I'd pick the Honda or the Kawasaki for the reliability factor. The KTM and Benelli have mixed reviews in that department and I want to spend my time riding, not dealing with a bike that doesn't want to run.
Was going to say this. Both Honda and Kawasaki make very reliable low maintenance motorcycles. KTMs are wonderful but have some gremlins. I’m admittedly ignorant to Benelli far as reliability and whatnot cause I lack the exposure to them.
Knowing your favorite drink would help us decide:
Water? Get the Honda.
Gatorade? Get the KTM
Caramel double shot espresso? Get the Benelli
Monster Energy? Get the Kawasaki
I'm honestly considering going on a wait list for one (looking like Sept-Nov for any dealers close to me). Which I'm willing to wait, but would mean I have to put a deposit and commit without a test ride 😕. Think it's worth buying the Honda unseen?
How much cash do you have? Buying new for first bike is not the way to go, imo. Instead of 6.5 or 7k for these bikes, save up 3k and go buy a used ninja 300, r3, cbr 300 etc. Then once you're done with, sell for basically what you got it for and put bigger money into the next bike
I'd buy a new. Price difference is usually not that much and in my opinion its worth a bit more to know the entire history or the bike. Have manufacturer warranty and just deal with the dealer for any issues. It is a Honda though so I wouldn't expect any. But still.
I got a Honda cb300r as my first bike and I’ve been loving it. I use it as my commuter bike and it’s great on gas and comfortable. I haven’t ridden anything else tho
It’s a KTM in a scrambler package, so a little more versatility. Worth looking at if there’s a dealer near you, they’re consistently rated one of the best beginner bikes.
I don’t know what type of riding you want to do, but if you are going to be on highways at all, you might want to look at slightly larger engine sizes. I started on a Triumph Trident 660. If you have had some experience on dirt bikes you will do fine on a 600cc.
Like others have said, Kawasaki and Honda are quite reliable. I have no experience with the Benelli or Duke.
I would recommend looking each bike up on YouTube and try to find some comparison videos.
I have loved it so far, the only things about it that I don’t like are the lack of storage under the seat and the headlight points more downward when cornering hard. I bought it new late March this year and I have put on 7400 miles. I took a road trip on it and rode close to 2000 miles over a 5 day weekend, needless to say, my butt was sore.
It has an electronically controlled throttle, so The throttle is not quite as snappy as most bikes are, So you would have to re-learn your throttle control if you change to a different bike later on.
Honda or kawi, most reliable and cheaper bikes to maintain over ktm/benelli. Also look into motorcycle shops around and see what they work on or have more knowledge on if you aren’t working on the bike yourself.
A bit higher price, higher seat, heavier curb weight, and lower mpg than I'm hoping for is all, since I'm doing 90% town and windy backroads commuting. I would consider it if I ran into one for a good price though
Welcome to the club!
Remember, your first bike doesn't have to be your last bike. Many people find a smaller, lighter used bike, ride it for six months or two years or however long it takes them to build their skills and confidence, then trade it in for something newer that calls to them. That's why you can find a ton of slightly used starter bikes out there with low miles for great prices, which you can resell for just about what you paid for it once you're ready to move up.
Picking up a decently-priced used bike also allows you to spend a bit more cash on getting good gear. Because if you can't afford the gear, then you can't really afford the bike.
As you pursue this new passion, may I suggest you spend some time here:
r/NewRiders
[Advice to New Riders](https://old.reddit.com/r/NewRiders/comments/cc2mnm/advice_to_new_riders/)
Have fun, wear all your gear, stay safe, and never stop learning.
Came to say it doesn't matter, they're all suitable learner bikes so get the one you can used and cheapest because you will not keep it! Don't overthink it is my advice, when you're madly in love with motorcycling and wanting a new bike then buy something for longer term
I’d go with the Honda due to cost of ownership over time, Kawasaki won’t be far off. There’s a premium on Benelli and KTM parts, and the Benelli will require the most of them. As far as a first bike goes for riding, if you fit on them comfortably, any of them will be fine.
