Just passed your test? MCN's best first motorbikes

The process of learning to ride and choosing your first motorbike is complicated. Once you’ve passed your full, unrestricted A licence, either at the age of 21 or older via the progressive route through the lesser licence categories, or at the age of 24 or over via Direct Access, you’re finally qualified to ride anything you fancy.

Obviously the world’s your oyster but, particularly if you’ve come up through the A2 licence category, we’d recommend moving up to a middleweight machine of up to around 100bhp, as a sensible first motorbike and a stepping stone to full-power models. Even these can take a little getting used to.

Choices range from funky nakeds to practical sports tourers, retros and adventure bikes, all with their own pros and cons and many available both new and used to appeal to all budgets. And don’t forget, once you’ve passed your test the learning has just begun. Consider taking some advanced motorcycle training to improve your skills and stay safe on the road.

Here are MCN’s best first big motorbikes. Jump to

• BMW F700/750GS
• Ducati Monster 797
• Honda CB650F/R
• Honda CBR650F/R
• Kawasaki Ninja 650
• Triumph Street Twin
• Suzuki SV650
• Suzuki V-Strom 650
• Triumph Street Triple 765 S
• Yamaha MT-07

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2013-2019 BMW F700/750GS

Price: £4200 (used) – £7950 (new)

Spec: 853cc / 76bhp / 224kg / 815mm seat height

Why buy?

There’s no doubting BMW’s allure when it comes to adventure bikes, as the success of their bigger 1200 and 1250GS testifies, but the German marque’s smaller middleweights, the parallel twin F-series, share that credibility. Available in both 700 and 800 form since 2013 (although both, confusingly, are 798cc), then updated to 750 and 850 form in 2018 (although both are now 853cc), it’s the smaller versions, with a softer tune and less-intimidating proportions and price, which appeal most as first big bikes. Flexible, easy, stylish and with as much spec as you can afford.

Buying advice

Build quality is superb, paint finishes and chunky plastics are top notch and the attention to detail, from fasteners to silky switchgear, is all you’d expect from a BMW.

• Full BMW F700GS review on MCN
• Full BMW F750GS review on MCN

2017-2019 Ducati Monster 797

Price: £6000 (used) – £8100 (new)

Spec: 803cc / 74bhp / 193kg / 805mm seat height

Why buy?

The 797 version of Ducati’s legendary Monster was conceived as an entry-level Ducati and it delivers just that. With its air-cooled V-twin motor and pleasing lack of gadgetry it’s that most rare of modern bike – a turn-key fun machine. It is simple, fun, handles well thanks to its light weight and is pleasingly devoid of modern electrical assists and yet full of Italian roadster character. Just get on and enjoy without the need to read the instruction manual!

Buying advice

As long as it’s been looked after you should have nothing to worry about. The air-cooled engine is reliable, has pleasingly long service intervals of 7500 miles, and the quality of finish appears high.

• Full Ducati Monster 797 review on MCN

2014-2019 Honda CB650F/R

Price: £3700 (used) – £6999 (new)

Spec: 649cc / 92bhp / 202kg / 810mm seat height

Why buy?

The spiritual successor to the old 600 Hornet was reintroduced in 2014 as a naked, roadster version of the four-cylinder CBR650F and has much of the original’s appeal – that being smooth, brisk, four-cylinder performance, unintimidating ergonomics and stacks of naked style. First versions had shades of CB400F about them but it became edgier in 2017 before a further, significant update with new clocks, ‘Neo Café’ styling and other tweaks for 2019.

Buying advice

The inline four motor is tried and tested and there are no CB650F-related horror stories so all should be well. Build quality appears fairly high so you can confidently expect it to run and run.

• Full Honda CB650F review on MCN
• Full Honda CB650R review on MCN

2011-2019 Honda CBR650F/R

Price: £2900 (used) – £7729 (new)

Spec: 649cc / 92bhp / 207kg / 810mm seat height

Why buy?

