Every year thousands of newcomers join the ranks of bikers. This is facilitated by freedom of movement, speed and sensations that cannot be obtained on another type of transport. In addition to the spiritual side and unity with motorcycle culture, there is also a practical side to the issue. It is relevant for residents of megacities, namely the ability to easily maneuver between streams of city traffic in traffic jams and reach their destination within the planned time frame. Having opted for an off-road bike, you have the opportunity to relax while riding in the wilderness.
Which motorcycle should a beginner take as his first iron horse today?
When buying his first bike, every motorcycle lover is guided by his own considerations. There are currently thousands of models on the market, and it is very easy to get confused. And which motorcycle should a beginner choose in the end?
It can be difficult for a novice motorcycle enthusiast to understand the huge number of parameters and evaluate the performance of the engine and clutch, but there are main points that you should definitely pay attention to when buying your first motorcycle.
For example, beginners are advised to choose bright bikes so that they are clearly visible in traffic. Don’t forget about the price, because an advanced model that is too expensive may turn out to be useless under the control of a rider with little experience.
We’ll talk more about which first motorcycle to buy for a beginner below.
Thousands of motorcycle models are currently on the market
Gender and height of the future owner
The dimensions of the motorcycle should be comfortable for its owner. If this is a girl, then it is better to look for a small, lightweight model. The height of the bike is also important: the rider should be able to easily place both feet on the ground while sitting on the handlebars. As for seating, you should never buy a motorcycle that is very uncomfortable to sit on: your back and arms should not be tense.
cubic capacity
Cubic capacity is the working volume of an engine. Accordingly, the smaller it is, the more intensely the motor has to work to achieve specific speed or acceleration indicators. But at the same time, the larger the engine volume, the more fuel it requires to operate. There are models with an engine capacity of 2000 cubic meters, but for beginners it is better to limit themselves to 400-600.
A novice rider needs to remember the main rule: the larger the cubic capacity, the less forgiving it is for mistakes on the road.
250 cubes
Motorcycles with this engine capacity are usually representatives of the budget segment. A huge number of models from Chinese manufacturers captivate with their affordability and simplicity, but sometimes disappoint with their low reliability and build quality.
The dimensions of the motorcycle should be convenient for its owner
The most common motors are: 165FMM, 166FMM, 167FMM, 169FMM and 170FMM. All of them are equipped with air cooling with two valves per cylinder. Such engines were installed in many models of the Japanese automobile industry in the 80s and 90s. They are resistant to overheating and have a long service life if you change the oil in a timely manner. If you want more dynamics, you can look for a 170MMF on the market, but it will cost more.
“Chekushki”, as motorcycles with such a cubic capacity are also called, otherwise have the same filling: telescopic fork, 5-speed gearbox and disc brakes.
400 cubes
A 400cc motorcycle is considered the best option for a beginner. The acceleration from such an engine will be sufficient, and good handling will not let you down in difficult times. These bikes usually reach speeds of up to 200 km/h without difficulty, so it is important to be careful, especially at first.
600 cubes
“Serious devices” come from such a cubic capacity. Everything above is difficult to compare with each other - the ability of the motorcyclist is much more important here. Such bikes accelerate to 100 km/h in an average of 3 seconds. A 600cc motorcycle is not the best choice for a beginner, especially considering that such bikes always have sharp brakes and traction that can tear the rear wheel off when accelerating.
The best option for a beginner is a 400cc motorcycle.
Specifications
It is also important to remember about such parameters as:
- Engine power. Motorcycle engines can produce up to approximately 170 hp. Beginners are advised not to be greedy and stop at 35-50;
- Motor type. There are two-stroke and four-stroke. The ideal option for a beginner is a two-stroke. It is simple, reliable and unpretentious in maintenance. The four-stroke is considered more environmentally friendly, but demanding on fuel quality. Plus, it's not as reliable;
- Power reserve. This indicator depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and engine consumption;
- Torque. In other words, the number of engine revolutions. The more of them, the faster the bike will accelerate;
- Maximum speed. Beginners should be more careful when driving at high speed. Cross-country motorcycles on a flat road reach a speed of no higher than 70 km/h, tourist motorcycles can reach around 130, and sportbikes can reach up to 300;
- Transmission. Mechanical or automatic. The first option allows you to feel and control the bike better. Automation is usually installed on bike models intended for long-distance travel;
A huge number of models from Chinese manufacturers are captivating due to their affordability and simplicity.