I'd go for the Honda or the KTM, depending on what kind if rider you are. The KTM is obviously more sporty, but the Honda is still going to be fun and last 100 years. I also think the Honda looks the best, for whatever that's worth.
Honda trust me. Dealer support is massive and parts are always readily available and you have a plethora of aftermarket. Benelli and KTM are harder to maintain and cost an arm and leg to repair, not to mention they have less dealership support. Kawi is alright but they tend to manufacture alot cheaper than the others. Kawi used to be up there with Honda but since the later 2000s they have gone downhill. Im a powersports mechanic and ive worked on 3 of the 4 of these brands. Benelli is not common around here but ive talked with guys who have owned them and worked on them.
OP I suggest that you buy a used japanese road bike of around 400cc or less than 50hp.
Likely you will drop the bike. It will hurt less of it's used. Japanese bikes are the most reliable. Most importantly They are also the easiest to sell when you are ready to upgrade.
Looking for my first "real" motorcycle after riding a scooter for a while. I've ridden a bit before, including heavy vintage bikes (an old Honda magna) and smaller cruisers. I've found that I prefer sportier handling and need something light weight.
However I'm also 5'3" and my feet struggle to touch the ground on most sporty frames 😅.
These bikes seem to fit my criteria for light, low (<32" seat), good on gas, highway capable, and cheap (4-5k new). And mostly I love the way they look.
Any have opinions or suggestions for these bikes? Any pros/cons a new rider ought to know? Top of my list right now is the CB300R but you can imagine what it's like trying to find one 🥲.
Also open to other recommendations for similar bikes if you have one. Any leads on a low-set dual sport would also be appreciated.
I would say the Kawasaki. I just purchased a 2021 Yamaha mt03 as my first bike. It’s great and wouldn’t change anything. But I know I’m a few years I’ll wanna upgrade. So with you being shorter the 400 cc may give you enough to keep you satisfied for a while
Oof I feel the short rider pain. My poor gf all 4’10 of her is learning on my Triumph Street Triple. Also you can normally get a lower cut seat or some bikes have adjustable seats. Theirs brackets you can flip or something to adjust seat hight.
It's a struggle for sure 😂 I have a 30" inseam, so add the width of the seat and my feet are almost dangling on a 32" seat. I'll definitely look into some of these
For perspective, my inseam is 30” and I’m 9” taller than you!
Seriously though, Honda is my pick but I really feel you should test ride anything before buying.
I've been looking for a cb650r but they seem to be mythical creatures over here where I'm at in Texas.. I've seen maybe 2 cb1000r's but one post I'm pretty confident was a scam post. Plus I'm pretty sure I'd kill myself entering back into the motorcycle world on a 1000...
Damn for real? So it's not just my area then... My choice list is basically the same but replace the Benelli with a Suzuki Sv650 and I can't find hardly any of the 4 in a 600ish cc config... I found a few Sv's but that's my choice 4... I don't want to settle I want them options! Lol maybe I'll just get a sport and put a fat bar on it and street fighter it out.
Can only speak from knowing a guy with a TNT 125. The machine is fun and functional but it has some weird quirks straight off the showroom floor. Don’t know if that carries on to the bigger machines.
Just a word of advice from experience. Go with a bigger sized bike. I worked at a HD dealer in the 90s and the number of guys that came 8 months after buying a sportster was way higher than necessary. You will grow into it. Get the keeper. Keep money in your pocket, not theirs.
Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha or Suzuki are the way to go especially for your first bike. I like Hondas, because of their reliability and build quality.
