Have you just passed your full motorcycle test and are looking for your very first bike? Well lucky for you, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, we will hand-select just ten of the best big bikes for beginners. This will include various bike types and engine sizes, with plenty of A2 options in the mix. As this is aimed at beginners I have shyed away from including any high-powered offerings.
So, let’s get into it!
10. KTM Duke 390 | Price: £5,699
2025 KTM 390 Duke
Kicking off our list today we have a BikeMatters tried and tested, the trusty KTM 390 Duke.
Commonly named the ‘Corner Rocket’, the 390 packs a well-mannered 373cc liquid-cooled engine and produces an everyday usable 44 hp and 37 Nm of torque (also making it A2 compliant too). Whilst it may not be one of the most powerful options we will mention on this list, KTM has still landed a solid punch and packed their 390 Duke with enough welly to ensure all riders get maximum enjoyment.
Onto the tech and spec and the 390 also comes well equipped with some really great features including lightweight 17” cast alloy wheels, Bybre brakes with ABS, an 820mm seat height and upside-down WP forks on the suspension are all also included as standard for ultimate control - all for the price of £5,699!
2025 KTM Duke 390 Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Sensible option for price and power
- Lots of fun – esp handling
Cons:
- Aggressive seating can get uncomfortable
- Brakes could have more bite
9. Yamaha R3 | Price: £6,508
2025 Yamaha R3
Ninth spot today goes to the Yamaha R3, a great choice for those who want to try a sports bike but it also performs well as an all-rounder.
Powering the R3, there is a 321cc 4-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with 41hp output, making it A2-compliant with easy-to-manage power but still enough poke that you won't be outgrowing it any time soon.
Another likeable trait of the R3 has got to be the comfortable rider position, all thanks to the lower handlebar position and fuel tank height, as well as the well-padded leather seat - allowing for a more comfortable tighter tuck position (a signature for sports bikes) that is durable for longer commutes.
Overall, the R3 is a great-looking and performing first step into big bike territory all for £6,508, with plenty of bigger siblings (such as the ALL-NEW R9) to consider for your second, third or even fourth big bike.
2025 Yamaha R3 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great looking A2 friendly sports bike
- Super sports feel
Cons:
- Not quite at the 47hp limit
8. BMW F900 GS | Price: £11,995
2025 BMW F900 GS
Sitting in eight today we have a stunning little offering from BMW, the F900 GS…
For 2024, the F900 GS replaced the pre-existing F850 GS model. Whilst retaining the same 2-cylinder in-line engine, the capacity has been increased to 895cc with a peak power of 105 bhp at 8500 rpm.
A great bit about the 900 is the comparison to both its siblings is its weight. Thanks to a redesigned 14.5-litre tank (now plastic), rear section, and Akrapovič rear silencer to save roughly 10kg, the F 900 GS comes in at 219kg - making it far easier and lighter to handle.
Onto tech and spec and you will find LED headlights with a larger low beam, a large 6.5” TFT screen fitted as standard, an adjustable gearshift lever as well as fully adjustable titanium nitride-coated USD forks.
For 2025, if you’re looking for a neat-looking adventure bike to kick-start your big bike journey - the £11,995 BMW F 900GS might be the one for you!
2025 BMW F900 GS Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- A more premium offering
- Adventure bike looks
- Reduced weight
Cons:
- Premium model comes with premium price
- Not the longest range on a tank
7. Triumph Speed Twin 900 | Price: £9,195
2025 Triumph Speed Twin 900
Onto number seven and I think BikeMatters Alex would back me up with this option (who owns a 1200) - we have the Triumph Speed Twin 900.
The Speed Twin 900 combines the perfect blend of retro and modern in its design, coming packed with a classic central circular headlight, a sculpted fuel tank and chiselled side panels, as well as aluminium filer caps and throttle body covers.
And if you’re looking to bag yourself a Speed Twin 900 for 2025, you’ll be pleased to know that Triumph has just released the price and it is due to cost £9,195. A few thousand more than some of the standard options on this list, however, I’d argue it’s well worth it!
2025 Triumph Speed Twin 900 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Iconic machine – best of modern and classic
- Great handling classic
Cons:
- Fuel tank isn’t the biggest
6. Honda CBR500R | Price: 6,699
2025 Honda CBR500R
In sixth, we have a returner from the previous list, the Honda CBR500R…
Coming packed with a 471cc engine, the CBR500R is capable of producing 47hp and 43Nm of torque at 6500rpm making for a finely tuned machine, all whilst being A2 licence compliant. However the fun doesn’t stop there, the CBR5000R also comes equipped with some upgraded tech such as Honda selectable torque control (HSTC), a new 5” TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, as well as optimised ECU engine settings to improve riding in the low-to-mid range rpm zone.
Onto looks and design and perhaps the biggest compliment I can give to its look is that while set up next to the mighty Fireblade, it has consistently held its own in the visual department. This is an A2 machine that looks like a super sportsbike.
All in all, the CBR500R comes in at the top of the A2 price range at £6,699 for 2024. It's a great-looking and great riding bike.
2025 Honda CBR500R Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great A2 Friendly Sports bike
- Solid overall package from Honda
Cons:
- Rider seating position not as aggressive as full sport bikes (if that is what you are looking for)
5. Suzuki SV650 | Price: £7,399
2025 Suzuki SV650
Up next and sitting in the middle half of our list today we have the Suzuki SV650…
Originally introduced to the Suzuki bike family back in 1999, the SV650 has proved itself time and time again to be a truly fantastic ‘first big bike’ due to a variety of elements such as its affordability, ease of ride, and practicality.
