Unlike the 600 Mercedes that were well known in Russia in the 1990s, motorcycles from the “six hundred” category are among the most affordable. What road classics in this size can be purchased in Russia in the spring of 2012?
Igor Vladimirov
A few words. Classics in our “narrow” understanding and “automotive” approach to the issue are fairly universal motorcycles that represent a kind of compromise that allows you to move equally well around the city and on the highway, that is, on the highway. In a word, “station wagons” for those who like to be nimble around the city and feel confident on the highway. It is clear that in the city it is easier to travel on narrower and lighter motorcycles, for example, motards and enduros, as well as “dual-purpose” motorcycles (which is more important for many Russian cities), but they lose in speed and controllability on country roads. But classics (neoclassics) always remain classics, so let’s see what leading manufacturers are now offering us through distributors. For those who did not know or have forgotten, let us remind you that today motorcycles from the “classic” series can also be called “city”, “road”, etc., each seller (or manufacturer) positions the class of their motorcycles in a slightly different way . Much confusion with the classification is especially noted in Russia. Therefore, we will not go into the nuances of the types, subspecies and genera of motorcycles, but just look at which of the motorcycle rides you can use today to equally successfully travel around the metropolis to work and at the same time quickly “bullet” along the highway.
HONDA
Honda CBF600 - excellent equipment and comfort © Photo: Honda
Among the mass of motorcycles that Honda offers today, we get from the “classic six hundred” models CBF600SA and CB600FA Hornet. Unlike the well-known “CB” of the 90s, the new generation can be called “highly advanced”, although the legendary handling of the previous CBs still remains unsurpassed; it’s not for nothing that in many motorcycle schools abroad you can often still find CBs in the role of the educational apparatus. What is attractive about motorcycles in this series today? Handling, which even a neophyte will seem “primitive” and safe, but at the same time, even the elder will find a lot of tasty things in these motorcycles, mainly thanks to the engine and suspension.
TOP 10 best motorcycles for a beginner in 2022
Due to differences in classes, as well as the fact that everyone’s financial capabilities are different, we tried to form our TOP motorcycles for beginners based on a balance of criteria such as stylistic preferences, price and technical characteristics. Moreover, the last point does not imply the best performance in its class, but its optimality for those who are just learning to drive a motorcycle or have minimal experience. And we looked for such “cars” based on a couple per type - a budget option and a more expensive model, as well as, if possible, the closest alternatives. So, let's go have a look...
Yamaha YBR125
Yamaha began producing this lightweight, small-capacity road motorcycle back in 2004, and to date, 4 generations have been presented. This is a truly universal model that will be easy for a beginner to handle, even if she is a fragile girl. If we take into account reliability, controllability, stability, convenience and dynamism, then this is the best that a beginner can buy with only 72,000 rubles (on the secondary market).
But it’s not for nothing that “Yubrik” is called so affectionately; for a large guy or man it will not be entirely comfortable, so if you have dimensions of 185 cm, 90 kg and have an additional 35,000 rubles in reserve, we advise you to take a closer look at its direct competitor - updated Honda CB125. It is slightly larger, similar in design and characteristics (torque is even slightly larger), and also has a very useful feature for a beginner - a gear indicator (shows not only “neutral”, but also a specific gear).
Bajaj Dominar 400
In the heavier and more expensive segment, the competition is much higher, but the product of the Indian concern is more suitable for a beginner due to its relatively calm nature (when compared with analogues of the KTM series). Last year, the engine of this model received two camshafts and became “heavier” to 40 hp. at 35 N/m. The exhaust system was adjusted, a 43-mm upside-down fork was installed, and the instrument panel was modified. In good condition, you can try to find such a used Bajaj for 230,000-250,000 rubles.
Accordingly, the main competitor of “Dominar” in the road motorcycle category – the BMW G310R, with a cost of 72,000-85,000 rubles more and much more expensive maintenance, can now rely only on its own “branding” and... still a slightly higher quality assembly.
Honda PCX150
Scooters are a very difficult category to choose. The abundance of manufacturers and the incredible variety of characteristics, as well as regular updates, make any rating subjective and of little relevance. But, if you remember the price, characteristics “for a beginner,” and also focus only on models that have already proven themselves, then you can settle on this Honda for 180,000-220,000 rubles. No longer a small-capacity vehicle, but not yet a “sofa”, thanks to the 14 wheels, this “Maksik” feels great in the city and suburbs, where a 150 cc engine can accelerate it to 120 km/h, and water cooling will prevent overheating.
