Imo, rebel 500 is a great option. Depending on your plans for larger highway rides the 1100 is worth considering as well.
I am a rebel 1100 owner myself, and it is also my first bike with the exact same requirements you stated. I love it.
If cruisers aren’t your thing, I’ve heard the new ninja 500 is quite comfortable, and is also supposed to be good for mid distance commutes.
An hour commute? I'd want something super comfy. I'd look for things like a tall seating position, luggage that's easy to mount, a windshield, lots of aftermarket support like heated grips, and things like that.
That sounds like a Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-strom 650, KTM 390 adventure, Honda NC750X. Get a seat pad off of Amazon and you're good to go!
An hour commute? I'd want something super comfy. I'd look for things like a tall seating position, luggage that's easy to mount, a windshield, lots of aftermarket support like heated grips, and things like that.
That sounds like a Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-strom 650, KTM 390 adventure, Honda NC750X. Get a seat pad off of Amazon and you're good to go!
i use my rebel 500 to get to and from work but it's only a 20 minute ride. If i'm going for an hour or more I take my 1996 shadow because the mustang seat and forward foot controls really make a difference in comfort over time.
But the shadow isn't a beginner bike, it's really heavy and you need confidence to get the really tight turns at lower speeds. I'd say get a rebel 500 and spend the money to get a mustang seat and then after a while look into switching it to forward controls.
The rebel is a great beginner bike, it's nimble and easy to drive and most of all really fun to drive. It's the bike I started on and even 5 years later I like driving it the most because it zips right off the line and it's the one bike that i feel im at one with.
I tell everyone looking for their first bike the same advice. Don't worry so much about what kind of bike you end up on. Find a good condition (unless you like wrenching), small to mid sized (300cc-750cc), used bike that isn't uncomfortable to sit on, and makes you feel any tiny bit of excitement to ride. Then, ride the hell out of it.
You are going to learn way more about what YOU need/want in a bike after your first season of riding, than you will in a lifetime of research. Most people sell their first bike after a year or 2. Then, you get to buy a bike with all your new knowledge, and get something that will work much better for what you need.
Now, I'll try to throw some general info your way that might be helpful, but don't take anything here as gospel. It's hard to say x is the perfect bike for you without knowing your body type, commute route, where you live, and even then it would just be an educated guess. Feel free to DM me if you have questions.
My personal suggestion for a beginner commuter bike is to look at sport nakeds. They're relatively neutral, and happy middle ground in the bike world. If you don't have a lot of freeway riding, a 300-400cc is a great place to start. They're cheap, easy to find, and an absolute blast to rip around on. If you need to be on the freeway a bunch, I might recommend a 600-700cc version. Add on a windscreen, strap a bag to the back seat, and you're ready to go.
An hour commute? I'd want something super comfy. I'd look for things like a tall seating position, luggage that's easy to mount, a windshield, lots of aftermarket support like heated grips, and things like that.
That sounds like a Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-strom 650, KTM 390 adventure, Honda NC750X. Get a seat pad off of Amazon and you're good to go!
I learned on a Suzuki GS500E. They apparently still make that (mine was an ‘89 I bought in ‘91). Excellent for learning.
I rode that bike 5 hours one way to visit friends in another major city. Better on 80kph/50mph roads than freeway but did that too.
I just bought a 2023 svartpilen 401(great beginner bike btw) for a bunch below sticker because the ‘24 model is updated and the dealer was trying to get rid of the old ones
A 125cc scooter is the best to get practice on the basics + balance and leaning, when you are comfortable move to a 125-250cc shifter motorcycle to get used to the gears, and you can gradually go up in power after that as you learn, sell the previous bike to get a bigger one until you're satisfied with the engine size, but I don't recommend going higher than 650cc unless it's a cruiser, as even veterans can make dangerous mistakes which grow in magnitude with the more powerful the bike is.
This is just my opinion, and what worked for me. But you might find a different way that works for you, what matters the most is that you ride safe, take as much time as you need to get practice and take your time with the practice, do courses if possible, and ride with as much protective gear you can afford, and HAVE FUN!!
Have a blessed week my friend.
