Throwback 2024: Recommended Motorcycles for Beginners from the Current Models 401cc and Up! [Moto Guide]

Riding is naturally different from that of a 250, with the torque typical of a large machine. Nevertheless, it does not accelerate abruptly with a bang even when the rpm is raised, making it very easy to handle. Large motorcycles can be too fast when the throttle is opened wide, but the beauty of the Rebel 500 is that it is not that extreme. It is tenacious even at low revs and is hard to stall.
Cornering is so natural that it is hard to believe that it is a cruiser, and the feeling is similar to that of a naked motorcycle. This is an area that has not changed throughout the Rebel series.
Some may think, “I don't want people to think of it as a Rebel 250, even though it's a big motorcycle,” but it is one of the “big motorcycle that are easy to ride” that cannot be missed.

Incidentally, the 2025 overseas model will feature color meters and other features. A model change is also expected for the domestic version.

2. CB650R E-Clutch [HONDA]

HONDA CB650R

This naked model is equipped with a parallel 4-cylinder engine, which is rare in this class. The Honda E-Clutch, the world's first clutch system, allows the rider to start, run, and stop without touching the clutch lever, eliminating the need for the rider to stall.

Overall length 2,120 mm, distance between axles 1,450 mm, seat height 810 mm (each) Vehicle weight 207 kg, liquid-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder, 648 cc, maximum output 95 PS/12,000 rpm, maximum torque 6.4 kg-m/9500 rpm Price 7,139 USD

In second place is the E-clutch version of the HONDA CB650R! With a vehicle weight of 207 kg and a seat height of 810 mm, it is a typical middle-class vehicle, but the Honda E-Clutch is most reliable for beginners.
The clutch is automatically controlled, so the rider does not need to operate the clutch lever. All the rider has to do is twist the accelerator pedal. The machine takes over operations such as disengaging/connecting the clutch and half-clutching, making the ride very smooth.
Unlike an automatic transmission, however, gear changes must be made with a foot pedal. On the other hand, when the clutch lever is depressed, the clutch instantly changes to manual operation. When the shift operation is completed, the clutch automatically returns to the E-clutch state again.

Although there are vehicles that are more beginner-friendly in terms of vehicle weight and seat height, there are many beginners who have difficulty with clutch operation. The E-clutch, which allows the driver to concentrate on driving, has many advantages that more than compensate for its disadvantages. Of course, it is easier in situations where you have to stop and go frequently in traffic because you don't have to hold the clutch lever. At the same time, the clutch can be operated manually in situations where you want a sporty ride, so it can be used as a step up to using the manual transmission more frequently as you get used to riding the motorcycle.
The seat height of 810mm may seem a little high, but a 160cm tall rider can reach their toes, and a 170cm tall rider can reach the tops of both feet. The front of the seat is narrowed and angled down, so the footing is surprisingly not bad. The vehicle's body is also compact, and the ride position has a gentle forward lean of the upper body, as is typical for a naked vehicle.

The parallel four-cylinder engine is easy to handle anyway. Although many 600cc class motorcycles have parallel two-cylinder engines, the engine is smooth from low speeds and accelerates as much as the rider twists the accelerator pedal. The handling is also natural, and you will surely feel the ease of riding.

3. MT-07 [YAMAHA]

YAMAHA MT-07

The compact parallel twin-cylinder was newly designed and introduced in 2014. With its torquey performance and 400-class-like weight, it has been well received by beginners and veterans alike. The current third generation also features a color LCD meter.

Overall length 2085 Inter-axle distance 1400 Seat height 805 (mm each) Vehicle weight 184 kg Liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder 688 cc Maximum output 73 PS/8750 rpm Maximum torque 6.8 kg-m/6500 rpm Price approx. 5,768 USD

Although it has changed to a sportier route compared to the first generation, the YAMAHA MT-07 is also one that I would recommend to large beginners. In any case, the chassis is light! Weighing 184 kg, it is one of the lightest in its class, 7 kg lighter than the smaller displacement Rebel 500.
Because of its light weight, it is easy to recover from a situation in which you are about to stumble, and it is also easy to maneuver. Big, heavy motorcycles tend to make riding a bit of a chore, but this is no problem for everyday use.
This light weight, combined with the torquey engine from low speeds, makes the handling very light. It turns easily just by turning in the direction you want to turn, making cornering fun. The handling is neutral, and the suspension is supple. At the same time, the motorcycle is stable and has little sense of insecurity.

In the lie position, the upper body is upright and the knees are naturally bent. However, the foot landing is not as good as it should be. While the seat height of 805mm is normal, the seat is a little wide, so that both feet are slightly raised when the height is around 170cm.
The 2025 overseas version is a new model. In addition to a further improvement in foot stability, a Y-AMT version of the automatic transmission mechanism will be introduced. While based on a manual transmission mechanism like HONDA's E-Clutch, it does not have a clutch lever and can be driven like an automatic transmission. Shifting can be done either fully automatically or with a button gearshift.

This also eliminates the need for clutch operation, allowing the rider to concentrate on other operations, making it one that can be recommended to beginners more than the current manual version of the MT-07. Those who are interested can wait for the official announcement of the domestic version of the Y-AMT specification.

 The new MT-07, which was unveiled overseas, has undergone major improvements to the chassis. The design has been completely redesigned, the handlebars and step one have been changed, and a Y-AMT specification is now available.

