7 Safest Motorcycles for Beginners to Ride with Confidence

Motorcycles, without a doubt, carry a higher risk than cars. They require more skill to operate, and unfortunately, many riders hop on a motorcycle without fully understanding this. The key to safe riding is keeping your mind focused and being a skilled rider. A motorbike is a high-risk vehicle, so it’s crucial to make informed decisions when selecting both your gear and the safest motorcycle for your needs. That’s why we’ve created our own list of reliable bikes to help you get the right one, ensuring every ride ends just where you plan.

6 Key Factors When Choosing Your First Bike

Height

Sit on the bike to see if it’s the right size for you. Your feet should be able to firmly touch the ground. If you can only touch with your toes, the bike is too tall for you. This can make low-speed maneuvering difficult in urban traffic, and you risk losing balance at stops. Choose a bike that allows both feet to sit flat on the ground.

Weight

Sitting on the bike, try taking it off the kickstand and rolling it a few meters forward and back. Then try moving it while standing beside it. If this feels difficult or requires a lot of effort, the bike may be too heavy for you to handle comfortably.

Seating Position

Take the riding position: feet on the pegs, hands on the handlebars. Stay there for a few minutes. If you feel uncomfortable—if your arms are tense, your back feels strained, or the gear shifter is too close to your boot—it’s best to consider another model.

Engine Size (Displacement)

For beginners, chasing after a large engine or high horsepower is never a good idea. Stick to bikes with engines around 600cc or less. The engine displacement is the volume of the bike's cylinders, and larger displacements often mean more power, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Suitable Type of Motorcycle

A classic or compact cruiser is usually the best option for novices when it comes to motorcycle types. The ambition of obtaining a sportbike, touring enduro, or any other model with a lot of power ought to wait until the following riding season. The majority of these bikes are designed for riders with some experience, have a considerable power range, and need advanced skills.

Traction Control

One of the most important safety features available on contemporary bikes is traction control. This technology keeps the wheels from skidding on slick or wet roads, which helps riders maintain control. This feature is especially useful for novice riders as it offers additional stability when accelerating quickly or over rough terrain. Motorcycles equipped with traction control can lower the chance of skidding or losing balance by automatically adjusting engine output to ensure that both wheels have adequate grip on the road. Both stability control and traction control provide riders with the confidence they need for a safer ride, even on challenging terrain.

Our Top Choice Bikes for Newcomers

It's important to take your time selecting a motorcycle that meets your needs. Regardless of your degree of riding experience, there are still a lot of considerations to make when choosing the ideal model.

Kawasaki Ninja 400

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is one of the safest motorcycles available for beginners. It stands out for its upright posture, offering better sight and control compared to other sportbikes, which often require a forward-leaning position. With the engine and fuel tank placed low, it keeps the center of gravity stable, enhancing balance. It’s probably the most reliable bike in the Kawasaki sport series. 

Powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, it delivers 45 hp, reaching a top speed of 105 mph (169 km/h). Weighing 366 lbs (166 kg), it’s agile and easy to handle. Its raised clip-ons reduce shoulder strain during long rides, though shorter riders may find the sporty leg position slightly uncomfortable over time. The 785 mm seat height allows most riders to plant their feet firmly, offering stability in traffic.

BMW G 310 GS

The BMW G 310 GS has only been on the market for a few years, debuting in 2018, yet it remains a fresh option even for experienced bmw enthusiasts. Powered by a liquid-cooled 313cc single-cylinder engine, it delivers 34 hp and 20 ft-lbs of torque. With top speeds of 88 mph (142 km/h), and a weight of 386 lbs (175 kg), this lightweight bike handles both urban streets and off-road adventure effortlessly. Its traction control system ensures smooth and safe riding, especially on wet or uneven terrain.

Despite its smaller engine, the G 310 GS appears like a full-sized GS model. Its 835 mm seat height ensures a relaxed riding position, especially for taller riders. The bike’s light weight makes it easy to handle, even in extreme tilts or tricky off-road conditions, where you can easily hold it steady with one leg. The ABS brakes and commendable suspension further enhance the bike’s safety features, making it a top recommendation for new riders who enjoy both city rides and weekend off-road trips.

Sharmax RST 422 Ultra

Our final pick among the safest motorcycles for newcomers is the Sharmax RST 422 Ultra. With its minimalist yet aggressive design, this naked bike strikes the perfect balance between safety and performance. Powered by a 400cc, 40-horsepower engine, it offers thrilling speed without sacrificing control.

The Sharmax RST 422 Ultra is equipped with ABS, front and rear disc brakes, and an inverted front fork, all of which ensure a stable and controlled ride for new riders. Its ergonomic design, along with adjustable levers and illuminated controls, provides ease of handling. Full LED headlights and a 5-inch TFT screen add a modern touch to the bike’s overall design, making it a great choice for those seeking a reliable and safer entry-level motorcycle.

Suzuki Bandit 400

The appearance of this motorcycle is truly bold and aggressive, but this does not affect its reliability. The model is delightful with both its technical characteristics and design. The obvious advantages include a high-quality engine, small dimensions, style, and maneuverability. The power plant is an inline "four" with liquid cooling. It is capable of producing up to 53 hp with a torque of 38 Nm. The maximum speed reaches 180 km/h, and fuel consumption per 100 km does not exceed 5-6.5 liters. You can accelerate to a hundred in 5 seconds.

Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer

This bike boasts balanced characteristics at medium speeds, excellent protection from adverse weather conditions, lower fuel consumption, and a more upright landing. The model is versatile due to the speed of up to 215 km/h. The power unit is capable of producing up to 95 hp with a torque of 83 Nm. The motorcycle easily demonstrates its sporty qualities, including due to the 6-speed gearbox. The fuel tank capacity is 18 liters, with a consumption of up to 4.3 liters per 100 km. If we talk about the design, then more attention is drawn to the stainless steel exhaust, fairing, and passenger handles.

CFMOTO 250 NK

Chinese companies are keeping up with the leaders, and this bike is proof of that. It has everything that riders like so much: compactness, bright design, low weight, perfect handling, fuel consumption of up to 2.5 liters, and an affordable price. You can safely go on long trips - the 27-horsepower engine allows you to accelerate to 137 km/h. The design of the clutch and gear shifting is maximally thought out, so that even a beginner will not break into neutral. The anti-lock braking system and high-quality brakes add to the bike’s safety features.

Bajaj Boxer BM 150X Disc

Indian technology claims to be indestructible. It is well-built and will take you to the point even on a bad road. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for fishermen, hunters, suburbanites, and summer residents. The motorcycle has a 150 cc engine with a power of 12 hp. Up to 2.5 liters of fuel are consumed per 100 km. The chain has mudguards, and protective covers are also installed on the fork legs. In addition, the model is equipped with wide large fenders, safety arcs, and tires with a deep tread. And the ground clearance reaches 19 cm. The frame with a well-thought-out cable layout and neat welds also adds reliability.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, selecting the right beginner motorbike is crucial for ensuring both safety and enjoyment on the road. The models highlighted above come equipped with essential safety features, including traction control, which helps a new rider maintain stability and confidence in a variety of conditions. With the right motorcycle and the proper safety measures, your riding experience will be not only thrilling but also secure.