Gas Motorcycles: A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Bike

So you’ve decided you want a gas motorcycle. Smart move. Whether it’s the freedom of the open road, the mechanical fascination, or just the envy you feel every time a bike rumbles past — you’re ready. But with hundreds of models and a market full of options, where do you even start?

Step 1: Know What Kind of Riding You’ll Actually Do

Motorcycles are specialized tools. Be honest with yourself.

Sport bikes like the Ninja 400 or CBR600RR are fast and lightweight, great for weekend fun but painful for long days in the saddle. Cruisers like the Honda Rebel 500 or Vulcan S have low seats and relaxed posture, perfect for casual riding and easy to learn on. Standard or naked bikes like the MT-07 and SV650 strike a sensible middle ground — good ergonomics, decent power, and no fairings to break when you inevitably drop it. Dual sports and adventure bikes like the DRZ400 or KLR650 are tall and rugged, great if you want both pavement and dirt. Touring bikes like the Gold Wing are heavy and expensive — do not buy one as a first bike.

Step 2: Buy Used

For your first bike, buy used. A new bike costs $5,000 to $15,000 plus dealer fees, and you lose 20-30% of that the moment you ride away. A used bike from 2010-2020 with a clean title and under 20,000 miles will cost $1,500 to $5,000. When you drop it in a parking lot — and you will — replacing a $50 lever hurts a lot less than replacing a $2,000 fairing.

Stick with Japanese brands — Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Parts are everywhere, reliability is legendary, and any mechanic can work on them.

Step 3: The Inspection Checklist

When you go see a bike, bring a flashlight.

The engine should be stone cold when you arrive. If it’s already warm, the seller is hiding a hard-start issue. Start it from cold — it should fire within a few seconds. Look for oil leaks around the fork seals and valve cover. Check the chain for tight spots and the sprocket teeth — if they look hooked instead of shark-fin shaped, budget $200 for replacements. Tires older than five years need replacing regardless of tread depth, so check the date code on the sidewall. Brake lever should feel firm, not spongy. And most importantly — make sure the VIN on the frame matches the title. No exceptions.

Step 4: Gear First, Bike Second

Budget at least $800 for a helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, and pants before you ride anywhere. A $3,000 used bike with $1,500 of quality gear is infinitely smarter than a $4,500 bike with a $50 helmet from Amazon.

Step 5: Take the MSF Course

In most US states, you need a motorcycle endorsement. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse costs about $200-350 and covers two days of classroom and hands-on training. They provide the bikes. Many states waive the riding test if you pass. Do not skip this.

Step 6: The Best First Bikes

The Honda Rebel 300 or 500 has an ultra-low seat and bulletproof reliability. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 or Z400 is smooth, light, and genuinely fun — arguably the best beginner bike on the market. The Yamaha MT-03 has friendly power and great looks. The Suzuki SV650 is a torquey V-twin that’s mature enough to keep for years, though a bit fast for absolute beginners. And the Honda Grom is hilarious and cheap, perfect for learning, but tops out at 60 mph — highways are out of the question.