An alternative in the category could be: an inexpensive fuel-injected Honda Pantheon 150 (if you can find this old model in acceptable condition); slightly more expensive than the Yamaha NM-X125.
Piaggio MP3300
Among the more expensive scooters aimed at a beginner, it would be right to highlight this Italian model with a slightly futuristic design. Its special feature is two wheels at the front, which, due to the special suspension design, can move at different levels and provide excellent stability. Although this is a tricycle, the wheels are located close together, so maneuverability and maneuverability in the city are excellent. The cruising speed of the 300 cc version on the highway is about 110-120 km/h, which is not very convenient on highways, but overall it is enough. The cost of an MP3, depending on the year and condition, fluctuates around 215,000 rubles for a used 250 and above.
If you believe the rumors about the bad behavior of such “undertrikes”, pay attention to the neo-retro Vespa GTS Super 300 IE for the same money or the SYM Joymax 300 (about 72,000 rubles cheaper).
Honda Steed 400/600
Choosing a cruiser for a beginner is even more difficult than choosing a scooter. Here the weight of the motorcycle, and therefore the confidence in driving without experience, directly depends on the cubic capacity. At the same time, small-capacity cruisers are such only in name and appearance, but in reality, the same road cruisers with lower and higher heights are definitely not suitable. But the Steed from HONDA is something, thanks to its incredible reliability and very low seat height. This motorcycle is also very popular because it can be tuned endlessly. Production ended in the early 2000s, but with proper care and maintenance, a 40-year-old Honda Steed is not a problem, and you can buy such a device from 180,000 rubles.
The design of the motorcycle is quite comfortable for people with different anthropometry. But if for some reason you don’t really like this model, then you can always choose something from the range that is a little more expensive - Yamaha Virago or DragStar.
Kawasaki Vulcan S
For many novice motorcyclists, one of the main problems is starting. We get lost surrounded by cars, we are afraid of stalling at a traffic light, we worry about it and... we stall when it turns green. The high-speed cruiser “Vulcan” can start with virtually no throttle, which will add confidence to the beginner, and the ABS system (optional) will forgive mistakes when braking. If you consider that a brand new 650 cc Kawasaki, along with all its advantages, costs “only” 540,000-580,000 rubles, then you can take a closer look at representatives of the same price and power range of the Suzuki Intruder series or the “shadow” (Honda Shadow ). And for fans of the most famous name in the cruiser/chopper category, we recommend the relatively new Harley-Davidson Street 750.
Yamaha WR250R
An instructor should tell you how to choose an off-road motorcycle. But the presented soft-enduro, a “civilian” version of a lightweight cross-country motorcycle, is certainly suitable even for a beginner. This lightweight bike, with good handling and water cooling, is unlikely to jump over logs or climb rocks, but it rides great on light off-road conditions and allows you to practice the necessary skills. At the same time, there won’t be any particular problems on a track with a hard, even surface. Plus, this model has a wide variety of family, over time you can switch to the WR250F hard or WR250X motard. The cost of a used motorcycle in good condition is from 200,000 rubles.
Suzuki RM-Z450
A cross-country motorcycle with a fairly calm character for 450 cc. It is unlikely that you will be able to win immediately and against everyone at motocross competitions with it, but you can definitely become a confident user of this type of equipment. For a beginner, it’s better to take the version after 2005, when the model was equipped with an improved engine with fuel injection and a 5-speed gearbox. They also improved the chassis, suspension and lightened the frame. The average price of a “cross bike” in recent years is up to 720,000 rubles; a used one can be found for half the price. Main competitors: Honda CRF450R, Kawasaki KX450F and Yamaha YZ450F
CF-Moto 650 TK
A category such as budget motorcycles for beginners in the touring class might be an unattainable dream. However, the Chinese motorcycle industry, that part of it that makes (relatively) normal equipment, comes to the rescue. Good endurance, well-thought-out design, ABS is already in the database, a lot of spare parts stores in Russia, the world and the Internet, and a price of about 400,000 rubles will allow you to start mastering motorcycle routes for thousands of kilometers (or at least hundreds) at once. The main thing is not to spare money on maintenance.
We find it difficult to name something similar in this class that is equally reliable, inexpensive and controllable!
Kawasaki Versys 650, BMW F800GT and Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
If the budget is not limited, then the choice of a touring motorcycle will depend on the intended routes and preferred riding style. Therefore, in this category we present you with three options to choose from - enduro tour for 600,000-650,000 rubles, classic tour for 720,000 and sports tour for 1,080,000 rubles. respectively. Listing the advantages of these models is long and tedious, but there is a lot of information about them on the Internet, so you can choose the type that you like and carefully study the characteristics and reviews.