4. Z650 [KAWASAKI]

KAWASAKI Z650

A mid-sized model in KAWASAKI's Z street-fighter line, this NINJA 650 sibling is powered by a parallel two-cylinder engine; it has been reborn as a lightweight, compact model for 2017, and the current model also features a color LCD meter.

Overall length 2055, distance between axles 1410, seat height 790 (mm each), vehicle weight 189 kg, liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder 649 cc, maximum output 68 PS/8000 rpm, maximum torque 6.4 kg-m/6700 rpm, price 6,832 USD.

The KAWASAKI Z650 is often compared with the MT-07. First of all, the Z650 has a better footing than the MT-07. The seat height is 790mm, 15mm lower than MT, and the seat is slim, so a rider of about 170cm in height can reach the tops of both feet.
Riding position is also easy. The handlebars are slightly more upright than those of the MT, and the knee bend is looser, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Like the MT-07, the Z650's body is as light and compact as a 400cc motorcycle, and although the Z650 is 5 kg heavier, it is also very light.

The parallel two-cylinder is the same engine type as the MT-07, but with more pulse and torque in the mid- and low-speed range. The power increases as the engine speed rises, but the power output characteristics are basically flat and easy to handle, with less variation than the MT-07.
Handling is more stable than the sporty MT. When the motorcycle is banked, it behaves more gently than the MT, which is also reassuring. The MT-07 is also equipped with an assist and slipper clutch, which is not included in the MT-07, and the clutch operation is light.
Traction control, which suppresses rear wheel slip, also provides peace of mind. This is another feature not found on the MT-07, and is very valuable on a 600cc motorcycle.
In contrast to the sporty MT-07, the Z650 is easy to ride overall. Even beginners should be able to ride it casually and without hesitation. Which one you choose is a matter of personal preference.

Incidentally, its sibling is the classic Z650RS. The engine and chassis are the same, but the handlebars are more upright and it is easier to ride. However, I chose Z650 because it has a thicker seat, and the leg room is a little worse than that of Z650.

 Here are the motorcycles that unfortunately weren't selected!

 1. CL500 [HONDA]

This model combines the same parallel two-cylinder as the Rebel 500 in a unique scrambler (off-road vehicle style of yesteryear) style. Like the Rebel 250/500 relationship, it shares its body with its sibling, the CL250.

Overall length 2175 Distance between axles 1485 Seat height 790 (mm each) Vehicle weight 192 kg Liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder 471 cc Maximum output 46 PS/8500 rpm Maximum torque 4.4 kg-m/6250 rpm Price approx. 5,705 USD

The HONDA CL500 is one of the newer models debuting in 2023. Compared to the Rebel 500, the seat height is higher and the footing is not as good as the Rebel. Nevertheless, the seat height of 790 mm is excellent for a large motorcycle. The seat is narrow and sinks into the ground when riding with a soft suspension setting, so even a 160cm rider can keep both toes firmly planted on the ground.

The upright handlebars make the riding position easy on the upper body, but the knees are slightly bent. The engine is as easy to handle as the Rebel 500.

 2. SV650 [SUZUKI]

The only naked Japanese motorcycle equipped with a V-twin engine. The easy-start system, which allows the engine to start with a single push, and features that prevent the engine from stalling are also convenient.

Overall length 2140, Distance between axles 1450, Seat height 785 (each mm), Weight 199 kg, Liquid-cooled V-twin cylinder 645cc, Maximum output 72 PS/8500 rpm, Maximum torque 6.4 kg-m/8000 rpm, Price 5,306 USD

The SUZUKI SV650 has an attractive body that is as slim as a single cylinder, taking advantage of the V-twin engine. On the other hand, the center of gravity seems a little high, perhaps due to the engine. While it is fun to steer, beginners may find it heavy to push and pull, and it is easy to feel wobbly at low speeds. Also, although the 199 kg vehicle weight is light enough, it feels a little more responsive than the MT-07 and Z650. The clutch is a bit heavy, as there is no assist & slipper clutch.

Ride position is good as the handlebars are a little far and the knee bend is a little strong, but the footing is good as both toes can be reached at about 160cm. The engine's output characteristics are basically gentle, and the “low RPM assist,” which automatically prevents the engine from losing RPM, will come in handy.

 3. TRIDENT 660 [TRIUMPH]

This naked model is powered by the parallel three-cylinder engine synonymous with TRIUMPH. The engine and chassis are designed for entry-level riders, and it also features two riding modes and traction control.

Distance between axles 1401 Seat height 805 (mm each) Weight 190 kg Liquid-cooled, parallel 3-cylinder 660cc Maximum output 81 PS/10250 rpm Maximum torque 6.5 kg-m/3250 rpm Price 6,574 USD

The TRIUMP Trident 660 is a naked model equipped with a 660cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine.
The engine is very distinctive, with a mild and smooth power output. It is very easy and reliable to handle because it is persistent at low speeds and its power output characteristics do not fluctuate greatly. The chassis is also light for a large class, and handling is straightforward.
However, the seat height is a little high, and at 160 cm tall, the toes of both feet touch the ground. The steering wheel is a little far away, the upper body is slightly tilted forward, and the step is slightly backward, so the knees bend to a certain extent.

A new model will be released in Japan in winter 2024 or later. The electronic control and suspension will be updated, and the price will remain surprisingly unchanged, so this is something to keep an eye on.