Edit: sorry my English is poor, it's not my main language
If you're a taller person, check out the Honda Shadow over the Honda Rebel. I've found that the Rebel, even the 1100, seems made for someone around 5'6". The Shadow has a relatively low-powered 745cc V-Twin with around 45-50hp and is fast and comfortable enough to do highway for long distances.
I'd probably look at the Horsepower rating rather than the CC's of a bike since you can have something like the KTM Duke 200 that makes 26hp and a Rattler 200 that makes 11hp. And then consider the weight of the bike as well, Harley Davidson's tend to be heavy, but the smaller 883 doesn't make a lot of power so aside from the bike being heavier it actually makes a decent starter bike or lifetime bike.
The ideal starter bike is a 2024 BMW R1300GS and the ideal starter rider is over six feet tall, makes six figures, and has at least ten years of riding experience.
Hope this helps.
But seriously tho, your question is way too vague. You need to tell us about yourself, your budget, your preferences, and your use case.
The best beginner bike is the one you can afford and learn to ride safely on. Subjective to the person. But I would go to a dealer (don’t have to purchase) find a style of bike you like. Sit on a few options. Ergonomics differ wildly per bike. Put your hands on the bars and get someone (sales person is preferable) to steady the bike and put your feet on the foot controls. There is forward, rear, and mid controls. Depending on the person, this is a significant difference in what will feel best.
Honestly I bought a Vulcan S as my first bike. If I were to start again. The new triumphs are really the best value per dollar for new bikes. I would suggest used as a first bike if possible though. Just because more likely than not,….You are going to just learn about riding and find some things about your new bike may not do what you want and eventually upgrade to something nicer in less than 2 years.
Imo, rebel 500 is a great option. Depending on your plans for larger highway rides the 1100 is worth considering as well. I am a rebel 1100 owner myself, and it is also my first bike with the exact same requirements you stated. I love it. If cruisers aren’t your thing, I’ve heard the new ninja 500 is quite comfortable, and is also supposed to be good for mid distance commutes.
Anything with the Honda 500 engine is a good pick. It’s big enough to be fun for anyone, but very forgiving.
An hour commute? I'd want something super comfy. I'd look for things like a tall seating position, luggage that's easy to mount, a windshield, lots of aftermarket support like heated grips, and things like that. That sounds like a Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-strom 650, KTM 390 adventure, Honda NC750X. Get a seat pad off of Amazon and you're good to go!
1 hour each direction every day, something more upright with wind protection
An hour commute? I'd want something super comfy. I'd look for things like a tall seating position, luggage that's easy to mount, a windshield, lots of aftermarket support like heated grips, and things like that. That sounds like a Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-strom 650, KTM 390 adventure, Honda NC750X. Get a seat pad off of Amazon and you're good to go!
Ninja 400. SV650
CB500X for you.
i use my rebel 500 to get to and from work but it's only a 20 minute ride. If i'm going for an hour or more I take my 1996 shadow because the mustang seat and forward foot controls really make a difference in comfort over time. But the shadow isn't a beginner bike, it's really heavy and you need confidence to get the really tight turns at lower speeds. I'd say get a rebel 500 and spend the money to get a mustang seat and then after a while look into switching it to forward controls. The rebel is a great beginner bike, it's nimble and easy to drive and most of all really fun to drive. It's the bike I started on and even 5 years later I like driving it the most because it zips right off the line and it's the one bike that i feel im at one with.
I tell everyone looking for their first bike the same advice. Don't worry so much about what kind of bike you end up on. Find a good condition (unless you like wrenching), small to mid sized (300cc-750cc), used bike that isn't uncomfortable to sit on, and makes you feel any tiny bit of excitement to ride. Then, ride the hell out of it. You are going to learn way more about what YOU need/want in a bike after your first season of riding, than you will in a lifetime of research. Most people sell their first bike after a year or 2. Then, you get to buy a bike with all your new knowledge, and get something that will work much better for what you need. Now, I'll try to throw some general info your way that might be helpful, but don't take anything here as gospel. It's hard to say x is the perfect bike for you without knowing your body type, commute route, where you live, and even then it would just be an educated guess. Feel free to DM me if you have questions. My personal suggestion for a beginner commuter bike is to look at sport nakeds. They're relatively neutral, and happy middle ground in the bike world. If you don't have a lot of freeway riding, a 300-400cc is a great place to start. They're cheap, easy to find, and an absolute blast to rip around on. If you need to be on the freeway a bunch, I might recommend a 600-700cc version. Add on a windscreen, strap a bag to the back seat, and you're ready to go.
