The year 2024 is finally coming to an end. From among the motorcycles available for purchase at the end of this year, we have selected models that are easy to ride and handle even for beginners. We have chosen our picks based on our own personal opinions and biases in the 251-400cc and 401cc and above categories. So, what kind of motorcycles were chosen?
Let's start with the selection criteria! What are the four elements that make a motorcycle easy to ride?
We'll introduce some models we recommend for riders who have just gotten their regular motorcycle license, or who have gotten their large motorcycle license but want to start with a big motorcycle that is easy to ride.
When it comes to motorcycles for beginners, the 250cc class is naturally recommended, but we've excluded them this time because they are all 250cc.
For beginners, we want to emphasize "ease of riding and ease of handling." We think that the four items necessary to achieve this are "1. foot reach," "2. lightness," "3. riding position," and "4. output characteristics."
First of all, "1. foot reach" is a very important element that affects ease of handling. If both feet are firmly on the ground, you can balance stably when stopped. From the moment you get on, to waiting at traffic lights, to getting off the motorcycle, it is an element that always affects your sense of security.
Beginners also often fall over when stopping or making U-turns at low speeds. If you can get your feet on the ground well, the motorcycle will be supported and you will be able to avoid falling.
Next, the "2. Lightness" of the body also has a big impact on ease of riding. It is easy to push and pull the motorcycle, and it is easy to turn. A lighter motorcycle will have better acceleration performance and a shorter distance to stop. It is easier to turn when cornering, and you can control the motorcycle as you want. This is an element that is directly related to ease of handling.
Even if the motorcycle wobbles while stopped, such as when standing on a tip-over, a lighter motorcycle is easier to support, making it easier in many ways.
"3. Riding position" = riding position, that is, riding posture is also important. A motorcycle with a forward-leaning posture and a lot of bending of the knees is good for sporty riding, but it feels difficult to handle for everyday use. If the handlebars are in front and the footpegs are closer to the front, you will have a relaxed riding position, which leads to ease of riding.
In addition, up-handlebars make it easier to operate the handlebars and make it easier. It also helps to hold the motorcycle in place when it is about to fall over.
Finally, there is "4. Output characteristics." This refers to "how the engine produces power." Motorcycles that are too powerful even at low revolutions tend to feel difficult to handle. Motorcycles with moderately gentle and not too extreme output characteristics are easier to ride.
As a general rule, models with large engine displacement and more cylinders, such as four cylinders, tend to be more extreme. Recently, there are more and more models that allow you to change the output characteristics, and there are models that are both powerful and easy to handle, but most large displacement models have this feature.
Also (though there are exceptions), the larger the displacement, the heavier the motorcycle will generally be.
Our number one recommendation is...that cruiser that came out in 2023!
That's a long introduction, but I made my selections based on these criteria (I also excluded considerations of design and price). I took into account not only the numbers on the spec sheet, but also my impressions from actually riding them.
As a result, I chose a cruiser that is easy to reach the ground, a naked motorcycle with a comfortable riding position, and a model with a small displacement! Of course, what "suits" or "doesn't suit" is different for each individual, so please use this as a reference only.
1. Eliminator (400)/SE [KAWASAKI]
This model revives the name of a classic model and will debut in 2023. It is equipped with a 398cc in-line twin-cylinder engine based on the Ninja 400 and is mounted on a unique frame, giving it a cruiser-like style while still being highly maneuverable.
Overall length: 2250, Wheelbase: 1520, Seat Height: 735 (mm each), Weight: 177kg, water-cooled in-line twin-cylinder 398cc, Maximum Output: 48PS/10000rpm, Maximum Torque: 3.8kg-m/8000rpm, Price: $5158.73/$5786.14
The motorcycle I would most recommend to beginners in this class is the Kawasaki Eliminator 400. The key point is the ease of reaching the ground. The seat height of 735mm is the lowest in this class (as far as I have researched, the seat height of the Hyosung GV300S was 710mm, but the Eliminator 400 was the second lowest).
When I actually straddled it, both feet were flat on the ground and there was enough room to bend my knees. I am 177cm tall and weigh 63kg, but many riders will benefit from the ease of reaching the ground. The riding position is a little forward and narrow, but it is natural and easy.
There are lighter motorcycles in this class, but this one is light enough and has a low center of gravity, so the weight is not a big concern.
And it rides lightly. It looks long and low, but it allows for lighter and more natural cornering than you would imagine. While the body can be banked smoothly, it also has a solid sense of stability and is very easy to drive. In terms of output characteristics, the rotation speed increases smoothly and it is not easily jerky.
In addition, the assist and slipper clutch makes the clutch lever very easy to operate. The left hand feels much less tired when driving slowly in traffic jams or on long trips.
The exterior is truly a cruiser, but it can also be used for a wide range of purposes, such as commuting to work or school and touring.
2. MT-03 [YAMAHA]
A naked motorcycle based on the fully-cowled YZF-R3. It shares the same body as the YZF-R25 and MT-25, and its compact size is on par with that of the 250cc class.
