Best Beginner Motorcycles for Women

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Best Beginner Motorcycles for Women

It's been about seven years since I started riding motorcycles. Those seven years have been some of the most transformative of my life—sappy, maybe, but true. Now, instead of going on about the freedom I've experienced and the fun I've had, I'm going to help you experience it all yourself.

From cruisers to adventure bikes, a wide variety of streetbikes are appropriate new motorcycles for the female beginner rider, priced in a range that's easy to swallow.

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a friendly little bike that's great for getting your feet wet in motorcycling. (Royal Enfield/)

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The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was introduced in 2021. When I first rode it, I was smitten by its classic cruiser charm. Its 349cc single-cylinder engine is quite mellow, with only 17.4 hp and 18.2 pound-feet of torque as measured on our dyno, but that's great for beginners who don't want twisting the throttle to be a frightening experience. The seat height is low at 30.1 inches, and the wide cushion is comfortable. There's also a navigation cluster for riders who want just a few modern amenities. Multiple trim levels are available depending on how much of a touring bike you want. MSRPs for 2022 models start at $4,649 and go up to $4,799.

Honda Rebel 300/500

Old reliable. The Honda Rebel maintains its status as a great, likable beginner motorcycle. (Jeff Allen/)

No list of beginner motorcycles is complete without the Honda Rebel. The Rebel has been around for decades in its many forms, introducing countless motorcyclists to the sport, and with good reason. The Rebel 300 and 500 have low seat heights at a claimed 27.2 inches, approachable engines with nonthreatening power delivery suitable for rider growth, and low centers of gravity that make the bikes easy to handle. Plus, they have Honda reliability. For 2022, the 300 slots in with an MSRP of $4,699 and the 500 comes in with an MSRP of $6,399.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS or Z400

The Ninja 400, shown here, is a blast when it comes to slaloming from apex to apex. (Kawasaki/)

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Looking for something more sporty? The Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS, and its naked sibling the Z400, are great fun on the track yet still comfortable enough to be daily commuters. These bikes feature a zippy, compact 399cc parallel twin for a spirited ride. While the seat height is naturally taller than a cruiser at 30.9 inches, these light sportbikes handle extremely well. Pricing is also beginner-friendly, with both models starting at $5,199.

Yamaha YZF-R3

The YZF-R3 was bred for the track. (Yamaha/)

Yamaha's YZF-R3 is another pinnacle of the small-displacement sportbike category. An aggressive riding position, sporty handling, manageable 321cc twin-cylinder engine, and superbike styling (see the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP or World GP 60th Anniversary editions especially) make this bike a top contender in the sporting small-displacement category. Since racing is in its blood, it's a blast on the track. A trackday on this bike is recommended; not only is it a rip-roaring good time, but the skills developed will be helpful in street riding, and it's nice to learn them without the worry of traffic. The bike's price is as competitive as its DNA at $5,299.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 or Vitpilen 401

Brothers in arms. The Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401s are Husqvarnas fit for the entry-level rider. (Husqvarna/)

The twin arrows of Husqvarna. No, it's not some awesome Scandinavian fantasy book. Arrows are the namesake of Husqvarna's Svartpilen 401 (Black Arrow) and Vitpilen 401 (White Arrow). These bikes, and their 501 and 701 counterparts, took the industry by storm with their futuristic looks when they were introduced in 2018. They're powered by 373cc single-cylinder engines and two flavors of style; whereas the Svartpilen takes a slightly more upright scrambler approach, the Vitpilen has cafe style with low-slung handlebars. Both have a price tag of $5,399.

KTM 390 Duke

The KTM 390 Duke is a peppy bike that sits just above the 200 Duke in Team Orange's naked bike lineage. (KTM/)

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The KTM 390 Duke is a sharp-handling and spunky small-displacement motorcycle descended from the 790 Duke (now the 890 Duke) and of course the 1290 Super Duke. Because it's lightweight and compact with its 373cc single, it's not intimidating to ride, and is great fun for riders of all skill levels. Tapping into Supermoto ride mode, for instance, allows the rider to unleash the fun just that much more. The Duke is priced at $5,799.

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

Take on a tour. Kawasaki's Versys-X 300 is geared for longer rides. (Kawasaki/)

You'd be hard-pressed to stick to your commute and not veer off on the scenic route when aboard the Kawasaki Versys-X300. Thanks to its windscreen and upright riding style, you'll be sitting comfortably. The bike is powered by a peppy two-cylinder 296cc engine; a slipper clutch makes clutch action fatigue-free. The Versys-X is also ready for accessorization with hard cases, hand guards, auxiliary lights, and all sorts of equipment. It is priced at $6,099.

KTM 390 Adventure

If dirt is more in your wheelhouse, then the KTM 390 Adventure is a great trail companion. (KTM/)

Take the 390 Duke and adventure-fy it and you have the KTM 390 Adventure. The 373cc single-cylinder is surrounded by adventure bike styling, from the beaky front headlight to five-spoke wheels carrying knobby Continental TKC 70 tires. The Adventure features an off-road ride mode as well as off-road ABS and lean-angle-sensitive traction control. Admission to KTM's program of dirt-road and trail entertainment is another $1,000 tacked on to the 390 Duke's price, for an MSRP of $6,799.

Source: Best Beginner Motorcycles for Women

Courtesy of Motorcyclist Magazine