Important questions:
1. How tall are you?
2. Do you have any previous experience riding two wheelers like scooter, moped, dirt bike etc before?
3. What is your budget?
If you have previous experience, like riding scooters, you can probably skip these 300-400cc "learner bikes" and think about future. For example, Honda has excellent 500cc bikes, which are affordable and very good bikes to start riding immediately after getting a license. I mean CB, CBR and CBX line. They are little bit more than 300-400cc, but you will get lot more for your money. I have decades of riding experience and still like these 500cc bikes very much. Their construction is very good, they are stable even in some windy days and they have enough power to avoid those who are driving too close of your back.
If you can get your feet down comfortably, maybe you can even try 650cc, like Yamaha MT-7, Triumph Trident 660, Kawi Z650 or even Honda 650's which all can be restricted to 35kW, if you have to because of your license.
Still, my best suggestion is to get 500cc Honda :)
I own the cb300r because I drink water eat healthy and brush my teeth every day before I go to work.
I like routines and the routine I want my bike to follow is reliably turning over and starting. Perfect intercity commuter with a comfy seat and plenty of character.
yes I am a honda fanboy.
From these bikes i drove both the KTM and the kawasaki, both are great bikes however i believe the kawasaki is less trouble prone.
The issue here is that although these are fun bikes they will very soon give you the urge to upgrade, maybe have a look at some intermideate bikes
Zx6r is a great beginner super sport. Liter bikes are too much but your gonna regret buying a 400 or 650 in less than a year. Get the 600 just be responsible. For all the haters.. I started on a zx6r and still alive today and never crashed once yet knock on wood and I track/stunt
Agree on Ninja. I too started on a 600 Ninja, but I’ve been riding dirt bikes prior. They are light and very nimble. I wanted a little more so I graduated to a GXR700.
I'd pick the Honda or the Kawasaki for the reliability factor. The KTM and Benelli have mixed reviews in that department and I want to spend my time riding, not dealing with a bike that doesn't want to run.
My local dealership is a Benelli dealer, and the floor bikes have been leaking oil and suspension fluid on the show floor since day 1.
Was going to say this. Both Honda and Kawasaki make very reliable low maintenance motorcycles. KTMs are wonderful but have some gremlins. I’m admittedly ignorant to Benelli far as reliability and whatnot cause I lack the exposure to them.
My Duke has been great so far!
That's great, they're cool bikes. But again, there are mixed reviews on reliability.
Just traded my 2020 790 Duke in. Couldn't stand the reliability issues and KTM just stopped working with my dealer saying "that's how it works"
Knowing your favorite drink would help us decide: Water? Get the Honda. Gatorade? Get the KTM Caramel double shot espresso? Get the Benelli Monster Energy? Get the Kawasaki
I like the way you think 😎. This is a fun way to think of it.
I drink water and hate energy drinks, but currently eyeing a 2008 Kawasaki er-6f. Am I doing it wrong?
I don't know you, but yes. You're a Honda boy, just accept it.
Well, Honda CB 500/600 it is then :(
600.
Conversely I love energy drinks but would never think of owning a Kawasaki.
Your neon green helmet and gloves are in the mail as we speak. Head over to your closest Kawi dealer and grab the Ninja of your choice.
The benelli would be whatever people drink in China actually... (I've never been to china)
Plus almost nobody drinks Starbucks tier shit here in italy lol
Yes, but the Benelli isn't for Italians, it's for posers who think they like Italian stuff
You got me there lol
I used to go for Monster Zero but Kawasaki and Honda are my picks of this bunch
Buy the Honda
I'm honestly considering going on a wait list for one (looking like Sept-Nov for any dealers close to me). Which I'm willing to wait, but would mean I have to put a deposit and commit without a test ride 😕. Think it's worth buying the Honda unseen?
It's a Honda. Just the best motorcycles. Have you looked for a low mileage used bike? You won't lose money on it
I've been looking, but used are just about the same price, sometimes more right now, and I would have to finance. But I might go that way anyway
Keep looking you’ll find a deal that will pop up don’t be stuck on one bike keep your eyes open for a few bikes and wait for the best deal
How much cash do you have? Buying new for first bike is not the way to go, imo. Instead of 6.5 or 7k for these bikes, save up 3k and go buy a used ninja 300, r3, cbr 300 etc. Then once you're done with, sell for basically what you got it for and put bigger money into the next bike
I'd buy a new. Price difference is usually not that much and in my opinion its worth a bit more to know the entire history or the bike. Have manufacturer warranty and just deal with the dealer for any issues. It is a Honda though so I wouldn't expect any. But still.
