What CC Is Good for a Beginner Motorcycle? A 2-Minute Guide - Micramoto (2023)

So, you have decided you want to become a rider and you want to know what cc is good for a beginner motorcycle. Get a motorcycle and hit the open roads. Or you have just decided to invest in a ride that will not run you dry for gas every month or take hours of your life trying to find a space to park it. Either way, you have made a fantastic decision!

Getting your first motorcycle can be as exciting as it is nerve-racking. There are so many models to choose from and, most importantly, so many speed options.

What CC is good for a beginner motorcycle? A good CC for a beginner motorcycle is anywhere under 600CC. Motorcycles that are under 600CC are safer, easier to handle, and much cheaper compared to faster and bigger motorcycles. Some states will even allow you to drive bikes under 50CC without having to acquire a license or a learner’s permit.

To make an informative decision on what CC is best for a beginner motorcycle rider, you need to know the difference between each CC power and the pros and cons of each one. Keep reading for a quick informative guide on how to choose your first motorcycle’s CC to get the best, safest, and most exhilarating experience of your life.

What CC Is Good for a Beginner Motorcycle?

What CC Is Good for a Beginner Motorcycle? A 2-Minute Guide - Micramoto (1)

Before we go deeper into the best CC for a beginner motorcycle and how to choose it, let’s get a quick definition of what CC is. CC stands for Cubic Centimeters, and it refers to the amount of space the engine’s fuel-air mix can take. The higher the CC, the bigger the space and the more fuel your bike can burn. Therefore, your motorcycle’s power and speed depend on how much CC it has.

In casual motorcycle conversation, people would use the term CC to refer to how fast a motorcycle can go. The higher the CC, the faster you can go. But let’s be sane for a second; as a beginner, how fast should you even go on your first rides?

How Fast Should a Beginner Motorcycle Be?

We know you want to go “higher, further, faster, baby.” But as a beginner, you should start slowing for your own safety. And besides safety, it will be a lot easier to get a handle on a motorcycle below 600CC than on a faster model. There are multiple options below 600CC, so you will still have the choice to choose an engine that suits your rider’s capability.

Let’s take a quick look at these options:

CCSpeed
50CCUp to 30mph

A 50CC motorcycle is the best option for young, inexperienced riders. It’s the slowest engine power out there, but that means it’s also the safest. It is considered so safe that some states require no registration to drive one, just an age limit of 15 or 16 years old. A 50CC bike is suitable for running errands and riding around the town.

CCSpeed
125CCUp to 60mph

A 125CC motorcycle can go double the speed of a 50CC. It is suitable for more experienced riders and ones for whom this isn’t the first time on a bike. Some states do not require a license or a permit for a 125CC bike, but they do require the completion of a motorcycle education program. A 125CC bike is suitable to ride in the countryside, where the roads are faster than in the city.

CCSpeed
300CCUp to 100mph

For a more experienced beginner or a very fast learner, the 300CC is one of the fastest lightweight engines out there. It’s still beginner friendly but packs a speed of up to 100mph, with some models even exceeding this speed. A 300CC bike definitely requires the rider to have a license or at least a learning permit to drive it.

CCSpeed
600CCUp to 130mph

A 600CC is the strongest engine we would recommend for a beginner. It can go to up to 130mph and sometimes even faster, depending on the model of the motorcycle. This engine requires more control than the smaller ones, and even though you can drive slowly, it still has the potential to go very fast. A 600CC is a good first bike and will be harder to outgrow quickly, like the ones before.

Why a Higher CC Is Not a Good Idea for Beginners?

What CC Is Good for a Beginner Motorcycle? A 2-Minute Guide - Micramoto (2)

Simply put, you don’t learn to drive in a Lamborghini. The higher the CC, the more power, the faster the bike, and the bigger the consequences. Learning to ride a motorcycle will have a lot of trial and error, and that’s okay and expected.

It’s better to fall and brake at the wrong time riding a slower bike than doing it with a high-speed, high-power motorcycle that can hurt you or others. Start small and learn the basics of safe driving on a machine you can easily control and when you feel comfortable enough on it, upgrade to a higher CC.