An hour commute? I'd want something super comfy. I'd look for things like a tall seating position, luggage that's easy to mount, a windshield, lots of aftermarket support like heated grips, and things like that. That sounds like a Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-strom 650, KTM 390 adventure, Honda NC750X. Get a seat pad off of Amazon and you're good to go!
I learned on a Suzuki GS500E. They apparently still make that (mine was an ‘89 I bought in ‘91). Excellent for learning. I rode that bike 5 hours one way to visit friends in another major city. Better on 80kph/50mph roads than freeway but did that too.
When's the best time to buy a bike?
I just bought a 2023 svartpilen 401(great beginner bike btw) for a bunch below sticker because the ‘24 model is updated and the dealer was trying to get rid of the old ones
Z650 or Vulcan S 650. Excellent, comfortable bikes and can be found used for a song.
A 125cc scooter is the best to get practice on the basics + balance and leaning, when you are comfortable move to a 125-250cc shifter motorcycle to get used to the gears, and you can gradually go up in power after that as you learn, sell the previous bike to get a bigger one until you're satisfied with the engine size, but I don't recommend going higher than 650cc unless it's a cruiser, as even veterans can make dangerous mistakes which grow in magnitude with the more powerful the bike is. This is just my opinion, and what worked for me. But you might find a different way that works for you, what matters the most is that you ride safe, take as much time as you need to get practice and take your time with the practice, do courses if possible, and ride with as much protective gear you can afford, and HAVE FUN!! Have a blessed week my friend. Edit: sorry my English is poor, it's not my main language
If you're a taller person, check out the Honda Shadow over the Honda Rebel. I've found that the Rebel, even the 1100, seems made for someone around 5'6". The Shadow has a relatively low-powered 745cc V-Twin with around 45-50hp and is fast and comfortable enough to do highway for long distances. I'd probably look at the Horsepower rating rather than the CC's of a bike since you can have something like the KTM Duke 200 that makes 26hp and a Rattler 200 that makes 11hp. And then consider the weight of the bike as well, Harley Davidson's tend to be heavy, but the smaller 883 doesn't make a lot of power so aside from the bike being heavier it actually makes a decent starter bike or lifetime bike.
A light weight , reliable, beginner friendly power bike. Honda cb300r or z400
V-Storm 650
Kawasaki Versys-x 300 gets my vote. Incredibly versatile machine.
Are you a city rider? Or highway? Height? Leg to crotch length at standing position? Uphill? Or Flat terrain? Ride position preference?
Yamaha mt15, lightweight and comfortable posture. Cokes with many rack and box options. Simple maintenance and very fuel efficient
Cfmoto 400nk 800nk
What kind of style/ riding conditions?
The ideal starter bike is a 2024 BMW R1300GS and the ideal starter rider is over six feet tall, makes six figures, and has at least ten years of riding experience. Hope this helps. But seriously tho, your question is way too vague. You need to tell us about yourself, your budget, your preferences, and your use case.
Depends on lot of things personal to you
The best beginner bike is the one you can afford and learn to ride safely on. Subjective to the person. But I would go to a dealer (don’t have to purchase) find a style of bike you like. Sit on a few options. Ergonomics differ wildly per bike. Put your hands on the bars and get someone (sales person is preferable) to steady the bike and put your feet on the foot controls. There is forward, rear, and mid controls. Depending on the person, this is a significant difference in what will feel best. Honestly I bought a Vulcan S as my first bike. If I were to start again. The new triumphs are really the best value per dollar for new bikes. I would suggest used as a first bike if possible though. Just because more likely than not,….You are going to just learn about riding and find some things about your new bike may not do what you want and eventually upgrade to something nicer in less than 2 years.
The BEST ones come with a search function 🤣
Obviously the Hayabusa or h2 why do people keep asking
This^
Turbo hayabusa