Updated-for-2019 version of the old CBR650F, Honda’s middleweight, four-cylinder sports-all-rounder is intended as a spiritual successor to the hugely popular CBR600F of the 1990s – and now, with updated, Fireblade-inspired looks, new digital dash and further refinements, it’s closer than ever. In truth, the original 2011, 600cc version did most of that as well, but suffered mostly from bland styling. Updated twice since (in 2014 and 2017) it’s easy to ride, versatile and sporty.

Buying advice

CBRs have an excellent reputation for reliability and the CBR650 is based around the tried and trusted RR engine in a lower state of tune, so all should be well on that front. The build quality is pleasingly good.

• Full Honda CBR650F review on MCN
• Full Honda CBR650R review on MCN

2017-2019 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Price: £4500 (used) – £7500 (new)

Spec: 649cc / 67bhp / 193kg / 790mm seat height

Why buy?

2017 successor to the old ER-6f, the parallel twin Ninja is basically a Z650 with a fairing and added sportiness – but there’s nothing wrong with that. There’s added Ninja style, a lighter, more nimble chassis, a more flexible and friendly engine, added versatility and extra class thanks to the attractive new clocks, decent mirrors, span-adjustable levers on both sides and even a three-way height adjustable screen. If you want a sporty mid-weight but don’t want a bulky four it’s a tempting buy.

Buying advice

The ER-6f on which it’s based has been mechanically solid with no major scare stories, while Kawasaki really seems to have upped the quality, particularly in terms of finishes and detailing.

• Kawasaki Ninja 650 review on MCN

2016-2019 Triumph Speed Twin 900

Price: £5600 (used) – £8100 (new)

Spec: 900cc / 64bhp / 198kg / 790mm seat height (new version)

Why buy?

Updated significantly for 2019, the Street Twin was first launched in 2016 as the more budget, novice-friendly version of Triumph’s then all-new Bonneville retro roadster family. Originally making 54bhp it’s now been boosted to a more healthy 64bhp, which increases the appeal and injects some excitement to the bike, whilst retaining its ease-of-use and rider-friendliness. The result does everything you want from a modern classic, but now with improved braking, comfort, safety and – more importantly – performance.

It’s also changed name from Street Twin to Speed Twin 900 since it was introduced to the range as part of a model consolidation project.

Buying advice

Reliability shouldn’t be a problem as the motor is based on the previous model with lighter internals. Also, the Triumph’s service intervals remain at 10,000 miles.

• Full Triumph Speed Twin 900 review on MCN

2016-2019 Suzuki SV650

Price: £3500 (used) – £5599 (new)

Spec: 645cc / 75bhp / 197kg / 785mm seat height

Why buy?

Originally introduced in 1999 Suzuki’s middleweight V-twin has proved a brilliant ‘first big bike’ over the years for its combination of ease, fun, practicality and value. Fully reworked and re-introduced in 2016, all of that remains true today. It’s a fun bike that will appeal to new riders and give older ones a thrill, has impressive new features and also undercuts its main rivals on price. It also handles well, is unintimidating and there’s even a semi-retro ‘X’ version.

Buying advice

The engine has been around for 16 years and there are plenty of long-in-the-tooth examples bearing testament to tip-top reliability. The chances of the new tune making the bike less reliable are very slim.

• Full Suzuki SV650 review on MCN

2011-2019 Suzuki V-Strom 650

Price: £3500 (used) – £7900 (new)

Spec: 645cc / 71bhp / 216kg / 830mm seat height

Why buy?

The original V-Strom, a taller, adventure-styled version of Suzuki’s brilliant SV650 V-twin, was a goodie back in 2004, but it’s the later versions, from 2011 and particularly from 2017, when it was fully updated again, you should be most interested in. It might not be the latest or flashiest, but it’s got a great, flexible engine, decent handling, real world ergonomics and all the tech you need for a great price. If you’re after an adventure-styled middleweight, for the money, there’s none better.

Buying advice

The SV650-based engine has been around since the nineties and is pretty much bulletproof. Suzuki used to have a slightly iffy reputation when it came to finishing, but that’s no longer the case.

• Full Suzuki V-Strom review on MCN

2017-2019 Triumph Street Triple 765 S

Price: £5800 (used) – £8000 (new)

Spec: 765cc / 111.5bhp / 198kg / 810mm seat height

Why buy?