- Rear wheel drive. Can use cardan, chain or timing belt. The chain is easy to replace and inexpensive. The belt lasts a long time, but needs regular cleaning. The cardan is unpretentious in maintenance, but is rarely found in models for beginners;
- Brakes. Can be mechanical, drum or disc. The mechanics are simple and reliable, inexpensive and often used in budget motorcycles. The drum brake system is not afraid of dirt and water. Disc brakes can stop the bike at any speed. Also, the rear and front brakes can be separate, or connected into one system;
- Wheels. Their width and diameter determine the stability and speed of the motorcycle. For urban conditions, 12″ and 14″ wheels are suitable. Touring models are often equipped with 15-16 inch wheels. Sports bikes are mostly equipped with 17-19 inches.
Easy to use
The simpler the motorcycle is in its design, the better for a beginner. A large number of different functions should not attract attention at first. It's much better to start with something simple but reliable.
Price
Buying an expensive bike is unwise. A used motorcycle or a budget segment model is quite suitable for starting. If it turns out that motorcycles are not exactly what you like, the budget will not suffer much. Moreover, if it turns out that life without a motorcycle is no longer imaginable, then selling an inexpensive bike and switching to something more serious will not be difficult. A budget motorcycle for a beginner is not always a used vehicle, because now there are quite a few inexpensive models on the market from different manufacturers.
The budget segment model is quite suitable for starting
Yamaha SR400
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You may never have heard of the Yamaha SR400, and if that's true, then shame on you. Yamaha has a long and rich history of 400cc motorcycles, and the SR400 is like stepping back in time. The Yamaha SR400 can be good or bad. It all depends on your attitude towards her. Most modern motorcycles are equipped with electric start. But not this bike. The SR400 is a classic single cylinder motorcycle with mechanical start. This is rarely seen in modern models. If you have experience riding older manual start motorcycles, then you probably know that starting them requires considerable physical strength. This Yamaha model is slightly modified to make the process easier.
Indeed, you only have to try this once, and then you will feel that it starts as easily as other motorcycles. This bike is truly for those who love to design. Even now, cafe racers and bobber-style motorcycles are incredibly popular. Even in my town, I've seen several Honda CB750s from the 1970s that have been converted into cafe racer styling. If you want to rebuild your bike, but don't want to deal with the rust, corrosion and crappy wiring of a forty-year-old bike, then the SR400 is just the thing for you.
Which motorcycle class is preferable for a beginner?
Beginners are advised to choose simple bikes. To better understand which motorcycle is best for a beginner to start riding with, you need to have at least a rough idea of the most common classes of motorcycles.
Classics
To understand which motorcycle to choose for a beginner in the city, you need to pay attention to the most versatile class of motorcycles. Direct fit, proven design and ease of maintenance - a classic motorcycle for a beginner. In addition, the appearance of the bike may resemble a chopper, only the rider’s position is not so impressive.
A city road bike for a beginner is usually not intended for high-speed riding and is not difficult to maintain.
Cruisers
Vertical landing and low seat, as well as considerable weight and a large number of chrome elements. These bikes are not designed for high-speed riding, but they allow you to comfortably enjoy riding on smooth roads. A motorcycle cruiser is considered the most preferable option for a beginner.
Simple bikes are recommended for beginners
Sportbikes
Recognizable in traffic thanks to the plastic fairing and a fairly loud high-speed engine. They have crazy dynamics with a small mass. High power and controllability allow you to reach high speeds in road racing. The driver's seat in the fetal position is also a characteristic feature of the sportbike. Which motocross motorcycle is best for a beginner to buy is not the easiest question, because most representatives of this class are quite difficult to control, and in the wrong hands they will cause danger on the road.
Naked
The motorcycle is without plastic decorative plates and fairings, as well as a windshield.
Tourers
This is the name given to bikes specifically designed for riding long distances. Capacious fuel tank, comfortable seating, impressive dimensions. Here comfort is given preference, and controllability fades into the background.
They can be equipped with airbags, air conditioners and radios.
Enduro
Motorcycles designed for off-road riding. They have good cross-country ability, are repairable and lightweight.
Sportbikes have high power and handling
Motards
The same enduro, but equipped with 17-inch wheels, a powerful braking system and suspension. Equally suitable for off-road and asphalt driving.
