Motorcycle Reviews Archives - BestBeginnerMotorcycles https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/category/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/ Learn everything you need to know to learn to ride a motorcycle - from lessons to gear. We're your one stop shop for beginner motorcycle riders Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:41:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-bbm-favicon-1-32x32.png Motorcycle Reviews Archives - BestBeginnerMotorcycles https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/category/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/ 32 32 KTM 390 Duke Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/ktm-390-duke-profile/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/ktm-390-duke-profile/#respond Thu, 25 Aug 2022 00:46:49 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=59813 Excellent For New Riders; Loved By Experienced Motorcyclists The KTM 390 Duke is lightweight and simple to drive; it provides the necessary torque to make driving on city streets enjoyable and safe. Yes, it is an aggressive-looking naked bike, and you will hear over and over at BBM that 600cc Super Sport bikes are not good beginner bikes, but this is the kind of choice to check out if performance is your jam. Simply put, riding this machine is a […]

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[PROFILE & REVIEW] 2012 Kawasaki ER-6f Ninja 650 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2012-kawasaki-er-6f-ninja-650-review/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2012-kawasaki-er-6f-ninja-650-review/#respond Tue, 24 Aug 2021 14:59:51 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=59013 The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 features a 649cc parallel-twin engine, producing 71 HP and tickling at 50 lb-ft of torque. That engine is attached to a 6-speed transmission, and mates between the two with a multi-plate, cable-operated wet clutch. The same engine is in pretty much any Kawasaki that sports the 650 numberings, such as the Z650, the Versys 650, and the like. Oriented very much towards the sport touring crowd instead of the pure sportbike crowd, the Ninja 650 […]

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Honda CBR300R Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/honda-cbr300r-review/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/honda-cbr300r-review/#respond Sat, 01 Feb 2020 23:32:35 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=56133 A Sub-$5,000 Thrill Ride Purpose-Built for Beginner Riders Ahh yes, the CBR300R – a lightweight, easy to maneuver, easy to maintain, fuel-sipping, beginner bike prodigy. That may sound like a lofty description, but the CBR300R has been that since its introduction in 2013 (on sale since in 2015). The CBR300R has successfully cemented itself in the hearts and minds of the entry-level faithful. The 2020 CBR300R is no different. I have a love affair with good entry-level bikes, and not […]

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Kawasaki Ninja 650R: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-ninja-650r-beginner-bike-profile-owner-reviews/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-ninja-650r-beginner-bike-profile-owner-reviews/#respond Fri, 04 Oct 2019 22:18:38 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=55928 Kawasaki’s Ninja 650R Has Been an Entry-Level Staple Since 2006 Bikes like the Ninja 650R, FZ6R, and SV650 are ideal for new riders that either needs something larger due to their height, or are confident in their ability to manage a bit more power than what the typical “beginner bike” ships with. With an estimated 71 horsepower on tap, the 650R is significantly more powerful than the entry-level cruisers, sportbikes (such as the R3 or the old-school 500R), and sport-touring […]

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Suzuki SV650: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/suzuki-sv650-review/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/suzuki-sv650-review/#comments Sat, 14 Sep 2019 22:24:44 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=55886 The Suzuki SV650 is Not Your Typical Beginner Motorcycle The SV650 defies the common convention that a beginner rider piloting a bike with 600cc’s or more is setting themselves up for failure. In most cases, the reality is that 600cc’s is simply too much for a new rider. The Suzuki SV650 respectfully disagrees with that assessment, providing bigger bike riding experience compared to a 500cc or 400cc bike (or even 300cc like the Yamaha R3). Its 645cc v-twin is both […]

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Yamaha FZ6 Fazer: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/yamaha-fz6-fazer-review/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/yamaha-fz6-fazer-review/#respond Thu, 15 Aug 2019 01:24:57 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=55738 Naked or Faired, the FZ6 is a Great Platform that New Riders Won’t Quickly Outgrow I might be biased, given that I’m currently rocking the 2007 Fazer in Yamaha 50th Anniversary Colors you see above, but the FZ6 is probably the perfect bike for the confident beginner rider that wants a bit of power without the hunched-over riding position, or insane power, of a supersport bike. Featuring a retuned version of the 2003 R6 600cc engine, the middleweight FZ6 was […]

