For the majority of people out there, the allure of the open road and the wind passing you by sounds exactly like a dream come true. The freedom that feeling brings is truly something special.

For many a beginner, the options are so vast and some of the bikes available are really confusing. What every beginner needs is a go to guide that can help. So if you’re a beginner, still finding your feet but looking to get your first motorcycle, well this is the place for you.

As a beginner it is always best to start small and work your way up, but the key issue here, is that most riders are not ready for the motorcycle they want (and buy it anyway). The top end motorcycles are very powerful and may leave you disheartened or disillusioned if you are not ready to ride them.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the 8 best 250cc motorcycles for beginners in 2021…

Finding the First Motorcycle

As a beginner or novice rider (especially if you are just starting out as an adult) finding the right motorcycle to learn on is key. Earning how to ride safely and responsibly is the first aspect to consider. Riding is a hobby and the wrong bike will ruin it for you. Everyone, beginner, experienced or professional has to factor in the same information when getting a motorcycle. The critical part of owning a motorcycle is to make sure it is within your skill level.

For beginners, you might be wondering which 250cc motorcycle is the best option to start on? Well, learning to ride a motorcycle is a skill, which (like any other skill) takes time and patience to master. So, remember to have patience with your motorcycle and with yourself.

Some of the skills needed for successful riding are:

• How to balance your motorcycle
• How to handle the speed
• How to direct the power

The best way to learn how to do it is not only by educating yourself beforehand, but by actually doing it. The more that you begin to ride your motorcycle the better you will become. Eventually it becomes second nature, but this will happen in time. The reason why this is so crucial is because, once handling a motorcycle becomes second nature, it becomes instinctive. In a tense or stressful situation, instinct takes over and this is when all the hours spent learning pay off.

A 250cc motorcycle is easy to manage, and the risk of going too far too soon is limited. This will also afford the opportunity to learn the basics properly. Learning how to turn, driver etiquette, and shifting, are all crucial skills best learned on a smaller motorcycle. This will also give you a chance to grow with your motorcycle.

The more you learn, the better you will become, and the better that you become, the more confident you will feel. A 250cc motorcycle will also limit the risk of finding yourself “accidentally” racing at ridiculously high speeds, as they are more manageable. This means that you can push yourself to the limits of the motorcycle whilst still enjoying it safely.

As is the case with any vehicle, the value is also very important. As intimidating as it may seem when looking through the local motorcycle listings, the price on a 250cc motorcycle is more manageable. As part of the learning experience, many first-time owners will buy a 250cc motorcycle and quickly outgrow them. This means that the second-hand market should serve a range of easy pickings if you’re looking for a low-milage-bargain.

This makes learning how to ride a motorcycle more manageable on both your pocket and your sense of comfort. When you do eventually out grow your 250cc motorcycle and want an upgrade, it is easy to sell your motorcycle. The second-hand market is very lucrative and if your motorcycle is in good condition, then selling it shouldn’t be an issue. Some have even seen a return on their initial investment.

A 250cc motorcycle is very light on fuel and you will see that reflected in the MPG. This means that whilst learning how to ride, it won’t cost a fortune in gas. Not only will you be saving on fuel, but the insurance costs are also very low. Sometimes having a smaller bike helps, for instance with lane splitting.

Lane splitting is when you can ride your motorcycle on the white lines. This will drastically cut your waiting time in traffic. These smaller, more nimble motorcycles make it easy to move in and out of traffic, without worrying about hitting any mirrors. Lane splitting isn’t allowed in all states, so make sure to check lest you get a ticket.

As we have hinted at earlier, a 250cc motorcycle has an ease about riding it. This doesn’t mean that it will be easy at first for everyone. It takes time on the seat to build up the required skills, to ride a motorcycle.

What Size Motorcycle is Best for Beginners- 250cc,  450cc or 600cc?

Well, simply put, it is mainly about the power. With a 450cc or bigger motorcycle the gearing and power bands are different. A 250cc motorcycle is less likely, if stuck, to throw you off the back when pulling off.