Despite what you may think, a lower CC does not necessarily mean a slow bike, and there are plenty of fast 250 CC bikes out there, but speed is not the only thing to consider when getting your first bike. Plus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

When Can You Move to a Higher CC Bike?

You can move to a higher CC when you get comfortable enough in your low CC bike that your skills can now handle a bigger, stronger model. After you understand all the basics of riding, such as braking, cornering, turning, and throttle control, you can look into upgrading to a higher CC model.

What Motorcycle Is Best for Beginners?

Now that we’ve talked about the different CCs recommended for beginners let’s take a quick look at some of the coolest motorcycles that fall under each of these engine powers.

What CC Is Good for a Beginner Motorcycle? A 2-Minute Guide - Micramoto (3)

If you’re looking for a simple 50CC bike that can take you around the town in style, then Mash Fifty will do the trick. It’s a reliable 4-speed with electric ignition. The Mash Fifty 50CC is a great starter bike that can teach you valuable skills for a beginner, like handling, cornering, and braking.

It’s also considered to be on the cheaper side of the 50CC bikes, with a price average of $1,999.

What CC Is Good for a Beginner Motorcycle? A 2-Minute Guide - Micramoto (4)

Honda is a reliable name when it comes to motorcycles, and the Honda CB125R is one of the best options in the 125CC category. The 4V single-cylinder engine packs a lot of power in a strong-looking body. It features upside-down front forks and an LCD dash that makes it stand out among other 125CC bikes. It’s easily manageable and beginner friendly.

Its price is around $4,499 for a new one, but the Honda name is worth it.

What CC Is Good for a Beginner Motorcycle? A 2-Minute Guide - Micramoto (5)

Another bike and another Honda. In the below 600CC category, Honda has so many amazing options, and the Honda Rebel is a classic that can’t go wrong. It’s a great bike for when you’re ready to pack up more power and speed beyond the 125CC. It has a low 27-inch seat, a reliable engine, and a 6-speed transmission with hydraulic brakes. A great ride for beginners who are ready for more.

Its price is very reasonable for its features, standing at $4,399.

What CC Is Good for a Beginner Motorcycle? A 2-Minute Guide - Micramoto (6)

An iconic bike for when you are ready to graze that line between beginner and pro. This bike has a sleek, lightweight design and is easy to handle and control for both beginners and pros. It has a parallel twin 4-stroke single engine. The Royal Enfield is great for riding on open roads or for taking short, fast trips on the highway.

Its price point is about $6,699 for a new one, or you could look for a cheaper used one.

Related Questions

Is a 1,000 CC Bike Too Much for Beginners?

A 1000CC bike has too much power for a beginner. These bikes are considered to be race bikes as they are super-fast, very powerful, and hard to control for non-experienced drivers. We will not recommend driving a 1000CC motorcycle if you have no previous extensive driving experience.

Is 200 CC Good for Beginners?

200 CC is suitable for beginners, especially ones who are used to driving and could use something higher than 50/125CC. A 200CC bike can help you hone your handling, braking, turning, cornering, and throttle skills while not giving you too much power that can cause accidents for a beginner.

As always, if you find this article to be helpful, share it with friends. They will also find it useful, and we’ll definitely appreciate it.

Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative Government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:

https://msf-usa.org/brc/

https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped

https://motorcyclesafetyca.com/

About the author:

Michael Parrottestarted his career in the motorcycle industry by importing AGV Helmets into the North American market. He was then appointed the Vice President of AGV Helmets America, total he worked with AGV Helmets for 25 years. In addition, he functioned as a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, and Sparx Helmets.

In 1985, He is the FounderAGV Sports Groupin cooperation with AGV Helmets

Click here for LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parrotte/

Click here for complete AGV Helmet & AGVSPORT Historyhttps://agvsport.com/michael-parrotte

Click here for all AGV Sports Group Social Media informationhttp://agvsport.info/

M/NI

FAQs

How many cc's should a beginner motorcycle have? ›

For beginner motorcycle riders, the recommended engine is 500cc to 600cc. The lower the cc figure, the easier the bike will handle, and the more forgiving it will be to the inevitable mistakes that new riders make. Just because a bike has a smaller engine doesn't mean you can't still ride fast.

