Starter Bikes

The following is a list of bikes considered good entry-level or starter bikes for the new rider. The reasons are varied, price, style, ergonomics, capabilities or whatever. All these bikes are current models. Older, discontinued models are not listed. We will try to add older models as we come across them.

+ = Writers choice for a great all-round bike to start on.

Honda CBR125R New to the Cdn. market this is an entry-level sport bike. Should be good to start you off without too much power to scare you.
+ Honda 599 This is a reliable workhorse of a bike. Very comfortable and easy to ride. It does have flexibility with after market bits available.
Honda CBR F4i (600cc) The basis of the Honda sport bike family. It may not have the style of the 600RR, but is a completely capable bike in the right hands. All the performance without the pain of most sport bikes.
Honda VFR800 One of the most versatile bikes ever. The VFR800 does everything well. For larger riders this bike is not too much to handle.
Honda VTX600 After the 250, this is the next in line for cruisers in size. V-twin power without too much size. Easy to handle.
+ Honda VT750 Shadow All the Honda Shadow series are good cruisers to start on. Easy to ride, plenty of style and good resale when you are ready to move up to something bigger.
Yamaha FZ-6 Standard / Sport with 600cc power. Easy and fun to ride with a comfortable riding position. A very flexible bike.

Yamaha YZF600R Sport bike style and performance with more comfort than serious sport bikes. An easy ride position.
Yamaha V-Star 650 Mid0size cruiser with lots of style and ability. Many models & extras to add on and an easy re-sale when you are ready to move up.
Yamaha XT225 We just like this one because we use them for training and they are fun to ride. A real workhorse of a motor. They take a licking and keep on ticking.
Kawasaki ZZR250 Entry-level sport bike for the beginner. This bike has been around for a long time and is a proven winner. Good resale as it is very popular.
+ Kawasaki EX500R Same as the 250 in that it is an entry-level standar/sport bike for the beginner. Also being around for a long time. The 500 will do a bit more than the 250 as it has room to grow. Good resale as it is very popular.
Kawasaki 650R In it’s second year of production (since ’06) this motor has yet to prove itself. But the concept is great. Entry-level price and performance with more style. Parallel 650 twin motor with more umph and style than the 500.
Kawasaki Versys 650 A different style but the same parallel 650 twin motor. More of a Euro-sport bike style with a versatile ride position.
Kawasaki Z750S One of the few 750 production sport / standards bike still made. A slightly aggressive ride position but not overly outrageous.
Kawasaki Vulcan 500 The only cruiser from Kawi we would recommend. A proven motor and small in stature. A good starter cruiser for sure.
Kawasaki KLR650 One of the best all-round dual sports. These bikes are hard to find in good shape. People seem to hang on to them and ride them hard. Good for taller people that want dual-sport abilities.
Kawasaki KLX250 The new generation of 4-stroke single cylinder motors. This bike has the ability to be lowered but with still plenty of power to do what you want.
+ Suzuki GS500 / F Available as a standard or the sport version. This 500cc Parallel twin motor has been around and is a proven winner. A great starter bike as it is an easy resale when you want more.
Suzuki Bandit 650S Sport / Standard 650 inline four. Ergonomically comfortable and very capable.
Suzuki Katana 600 Same as the Bandit but more in the sport tour category.
+ Suzuki SV650 (any version) A great all-round bike as well. V-twin power with different styles to choose from (Sport or Standard). A good package with room for performance when you want more.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 The same motor as the SV but in a more dual-sport package. Emphasis on sport. More like what they call Euro-sport. This bike will do everything well.
Suzuki DRZ400SM If you want something just a little different. The 400 Super Moto is a great place to start.
BMW F650 / G650 (any model) BMW offers their proven 650 single cylinder in a variety of styles. A little more expensive but a great choice with versatility being the key here.
BMW F800S/ST New this year is the 800cc parallel twin with belt drive. Available in a sport and a sport tour version.