Overall Length: 2090, Wheelbase: 1380, Seat Height: 780 (mm each), Weight: 167kg, Water-cooled parallel Twin-cylinder 320cc, Maximum Output: 42PS/10750rpm, Maximum Torque: 3.1kg-m/9000rpm, Price: $4357.03
Next up is the YAMAHA MT-03! Although it has an awkward (sorry) displacement of 320cc, it combines the necessary and sufficient power into a 250cc body. Along with the YZF-R25, MT-25, and YZF-R3, this series is popular among beginners and women.
The seat height is 780mm, which is standard for the 250 class, but is excellent for this class. According to YAMAHA's website, both toes can reach the ground at 155cm and 50kg, and feet can reach the ground well at 170cm and 60kg.
The motorcycle weight is 167kg, the same as the 250 version of the MT-25, and 11kg lighter than the lightweight Eliminator mentioned above. It's nice that you can handle it like a 250.
And the biggest point is how easy it is to ride. The engine power is mild due to the small displacement, but sufficient. Furthermore, the output characteristics are flat, making it extremely easy to handle. The suspension moves smoothly and the ride is supple. Many people should be able to draw the line they want in the corners. It's a friendly ride with little anxiety.
I chose this one because the handlebars are closer and up than its sister model, the YZF-R3, making for a more comfortable riding position.
However! The MT-03 (and YZF-R3) have already been remodeled overseas. There has been no announcement about the Japanese version, but it is likely to be introduced. The seat height has not changed from 780mm, but the side cover shape has been changed, and it seems that the feet can reach the ground more easily. It is also an option to wait for the new model to be announced.
The new model announced overseas has a new tail cowl, a long-awaited assist and slipper clutch, and a new LCD meter with smartphone linking function.
3. G310R “BMW”
This is BMW's smallest displacement model, which debuted in 2016, and is a naked motorcycle equipped with a 312cc water-cooled single cylinder. It is equipped with advanced mechanisms such as an electronically controlled throttle and inverted forks. Along with the adventure model, the G310GS, this is a BMW that can be ridden with a regular motorcycle license.
Overall Length 2025, Wheelbase 1380, Seat Height 785 (each mm), Vehicle Weight 164kg, water-cooled single cylinder 320cc, Maximum Output 34PS/9250rpm, Maximum Torque 2.8kg-m/7250rpm, Price from $4239.79
The third favorite is the foreign BMW G310R. It is a little bulky for a single-cylinder naked motorcycle of this class, but the seat height is low at 785mm. Moreover, the seat width is narrow, so your feet do not sag outward and you can easily reach the ground. I have both feet flat on the ground, and even though I am 160cm tall, both heels are slightly raised. The upright handlebars make the riding position natural and comfortable.
The engine is 312cc, which is also less than 400cc, but it is sticky at low rpm and does not jerk easily. It also has a slipper clutch, which reduces the strong engine brake and makes the clutch operation light.
The biggest point is the feeling of being able to control it freely. In addition to the weight of 164kg, which is 3kg less than the MT-03, there is a secret in the unique design. It has a layout of "front intake and rear exhaust", which is the opposite of that of ordinary motorcycles. Without going into complicated explanations (lol), by placing the heavy engine in the center of the body, excellent body balance is achieved. The handling is natural and stable, so you can drive with confidence.
4. GB350 [HONDA]
A naked motorcycle with a classic look. Equipped with an air-cooled single cylinder engine, which is rare these days. Since its release in July 2021, it has been a best-seller in its class.
Overall Length 2180, Wheelbase 1440, Seat Height 800 (each in mm), Vehicle Weight 179 kg, air-cooled Single Cylinder 348 cc, Maximum Output 20 PS/5500 rpm, Maximum Torque 3.0 kg-m/3000 rpm, Price $3555.34
The HONDA GB350 has few sharp parts and is easy to handle. First of all, the riding position is comfortable. Your upper body is almost upright and your knees are not bent too tightly, so you can ride in a relaxed manner.
There is also a version called the GB350S, but I chose the GB350 because it has a sportier riding position with the handlebars slightly forward and the footpegs slightly backward.
The engine characteristics are also very mild and flavorful. It has plenty of torque from the start, and its characteristics emphasize the low and mid-range rotations that are often used on local roads. You should feel "ease of riding" rather than "speed". It is also good that there is not much vibration even when revving it up to high speeds.
Another point is that the assist and slipper clutch makes the clutch lever light and softens the shock of strong engine braking.
The handling is not difficult, and it is stable when going straight. It is safe because it turns gently even in corners. It is also nice that it is equipped with HSTC (traction control), which reduces slippage.
This is definitely a motorcycle for beginners, but unfortunately the foot reach is only so-so. At 170cm tall, both feet are firmly on the ground, and at 160cm tall, the toes can just about reach the ground. The side cover under the seat protrudes and hits the thighs, so the foot reach is not as good as the "seat height 800mm" would suggest.
See HONDA Moto Index Page
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See HONDA GB350 Parts & Accessories Page
See YAMAHA MT-03 Parts & Accessories Page
See KAWASAKI Eliminator 400(2023-) Parts & Accessories Page