Or go off the beaten path and ride the Honda Gold Wing, although choosing a roughly 400-kilogram motorcycle as your first choice requires considerable size and strength, or an enormous ego.
CB600 Hornet
Honda CBF600 Hornet - you can misbehave, or you can just ride © Photo: Honda
The motor is approximately the same, but the power and torque are increased. Refers to nikes, that is, “naked.” But, in principle, it is suitable for both the city and the highway. The “push and push” of the engine, as well as a rigid frame and good brakes make this motorcycle desirable for those who like to ride fast in different conditions.
What are the classes of motorcycles?
If all of the above doesn’t scare you and the question of how to choose your first motorcycle is still relevant for you, it’s time to get acquainted with the classes of two-wheeled vehicles, because they are the ones who determine applicability.
Road motorcycles
"Classics of the genre". Their design is as versatile as possible, and such a motorcycle can be ridden around the city, on the highway, and, with some luck, even on off-road dirt roads. Simplicity and convenience of controls, the most upright landing, mostly average size, power and dynamics, although there are “slopes” up and down. They often have standard safety features and small glove compartments for tools. It is almost always possible to install additional components, such as luggage racks, wardrobe trunks, cigarette lighters, and so on.
Please note that in recent years, “road bikes” have begun to be styled as sportbikes and “street bikes” with the help of a plastic or metal body kit, but the character of such models and design features will not allow them to fully “chase” or stunt. So if you are crazy about “sports”, but are a neophyte in the motorcycle world, this is a good alternative for the first season.
Cruisers
This class and its variety, choppers, are associated with the concept of “bikers” and are often called “Harleys” by the domestic public. A loose fit, an abundance of chrome, smooth and impressive contours, a solid size, a low center of gravity, and often wheels of different diameters and widths prevent them from being confused with anything else. Heavy cruisers are designed for quiet driving over long distances, but their medium- and small-capacity versions are quite suitable for daily use.
Another thing is that the impressive size, weight and landing features can create some difficulties for a beginner, especially in the city. Therefore, if you are in love with this class, we recommend starting with lighter and simpler models, especially since selling them on the secondary market will not be a problem later.
Scooter
Their main technical and visual feature is the hooded body and the power unit shifted to the rear wheel. Together, this allows you to protect the driver, passenger and units from splashes and wind, as well as provide luggage space, which is sometimes quite impressive. But the skin is mostly plastic, suffers from stones and debris flying from the road, and cracks from vibrations, which significantly spoils the visual appeal. Wheel sizes vary from 10 inches on small models to 13-15 inches on maxi scooters
Most modern models are equipped with a variator, that is, there is no need to change gears. And if the goal is to get comfortable on the road, to get used to the presence of other road users, then this is the best motorcycle for beginners, especially considering the variety of sizes and characteristics.
Scooteretta
A kind of hybrid of a light road bike and a scooter. Most models have a semi-automatic transmission (there is a switch, but no clutch lever), wheels with a diameter of 16-17 inches, a motorcycle engine with a volume of 50-125 cm3, a chain drive and a partially hooded body.
Honda Cuper Cab, its most famous clone - Viper Active and many of its Chinese brothers are very popular in the periphery, guaranteeing low fuel consumption and relatively calm overcoming of any roads, even dirt tracks.
Off-road motorcycles
Long-travel suspension, “serious” large-diameter tires, significant ground clearance - everything you need to not pay attention to the surface and the presence of the road as a whole. But full-fledged cross-country motorcycles and “hard enduro” are not intended for riding on public roads. They have high windage, short service life, terrible stability on flat hard surfaces, a small tank and low cruising speed.
You should choose a “clean” SUV as your first motorcycle only when you strive to conquer “virgin lands” on a regular basis or live in the wilderness. But, in the category there are “civilian” versions - universal motorcycles with less cross-country ability, but more suitable for developed roads. And most importantly, such models are equipped with all the necessary lighting equipment and are certified.
Sportbikes
We have already said that a sports motorcycle is suitable for a beginner only if it is mastered on an equipped track and under the supervision of an experienced instructor. Anything that can rightfully be called a sportbike is too powerful, fast, heavy and unsafe (arch bars and sliders are absent here, and often impossible even as an option).
Additionally, true sports bikes are often made with expensive materials and technology, and their initial cost is much higher than most other classes. And due to the high risk of falls, we strongly do not recommend buying such a bike first - even if everything ends well for the owner, thoughts about the cost of repairs will discourage the love of motor riding for a long time.
