Is a Sportbike the Best Motorcycle for a Beginner?

This question comes up alot when I'm out riding. People will either ask would I recommend a Yamaha R1 or Kawasaki Ninja or Ducati Sportbike for their first bike. Or would ask which one of those would be the best motorcycle for a beginner. If I were asked that 10 or even 5 years ago, I would steer them away from sportbikes and toward a standard motorcycle like a Suzuki TU250 or a Honda Rebel 250.

History of Sportbikes in the US

Years ago, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki and other manufacturers were all competing with each other for bragging rights on who could produce the fastest sportbike.

Top Speed 248 mph, 0-60 in 2.5sec

This itself isn't a problem, until a specific consumer demand for this gets out of control.  This is what happened in the US consumer market.  Demand for these fast sportbikes were so high in the US because people were already conditioned to wanting fast sportscars.  The "bigger is better" American mentality about car engines drove the same demand for larger cc motorcycles. This meant that in the US, a 600cc sportbike was the smallest one could get.  In the hands of a beginner rider, a 600cc sportbike could seriously injure or kill them.  Contrast that with the European or Asian markets where small cc motorcycles have always been ubiquitous.

Demand for the Best Sportbikes for Beginners

Luckily, there has been a shift in the "bigger is better" thinking and demand has increased for smaller cc motorcycles in the US. Kawasaki and Honda released 250cc and 300cc sportbikes that are simply incredible. Yamaha has followed this trend with the Yamaha YZF-R3, which looks almost identical to the award-winning R6. The different tire widths is the only real appearance give away if you remove the badging. These sportbikes have many important features that boost confidence and encourage continued riding. For example, most of these have lower weight, lower seat-height, more neutral riding position, and more neutral power band. Some manufacturers go even further by incorporating a slipper clutch, ABS, and gear shift indicator.

More Choices for Smaller Motorcycles

As more beginners take to the streets on motorcycles, other manufacturers have released smaller cc motorcycles in different categories. In the modern classic or retro motorcycle category, Ducati has had huge success with their Scrambler line. These 400 and 800 cc bikes have become very popular for people wanting an urban commuter that can also handle the rigors of occasional light off-road exploring. Most people obviously buy them because they simply love the way they look. Triumph and Yamaha have also jumped on the bandwagon by releasing several different models for this segment.

Motorcycles Improve Traffic Problems

This shift in the demand for more practically sized bikes will continue to increase motorcycle ridership in the US. I'm a firm believer that increased motorcycle ridership will improve the traffic problem we face throughout the US.

Recommended Articles by other Riders:

Why You Should Learn to Ride Motorcycles
Motorcycle Basics for Beginners

Why I Ride Motorcycles

Why I Ride Motorcycles

Unless you have experienced the exhilaration that comes from flying down the road on a motorcycle you may think that as riders, we are a little over-zealous for this sport that we love. This is a hard opinion to change without inviting the skeptics out there to come and see for themselves. But in an effort to share just a small insight into this crazy passion that we have, I have offered up a few main reasons as to why I ride:

To Get Outside

I love to be outdoors. God created this vast, beautiful earth for us to enjoy and what better way to experience it than while straddling the seat of a motorcycle? Sure, we can still see the world from the seat of a car and for some this is enough. But as a rider, I am not satisfied with just seeing – I want to experience the world. I want to touch it, feel it, breathe it in, become a part of it.

And that is exactly what riding does for me every time I open up the throttle and hit the road. I notice the colors, breathe in the smells, the sound of the engine mixing with the sound of nature. With the wind in my face and the sun on my back I get to experience the great outdoors.

Without the distractions of music or sipping on coffee, I get to really hone into the sights and sounds of what’s around.  Unless you are a rider, you never really notice the small details on even common routes you take.  Your senses are heightened like you’re Spiderman. 

It’s Free Therapy

Anyone who has spent any time on a motorcycle knows that it is not an inexpensive hobby. But in most cases, I still believe it is cheaper than professional therapy. And I don’t even have to argue that it is more fun than sitting in the doctor’s office.

The second I fire up my machine, whatever is happening in my life outside of this moment becomes obsolete. In that time it is just me, my motorcycle and miles of road to work my frustrations out on. Riding makes me feel strong, empowered, free and invincible because when I pull that helmet on, I AM invincible. Whatever stress I feel, whatever worries are nagging me or weighing heavy on my heart – when I ride it all fades away.  For a while, I am free.  

When I ride, my character is shaped and strengthened. I learn lessons on the road that directly correlate to my everyday life. I learn to trust in myself and my abilities. I learn to trust in others around me. I learn to be responsible and accountable for my actions. I gather courage to attempt the things I am afraid of, exhibit bravery while I face them, and gain confidence when I conquer.

To Be a Part of Something Bigger

First time riders may be unaware, but the moment you hold the set of keys to your new machine in your hand, you have just been adopted in as the newest member of the riding community. You instantly gain thousands of new friends and family members who accept you because you have the passion for riding binding you together.  Other riders will wave at you as you pass by, start chatting with you at the stop light, or ask where you got the jacket or helmet you're wearing.  The point is, you will be part of a community that is passionate, diverse and friendly.