3 Best Budget-Friendly Motorcycles for Beginners 2023

They say the best part about your first motorcycle is that you won’t own it forever. It’s a cliché, but they exist for a reason. Put real thought into your choice, but give yourself a pass on finding “the perfect bike.” Got a picture in your head about what bike you look really cool on? Forget that picture. We feel that beginners should focus on value, safety, and usability. Worry about looking cool later. Here are our 3 best options for you.

1–3 The Honda CB500 Family

The do-it-all, friendly-as-can-be 2023 Honda CB500F.

Everybody’s making parallel twins that serve across a wide variety of models. The Honda CB500 family of 2013–present includes the ADV-minded CB500X, naked CB500F, and sport-oriented CBR500R. All are powered by the same 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin putting out 47 hp of tractable, torquey, beginner-friendly power.


Sporty spice on two wheels: the 2023 Honda CBR500R.

The 10-year model history is a plus. But if you can swing it, look for post-2016 models. The CB500X got a bigger tank and a taller windshield, while the CB500F got upgraded front and rear suspension. The CB500F has a friendly curb weight of 416 pounds, while the CB500X weighs in at 439 pounds. The CBR500R comes in at 430 pounds. They’re not featherweights, but you might end up keeping them longer than the average first bike.

Get mildly lost in adventure on the 2023 Honda CB500X.


Browse our inventory of the 2023 Honda 500 Family