The SV650 is powered by a 645cc V-Twin engine with Suzuki's Dual Spark technology, which provides a smooth, beginner-friendly power delivery. The 75hp output means there will still be plenty of go in this bike to handle whatever type of riding you want to throw at it with a high fun factor.
The SV650 also features an interesting 'Low RPM Assist' function. This is another great idea for a beginner rider, it basically does what it says on the tin - smoothing out engine revs at low speeds and when launching.
Other nifty tech includes the Suzuki Easy Start System, full LCD instruments, Dual Spark technology, an updated advanced exhaust system as well as ABS all encased in a truly stunning naked sport style exterior with a classic round headlight.
Lastly, onto price, and for 2025 you can pick up a new SV650 for £7,399 - also making it one of the cheapest offerings on this list!
2025 Suzuki SV650 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good option for both beginner and more novice riders
- Smooth riding experience
Cons:
- Not a hugely 'tech heavy' option
4. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | Price: £6,599
2025 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Moving onto number four and we have the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - a bike commonly known in the community as one of the easiest bikes ever to ride!
So what makes the Interceptor so easy to ride I hear you ask? Well, let me tell you. At the heart of the Interceptor, we see a 648cc, air-cooled engine that reaches a manageable 46.8hp (also making it an A2-friendly machine if that’s what you prefer). The engine in combination with the upright riding position, light-alloy wheels and newly adjusted suspension creates a bike that’s oozing with a laid-back, easy-riding attitude.
The Interceptor for me also packs the looks too. Coming equipped with some stunning chrome details throughout, a prominent round headlight, a teardrop fuel tank, graphics and a selection of colourways it’s got the beloved retro vibes that have always been fashionable but are oh so much more popular now.
Onto the price and at the time of writing, you can bag yourself a brand new Interceptor for £6,599 - also making it one of the more budget-friendly offerings on this list!
2025 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Neat retro styled looks
Cons:
- One of the heaviest offerings on this list
- Not a huge amount of storage spaces
3. Ducati Monster | Price: £10,385
2025 Ducati Monster
Kicking off our top three today we have the Ducati Monster….
Powering the Monster, we have a 937cc, liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 111 horsepower - also making this one of the most powerful offerings on our list today.
However, it is not just the Monsters' need for speed that impresses us; it also has some decent specs making for easy handling including an aluminium front frame, ABS and an 18kg lighter overall weight.
The only thing that makes this bike tougher to obtain is the premium £10,385 price tag—the highest on the list today. But if you’re fortunate enough to have a little extra budget to play with, then Ducati’s Monster would be a fantastic thing to splurge on!
2025 Ducati Monster Pros and Cons
Pros:
- It’s a Ducati!
- Great bike – though higher
Cons:
- Might be too much power for some
- Premium price
2. Triumph Speed 400 | Price: £5,195
2025 Triumph Speed 400
Just missing out on the number 1 top spot on this list today we have a well-loved model here at BikeMatters - the Triumph Speed 400.
Our Motorcycle editor Alex got the chance to join Triumph on the press launch of this beauty back in December and to summarise he was left seriously impressed. The liquid-cooled single engine powering the Speed 400 is a gem in the crown, pumping out a very respectable 39.5 bhp at 8000 revs and 37.5 Nm at 6500 revs.
The Speed 400 also packs a punch when it comes to spec too, coming equipped with an inlaid LCD, simplistic (but arguably just enough) switchgear with the normal buttons and switches, plus an ‘i’ button to navigate through the menu, Bluetooth and phone connectivity as well as over 25+ optional extra accessories for you to choose from to kit your bike out.
All in all, if you want a bike that is ‘stripped back’ in all the right areas but just modern enough to make for a truly great ride - we’d recommend you take a look at the £5,195 Triumph Speed 400 as your first big bike!
2025 Triumph Speed 400 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great styling
- Affordable price tag
- Fantastic engine character
Cons:
- Tad small in size
- Bit vibey above 70mph
1. Yamaha MT-07 | Price: £7,516
2025 Yamaha MT-07
Stealing the show today and sitting at #1, we have the trusty Yamaha MT-07.
Launched all the way back in 2014, the MT-07 has been a consistently popular model within the biking community and it’s really clear to see why. The MT-07 packs a torque-rich 690cc CP2 engine, that is capable of producing 72.4 hp making for just the right of power and easy-to-use performance as a first big bike.
Onto the bare bones of the MT-07 and you will find a neat diamond chassis and distinctive bodywork sporting some twin winglet-type air intakes and compact LED lights giving the bold and futuristic hyper-naked look that we all know and love.
The tech is pretty impressive too, coming equipped with a 5-inch TFT instrument with Bluetooth connectivity to the MyRide app as well as all-round LED indicators and the compact LED lights we referred to earlier.
All in all, the Yamaha MT-07 not only looks and sounds great, but also comes in at a pretty respectable price point of £7,516!
2025 Yamaha MT-07 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great all around option
- Torquey engine
Cons:
- I want a slip-and-assist clutch!
- Not quite the cheapest, will be interesting to see if it retains the ‘king of nakeds’ crown.
The Last Stop!
So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed by run down to 10 of the best big bikes for beginners…
Last but not least, if you do have your very own big bike you need to insure, make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!
