Yamaha MT-07
For around $8,599, the MT-07 is a true street legend and offers one of the best performance deals you can get. It comes equipped with a 689cc twin-cylinder engine that delivers hair-raising midrange torque perfect for city riding and ripping up backroads.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Starting around $3,999, the Hunter 350 is one of the most affordable new motorcycles you can buy today. It has a cool retro style, a simple forgiving design, nimble handling, and the satisfying 350cc engine "thump," making it a surprisingly fun and reliable commuter.
KTM 390 Duke
The 390 Duke is compact, has razor-sharp agility, and is wickedly fun to throw around. With aggressive styling, a full-color TFT dash, and a punchy single-cylinder that begs to be revved, this Austrian street fighter is one of the best sub-$6K bikes you can buy.
The Duke also has a sportier sibling…
The Duke also has a sportier sibling…
KTM RC 390
Same punchy single-cylinder power as the Duke, but wrapped in aggressive full-fairing sportbike bodywork with a committed riding position. The RC 390 is a lightweight corner-carving machine that feels way more expensive than its $6,500 price tag suggests.
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Starting around $7,349, the Vulcan S couples cruiser vibes with sportbike performance. Its special design lets you easily adjust the bike to fit you perfectly, and the torquey 649cc engine is a personal favorite among both new and experienced riders.
Suzuki GSX-250R
For about $4,999, the GSX-250R brings Suzuki's sport DNA to the entry-level world with genuine flair. It's approachable, stylish, and wonderfully forgiving, making it ideal for new riders or daily commuters who want that aggressive sportbike aesthetic without the headaches.
Ready to ditch pavement? This next one can practically go anywhere!
Ready to ditch pavement? This next one can practically go anywhere!
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
For around $5,799, the Himalayan 450 is the perfect way to start your off-road adventures without spending too much. It also features a new fuel-injected engine, making it one of the best-value and most capable adventure bikes available on the market right now.
Honda Rebel 500
The Rebel 500 gets you more oomph for your ride, and has everything a modern cruiser should have: iconic styling, beginner-friendly ergonomics, and endless customization potential. At under $7K, you're getting Honda's legendary reliability and a bike that grows with your skills.
Kawasaki Z400
For a bike that is incredibly fun and practical for city riding, consider the Z400, priced at $5,399. It’s extremely lightweight, forgiving, and makes you feel good about getting so much value in less than six grand.
Craving Italian flair? The next scrambler's got some serious charm.
Craving Italian flair? The next scrambler's got some serious charm.
Benelli Leoncino 500
The Leoncino 500, at just $6,300, brings charming Italian style to the affordable scrambler segment with real personality. It's 500cc parallel-twin delivers smooth, usable power with that satisfying mid-range punch, while the solid build quality and retro-modern styling turn heads at every stoplight.
Suzuki SV650
For years, the SV650 has been a true legend when it comes to getting the best bang for your buck. Starting at approximately $7,949, the V-twin engine gives you the perfect balance between strong torque and easy control.
CFMoto 300NK / 300SR
CFMoto is seriously shaking up the budget segment with these 300-class twins. Whether you buy the naked NK or a fully-faired SR, you're getting specs like TFT displays, ABS, and aggressive modern styling at a jaw-dropping price point of $4,200 - $4,500.
How about some Swedish style with the attitude of a scrambler?
How about some Swedish style with the attitude of a scrambler?
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Lightweight, torquey, and surprisingly quick off the line, the Svartpilen 401 turns heads everywhere with its blacked-out scrambler styling and flat-track inspired vibe. Boutique looks and KTM's proven single-cylinder performance for around $5,700? Seriously cool stuff at an accessible price point.
Suzuki Boulevard S40
Priced at $6,000, the Boulevard S40 is all about nailing the cruiser basics without any fuss. Its thumping 652cc air-cooled single delivers that satisfying, torquey character cruiser fans love, while the low seat height and manageable weight make it incredibly approachable.
Triumph Trident 660
That buttery-smooth triple-cylinder engine delivers iconic British character, and the premium build quality and sharp handling make every ride feel special. Starting around $8,700, you're getting genuine Triumph heritage and performance that rivals bikes costing thousands more.
If you’re looking for something to tour on, the next baby ADV delivers!
If you’re looking for something to tour on, the next baby ADV delivers!
Kawasaki Versys-X 300
This baby adventure bike punches way above its weight class. Light, bulletproof, reliable, and surprisingly capable on both pavement and dirt, the Versys-X 300 delivers genuine touring comfort without the intimidating bulk of bigger ADV bikes. At $6,200, it is an absolute steal.
Royal Enfield Scram 411
The Scram 411 takes the beloved Himalayan's rugged adventure DNA and strips it down for pure, simple fun. Costing just over $5,000, this thing thrives on neglect; super low-maintenance, bulletproof, reliable, and actually capable whether you're commuting or exploring fire roads.
Honda Rebel 300
Starting at about $4,849 for the base variant, the Rebel 300 is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to get into the cruiser world. It has a smooth 286cc engine that is easy to handle and very fuel-efficient for daily commutes.