What size motorcycle should a beginner start with? ›

You'll likely find all sorts of opinions on the matter from searching online, but often 250cc models win the spot of recommended motorcycles for beginners. So is a 250 a good starter bike, or should you consider something else? We agree with that consensus that 250cc motorcycles are the way to go for beginners.

Is 200cc good for beginners? ›

We recommend your first motorcycle to be less than 200cc. With higher cc motorcycles comes added dangers. They require extra skill in throttle control and diligent braking. Motorcycles over 300cc have incredible acceleration and your chances of popping up an unexpected wheelie are higher.

Is a grom a good beginner bike? ›

The Grom is the perfect beginner motorcycle if you're |this| small. I certainly wouldn't recommend it if you're blessed with a taller inseam. But I absolutely, positively, love this bike for anyone out there thinking they're too small to ride anything. I flat foot , but barely.

Can a learner ride a 250cc? ›

You can ride up to 125cc with a valid CBT certificate. (or a full motorcycle licence category A) A 250cc motorcycle will required a full motorcycle licence.

Is 400cc a good starter bike? ›

For most seasoned riders, a 400cc bike is very easy to get used to, but as a beginner, you have a higher hill to climb while starting out. Throttle control, balance, counter steering, and low-speed maneuvers are all-important skills to develop on a motorcycle.

What I wish I knew before buying a motorcycle? ›

7 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Bought my First...
  • Start with a Motorcycle Safety Course. ...
  • Include Gear in Your Budget. ...
  • Don't Start With Your Dream Bike. ...
  • Research Your Choices. ...
  • You Really Do Get What You Pay For. ...
  • Harley® Riders are Awesome. ...
  • Prepare to Get Addicted.
Oct 26, 2020

How fast is 125cc in mph? ›

The short answer is that the top speed of a 125cc, on average, is somewhere between 65mph and 80mph.

Is 300cc motorcycle good for beginners? ›

For new riders it's the ideal sized bike to get some confidence on before moving to something bigger. For advanced riders 300cc bikes make ideal commuters thanks to being so affordable and fuel efficient yet they're still powerful enough for some fun and can also get you out of trouble should the need arise.

Is 125cc bike good for beginners? ›

Good Beginner Bike:

If you just got your motorcycle license or want to learn to ride a motorcycle then a 125cc street bike is perfect for you. Due to its smaller engine size, a 125cc street bike is suitable for beginner riders to learn and perfect their skills of handling and engine control.

Is a 900cc good for beginner? ›

Yes, it's excellent. It will keep up with, and exceed, typical cager traffiic. It will be light and maneuverable. It will be economical to own, operate and insure.

How fast will a 125cc Grom go? ›

The Honda Grom (MSX125 in Europe and East Asia) is a 124.9 cc (7.62 cu in) air-cooled standard motorcycle made by Honda Motor Co. Inc. It won the Motorcycle USA Motorcycle of the Year prize for 2014. 55–73 mph (89–117 km/h).

What is the easiest motorcycle to ride? ›

Top 10 best motorbikes for beginners
  • Harley Davidson Sportster. ...
  • Kawasaki Ninja 650. ...
  • Triumph Bonneville T100. ...
  • Ducati Monster 797. ...
  • Suzuki SV650. ...
  • Yamaha MT-07. ...
  • KTM 390 Duke. ...
  • Triumph Street Twin.
Jun 3, 2020

Can 2 people fit on a Grom? ›

TWO-UP CAPABILITY

Want to share the fun with a friend? No problem—the Grom makes it easy to bring a passenger along.

Can a 17 year old drive a 250cc? ›

Anyone wishing to ride a 250cc with L-plates must be at least 17. 16 year olds can still ride mopeds (49cc).

What's the highest CC A 16 year old can ride? ›

At 16, you're quite limited in terms of engine size. The maximum engine size a 16 year old can ride is 50cc. What does this mean in real terms? 50cc is the smallest engine size legally allowed on public roads, and 50cc scooters can reach a top speed of around 28mph.

What is the biggest motorcycle a learner can ride? ›

Motorcycles with engine capacities of 0-260cc inclusive, in their standard manufacturer form are automatically approved under Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) with the exception of a few models (See Non approved motorcycle models 0-260cc inclusive, listing below).