So, if you are a beginner 250cc bike is the perfect starter bike for you.

A larger motorcycle like a 450cc or 600cc will have you doing 40-50mph in first gear. As a beginner, this is no good, as you could be propelled like a rocket at the nearest solid surface. A 250cc motorcycle has the best feel for a new rider, and is perfect to learn on.

Once you get to understand the clutch and how to shift through the gears, the sense of accomplishment is almost overwhelming. When riding starts to feel automatic, your every movement and action becomes second nature. Only then will riding a motorcycle make sense.

Anyone with a more powerful motorcycle, like a 1000cc will tell you that they never ride their bike at the limit, because it is simply too powerful for most roads. However, once you have enough experience on a motorcycle, then you will rarely take it to its limit (well at least not where there is any danger to do so, like a track or raceway).

In addition to being a wonderful bike to learn on, a 250cc is also very economical to run and maintain. Other than the incredible gas milage that you can expect, a 250cc is also easy to work on for any aspiring “do-it-yourself” mechanics out there. Most 250cc motorcycles are still very simple and servicing them can be done in an afternoon.

As mentioned previously, if you do outgrow your 250cc motorcycle, then the resale value is phenomenal. So try not to get too many scratches, there might well be a smile on your dial when the time is right to upgrade. The 600cc motorcycle is still the most sought after (as an upgrade on a 250cc motorcycle). A bargain can be found if you are patient – many beginners make the mistake of buying a 600cc motorcycle and become disillusioned within the first year, because it is too powerful. Their loss is your gain, as many of these “treasures” are collecting dust in a garage somewhere.

Right, now for the real-world issues with owning a 250cc motorcycle. As with any review, there has to be some good and bad. However, the perfect bike for you can be found when we look at the advantages and disadvantages of owning a 250cc motorcycle.

How Much Do 250cc Motorcycles Weigh?

Most 250cc motorcycles are very lightweight, usually below 350lbs (wet) and this is part of the allure. A light motorcycle has many benefits, for instance, if it falls, it is easy to pick up. As we have stated previously the lightweight design is great because, it makes the motorcycle nimbler. Being light also makes the bike easy to maintain and overall friendlier on your bank account as well.

How Fast are 250cc  Motorcycles?

Some disadvantages of these motorcycles is that the top speed is very low (>80mph), and the range is limited for longer rides. Highway driving can be less than desirable, as you will be driving at close to the motorcycles limit, just to keep up with traffic. Smaller engines are cheaper to maintain, but require more regular service intervals in comparison to larger motorcycles.

Are 250cc Motorcycles Good for Long Distance Riding?

Short answer is no, most 250cc motorcycles are designed to be used for short distances at a time, so the seat may not be comfortable on longer trips. If what you want is a daily rider, or weekend motorcycle to learn on then a 250cc motorcycle is perfect. If riding on long trips, sure it can do it, but a larger motorcycle will be much more comfortable.

The  Best 250cc Motorcycles for Beginners in 2021

1. Honda Rebel 300

Topping the list is the Honda Rebel 300. Designed to give that old school, industrial look, the Honda Rebel 300 is a definite looker. But asides from its stunningly good looks, the Honda Rebel 300 is highly functional and great to ride. This motorcycle has a low centre of gravity, making it very easy to manoeuvre.

The seat height is designed so that any adult should be comfortable riding it. Being able to put your feet flat on the ground when stopping, parking etc, is always great to inspire confidence in new riders. The riding position is very comfortable and feels very natural. The foot pegs are positioned just ahead of where you would expect, so you can stop with confidence.

The handle bars are also well positioned at a comfortable width and height. Overall, the controls are very user friendly and comfortable. The Honda Rebel 300 has a 286cc, single cylinder motor that may surprise a few. The motor in the Honda Rebel 300 is the same DOHC 4 valve thumper found in the CB300R.

This motor and transmission will have you feeling as though you are effortlessly gliding through the gears. This engine feels at home doing 75 mph on the highway and has a top speed of 92 mph. This smooth and virtually effortless motorcycle has a 6-speed transmission and is very forgiving. The clutch is new, now having an “assist-and-slip” feature – which Honda claims is now 30% easier to use than before.