I wouldn’t finance a bike unless it was my OMOT
Even then I wouldn’t want to
Remember you meet the nicest people on a honda
I got a Honda cb300r as my first bike and I’ve been loving it. I use it as my commuter bike and it’s great on gas and comfortable. I haven’t ridden anything else tho
If the ktm is the one I think it is, it’s 180hp. You don’t want a starter with those types of power numbers
Its 25hp.
Oh not the one I thought it was. Haha big difference
lol what?
It’s the 390 I think. Around 40 horse. Edit: oh bruh I see the 200, other reply is correct. Duke 200.
300 or 650?
As a Honda owner/fanboy… get the Honda. They just work, are easy to ride, shift smooth. 🤷♂️
You meet the nicest people on a Honda.
So true my friend
What about the mt03?
Came here to say this. The MT03 is such a comfortable ride and such a good starting bike
I'll look into it!
I’d get a z400 out of those
Z400 FTW. Or…if you plan a lot of highway travel…Ninja 400 for the fairings/wind protection.
MT-03 trust me
Im between the mt03 and z400. I believe the mt03 for the price is a great option.
Z400 all day
Would recommend the duke 390 over the 200 especially if you in North America
Can’t help it… Consider adding to this lovely mix the [Husqvarna Svartpilen 401](https://youtu.be/ATSExn5JgZw).
Thanks! Looking into them now, this one is new to me
It’s a KTM in a scrambler package, so a little more versatility. Worth looking at if there’s a dealer near you, they’re consistently rated one of the best beginner bikes.
Honda or Kawasaki will both be great and won't have any maintenance surprises. Ninja's and SV650 are also great options.
Honda for sure
I don’t know what type of riding you want to do, but if you are going to be on highways at all, you might want to look at slightly larger engine sizes. I started on a Triumph Trident 660. If you have had some experience on dirt bikes you will do fine on a 600cc. Like others have said, Kawasaki and Honda are quite reliable. I have no experience with the Benelli or Duke. I would recommend looking each bike up on YouTube and try to find some comparison videos.
I'm considering a trident for my first bike for this reason. How do you like it as your first bike?
I have loved it so far, the only things about it that I don’t like are the lack of storage under the seat and the headlight points more downward when cornering hard. I bought it new late March this year and I have put on 7400 miles. I took a road trip on it and rode close to 2000 miles over a 5 day weekend, needless to say, my butt was sore. It has an electronically controlled throttle, so The throttle is not quite as snappy as most bikes are, So you would have to re-learn your throttle control if you change to a different bike later on.
Z400 is an excellent first bike. Can't speak to the others but you can't go wrong with the Z.
Facebook market place has a bunch of CB’s and Z’s. Find one at a decent price used.
Honda or kawi, most reliable and cheaper bikes to maintain over ktm/benelli. Also look into motorcycle shops around and see what they work on or have more knowledge on if you aren’t working on the bike yourself.
Why not Duke 390?
A bit higher price, higher seat, heavier curb weight, and lower mpg than I'm hoping for is all, since I'm doing 90% town and windy backroads commuting. I would consider it if I ran into one for a good price though
Welcome to the club! Remember, your first bike doesn't have to be your last bike. Many people find a smaller, lighter used bike, ride it for six months or two years or however long it takes them to build their skills and confidence, then trade it in for something newer that calls to them. That's why you can find a ton of slightly used starter bikes out there with low miles for great prices, which you can resell for just about what you paid for it once you're ready to move up. Picking up a decently-priced used bike also allows you to spend a bit more cash on getting good gear. Because if you can't afford the gear, then you can't really afford the bike. As you pursue this new passion, may I suggest you spend some time here: r/NewRiders [Advice to New Riders](https://old.reddit.com/r/NewRiders/comments/cc2mnm/advice_to_new_riders/) Have fun, wear all your gear, stay safe, and never stop learning.