Is a 600cc A starter bike? ›

Yes, a 600cc Sport Bike is Too Big for a First Bike

This is the question we get the most so we're cutting to the chase and answering it straight up and as emphatically as possible. Yes, stay away from riding a 600cc motorcycle if you are starting out as a motorcycle rider.

Which bike is best for beginners? ›

Here are some of the best bikes for beginners at an affordable price:
  • Bajaj Pulsar 220F. ...
  • Bajaj Dominar 400. ...
  • Bajaj Pulsar 160 NS. ...
  • Bajaj Avenger Street 220. ...
  • Bajaj Pulsar NS200.

How much should I spend on my first motorcycle? ›

Beginners typically spend around $5,000 to $10,000 for a motorcycle. In 2020, an estimated 780,000 motorcycles were sold in the U.S.

Can I learn to ride a motorcycle in one day? ›

There isn't a single, definitive answer to this question, as everyone learns differently and at their own pace. Some people can learn to ride a motorcycle in a single day, others may take several days or even weeks. If you feel you may take longer or need extra lessons, that's perfectly fine.

What is the best age to ride a motorcycle? ›

Being taught by a professional who probably started riding when they were three will do wonders. I love to ride and some of my best memories are from riding. And some of the best of those, are from barely being 3 feet tall. The best time to start riding is the second you can (barely) reach the handlebars.

What is two main things you should never do on a motorcycle? ›

7 Things You Should Never Do While Riding a Motorcycle
  • Don't tie shoelaces in loops. ...
  • Don't watch the speedometer, watch the road. ...
  • Watch the tires of the vehicle in front of you (don't trust brake-lights blindly) ...
  • Don't change speed in the middle of a corner. ...
  • Change gear before an overtake, not during the overtake.
Oct 31, 2020

Who should not ride a motorcycle? ›

Riding on a motorcycle is all about balance. Leaning too far to one side or the other during a turn or even when riding straight down the road can result in your landing on your side and injuring yourself. If you have any type of balance difficulty, such as an inner ear problem or vertigo, avoid driving a motorcycle.

What is the safest type of motorcycle to ride? ›

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, standard motorcycles, touring motorcycles, cruisers, and sport-touring motorcycles have the lowest rate of fatal accidents. The highest number of motorcycle crashes involve super-sport bikes and sport bikes.

Can 125cc go on highway? ›

The law in California states that any motorcycle with 150cc displacement or more is legal to ride with a motorcycle license endorsement on the freeways.

How fast is 250cc? ›

The answer may depend on who you ask, but most experts agree that a 250cc dirt bike can reach speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.

How fast can a 150cc bike go? ›

The top speed of a 150cc dirt bike can vary, but the average top speed of a 150cc dirt bike is about 50 to 60 mph. Many factors can contribute to the potential top speed of a dirt bike.

Are smaller motorcycles easier to ride? ›

A smaller bike is easier to push around, get off the side or center stand, maneuver at low speeds and easier to pick up if you drop it. Smaller bikes tend to be less powerful so they'll be less intimidating for the beginning rider. A beginner should look forward to riding a bike that they're not afraid of.

How fast can 300cc go? ›

A brand new CBR300R will reach speeds of 100 MPH; a decent figure for a low-cost, entry-level sport bike.

How much cc bike should I buy? ›

Best bike engines lie in the range of up to 100 CC and it is generally observed that the engines which range between 110 CC to 150 CC offer a good mileage. Whereas the moderate mileage figures range from the engine capacity of 150cc-200cc.

Should I start on a 125 or 250? ›

If you are a beginner rider, you will find the 4-stroke 250 a lot easier to handle than any other bike. A 2-stroke has so much power that a beginner might have a hard time controlling the bike. A 4-stroke will be the perfect beginner bike for any rider.

Do you need a license to drive a 125cc bike? ›

Can I ride a 125cc without doing a CBT course – I have a full UK driver's license? Yes, if you have a full car licence you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike off-road. However, you must take and pass your compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.

How much weight can a 125cc bike carry? ›

Gigaglitz 125cc VIPER ALL TERRAIN BIKE ATV with automatic engine tubeless tyres 150 kg weight carrying capacity - Will come to you by Transport in 9-12 days from Order in Nearest Warehouse - FOR OFFROAD CATEGORY & PURPOSE ONLY.