The suspension has been made firmer (by smoothing out the forks and stiffening the springs) and Honda also changed the oil level in the legs to assist in a firmer ride. The forks now have nitrogen-charged dampers, and the springs are stiffer. The Honda Rebel 300 has the perfect blend of smooth riding pleasure and responsive handling.

2. Honda CB300R

This motorcycle may share its engine with the Honda Rebel 300, but do not be mistaken – this is a different beast altogether. The beautiful Matte Pearl Blue paint job, underlines the focus on style and performance. This naked motorcycle has a fantastic power to weight ratio by design, and the minimalistic design pays tribute to both balance and performance.

The ability to ride at breakneck speeds isn’t the only quality on display here, and the Honda CB300R has some serious stopping power as well. This is in part thanks to the two-channel ABS, and IMU. Bolted onto an all-new tubular frame is a hub-less front floating disc brake with radial-mounted-4-piston callipers.

The Honda CB300R features 41mm USD forks, and Dunlop radial tires. With stopping power to spare and weighing in at 317lbs (wet), Honda has stripped away everything non-essential to make this motorcycle lighter. The lightweight design combined with the 286cc single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled engine, is the perfect recipe for a great motorcycle.

This compact, high-revving engine and underslung exhaust, as well as the fine-tuned intake make this little motorcycle something to behold. The quality on display from Honda in the CB300R is fantastic. Every aspect has been thought through including the exterior, featuring an LCD instrument cluster and a full LED headlight, with tapered, rubber-mounted aluminium handlebars.

It really is all about the small details, which flow together seamlessly in this masterpiece. Featuring a list of accessories and impressive styling, with handling, comfort, and performance, this motorcycle is really at the pinnacle of Japanese quality and engineering, and would be an excellent addition to any beginner.

3. Honda CRF250L

The Honda CRF250L is one of the motorcycles on this list that requires very little introduction. Some may even call it the original truly affordable motorcycle. This small dual-sport motorcycle is perfect for new riders, because of its lightweight design and legendary reliability. This bike has a 249.6cc single cylinder engine, and yes, it is on the smaller side.

The liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, little powerplant was built to be luxuriously smooth to ride and that is exactly what you get. This compact-by-design engine offers more power and still keeps Honda’s legendary reliability and at an affordable price. Taking styling cues from Honda’s Dakar Rally motorcycle, the Honda CFR250L has a Rally inspired suspension setup.

The front forks are 43mm inverted, with long-travel Showa shocks. The rear suspension has a single pro-link shock and 261mm of travel. The front suspension is rated with 280mm of travel, and the result is not bad on gravel tracks. Speaking of tracks, the Honda CRF250L has 21-inch front wheels and 18-inch rear wheels, so it can truly devour the miles.

On the Rally version, the front brake is larger and it comes with a windscreen, hand guards, and a skid plate. These add to the rugged look and to the already remarkable reliability. The Honda CRF250L is a favourite because, it was made to last, and that shines through in this review. This trustworthy, admittedly slow little motorcycle really does take the whole small-capacity dual-sport, to a higher level – pushing the bar of what can be lightweight, affordable and dependable.

This off-road pocket rocket is the perfect beginner’s motorcycle. The Honda CRF250L is reliable, forgiving and incredibly responsive. Making it our top pick in the beginners dual-sport category on this list.

4. Yamaha YZF-R3

Topping the sport bike section of our list we have the Yamaha YZF-R3. Designed to look like their MotoGP cousins, the Yamaha YZF-R3 exudes a longstanding racing heritage. The Yamaha YZF-R3’s power-unit revs to an impressive 12 500rpm, and is a 321cc, DOHC, parallel-twin, with a 6-speed transmission.

The ride is very comfortable thanks to the non-adjustable suspension and the shock is spring-preloaded. This will handle almost every condition flawlessly. For track days, you should stiffen up the suspension and replace the Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tyres for something a bit grippier.  The standard wheels are 17-inches in the front and rear, and are mounted to non-adjustable KYB inverted forks.