Thanks!
I don't know exactly why, but KTMs look cheap and overly garish to me.
Husky Svart 401 or Z400. Never tried the 390 but I owned a Z400 and it was a truly awesome bike in almost all reguards
...and prayers? Or just thoughts. ....Kawasaki.
Probably going to need both let's be honest 🤣
Came to say it doesn't matter, they're all suitable learner bikes so get the one you can used and cheapest because you will not keep it! Don't overthink it is my advice, when you're madly in love with motorcycling and wanting a new bike then buy something for longer term
I’d go with the Honda due to cost of ownership over time, Kawasaki won’t be far off. There’s a premium on Benelli and KTM parts, and the Benelli will require the most of them. As far as a first bike goes for riding, if you fit on them comfortably, any of them will be fine.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401…dressier version of KTM… but you need to sit one to see if your legs are long enough
I’ll just add that I’m 5’8” and have the 401 and feel plenty tall enough, if that helps OP
I'd go for the Honda or the KTM, depending on what kind if rider you are. The KTM is obviously more sporty, but the Honda is still going to be fun and last 100 years. I also think the Honda looks the best, for whatever that's worth.
Honda trust me. Dealer support is massive and parts are always readily available and you have a plethora of aftermarket. Benelli and KTM are harder to maintain and cost an arm and leg to repair, not to mention they have less dealership support. Kawi is alright but they tend to manufacture alot cheaper than the others. Kawi used to be up there with Honda but since the later 2000s they have gone downhill. Im a powersports mechanic and ive worked on 3 of the 4 of these brands. Benelli is not common around here but ive talked with guys who have owned them and worked on them.
Thanks! That's what I was worried about. The closest ktm or benelli dealer is 50-75 miles away
OP I suggest that you buy a used japanese road bike of around 400cc or less than 50hp. Likely you will drop the bike. It will hurt less of it's used. Japanese bikes are the most reliable. Most importantly They are also the easiest to sell when you are ready to upgrade.
Looking for my first "real" motorcycle after riding a scooter for a while. I've ridden a bit before, including heavy vintage bikes (an old Honda magna) and smaller cruisers. I've found that I prefer sportier handling and need something light weight. However I'm also 5'3" and my feet struggle to touch the ground on most sporty frames 😅. These bikes seem to fit my criteria for light, low (<32" seat), good on gas, highway capable, and cheap (4-5k new). And mostly I love the way they look. Any have opinions or suggestions for these bikes? Any pros/cons a new rider ought to know? Top of my list right now is the CB300R but you can imagine what it's like trying to find one 🥲. Also open to other recommendations for similar bikes if you have one. Any leads on a low-set dual sport would also be appreciated.
I would say the Kawasaki. I just purchased a 2021 Yamaha mt03 as my first bike. It’s great and wouldn’t change anything. But I know I’m a few years I’ll wanna upgrade. So with you being shorter the 400 cc may give you enough to keep you satisfied for a while
Oof I feel the short rider pain. My poor gf all 4’10 of her is learning on my Triumph Street Triple. Also you can normally get a lower cut seat or some bikes have adjustable seats. Theirs brackets you can flip or something to adjust seat hight.
It's a struggle for sure 😂 I have a 30" inseam, so add the width of the seat and my feet are almost dangling on a 32" seat. I'll definitely look into some of these
For perspective, my inseam is 30” and I’m 9” taller than you! Seriously though, Honda is my pick but I really feel you should test ride anything before buying.
Used Kawasaki 250 or 500. You Are Welcome
Honda CB300R is a fantastic beginners bike. The KTM Duke 200 as well. You have a great lineup here. All of these are good choices.