Yamaha WR250R
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The Yamaha WR250R is a great platform for those learning to ride, and since it's built for trail riding, you can downgrade it with complete peace of mind. Because let's face it, when you first get behind the wheel of a motorcycle, it is very important to be able to lower it, especially if you do not yet know how to maintain 100% balance.
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The Yamaha WR250R has a reputation for being a motorcycle that can be given an ultra-modern look quite easily. You can do various manipulations with this model that will allow you to squeeze a little more power out of it and improve performance. Some craftsmen take it down to the core and turn it into a superbike a la Hooligan with new suspension and street tires. One thing to keep in mind is that off-road motorcycles, such as this model, always have a higher default seat height than regular ones. The Yamaha WR250R measures 93 cm. This is much larger than the next motorcycle on our list. The Ninja 300 has a seat height of 78 cm.
Tips and tricks on technical issues
Before going anywhere on a motorcycle, a novice rider should be savvy in some basic issues. Two-wheeled equipment needs proper maintenance no less than a car. What does a beginner need to know about motorcycles before purchasing his first iron horse?
- It is very important not to forget to change the engine oil in a timely manner. According to the rules, this is required to be done every 5-6 thousand kilometers. If the bike is equipped with a high-speed engine, then the lubricant is changed every 3 thousand.
- Beginners should take into account that fuel-injected motorcycles are easier to maintain. The carburetor requires finer tuning, so at first it is better to entrust the care of such a fuel system to a professional.
- As for brakes, changing the brake fluid once a year is quite enough. It is better not to skimp on it, because the quality of braking directly affects the safety of both the motorcyclist himself and other road users.
- A transmission with a chain is considered the most difficult to maintain, but it is also inexpensive. The chain is lubricated every 500-1000 kilometers, and replaced every 12,000. The cardan transmission does not require much attention, but if you completely forget about changing the oil in the gearbox and do not change the boots, then such a transmission will come out very soon.
Two-wheeled vehicles need proper maintenance
9) Buell Blast
Many expert experts, describing this motorcycle, call its motorcycle design the most boring of all ever created in motorcycle technology.
Yes, and here we must admit that the appearance of this Buell Blast really leaves much to be desired. But no one can argue with the fact that this motorcycle is still not a bad bike from the technical side of the issue and is perfect for any novice beginner. The riding position of the bike is simply excellent. But the truth is that the 500cc single-cylinder engine does not have very much torque.
The lightest
Kawasaki Z400
pros
- Light weight
- Steel frame
- Japanese assembly
- Manual Transmission
Minuses
- Small fuel tank
From 500,000 ₽
A lightweight motorcycle whose weight does not exceed 167 kg. For a motorcycle with an engine capacity of 399 cubic centimeters and 45 hp. this is truly an impressive figure. Due to its lightness, the model is easy to control and maneuver even in very difficult areas. A multi-disc clutch in an oil bath helps transmit movement from the engine to the wheels without energy loss.
Yamaha MT-03
pros
- Japanese quality
- Ease
- Good handling
- Smooth ride
- Power
Minuses
- Mid-level brakes
From 440,000 ₽
Japanese bike with electric starter and liquid cooling system. The curb weight is 168 kg, so you can lift the motorcycle from a recumbent position yourself. Engine 42 hp Provides fast acceleration and maintaining the required speed. The manual gearbox has a standard appearance and will not require getting used to when replacing a motorcycle.
4) Kawasaki Ninja 250
The Ninja 250 is the quintessential model for any aspiring beginner taking his first steps into the world of motorcycle culture. Here, friends, are the main advantages of this motorcycle model:
- Price.
- Availability.
— Competitive pricing.
- Easy to sell.
— Sufficient power.
This motorcycle can teach and teach you at the same time how to ride any motorcycle.
2) Honda CB300F
This is one of the best motorcycles for those motorcyclists who have only recently received a license with category “A”. By purchasing this equipment, you will get exactly what you wanted, that is: - light weight, efficiency, power and excellent ergonomics. We advise, dear friends, if you are still new to this motorcycle issue, to first buy a used motorcycle. First you need to gain experience, and then you can always sell it on the used market and buy a new bike.
KTM Duke 390
This motorcycle model is perfect for a beginner as an initial experimental level. The KTM Duke 390 has a powerful and reliable engine enough to look good on the highway.
So, friends, we assure you that you will not feel inferior among other motorcyclists on the road despite its single-cylinder engine.
