easy.

• You can easily customize this bike and change its look by just changing the panels.

• The ABS is also an optional feature.

There is no objection to the Kawasaki Ninja 250 being one of the best used 1st bikes for beginners. Instead, many reviewers declare it one of the best beginner learning platforms.

If you want to start your motorcycling career with a sports bike, there is no better bike than the Ninja 250. The Ninjas have been among the best sellers ever since their introduction.

Also, they are known for their top performance and reliability. The Ninja 250 is undoubtedly an ultimate starter bike that can be yours at a very affordable price. Above all, it is light, elegant, and sporty, and it still feels relevant and modern in the modern age.

The Ninja 250 gets the best gas mileage in the beginner sports bike category. However, the aesthetics may look a little aged. For a beginner, the looks are still very unique and relevant.

There are many notable features of the Ninja 250. Read on to learn why it is a great used 1st motorcycle for beginners:

• The power and size are great for beginners.

• The bike is suitable for entry-level sport riders and fun enough to keep new riders engaged.

• The power delivery is quite manageable.

• It is a great way to learn clutch and throttle control.

• It is also perfect to learn to ride and handle the bike at full speed.

• It is a full-fairing bike, but it is still lightweight and manageable.

• You can buy the Ninja 250 at a very affordable price range of $1,800 to $3,100.

• It is a highly reliable beginner sports bike by Kawasaki.

• Above all, the Ninja 250 has a great resale value.

The KTM 200 Duke is a great beginner bike for most new riders. It is also a perfect bike for most first-time riders. The 200 cc single-cylinder engine is decently punchier due to being installed in a naked bike platform.

However, you must be responsible and know how to be safe while riding a motorcycle. It is completely unintimidating for beginners.

Some beginners start with 500 cc or even 700 cc cruisers. Naked bikes are designed differently. They are quite flickable and nimble. There is no issue if you don’t go hooligan on these bikes, like the Duke 200.

You will also find many riders recommending the Duke 390 to beginners. It is completely your choice. To be on the safer side, the Duke 200 seems to be a safer choice as one of the best used 1st bikes for beginners.

The KTM 200 Duke makes one of the best 1st bikes for beginners due to its several unique qualities:

• The Duke 200 is an easy-to-ride, handle, and maneuver bike thanks to its low weight.

• The sportier style, punchier performance, and flickability make the Duke 200 a fun beginner bike.

• Despite an aggressive riding style, it still offers an upright position, making rides easier and more comfortable.

• Despite being a smaller variant, the Duke 200 still has the attractive look of the KTM Duke series.

• It also features a standard Bosch ABS.

• The build quality is also great.

• Considering its class and category, the Duke 200 is reasonably fuel efficient.

• The aftermarket parts for the Duke 200 are easily available.

The Yamaha MT-03 is a great first bike for those looking for a modern-style renowned naked bike. Almost every motorcyclist knows about the Yamaha MT lineup.

The MT-03 is the smallest singling in the MT series. It was introduced in the US motorcycle market in 2020 and immediately gained popularity among new riders.

The MT-03 can be your perfect 1st bike. It is also currently in production. You can buy the 2024 model year for $4,999. This may sound a bit expensive, considering it is a beginner bike.

It is, therefore, better to buy the used MT-03. A used model can cost you somewhere around $3,000. However, it will most likely be in good condition, considering it was introduced in America in 2020.

The Yamaha MT-03 is a beginner-friendly bike having:

• A 321 cc parallel-twin engine

• Manageable mid-range power

• Lightweight build

• User-friendly handling

The riding position is surprisingly comfortable, considering the bike type. It also features a good braking system for safe riding. It is also a fun bike, so you won’t get bored soon. It is a very stable and balanced bike for beginners.

A beginner should get a comfortable, lightweight motorcycle that is easy to handle and maneuver. Beginners should get a motorbike that provides a good and balanced performance. It must be as comfortable as cruisers and should have the characteristics of a good urban commuter.

A lightweight motorcycle can help beginners to easily handle and maneuver the bike. An upright position can also help beginners stay comfortable while riding and ensure better visibility of the road ahead.

Beginners should get a standard bike or roadster that is comfortable and easier to ride. Also, the engine size must fall in the 125-400 cc range, depending on the beginner type.

If you are completely new to motorcycling without prior riding experience, you must not get anything bigger than 125 cc. However, if you are a good learner and have little motorcycling know-how, you can get yourself a 400 cc motorbike.

On the other hand, certain lightweight cruisers with an engine size of 500-650 cc suit taller or bigger beginner riders. For instance, the Honda Rebel 500 can be used by such beginners.

You may get varied opinions on this matter, but a good budget for a first motorcycle should be below $5,000. You must not spend more on your first bike.

This is mainly because you will fall off your bike more often and cannot afford expensive repairs. Also, if you are a good learner, you may need to move to your 2nd motorbike in less time. Therefore, it is better for a beginner to buy a used 1st bike.

As a beginner, we suggest investing only a little in buying new motorcycles. There are many good options to consider in the used motorcycle market for beginners.

If you are a beginner looking for a used first motorcycle and want to save money, this article brings you the list of the seven best used beginners’ motorcycles that can be your first bike.

These bikes are among the trusted beginner-friendly options. They have been used by beginners for a long time now. Never pick a bike that is above your skill levels as a beginner. Always ride safe and defensively, particularly if you are new to motorcycling.