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2019 CB300R Review: A Neo-Nimble Naked Bike https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/hondas-nimble-neo-naked-cb300r/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/hondas-nimble-neo-naked-cb300r/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2019 19:42:28 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=55409 First Impressions The Honda CB300R is beautiful to look at and it feels like a more expensive machine than its sticker price would suggest. I notice right away it’s missing a gear indicator in the dash and the seat could be a little more comfortable but this is still a bike that I’d personally love to own. It sounds nice, has a reasonable seat height and enough power to strongly pull onto the highway. Check out the walkaround and startup […]

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2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 Hands-On Review https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2019-yamaha-yzf-r3-hands-on-review/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2019-yamaha-yzf-r3-hands-on-review/#comments Fri, 22 Feb 2019 15:57:30 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=55257 First Impressions I got my first look at the new 2019 YZF-R3 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the AIMExpo in October of 2018. It was love at first sight. I immediately noticed the aggressively placed clip-ons, MotoGP-esque front faring, and more angular gas tank. The new styling so closely resembles it’s “big brothers” (the YZFR1M, YZFR1, and YZFR6) that it makes the R3 a true “younger sibling” as far as looks are concerned. In my opinion, barring the R3 logo, […]

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2016 Honda CB500X ABS: Another Perfect Beginner Motorcycle https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2016-honda-cb500x-abs-another-perfect-beginner-motorcycle/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2016-honda-cb500x-abs-another-perfect-beginner-motorcycle/#comments Tue, 21 Aug 2018 16:56:30 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=55092 My wife wants to join me out on motorcycle rides, but not as a passenger anymore. She wants her own wheels. No problem since there are plenty of excellent options out there. She Wants To Write Too She wrote an introduction about what criteria were most important and why she picked the Honda CB500X in the end after combing the field of applicants closely. See her beginner rider perspective below. “Is there anything more exciting than shopping for your first […]

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A Look at the Royal Enfield Himalayan BS-IV https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/a-look-at-the-2016-royal-enfield-himalayan-bs-iv/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/a-look-at-the-2016-royal-enfield-himalayan-bs-iv/#respond Tue, 10 Jul 2018 02:05:46 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=55075 Royal Enfield launched a new motorcycle in 2016 that many riders got excited about. Earlier, bikers used to get their sports bikes modified in order to drive through the challenging, yet thrilling, routes of the Himalayas. Thanks to Royal Enfield, there is now an ever-ready bike that can take these challenges head-on. Royal Enfield took pride in launching the first-ever affordable adventure bike- Royal Enfield Himalayan. Initially, the bike had a powerful BS-III engine, but it was taken off the […]

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2018 Kawasaki 400 Ninja Review: It Lives Up To The Hype https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2018-kawasaki-400-ninja-review-it-lives-up-to-the-hype/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2018-kawasaki-400-ninja-review-it-lives-up-to-the-hype/#respond Thu, 21 Jun 2018 18:58:27 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=54996 I’ve been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to test ride the brand new 2018 Ninja 400. Finally last week I did just that at a Demo Day put on by the local dealership in Calgary: BlackFoot Motosports! The new 400 Ninja is lightweight, equipped with an all new trellis frame and has noticeably more horsepower and torque than the 300 Ninja. I knew it would be good after reading the press release from Kawasaki about it, but riding is the […]

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Why The Yamaha 2007+ FZ6 Fazer is a Great First Bike for Most Riders https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/why-the-yamaha-fz6-is-a-great-first-bike-for-most-riders/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/why-the-yamaha-fz6-is-a-great-first-bike-for-most-riders/#respond Fri, 25 May 2018 01:36:52 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=54954 From 2004 to 2010, Yamaha sold the FZ6 Fazer, a sport-touring motorcycle that featured a detuned R6 engine (circa 2003) and sporty styling, but with a more comfortable and ergonomically-friendly riding position. As the owner of a 2007 FZ6 in Yamaha 50th Anniversary colors, I’m happy to write an article extolling its virtues. If you’re reading this while contemplating making a purchase, know that you’ve got your eye on a good bike. However, as good as it is, it isn’t necessarily the best […]

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Best Motorcycles for New Riders – 2018 Edition https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/best-motorcycles-new-riders-2018-edition/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/best-motorcycles-new-riders-2018-edition/#respond Sun, 21 Jan 2018 15:54:38 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=54023 If you’re anything like me, the idea of a whole new fleet of motorcycles coming out is beyond tantalizing! I can’t wait to read all about them each year so I can go annoy salespeople with my questions while sitting on them (the bikes not salespeople).  I think they see me coming and often just go hide in the coffee room until I leave. Sport Bikes Kawasaki Ninja 400 399 cc Liquid Cooled Parallel Twin DOHC engine 45 hp and […]