The front shocks have 5.1-inches of travel, and the rear has 4.9-inches. The rear suspension is a linkage-assisted spring preloaded KYB shock. The Yamaha YZF-R3 has front and back disc brakes. The front disc brakes are 298mm and the rear has 220mm disc brakes. ABS is now standard on these motorcycles and all this is fixed to a tubular frame.

This motorcycle’s ergonomics are more upright than its sportier brothers, making it more comfortable for everyday riding. If what you want is to look sporty whilst being able to take on larger motorcycles in the turns, then this is the motorcycle for you. Weighing 375lbs it is heavier than some of the other motorcycles on this list, but the superior performance is worth the heavier weight.

Depending on how you ride it, or should we say however generous you are with the gas, this motorcycle is economical. With an estimated fuel economy of 56mpg – the payoff is not bad when you consider the performance at your disposal. The Yamaha YZF-R3 is available in four styles, and colour combinations. These are Team Yamaha Blue, Electric Teal, Monster Energy MotoGP Edition and Matte Stealth Black.

5. Yamaha XT250

Another veteran in the 250cc class is the Yamaha XT250. This legend was first released 40 years ago and the 2021 model is the 40^th anniversary edition. When Yamaha designed this motorcycle, the key was simplicity and reliability. This is abundantly obvious when after 40 years, this motorcycle is exactly the same.

This approachable, but serious off-road motorcycle has a very comfortable seat height of 32-inches. The Yamaha XT250 makes learning easier for beginners as well, with some great features besides the ride height including:

• Disc brakes
• Fuel injection
• Electric start

The Yamaha XT250 is also great for city commutes. With the easy ride height and comfortable stance, this motorcycle will get you just about anywhere you choose. The suspension travel and great handling will make even the bumpiest roads a breeze to get through. The front suspension has 9-inches of travel, whilst in the rear there are 7-inches.

The front suspension has 35mm non-adjustable forks and in the rear, there is a linkage-assisted, rebound-damping, spring-preloaded adjustable shock. At the end pf the suspension you will find Bridgestone Trail Wing tires. These tyres are connected to a 21-inch wheel in the front and an 18-inch wheel in the rear and are designed to handle dirt roads.

If you are traveling extensively in the city on paved roads then, you may want to change these tyres for something more comfortable. On the gravel is where this dual-sport veteran will really shine. It won’t win any races, but as a beginner that’s not what you want now is it? Simply put this motorcycle was not built for speed.

It was designed to be a functional, simple, reliable and lightweight. This is clear when looking at the chassis. If you want a little, economical, jack of all trades then this is the one for you. The Yamaha XT250 is just at home on the gravel trails as it is on the city streets.

6. Kawasaki Ninja 300

Introduced by Kawasaki in 2012, and sold throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America, as the replacement for the Kawasaki Ninja 250R – the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is one of the most popular motorcycles in its class. The motorcycle takes design cues, from Kawasaki’s race team and the aggressive styling is indicative of the designs used in MotoGP.

The engine is a 296cc, straight twin, capable of 39 hp and 20lb-ft of torque at 10 000rpm. This all boils down to a top speed of 112mph – more than fast and powerful enough for highway riding. This little green rocket really comes alive on the windy roads and short looping tracks. This is thanks to the suspension and tyre setup.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has a 37mm telescopic fork allowing 4.7-inches of travel in the front and 5.1-inches in the rear. The rear suspension has 5-way adjustable preloaded, Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, suspension with a gas charged shock. The wheels are both 17-inches, and have 110/70-17 M-C 54S (front) and 140/70-17 M/C 66S (Rear) tyres.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has front and back disc brakes. The front disc is a 290mm petal disc, with one balanced actuation dual-piston. The rear disc is a 220mm petal disc with dual-piston callipers. The seat height is comfortable, at 30.8-inches, with 5.5-inches of ground clearance. Weighing in at 383.6lbs (Wet) the Kawasaki Ninja 300 may be slightly heavier than others, but that is made up for with the 3.8-gallon gas tank.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 does offer some very good fuel milage, with 66 mpg, a comfortable ride, and a fun riding experience. The only drawback is the full fairing – with only one fall or drop translating to a very expensive mistake. Overall, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 deserves its place on this list and should be a serious contender when choosing a sport bike. This motorcycle is not only suited to beginners, and is simply a phenomenal piece of machinery.

