Back-to-School: Motorcycle 101
For first-time riders, a motorcycle can turn an ordinary commute to class into something you actually look forward to. Motorcycles are fun to ride, relatively fuel-efficient, easier and cheaper to park than a car (often free, even), and a great way to explore roads close to home.
Class is back in session, and this semester, you’re learning how to ride. But before you sign up for Motorcycle 101, there is some preparation to do. Consider this your back-to-school syllabus for becoming a first-time motorcycle owner.
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
Before you start shopping for your first bike, consider enrolling in a motorcycle safety course. You might realize that riding isn’t for you prior to making a big investment, or you may wish you’d taken the plunge years earlier.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course is designed for beginning riders and teaches fundamental skills such as starting, stopping, shifting, turning, and emergency braking. Depending on where you live, completing an approved course may also help meet licensing requirements or qualify you for an insurance discount.
Think of it as driver’s ed, but with two wheels.
A training course can also give you a better idea of what type of motorcycle feels comfortable before you commit to buying one. You will learn the basics in a controlled environment while getting a feel for how motorcycles handle.
That is valuable homework to complete before you start browsing listings.
Know Your Required Supplies
No student shows up on the first day of school without a backpack. And no new rider should hit the road without the right gear.
A motorcycle helmet is a must, but it is only the beginning. New riders should budget for protective gloves, a jacket, pants, and sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear. Denim is a good start but textile or leather are better.
Quality gear may not be the most exciting part of buying a motorcycle, but it is an important part of the overall investment. Factor it into your budget rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Your first-bike budget should include:
- Helmet: Look for a properly fitted, DOT-compliant helmet
- Protective Gear: Gloves, a jacket, pants, and boots can provide additional protection
- Insurance: Get a quote before buying so you know what ownership will actually cost
- Fuel: Compare fuel economy and tank capacity based on how and where you plan to ride
- Maintenance: Budget for oil changes, tires, brakes, and routine maintenance
In other words, do not spend your entire allowance on the motorcycle itself.
Figure Out How You’ll Actually Ride
Before choosing a motorcycle, ask yourself a few questions:
- Are you commuting? A lightweight, fuel-efficient standard or naked motorcycle could make sense for getting around town
- Planning weekend rides? You may want something with a little more power, a windscreen or fairing, and a comfortable riding position
- Mostly interested in cruising? A beginner-friendly cruiser with a low seat height might be a better fit
- Want to learn and eventually upgrade? Do not feel pressured to buy your “forever bike.” Your first motorcycle can simply be the bike that helps you get started
There is no extra credit for starting with the biggest, fastest motorcycle in the showroom.
Find Your Beginner-Friendly Ride
Choosing your first bike is not just about finding one with the most horsepower or that looks best parked in the garage. You will also need to think about insurance, maintenance, and, perhaps most important, which motorcycle fits your needs and experience level.
No single motorcycle is perfect for every new rider. Your ideal first bike depends on your height, experience, riding goals, and personal preferences. Still, a few qualities are worth looking for.
A manageable seat height can make it easier to put your feet down when stopped. A lighter motorcycle can be easier to move around at slower speeds in traffic, the garage, or parking lot. And an approachable engine can give a new rider room to develop skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are five motorcycles that deserve a spot on your back to school shopping list:
1) Honda Rebel 300
The Honda Rebel 300 is a perennial favorite for new riders, and for good reason. Its low 27.2-inch seat height and 379 lb curb weight make it approachable for riders who are still getting comfortable with the basics. The Rebel’s cruiser styling does not hurt, either.
2) Kawasaki Eliminator 500
The Kawasaki Eliminator combines a low-slung cruiser profile with a relatively lightweight chassis and upright riding position. The 2026 model has a 28.9-inch seat height and weighs about 388 lb with ABS. It is a motorcycle that does not require you to work too hard to feel at home.
3) BMW G 310 R
The BMW G 310 R proves that your first motorcycle can have a little international flair. This compact roadster has a 30.9-inch standard seat height, a fully fueled weight of 362 lb, and standard ABS. BMW also offers a low-seat option that brings the seat height down to 30.3-inches.
4) Royal Enfield Hunter 350
If your idea of the perfect motorcycle includes classic styling, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 should be on the reading list. The 349 cc single-cylinder motorcycle combines retro-inspired looks with a relatively approachable size. It has a 31.1-inch seat height, a 399 lb curb weight, and dual-channel ABS.
5) Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
For new riders who want something with sharper, more distinctive styling than the usual entry-level cruiser or standard motorcycle, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 fits the bill. Its minimalist, café-influenced design gives it plenty of personality, while its 399 cc single-cylinder engine, standard cornering ABS, and relatively low 32.2-inch seat height help keep it approachable. At roughly 341 lb before fuel, it is also light enough to feel manageable at slow speeds.
Homework Assignment: Do Your Research
Buying your first motorcycle should not feel like a pop quiz. Cycle Trader’s New Rider Resource Center is essentially a study guide for Motorcycle 101, bringing together resources designed specifically for people who are new to riding.
You will find information to help with everything from choosing your first motorcycle and understanding beginner-friendly models to selecting gear, learning about safety, and getting familiar with motorcycle ownership.
Set a realistic budget. Invest in the right gear. Learn what maintenance your motorcycle will need. Get insurance quotes. And, most important, find a motorcycle that feels manageable and fits the way you actually plan to ride.
Think of your first motorcycle as Motorcycle 101: a chance to learn, build confidence, and discover what you enjoy about riding. Before long, you will be ready to graduate from the parking lot to the open road.
Marketplace Inventory
Gillian Luce
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