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The Honda NC700X and 750X: Great Bikes for New Riders https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/honda-nc700x-750x-great-bikes-new-riders/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/honda-nc700x-750x-great-bikes-new-riders/#comments Thu, 18 Jan 2018 19:20:58 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=54007 A friend of mine happened to glance at my computer screen while I was researching the Honda NC700X today. He spotted its picture on the laptop screen and after a moment of admiring it exclaimed: “That’s a pretty sharp looking bike! I like the “beak” on it. Yeah it’s nice! Is that a good one?” His hunch was right on the money. It is what it appears to be, but it’s also a lot more. The Numbers Firstly, here are […]

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The Kawasaki Ninja 500R: The Perfect First Bike? https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-ninja-500r-perfect-first-bike/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-ninja-500r-perfect-first-bike/#comments Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:43:55 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=53938 That takes me back… Recently while driving home I came across a sight that I never pass without stopping to offer help: a motorcyclist in distress due to some kind of mechanical failure. There are two tell tale signs of this situation; Someone standing beside their bike on the side of the road –looking panicked– with their helmet lying on the ground about 4 feet behind the bike’s rear wheel. This is a popular signal bikers use to request assistance, […]

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The 5 Best Used Cruisers for Under $5,000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/the-5-best-used-cruisers-for-under-5000/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/the-5-best-used-cruisers-for-under-5000/#respond Tue, 14 Nov 2017 18:37:13 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=53867 If you’re looking to roam highways and byways in laid back, cool comfort while also keeping the price of ownership on the level, here is a list of can’t miss bikes and tips just for you. Low Rider Is Best Pick a bike that allows you to reach the ground flat footed. With cruisers this is rarely an issue because they often have seat heights well under 30 inches. Comfort in general actually should be priority one or two when […]

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2018 Kawasaki Z650: First Ride/Review https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2018-kawasaki-z650-first-ridereview/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/2018-kawasaki-z650-first-ridereview/#respond Mon, 25 Sep 2017 15:24:41 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=53770 Summary Introduced for the 2017 model year, the 2018 Z650 offers thrilling performance, easy handling, and lightweight maneuverability. New riders won’t have to worry about outgrowing the power too soon, but they should be careful: this “small” Z has more than enough power to be daring… and dangerous. Highly recommended for fans of naked bikes everywhere, and definitely enjoyed by this fan in particular. This might just be my next bike. A Warm Introduction to the Kawasaki Z650 It’s hotter […]

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Kawasaki Z125 Pro: a Lightweight Streetfighter for New Riders https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-z125-pro-lightweight-streetfighter-new-riders/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-z125-pro-lightweight-streetfighter-new-riders/#respond Thu, 21 Sep 2017 16:24:32 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=53760 The media hub at AIMExpo 2018 – America’s largest and most significant motorcycle show – is electric. Media, vendors, and major brands from all over North America – and the world – have come in droves to showcase what’s new for 2018. Among them, perfect for new riders (and BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com), is the 2018 Kawasaki Z125 Pro. There are a lot of reasons to love the 2018 Z125 Pro, and the ultra-affordable $3,199 MSRP is certainly one of them. For the […]

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Triumph T100 Bonneville Review https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/triumph-t100-bonneville-review/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/triumph-t100-bonneville-review/#respond Mon, 28 Aug 2017 20:11:43 +0000 https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=53719 What’s Old is New Again In 1959 the Bonneville T120 was brand new on the motorcycle scene. The 650cc engine producing 46 hp was considered a monster at the time and the bike was one of the fastest in production. The T120 monicker implied a top speed of 120 mph, but when actually tested by several magazines it was reported only to have hit 108 mph. Still, it was an impressive machine all the same. Although not a T100 per […]

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Ural Gear Up Review: From Russia With Sidecar https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/ural-gear-review-russia-sidecar/ https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/ural-gear-review-russia-sidecar/#respond Fri, 07 Jul 2017 21:32:08 +0000 http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/?p=48458 What… IS that?! An old BMW with a sidecar? It looks like it came right off a World War II battlefield based on the styling, heavy steel frame, ammo cans, military paint scheme and fox hole spade strapped to the sidecar. How old is it? WOW! What a cool looking rig. A restored antique maybe? No, the tag says it’s brand new! That can’t be right… can it? U-R-A-L. How do you pronounce that? YOUR-AWL? YOO-RAWL?, OO-RAAHLLLL? Some Ural History […]

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