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Riding a motorcycle is a liberating way to get around and explore. As such, choosing a beginner motorcycle is an important right of passage for new riders. However, while the used market is full of affordable, sensible first bikes, there are plenty of modern superbikes and hyperbikes well beyond the skills of a student rider. 

These five bikes are some of the worst examples of a beginner motorcycle– but they’re not alone

Unsurprisingly, these five world-class performance motorcycles are a horrible, potentially deadly group of mounts for a new rider. 

  • Yamaha YZF-R1
  • Ducati Panigale V4R
  • BMW S 1000 RR
  • Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
  • Kawasaki Ninja H2R

All of these motorcycles have a few qualities in common. For starters, they all have curb weights of around 500 lbs or way, way less. Next, they all have power outputs of about 200 or more horsepower. In the case of the supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2R, the 525-lb hyperbike produces 326 horsepower. Completely incompatible with a new rider. 

Without splitting hairs, a beginner motorcycle with a ballistic power-to-weight ratio is a really bad idea for a beginner motorcycle. The combination of inexperience, fearlessness, and a ferociously capable machine is a deadly one.

That said, a snarling, let-me-off-the-leash liter bike isn’t the only poor choice for a new rider. Let’s say you’re destined for highway cruising more so than canyon carving or track racing. Cool. That’s your prerogative. The worst kind of riding is not riding. However, cutting your teeth on an 800-lb bagger with over 100 lb-ft of torque might be a recipe for disaster.

In another scenario, you’ve landed your first high-paying job. You’re feeling the desire to buy a high-dollar, grandeur-dripping motorcycle. I implore you to fight that. A Paul Smart Ducati or Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide is much too pricey for a first-time rider who is likely to do something silly like drop the bike or have a low-speed crash.

You’re likely to make mistakes as a new biker. At the end of the day, the best beginner motorcycle is a well-maintained example of a small, affordable, and preferably used bike.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.