7. Suzuki GSX-250R

Suzuki are perpetual newcomers in the 250cc-300cc class. The one major difference is that they have the only 250cc motorcycle in this category. In contrast to other sport motorcycles on this list, the Suzuki GSX-250R isn’t as easy to compare. The fairing adds to the sporty look of the Suzuki GSX-250R, but could be a costly mistake waiting to happen.

The seat height is comfortable at 31.3-inches and the easy feel of the controls make riding this motorcycle a pleasure. The riding position is rather aggressive, but not so much so that you will need a chiropractor after a long ride. This 4-stroke, SOHC, liquid cooled, parallel twin – with 2 valves per cylinder, 249cc, provides 24.7hp, with 17lb-ft of torque.

The powerplant is bolted to a 6-speed transmission, with a wet, multi-plate clutch. The electronic fuel injection and electric start make this motorcycle a start-and-go anytime ride. With a wet weight of 392.4lbs it is heavier than the other sport motorcycles on this list. The weight is thanks to the build quality and a conscious decision by Suzuki to build this motorcycle to last.

The suspension in the front is a telescopic fork connected to a 290mm disc with dual-callipers. The rear suspension is a Monoshock with adjustable damping, connected to a 240mm disc with a single calliper. The 17-inch wheels are wrapped in 110/80-17 57H tires on the front and 140/70-17 66H tires on the back.  This allows for a ground clearance of 6.3-inches, higher than the other bikes, but more practical for novices.

The Suzuki GSX-250R may not be built for power, but handling is the name of the game. Granted the power is lower, and the motorcycle is heavier than the other bikes on this list, but the Suzuki GSX-250R more than makes up for it. This is the perfect sport-bike for anyone looking for something to learn on, before opting for something more powerful.

8. Kawasaki KLX250

Last on the list, but definitely not least, is the Kawasaki KLX250. This dual-sport has ridden the wave of recent popularity in this class. The motorcycle is a lighter by design, and is the most powerful engine on offer from Kawasaki in this segment. The Kawasaki KLX250 derives its seating position from its KX cousins, with the long suspension and large tyres.

The seat height is at 35-inches so using it in traffic is no issue. The front suspension is a 43mm telescopic fork, and it is compression adjustable. The front suspension offers an incredible 10-inches of suspension travel, with 9.1-inches in the rear and the rear suspension is fully adjustable. The suspension is connected to the front 21-inch tyre (3.00 x 21 51P) and to the rear 18-inch tyre (4.60 x 18 63P).

The brakes on the Kawasaki KLX250 are a petal-style disc that allows for “stop on a dime” braking. This dream from “Team Green” has a 249cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder engine with a 6-speed gearbox and wet clutch. The CDI digital ignition and electric start make this a very easy motorcycle to get on and go whenever you need.

The Keihin CVK34 carburettor, adds to the nostalgia when you fire up this engine with that iconic rumble.  All together weighing in at 304lbs (wet), the Kawasaki KLX250 is lightweight and functional on both tarmac and gravel. With its aggressive styling and rugged good looks, this motorcycle will turn heads on any surface.

The combination of enduro style handling and modern performance, make this motorcycle a dream on both the streets and the track. It is almost surprising how much fun Kawasaki can pack into this lightweight dual-sport motorcycle. Wherever your adventures take you and whatever you end up doing on this motorcycle, a smile is just about guaranteed.

The Bottom Line

No matter your age, weight, height or skill as a beginner there is a motorcycle for everyone. From aggressive sport bikes, to easy going standard bikes, to dual-sport, or rally, there is really no reason for anyone with the means to learn to ride a motorcycle. It should go without saying, but please, make sure to always wear protective equipment and take special caution to at the very least always wear a helmet.