The Street Triple, basically an unfaired, roadster version of the 675 Daytona sportster, has proved a huge success for the British firm since the debut of the original 675cc version in 2007 and all remain great bikes. But it’s the base ‘S’ version of the updated 765cc version, introduced in 2017, we’re most concerned with. This bike is  accessible and affordable yet still manages to be huge fun and characterful, thanks to its brilliant three-cylinder engine.

Buying advice

Ride quality is a step below the RS version’s Öhlins and a constant low frequency drumming over bumps accompanies a 40mph ride in town. But the edges are rounded off and it doesn’t feel cheap.

• Full Triumph Street Triple 765 S review

2014-2019 Yamaha MT-07

Price: £3800 (used) – £6500 (new)

Spec: 698cc / 74bhp / 182kg / 805mm seat height

Why buy?

First introduced in 2014, Yamaha’s lightweight, novice-friendly but great fun MT-07 has proved a Europe-wide sensation. Its parallel twin motor is flexible and punchy, its handling light yet involving and it’s a decent all-rounder, too. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, in 2018 it was improved with uprated suspension and tweaked styling. Pound-for-pound, this is one of the best bikes on the market and likely to continue to be a huge success for Yamaha.

Buying advice

Build quality is up to Yamaha’s usual high standards, although fasteners can suffer if neglected, while the engine has proven reliability. Check for novice dings and scrapes, though.

• Full Yamaha MT-07 review on MCN

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Getting used to your first big bike

So, you’ve hunted through the ads, visited the dealers and sat on loads of bikes in showrooms. You’ve even managed to persuade a dealer to take you out on the pillion and you’ve splashed four figures on your first big bike. Now it’s ready for you to ride away, but you’re looking at it with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, wondering if you’re going to be able to handle it.

The trickiest times on a new big bike, are those first few starts when you’re getting used to the weight and the engine’s slow-running characteristics, and the first few times you twist the throttle wide open to sample the extra engine performance.

So, it’s a faster machine which means you take it slower. Sit astride it and turn the bars from side to side to feel the weight of the bike. Hold the front brake on and pump the forks up and down a few times.

Make sure the engine is thoroughly warmed up so there isn’t the chance of an unexpected stall and pull the clutch lever in and out a few times to get the feel for it.

When you pull away for the first time, have your route planned in your head already, without complicated junctions and heavy traffic. Adjust your mirrors and practice a few lifesavers before you start as tugging at the bars could set up a nerve-wracking wobble.

Short shift into second and third, using the bottom of the rev range where the power produced is comparable to your previous bike. Get the feel of the steering by weaving gently (in your own lane) and start braking as early as possible.

When you get to a stretch of road you know well that is light on possible hazards like side junctions, that’s the time to explore the upper reaches of the rev range. Get it rolling in third gear, maybe fourth, then open the throttle wide.

Watch the needle climb, and feel where the power starts to build quickly. Get to know that engine and the way the rest of the bike performs and you’ll have a great time.

FAQ

At what age can you ride a 600cc?

Many 600cc motorbikes and above can be ridden on an A2 licence but most will need restricting. The UK licence structure uses power to differentiate what you can and can’t ride so any model making 43bhp or less can be ridden on an A2 licence or bikes that make no more than 94bhp that have been restricted.

Some 600cc models like older supersports can make over 100bhp and so you need a full licence to ride one.

Can a beginner ride a 1000cc?

If you’re 24 or older and you’ve taken a full bike test then you can theoretically ride anything you like. We wouldn’t recommend hopping straight on a litre bike before you’ve gained some experience, but it’s worth keeping in mind that not all 1000cc bikes are created equal. Some Harley-Davidsons, for example, have well over 1000cc engines and make 90bhp.

The biggest problem an inexperienced UK rider will have if they buy a high powered motorcycle is trying to get a reasonable insurance quote.

What is the best size motorcycle for a beginner?

We would recommend opting for something with around 100bhp or less as a first big bike. Bikes around this power figure will feel incredibly fast to those with little riding experience and are more than fast enough to keep you interested for many years to come.