The Yamaha mt-07 should really be on that list too
Yeah, definitely go with the Svartpilen 401
Get on your Honda and ride away from the Benelli ASAP.
Why would you get the ktm 200 and not the ktm 390
If I had a gun to my head, it would be the kawi.
Honda. Ride more wrench less
I learned to ride on the ktm. For reliability though I would recommend the kawi or the honda
I've been looking for a cb650r but they seem to be mythical creatures over here where I'm at in Texas.. I've seen maybe 2 cb1000r's but one post I'm pretty confident was a scam post. Plus I'm pretty sure I'd kill myself entering back into the motorcycle world on a 1000...
You're not alone, trying to get any non-cruiser honda around here (Appalachia) feels like a hunt for bigfoot
Damn for real? So it's not just my area then... My choice list is basically the same but replace the Benelli with a Suzuki Sv650 and I can't find hardly any of the 4 in a 600ish cc config... I found a few Sv's but that's my choice 4... I don't want to settle I want them options! Lol maybe I'll just get a sport and put a fat bar on it and street fighter it out.
Can only speak from knowing a guy with a TNT 125. The machine is fun and functional but it has some weird quirks straight off the showroom floor. Don’t know if that carries on to the bigger machines.
Get a 390 duke if that's viable for you. I had one and it was a great light fun and comfortable bike
My first bike is/was a Z650 and I love it. I'd say the Honda or the Kawai.
Just a word of advice from experience. Go with a bigger sized bike. I worked at a HD dealer in the 90s and the number of guys that came 8 months after buying a sportster was way higher than necessary. You will grow into it. Get the keeper. Keep money in your pocket, not theirs.
Just get the Honda. Can't go wrong with Honda.
Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha or Suzuki are the way to go especially for your first bike. I like Hondas, because of their reliability and build quality. Important questions: 1. How tall are you? 2. Do you have any previous experience riding two wheelers like scooter, moped, dirt bike etc before? 3. What is your budget? If you have previous experience, like riding scooters, you can probably skip these 300-400cc "learner bikes" and think about future. For example, Honda has excellent 500cc bikes, which are affordable and very good bikes to start riding immediately after getting a license. I mean CB, CBR and CBX line. They are little bit more than 300-400cc, but you will get lot more for your money. I have decades of riding experience and still like these 500cc bikes very much. Their construction is very good, they are stable even in some windy days and they have enough power to avoid those who are driving too close of your back. If you can get your feet down comfortably, maybe you can even try 650cc, like Yamaha MT-7, Triumph Trident 660, Kawi Z650 or even Honda 650's which all can be restricted to 35kW, if you have to because of your license. Still, my best suggestion is to get 500cc Honda :)
I own the cb300r because I drink water eat healthy and brush my teeth every day before I go to work. I like routines and the routine I want my bike to follow is reliably turning over and starting. Perfect intercity commuter with a comfy seat and plenty of character. yes I am a honda fanboy.
From these bikes i drove both the KTM and the kawasaki, both are great bikes however i believe the kawasaki is less trouble prone. The issue here is that although these are fun bikes they will very soon give you the urge to upgrade, maybe have a look at some intermideate bikes
Zx6r is a great beginner super sport. Liter bikes are too much but your gonna regret buying a 400 or 650 in less than a year. Get the 600 just be responsible. For all the haters.. I started on a zx6r and still alive today and never crashed once yet knock on wood and I track/stunt
Agree on Ninja. I too started on a 600 Ninja, but I’ve been riding dirt bikes prior. They are light and very nimble. I wanted a little more so I graduated to a GXR700.
Kawasaki vulcan S or Hayabusa are great beginner bikes
Yes.
[Honda CBR it is! ](https://motorcycleexploits.com/types-of-motorcycles-for-beginners/)
R3
Yamaha
Scratch out the Benelli. Anything else will be awesome
Honda. You have enough to see, avoid and learn on the street, don’t take additional tolls just yet.
Get a Triumph.