Many people who used to love riding motorcycles often take a break from it because of things like work, family, or money issues. But the desire to get back on a motorcycle is strong. So, if you’re planning to start riding again, you might be looking for the right kind of motorcycle to ease yourself back into it. The good news is, there are many different types of motorcycles to choose from now, which can cater to people returning to riding.
People who are coming back to riding after a break have some specific things to consider when picking a motorcycle. While high-performance bikes like the Suzuki Hayabusa or top-of-the-line GS models are exciting, they might not be the best choice. As someone returning to riding, you want a bike that’s not only dependable but also easy to handle based on your skill level. It should help you remember the fun of riding without making you feel like you have to start from scratch with a beginner’s bike. This list of ten motorcycles is put together to meet these particular needs. It includes different types of bikes for various riding styles and skill levels.
10. Honda Shadow Phantom
- Starting MSRP: $8,399
- Displacement: 745cc
- Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin
- Max Power: 44.6 horsepower
- Max Torque: 47.9 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 25.6 inches
- Curb Weight: 554 pounds
- Electronics: Optional ABS
The Honda Shadow Phantom is a classic metric cruiser with a reputation for reliability and stylish design. It’s an excellent choice for returning bikers looking for a comfortable and affordable cruiser.
9. Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
- Starting MSRP: $16,599
- Displacement: 1,870cc
- Engine Type: Milwaukee Eight 114 V-twin
- Max Power: Not disclosed
- Max Torque: 119 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 25.8 inches
- Curb Weight: 655 pounds
- Electronics: N/A
For fans of American cruisers, the Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 is a quintessential choice. It offers the classic American cruiser style with comfortable ergonomics and easy maneuverability for various road types.
8. Kawasaki Ninja 400
- Starting MSRP: $5,299
- Displacement: 399cc
- Engine Type: Liquid-cooled parallel-twin
- Max Power: 44.8 horsepower
- Max Torque: 27 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 30.9 inches
- Curb Weight: 361.6 pounds
- Electronics: Optional ABS
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is perfect for riders who want to re-enter the sportbike scene. It offers an approachable yet entertaining ride, making it an excellent choice for building confidence on two wheels.
7. Aprilia RS 660
- Starting MSRP: $11,699
- Displacement: 659cc
- Engine Type: Forward-facing parallel twin
- Max Power: 100 horsepower
- Max Torque: 49.4 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 32.3 inches
- Curb Weight: 403 pounds
- Electronics: APRC System (Traction control, Wheelie control, Cruise control, Quick shifter, Engine Brake and map, ABS)
If you’re looking for a fast and thrilling ride without the extreme power of a superbike, the Aprilia RS 660 is an excellent choice. Its advanced electronics and semi-adjustable suspension provide a safer but exhilarating supersport experience.
6. Honda CBR650R
- Starting MSRP: $9,899
- Displacement: 649cc
- Engine Type: Liquid-cooled inline-four
- Max Power: 94 horsepower
- Max Torque: 47 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 31.9 inches
- Curb Weight: 445 pounds
- Electronics: ABS, Switchable traction control
For those who prefer an inline-four sportbike, the Honda CBR650R offers a nimble, affordable option with linear power delivery. It’s a versatile bike suitable for daily commuting, twisty roads, and even touring.
5. BMW F 900 XR
- Starting MSRP: $14,370
- Displacement: 895cc
- Engine Type: Liquid-cooled parallel twin engine
- Max Power: 99 horsepower
- Max Torque: 68 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 30.5 to 34.5 inch seat heights
- Curb Weight: 483 pounds
- Electronics: Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Riding modes (Rain/Road), ABS
The BMW F 900 XR is a fast sport tourer for intermediate riders. It’s ideal for confident riders who want to brush up on their skills. The bike handles highways, twisty roads, and city traffic with ease, offering a well-balanced and enjoyable riding experience.
4. Honda CB500X
- Starting MSRP: $7,299
- Displacement: 471cc
- Engine Type: Liquid-cooled parallel-twin
- Max Power: 46.9 horsepower
- Max Torque: 31.7 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 32.8 inches
- Curb Weight: 438 pounds
- Electronics: ABS
The Honda CB500X is an adventure bike that suits returning riders perfectly. It offers a balance between ease of ownership, reliability, and capability. With a peppy parallel-twin engine and comfortable ergonomics, it’s a versatile choice for various riding conditions.
3. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
- Starting MSRP: $6,149
- Displacement: 648cc
- Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled parallel twin
- Max Power: 47 horsepower
- Max Torque: 38.35 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 31.7 inches
- Curb Weight: 445.33 pounds
- Electronics: ABS
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a cult favorite with a smooth and refined parallel-twin engine. It’s an excellent choice for riders looking for an affordable retro bike and is also perfect for returning riders who want to rekindle their passion for riding.
2. Yamaha MT-07
- Starting MSRP: $8,199
- Displacement: 689cc
- Engine Type: CP2 parallel-twin
- Max Power: 72.4 horsepower
- Max Torque: 49.42 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 31.7 inches
- Curb Weight: 406 pounds
- Electronics: Pre-wired for quick-shift accessorization, ABS
The Yamaha MT-07 is a highly versatile naked motorcycle, offering both a calm and aggressive riding experience. With its cross-plane parallel-twin engine and compact frame, it’s perfect for city rides and spirited weekend sprints, making it an ideal choice for returning riders.
1. Kawasaki Ninja 650
- Starting MSRP: $8,299 (non-ABS)
- Displacement: 649cc
- Engine Type: Liquid-cooled parallel twin
- Max Power: 68 horsepower
- Max Torque: 47.2 pound-feet
- Seat Height: 31.1 inches
- Curb Weight: 421.2 pounds (non-ABS)
- Electronics: Optional ABS, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 offers a balance of comfort and performance, making it an excellent choice for returning riders who seek an everyday motorcycle with manageable power.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each motorcycle option, including key specifications in a table format:
| Rank | Motorcycle Model | Starting MSRP | Engine Displacement | Engine Type | Max Power | Max Torque | Seat Height | Curb Weight | Electronics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Honda Shadow Phantom | $8,399 | 745cc | Liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin | 44.6 hp | 47.9 lb-ft | 25.6 inches | 554 lbs | Optional ABS |
| 9 | Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 | $16,599 | 1,870cc | Milwaukee Eight 114 V-twin | Not disclosed | 119 lb-ft | 25.8 inches (laden) | 655 lbs | – |
| 8 | Kawasaki Ninja 400 | $5,299 | 399cc | Liquid-cooled parallel-twin | 44.8 hp | 27 lb-ft | 30.9 inches | 361.6 lbs | Optional ABS |
| 7 | Aprilia RS 660 | $11,699 | 659cc | Forward-facing parallel twin | 100 hp | 49.4 lb-ft | 32.3 inches | 403 lbs | APRC System |
| 6 | Honda CBR650R | $9,899 | 649cc | Liquid-cooled inline-four | 94 hp | 47 lb-ft | 31.9 inches | 445 lbs | ABS, Traction Control |
| 5 | BMW F 900 XR | $14,370 | 895cc | Liquid-cooled parallel twin | 99 hp | 68 lb-ft | 30.5 to 34.5 inches | 483 lbs | ASC, Riding modes, ABS |
| 4 | Honda CB500X | $7,299 | 471cc | Liquid-cooled parallel-twin | 46.9 hp | 31.7 lb-ft | 32.8 inches | 438 lbs | ABS |
| 3 | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | $6,149 | 648cc | Air/oil-cooled parallel twin | 47 hp | 38.35 lb-ft | 31.7 inches | 445.33 lbs | ABS |
| 2 | Yamaha MT-07 | $8,199 | 689cc | CP2 parallel-twin | 72.4 hp | 49.42 lb-ft | 31.7 inches | 406 lbs | Pre-wired for quick-shift, ABS |
| 1 | Kawasaki Ninja 650 | $8,299 | 649cc | Liquid-cooled parallel twin | 68 hp | 47.2 lb-ft | 31.1 inches | 421.2 lbs | Optional ABS, KTRC |
Conclusion
Returning to motorcycling is an exciting journey, and these ten motorcycles cater to a variety of riding preferences and skill levels. Whether you’re drawn to cruisers, sportbikes, adventure bikes, or versatile street motorcycles, there’s an option that suits your needs and helps you get back into the exhilarating world of motorcycling. Choose the motorcycle that aligns with your style and skill level, and enjoy the freedom of the open road once again.
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