Rider Coach offers tips for getting your first motorcycle

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Motorcycle Choices for New Riders

Below is a list of the broad types of street motorcycles available to new riders and a few representative motorcycles of each category. This is not a comprehensive list nor is it a recommendation of one motorcycle over another. It is for educational purposes to help you narrow down the type of motorcycle best suited for your need, physical size, and current riding skills. You may see some motorcycles listed in more than one category as the blend between the two categories in my opinion.

Standard Motorcycles	examples of this category with links
– For smaller riders	Honda Grom 125 Yamaha MT-03 Honda Monkey 125
– For larger riders	Yamaha MT-03 KTM 390 Duke Kawaski KLX250s
– Lower Skills	Honda Grom 125 Yamaha SR400 Suzuki GW200
– Higher Skills	Yamaha MT-07 Triumph Bonneville Triumph Street Twin Kawasaki Z400
Sport Motorcycles
– For smaller riders	KTM RC 390 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Suzuki GSX250R
– For larger riders	Honda CBR 500 Kawasaki Ninja 650r
– Lower Skills	Kawasaki Ninja 400 Yamaha YZF R3
– Higher Skills	Honda CBR 500 Kawasaki Ninja 650r
Cruisers
– For smaller riders	Harley-Davidson Street 500 Yamaha V Star 250 Honda Rebel 300
– For larger riders	Harley-Davidson Street 500 Honda Rebel 500 Suzuki Boulevard C50 Suzuki V-Strom 650
– Lower Skills	Honda Rebel 300 Yamaha Bolt
– Higher Skills	Harley-Davidson Street 500 Honda Rebel 500 Indian Scout 60 Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Touring Motorcycles – Due to the size and weight there are not many true touring motorcycles for new riders. The motorcycles listed here can get the job done but will not be ideal for touring.
– For smaller riders	BMW G 310 R Honda CB500F
– For larger riders	BMW G 310 GS Honda CB500X Suzuki DR-Z400SM
– Lower Skills	BMW G 310 R
– Higher Skills	BMW G 310 GS Suzuki DR-Z400SM Indian Scout Sixty