Many novice riders want to get their feet wet on something enjoyable but not overly powerful. While some riders prefer the fuel efficiency or specialized usage scenarios that smaller-displacement motorbikes might offer, others are too small, light, or unskilled for bigger displacement motorcycles.
Whatever the case, if you want to search south of 300cc, you have a lot of choices. I’ll mention at least one model of each type of bike in this list that a novice would have no trouble learning on.
I should point out that there aren’t many 250cc pure motorcycles available nowadays. Although some dirt bikes, dual sports, and adventure bikes still have 250cc engines on the dot, I’ve included anything up to 299cc in this article to cover a wider range of types.
Supersport Honda CBR300R, 2021
The Honda CBR300R from 2021 is a wonderful start to supersport motorcycles for individuals who want to experience adrenaline on the street and carve some curves on the racetrack. The most recent model of this bike, which uses a 286cc liquid-cooled single, generates a respectable 31 HP and 20 lb-ft of torque.
The CBR300R takes a lot of stylistic cues from its significantly more powerful cousin, the CBR1000RR. These include the headlamps, cowl, fairings, and aggressive tank form that dives towards the front of the bike.
However, the elevated clip-on handlebars make this a comfy street bike that you can comfortably tuck into when riding a track. It barely qualifies as a supersport due to the rider’s partial inclination into the regular riding posture.
2022 Yamaha YZF-R3 Honorable Mention
The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R3 is an essential topic when discussing entry-level supersport bikes. With a 321cc inline twin that absolutely shouts out 50 HP, it narrowly misses our list (by a meager 22ccs of displacement).
This is a light, quick, and capable bike for the road and track that was heavily developed in collaboration with the Yamaha Racing Team, which competes in both World SBK and MotoGP. It is a highly recommended motorcycle for a beginner track rider who also wants to be able to ride their steed on the street.
Suzuki GSX250R for 2021
The 2021 Suzuki GSX250R (which is still the most recent model as of this update) has the appearance, the aroma, and even the tactile sensation of a supersport bike. The rider is pushed up into a regular seated posture for the majority of riding due to the clip-on handlebars’ extremely high front position and the shorter tank.
Aside from that, the 248cc parallel-twin that powers the GSX250R’s 25 HP and 17 lb-ft of torque is what makes it a capable sports bike. Since the GSX250R is a parallel twin rather than a single, it also emits that familiar pulsating bark from the exhaust, which makes the ears quiver joyfully. It may be readily taken to the track for some serious fun because it is light and corners smoothly.
Honda CB300R, 2022
In their 2022 CB300R naked sport variant, Honda employed the same engine as the CBR300R; however, it was slightly tweaked differently to give it a lot more street-friendly powerband for torque. As a result, it provides excellent linear power delivery for beginning riders in the low and mid RPM range, only beginning to gasp a little as it approaches redline (by which point you should have shifted up anyway).
With controls that are simple to reach and pegs that aren’t as far back along the frame as with CBR versions, it’s also incredibly comfortable to sit on. Additionally, despite being a lightweight naked, almost all riders will value the bike’s rooted and solid feeling. The 2022 Honda CB300R is a superb illustration of the amazing things that Japanese engineering is capable of.
Yamaha V-Star 250 in 2021
It would appear to be a cruiser, and if you called it that, I wouldn’t blame you. However, Yamaha refers to it as a sport heritage motorcycle and incorporates numerous small features into the 2022 V-Star 250 that make it a fantastic throwback motorcycle.
This motorcycle is highly recognized as a fantastic entry-level model. On the road, it performs incredibly well, providing the rider with lots of feedback and having excellent handling because to its small weight.
Due to its small 249cc 60o air cooled v-usage twin’s of a tiny Mikuni BDS26 carburetor, which gives it the distinctive rumble that only v-twins possess, the V-Star 250 is also an ideal first motorcycle for people who are interested in riding them.
Honda Rebel 300 in 2022
The Honda Rebel 300 was created with the new rider market in mind from the very beginning. It aims to make motorbike cruising seem approachable and unnerving. It has a 286cc single-cylinder engine that generates 25 HP and 20 lb-ft of torque. It also absolutely sips gas, giving you a fantastic range.
Conclusion
I have to confess that Honda has pretty much made the ideal bike for easing inexperienced riders into cruisers. And the Rebel 500 is the exact same bike as the Rebel 300 but with almost twice as much power if you truly enjoy the Rebel 300, have owned it for a few seasons, and want to upgrade to a bigger-displacement engine.
Because there are so many various price points for this kind of product, you could find it challenging to decide.