Is a 900cc motorcycle too much for a beginner? ›

Rule 2: No more than 900 cc

That's why I put the cutoff for a rookie at 900 cc. Stick with this rule, and you can consider bikes like the ever-popular Suzuki SV650 and also the smaller Harley Sportsters. These are bikes that even experienced riders have a ball on.

What age can I ride a 1000cc? ›

You have to be 17 years old or over. You are not required to pass the Motorcycle Theory or Module 1 and Module 2 Practical tests, but if you do, you will be able to ride with fewer restrictions. After you have obtained your CBT certificate, you will be entitled to ride any motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc.

Is 1000cc Cruiser too much for a beginner? ›

If you are brand new to the road with no car driving experience, you should stay away from a 1000cc motorcycle. Learning the skills to ride and learning the road rules simultaneously on a race like engine designed for extreme performance…its simply too much for you to process, and will end in tragedy.

Is a Honda Grom considered a scooter or a motorcycle? ›

Technically, a Honda Grom is considered a motorcycle by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV, because it has an engine displacement of more than 50cc. As a result, you'll need to either have a motorcycle endorsement on your standard driver's license or a “motorcycle-only” license.

How fast does a 50cc Grom go? ›

Production 50cc motorbike and scooter top speeds range between 50-100 kph (about 30-60 mph).

What CC bike should I start with? ›

For beginner motorcycle riders, the recommended engine is 500cc to 600cc. The lower the cc figure, the easier the bike will handle, and the more forgiving it will be to the inevitable mistakes that new riders make. Just because a bike has a smaller engine doesn't mean you can't still ride fast.

Is 60 too old to start riding a motorcycle? ›

We know plenty of motorcyclists who are tearing up the road at 40, 50, 60 or even older. In fact, the median age of a biker in the US is 50 and a whopping 39% of motorcycle owners are between the ages of 51 and 69. That's not to say that no matter your age you can hop on a bike and ride into the sunset, no problem.

What is the gas mileage on a Grom? ›

This mini motorcycle does a fantastic job at sipping from its 1.6-gallon fuel tank. The Grom has a mind-boggling 166.5 mpg, but real-world results do vary. Motorcyclist Editor Adam Waheed averaged “only” 98 mpg when he tested the 2022 model. One reader tallied 134 mpg.

Is it easy to wheelie a Grom? ›

How To Pop A Proper Wheelie? The Grom's stock clutch isn't particularly strong. Really, a 125 cc engine doesn't need much force to keep the clutch from slipping unless you're really whomping on it. Doing wheelies is pretty much the exact definition of "whomping on it," so an upgrade is in order.

Can a 6ft person ride a Grom? ›

Surprisingly, the little Grom will fit taller riders fairly comfortably. I asked a 6-foot tall rider to take it for a spin. Because of the seat length, there was plenty of room for him to stretch his legs.

What is a good cc range for a beginner? ›

A good standard size for a beginner is 500cc to 700cc, depending on your physical size. But that engine size is plenty big enough to get you and a passenger across town or even across the country.

Is a 600cc motorcycle good for a beginner? ›

You can absolutely start on a 600cc motorcycle and it may make more sense for some people, but just note that the worldwide statistics are against you, and you may end up not reaching your potential as a good, great or excellent motorcycle rider.

Is a 125cc motorcycle good for beginners? ›

If you just got your motorcycle license or want to learn to ride a motorcycle then a 125cc street bike is perfect for you. Due to its smaller engine size, a 125cc street bike is suitable for beginner riders to learn and perfect their skills of handling and engine control.

What type of motorcycle is easiest to ride? ›

For most new riders, a light, small-displacement bike makes for the best beginner motorcycle. They're light, which makes them easy to handle, and have a usable amount of power to allow riders to get used to being on two wheels.

Is 600cc too much for beginner? ›

Yes, a 600cc Sport Bike is Too Big for a First Bike

This is the question we get the most so we're cutting to the chase and answering it straight up and as emphatically as possible. Yes, stay away from riding a 600cc motorcycle if you are starting out as a motorcycle rider.

Do you need insurance to ride a 125cc? ›

You can legally ride a 125cc out on the road after taking Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and without passing a test, but motorcycle insurance is still a legal requirement.

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