Tourers
Touring motorcycles are not the best choice as a first choice. With a lot of advantages, an attractive appearance, and a bunch of useful options, they have two serious drawbacks for beginners - very heavy weight and an extremely “toothy” price tag. The class is divided into three types according to purpose and use:
- Luxury tourers – for long distances and ideal surfaces.
- Tour-enduro – off-road motorcycles for “green tourism” (the large weight of two wheels does not allow such equipment to be a full-fledged “all-terrain vehicle”);
- Sports-touring motorcycles are a hybrid of a tourist, a cruiser and a sportbike, which can cost the same as all of them combined.
But, since many people ride a motorcycle for long trips and a sense of freedom, we will still include a couple of “adequate” models in our rating of motorcycles for beginners.
Suzuki
Suzuki Bandit © Photo: Suzuki
If we talk about Suzuki, then you can’t do without the “Bandit”, although the displacement here exceeds 600 cubic meters, almost the volume of a scooter’s engine, which can be driven without a license. The engines of this motorcycle, which can be bought from us in the GSF650SA and GSF650A versions, have a glorious pedigree and no less decent external characteristics. Good torque and maximum power, coupled with a good frame and suspension, also allow it to be used both as a city motorcycle (Street) and as a space eater on the highway.
Suzuki Bandit S © Photo: Suzuki
Another candidate for city dwellers who occasionally travel out of town is the GSX650. This motorcycle is something between “classic” and “sport”, i.e. allows you to drive well and confidently dart between cars. The plastic body kit on the highway protects well from the wind and reduces aerodynamic drag, while in urban conditions it does not interfere at all.
Suzuki GSX650 © Photo: Suzuki
Naykids
Many naked bikes are stripped down sportbikes , and they can do things that no classic road bike can do! Although the street class, or naked class, also includes ordinary “road cars”, which are emphatically devoid of a plastic body kit. The obvious disadvantage of this approach is the complete lack of protection from headwinds, so driving for a long time at high speed will be uncomfortable. But it usually looks very stylish, and if it falls, you won’t have to worry about the safety of the plastic due to its absence. And, if you are wondering which motorcycle to buy for short trips, naked bikes may be a good choice. Just keep in mind that most of them have a powerful engine, and it is better to look in the direction of such equipment for those who already have driving experience behind them.
Yamaha
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion © Photo: Yamaha
In the class of road motorcycles, Yamaha positions us with three models at once. This, oddly enough, is VMax (a separate song in terms of the classification of this motorcycle, which dates back to the previous model of the 1980s), as well as FZ1, FZ8 and XJ6. Today we are only interested in the 600 cc XJ6 model, also known as “Diversion”. We sell it in two versions, like many “classics” from other manufacturers - with and without a body kit. The body kit is quite conventional compared to sports models, but it is quite enough to feel good at high speeds.
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion © Photo: Yamaha
The controllability of the XJ6 allows it to be successfully used by both beginners and motorcycle elders, because for a neophyte it is simple, but for an experienced driver it allows them to unlock their full potential and race well if desired. Good torque, a comfortable fit and a good seat allow you to use the XJ6 not only for short distances, but also for long distances. The bike handles well and has enough comfort to keep you feeling fresh after a long ride. In short, the XJ6 is a good choice both as a first motorcycle and as a daily vehicle for those who are already tired of the nervousness of “sports”.
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion © Photo: Yamaha
Retro
In general, retro technology within this class is practically no different from the above-mentioned examples. The main and almost the only difference lies in the vintage appearance, so dear to the hearts of antique lovers. Although there are exceptions like the Kawasaki W650, the creators of which not only gave it old-fashioned features, but also equipped it with equally archaic brakes, and in combination with a rather powerful engine. But such equipment is still well suited for the role of a motorcycle for every day, because the best motorcycle for the city is the one that you enjoy riding! And how exactly it will look is up to you to decide. Some people like futuristic modern bikes, while others are in awe of the classics of the 60s of the last century.
Kawasaki
This manufacturer has only one model that matches our current choice - a series of two modifications of the ER6 with and without a body kit. This motorcycle at one time grew out of the ER5, which rightfully earned a good reputation for its simplicity and ease of operation. The modern ER6 also handles well, has a high level of comfort and... a very original appearance. One of its features is a comfortable fit for people of any height.