Let’s shift gears now, shall we?
Let’s shift gears now, shall we?
Kawasaki Ninja 400
When it comes to beginner sportbikes, the Ninja 400 is still the absolute gold standard. It's light, quick, and builds your confidence fast while delivering raw power. Starting at about $5,699, this is a machine you can comfortably learn on, grow with as a rider, and honestly keep enjoying for years down the road.
Yamaha YZF-R3
The YZF-R3, at around $5,499, has incredible, track-inspired styling and handling that manages to be both fun and totally forgiving. It has enough speed for everyday riding yet remains approachable for first-timers, making this one of the most well-rounded small sportbikes out there.
Suzuki TU250X
The TU250X is that rare, timeless beginner classic you actually want to keep forever. With gorgeous vintage styling, bulletproof Suzuki reliability, and feather-light handling that builds real confidence, it's perfect for new riders finding their groove.
Now, something with a sharper, more rebellious streak.
Now, something with a sharper, more rebellious streak.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
The Vitpilen is the Svartpilen's café-inspired sibling with even more minimalist, stripped-down styling. Its aggressive forward stance and clean Swedish design language make it look like nothing else in the budget class and exude genuine character for under $6K. Beautifully different.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
If you want true cruiser style and comfort without forcing yourself to spend a lot, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 could do you some good. Coming in at around $4,699, it uses the same reliable single-cylinder 350cc engine as the Hunter, but with smoother highway-ready gearing.
Suzuki GSX-8S
The GSX-8S nails that elusive middleweight sweet spot perfectly. It's powerful enough to get your heart racing on backroads, yet smooth and manageable for everyday commuting. Wrapped in aggressively sharp styling, this naked bike delivers serious performance at around $8,900.
If you’re looking for something built to handle dirt, dust, and distance…
If you’re looking for something built to handle dirt, dust, and distance…
Kawasaki KLR650
The KLR650 is famous for being an absolute tank on two wheels, and it starts at a great price of around $7,199. This bike has been the go-to adventure bike for decades because it’s so simple, rugged, and reliable. It might not be the flashiest machine out there, but it is relentlessly dependable.
Moto Guzzi V7 (Used)
Few bikes deliver character like the V7's iconic transverse V-twin. That sideways-mounted engine provides unmistakable personality and surprisingly smooth power, and the modern Moto Guzzi reliability means you'll actually ride it instead of watching it rust.
Benelli 302S
For roughly $4,900, the 302S can put distinctly European styling within reach of new riders. Benelli's parallel-twin delivers solid performance without intimidation, while the ergonomics feel naturally comfortable from the first ride, making it a brilliant entry for anyone looking to get into sportbike territory.
Are Hondas still as reliable as they used to be?
Are Hondas still as reliable as they used to be?
Honda CB500F
For anyone seeking practicality that still packs a punch, the CB500F could be a great choice. Starting at around $6,899, it features a solid parallel-twin engine and is famously reliable (thanks to that great Honda engineering).
Kawasaki Ninja 650
For around $8,299, the Ninja 650 offers an amazing sweet spot between a friendly beginner bike and a serious sport machine. Its parallel-twin engine offers smooth, accessible torque, and the comfortable design makes it easy to ride daily; the kind of bike you smoke someone with at the track, then ride to work the next morning.
Aprilia RS 457
Aprilia dropped one of 2025's most exciting machines with the RS 457. This lightweight sportbike is filled with Italian racing DNA in an accessible package. $8,000 will get you premium build quality and performance that can embarrass bikes twice the price. Aprilia's back, baby!
Yamaha MT-03
Priced at $4,999, the MT-03 looks like a mean streetfighter. It's incredibly light and agile, making it a blast to zoom through city traffic. Powered by a zippy, rev-happy 321cc engine, this motorcycle will give you awesome style points coupled with some serious agility.
The next one is the perfect representation of retro-style combined with power…
The next one is the perfect representation of retro-style combined with power…
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
This café racer oozes vintage blood while being packed with modern reliability. The smooth 650 twin hums beautifully on highway cruises, delivering that classic parallel-twin character riders crave. With its retro styling, clip-ons, and timeless silhouette, the Continental GT does not look like it costs just $7,000.
Harley-Davidson Nightster (Base)
Harley finally modernized the Sportster formula with the Nightster, and it works beautifully. The liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T engine delivers smooth performance and is wrapped in that unmistakable H-D attitude and styling. Although slightly more expensive ($12,000-$13,000), the value at this price point makes it worth considering.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Priced near $9,199, the V-Strom 650 remains one of the most well-rounded adventure tourers ever built. Its renowned 645cc V-twin is paired with comfortable ergonomics for long-mile capability, making it the kind of bike that will support (and probably outlast) your wanderlust.
CFMoto 450MT (and Other 450 / 500 MT Models)
CFMoto's MT lineup offers genuine ADV capability under $7,000. These 450/500cc twins feature long-travel suspension and upright ergonomics for comfort, along with tech that's rare at this price point. Under $7,000 for equipment that actually works? Take the money!
