Looking for my first A2-compliant / ~47hp beginner bike recommendations!

[u/SirHikaru]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently looking for recommendations for my first motorcycle. I’m starting out on an A2-style restriction tier—meaning I need something capped around 47 hp (35 kW), either natively or restricted/limitable, so I can learn safely without the bike heavily punishing beginner mistakes.

A few preferences and details:

**Open to both new and used** options.

**Aesthetics:** I really like sporty styling and a wider rear tire, though that’s a preference rather than a strict requirement for my first bike.

**Goal**: A manageable mid-weight or beginner bike that builds good fundamentals, whether it’s a dedicated \\\~400–500cc machine or a restricted middleweight I can de-restrict later down the road.

What models would you recommend checking out for someone taking this route? Thanks in advance!

[u/Clio_Vita]

I'm a big believer in learning on a used bike, why take the big depreciation hit on a bike that's a stepping stone to where you are going to want to go. And waiting to get a fully-faired bike until you have the beginner drops out of your system. I'm also not a fan of "restricted" bikes, which generally mean you have to push the size and weight w/o the power the bike was designed to work with. Better to use a bike whose geometry was designed from the start with that driveline in mind.

Kawasaki z400-500
Honda CB500-NX500-CB500R
Triumph Speed 400 or Scrambler 400
KTM 390 Duke
Aprilia Tuono 457
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

[u/SoulMB]

First some general recommendations and opinions. I don’t like revvy engines getting restricted as they feel gutted (i.e inline 4). You should look into second hand bikes, even if it is only a few years from new. Helps you save money and it doesn’t feel as bad if you drop it.

Those two topics aside. Look into comfort. I like sporty bikes, I have a VFR800; I would not own a sportier bike than it for the street, because I find it uncomfortable for longer rides that I often do. Go sit on new bikes so that you have an idea on how older ones will feel. An R7 is really sporty, a Ninja650 isn’t so bad.

Once you know which bikes you like being sat on, look for engine character and aesthetics.

Also consider weight and the other performance parts: suspension, chasis & brakes. I prefer a bike that’s lighter, has good brakes and excellent suspension to one that has a higher horsepower. But that shouldn’t matter that much for you for now since you are restricted to A2 power. At most you’ll get better brakes for a heavier bike (equilibrates braking performance), with maybe more torque.

[u/ScaryfatkidGT]

I’d get a 450 gs… go on an adventure… for a sport bike tho probably a Ninja 500

[u/fadedadrian]

Aprilia 457. If aesthetics is top of your list, there are not many sexier bikes in that class.

[u/SirHikaru → u/fadedadrian]

I love that one 😮‍💨

[u/Freq18Hz → u/SirHikaru]

They all lean to the left with the hands off the bars, so skip that one. They look and sound and feel good - but they are slow and have that fatal flaw. Ninja 500 all day, every day.

[u/SirHikaru → u/Freq18Hz]

How so? And why ninja 500 is so good?

[u/Freq18Hz]

Ninja 500, or a used Ninja 400.

[u/ExpertMeaning7793]

Idk, I'd get the mt07, new gen is flawless, happy with it, more than enough, but it can get ugly if you are a complete beginner. Fat rear tire, for me, as comfortable as a naked gets, lightweight, excellent chassis, brakes are ok, tons of fun, can't go wrong with it

[u/ChickenInvader42]

Suzuki sv650 or the Sv7-gx.

Mt07 is kinda standard, but I prefer the Suzukis.

Rebel 500 if you are small and weak, Vstrom650 if you are huge. Honda ncx 500 exists.

I would go for a new sv7gx because they cost 8k€ here and have a time tested 650 vtwin. Suzuki is reliable.

I would look at the dealers in your vicinity and their reputation. Wouldn't go for a chinnese bike because they lack consistent quality still.

Look at the main subs of wanted brands to get a feel.