Kawasaki ER6 © Photo: Kawasaki
A well-balanced suspension and a powerful engine provide the proper level of comfort both in urban conditions and outside the city. Winding country paths are also easy for him, the main thing is not to get carried away, because... he doesn’t really like broken roads on standard tires, however, like all “classics”, which are primarily designed for asphalt or, in extreme cases, good, hard ground. The displacement, just like the Bandit, is more “for a scooter” than 600 cubic meters. What is tempting...
An interesting model from the “true classic” series, made in a “retro” (more like “vintage”) style, is the W800, but, unfortunately, today it is not included in our review due to its “voluminous” engine.
So, today, out of the “six hundred”, it is possible to buy mainly only the products of the well-known Japanese quartet. All models are of decent quality and will bring pleasure from owning and driving to completely different people, i.e. will meet most of their requests.
Kawasaki ER6 © Photo: Kawasaki
Of course, they are not suitable for fans of “sports”, as well as fans of mixed mud, but they will be useful in life to those who need a motorcycle as an everyday and quiet vehicle - from point A to point B with minimal losses, but not without receiving positive emotions ...
Many companies today produce road motorcycles, which we today call classics (let conservatives forgive us this liberty). This is Triumph with its airy 800s, and Aprilia with 750 cc engines, and Dukati, and BMW, etc., but “six hundred”, as it turns out, are not that many, it will be easier to choose.
Kawasaki ER6 © Photo: Kawasaki
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Choosing a motorcycle for the city
Driving at speed and off-road is significantly different from driving on busy city streets. We invite you to find out which motorcycle is best to choose for the city, namely, which type of transport will be as safe, economical, and easy to drive as possible.
Before you start choosing a motorcycle for the city, it is worth selecting the most important criteria for choosing a vehicle that will guide your purchase. Among them:
- motorcycle class;
- engine type and size;
- suspension type;
- transmission;
- additional functionality;
- appearance.
At the end of the review, we will provide the best motorcycle models for the city, giving them a brief description - after reading the article, choosing a suitable motorcycle for riding on city streets will not be difficult.
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Which motorcycles are better not to buy?
We won’t say categorically that a beginner won’t be able to handle any particular motorcycle. After all, in addition to objective factors, there are also subjective ones, for example, one’s own perseverance. Quite a few experienced motorcyclists started their journey with heavy “Urals” without a sidecar, powerful “one and a half trucks” scattered along the road from the interior of cheap “Chinese” cars or always sick “Voskhods”. And besides luck, there is a comparison. Example - the Honda Rebel is considered the most unsuccessful model of the brand in its class, but at the same time it will give odds to many representatives of the global automobile industry, and not only the Asian “no-names” and the Soviet “oldies”. Therefore, our small anti-rating is more of a recommendation that will help make choosing your first motorcycle a little easier.
- At least for the first time, forget about overly powerful and (or) heavy motorcycles, as well as those on which you feel like a circus strongman on a three-wheeled “Gnome”. In both cases, it will be difficult to cope with the technique, but it will be easy to “knock off the settings,” that is, to acquire the wrong skill.
- You should not purchase retro models for learning to ride a motorcycle, even if at one time they were considered the best in the world. Over 30 years, even with good care, the highest quality materials have already lost their margin of safety, but it is very difficult to find spare parts for equipment that has long been discontinued, and with constant downtime, it will take more than one season to gain and consolidate experience.
- Do not sacrifice quality for the sake of cost, unless you set yourself the goal of becoming not a motorcyclist, but a general-purpose mechanic. Constant repairs will take up money and time, and thoughts about the high probability of breakdown will deprive you of confidence on the road. In the first season you should only think about riding!
"China moto" against the global motorcycle industry
Today there are a lot of high-quality “Made in China” models. Moreover, to reduce the cost of production, a number of famous brands assemble some series in the Middle Kingdom, but at the same time, the quality and its control at such “Chinese enterprises are no worse than in Japan, Europe or the USA. Therefore, it is quite possible to consider a Chinese motorcycle as a training one if it is well assembled, and the brand is already known and has proven itself well.
Used vs new motorcycles
It's a lottery anyway. On the one hand, a bike that had already run should have shown all its disadvantages, on the other hand, it was not a fact, nor was it true that they had been eliminated. Therefore, when you only have enough money for a used one, it is better to borrow from your good friends, or invite a friend (or a paid consultant) who understands a particular model to view it.
In conclusion, we remind you that we and our article in no way claim to be the “ultimate truth.” Our goal is to warn novice riders about possible difficulties and mistakes, sharing the experience of those who have ridden a little more than others on two wheels. And we hope that we have helped you, at least a little, including deciding on the contenders for the title of “your first motorcycle.” We are waiting for comments and suggestions regarding new publications...
