Best 10 Starter Motorcycles for Women

Jan 3, 2025

Historically, the best starter motorcycles for women were often seen as lightweight and more dainty compared to those designed for men. But those days have changed. Today, there are plenty of great options specifically for women who are just beginning to ride. These bikes offer the right mix of style, comfort, and functionality, making them perfect for new riders. In this blog, we'll explore the top 10 starter motorcycles for women to help you find the ideal bike for your first ride.

What Female Riders Should Look for in Their First Motorcycle

Getting your first bike means finding something that fits your style, feels comfortable, and matches your skill level. But it's important not to overlook some key factors, especially for beginner female riders. To make sure you choose the right bike for you, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Seat Height and Reach: Look for a bike where you can comfortably place both feet on the ground. This makes it easier to balance and feel secure when stopping and starting.
• Handlebar Position: Choose handlebars that fit your arm length and the way you like to sit. This helps keep your arms from getting tired and provides a comfortable grip while riding.
• Overall Frame Size: Pick a motorcycle that matches your body size. A bike that fits well is easier to handle, especially when turning or navigating through traffic.
• Bike Weight: Lighter motorcycles are generally easier to manage, especially for beginners. They allow for smoother movements at low speeds and make parking simpler.
• Type of Motorcycle: Think about what kind of bike suits your style. Cruisers offer a relaxed ride, sportbikes have a more lively feel, and standard or adventure bikes provide a balanced option for a number of riding situations.
• Advanced Safety Features: Consider bikes with safety features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), traction control, and different riding modes. These features can literally save your life, especially when you're just starting out and still getting the hang of handling your bike.

If you're still unsure about which type of motorcycle is right for you, check out our guide What Type of Motorcycle Should I Get? to help you decide.

Best Beginner Motorcycles for Women

We've put together a list of some of the best beginner motorcycles for women, each offering a mix of ease, style, and reliability. Whether you prefer something sporty, classic, or modern, there's a bike here to match your personal taste and riding needs. Take a look at our top picks below to find the perfect motorcycle to start your riding experience: 

1. Kawasaki Ninja 250
2. Triumph Bonneville
3. Honda Rebel
4. Indian Scout Rouge 60
5. Yamaha R3
6. Harley Davidson Iron 883
7. Honda CB300R
8. KTM 390 Duke
9. BMW G 310 R
10. Yamaha V-Star 250

1. Kawasaki Ninja 250

The Kawasaki Ninja 250 stands out as a great starter bike for women thanks to its manageable size and reliable performance. It features a 249cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that provides smooth power, making it easy to handle for those new to riding. Weighing around 373 pounds, it's light enough to lift and maneuver without too much effort. The seat is designed so you can comfortably reach the ground with both feet, which helps when you're stopping or starting. Safety is a priority with the Ninja 250, as it includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to help prevent skidding during sudden stops. The digital display is easy to read, showing essential information like speed and fuel levels clearly. With its stylish look and user-friendly features, the Ninja 250 makes a solid first choice for new female riders.

2. Triumph Bonneville

If you appreciate a classic look with modern reliability, the Triumph Bonneville could be the perfect match for you. Powered by a 900cc parallel-twin engine, it offers smooth, predictable power without feeling overwhelming for beginners. Despite its larger engine size, the Bonneville’s low seat height of about 29.5 inches and balanced design make it surprisingly easy to handle, even for shorter riders. It weighs around 472 pounds, but its center of gravity is low, helping it feel stable and manageable at slow speeds. With features like traction control and ABS for added safety, it’s a solid option for women who want a bike that’s both beginner-friendly and dependable.

3. Honda Rebel

The Honda Rebel is a go-to choice for beginners, especially for women looking for something lightweight and easy to handle. It comes with a 286cc single-cylinder engine (or a 471cc option for those wanting a bit more power), offering smooth acceleration without feeling too fast or intimidating. Weighing around 364 pounds, it’s one of the lighter bikes out there, which makes parking, pushing, and balancing a lot less stressful. The seat height is just 27.2 inches, so most riders can plant their feet firmly on the ground. Plus, the relaxed riding position and wide handlebars make it comfortable for longer rides. With its low-maintenance design and controls that are appreciated by all beginners, the Rebel is a practical and approachable option for new riders.

4. Indian Scout Rouge 60

The Indian Scout Rogue 60 offers a mix of style and approachability, making it a solid option for women who are new to riding. It’s powered by a 999cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, but don’t let the larger engine size scare you—its smooth power delivery and low seat height of 25.6 inches make it feel steady and easy to control. Weighing about 540 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than some starter bikes, but the low center of gravity helps it feel balanced, even at slower speeds. The Rogue 60 also comes with a lightweight chassis and a comfortable riding position, so it doesn’t feel bulky or hard to maneuver. With a mix of modern features and a laid-back design, it’s great for women who want a bit more power without sacrificing comfort or control.

5. Yamaha R3

The Yamaha R3 is a sporty, lightweight bike that’s easy to manage, even for newer riders. It has a 321cc twin-cylinder engine that feels smooth and responsive, making it a good fit for city streets or backroads. Weighing about 375 pounds, it’s light enough to handle without feeling too bulky, and the 30.7-inch seat height works well for most riders. The riding position leans slightly forward, which gives it more of a sporty feel but still keeps things comfortable for longer rides. It also comes with ABS brakes for extra safety and a simple six-speed transmission that’s easy to learn on. For women who want something with a sportbike look and feel, the R3 keeps things simple without being too much to handle.

6. Harley Davidson Iron 883

Cruisers are considered some of the easiest for new riders to ride, and Harley is the best at designing comfortable, reliable cruiser motorcycles. The Iron 883 has an 883cc V-twin engine that delivers smooth, steady power without feeling too overwhelming. It has a low seat height of 25.7 inches, which makes it easy to reach the ground and feel stable at stops. Weighing around 564 pounds, it’s heavier than some smaller bikes, but the low center of gravity helps it feel balanced and planted. The mid-mounted foot controls and slightly forward handlebars create a relaxed riding position, and the stripped-down style keeps things simple without adding extra features to figure out. It’s a solid pick for women who want a classic cruiser that’s easy to ride and built to last.

7. Honda CB300R

The Honda CB300R keeps things lightweight and simple, making it easy to get comfortable on the road. It’s powered by a 286cc single-cylinder engine that delivers steady performance without feeling complicated. At just 317 pounds, it’s one of the lightest bikes around, which makes parking and slow-speed handling less intimidating. The 31.5-inch seat height might sit a little taller than some other bikes, but the slim frame helps it feel easy to control. Like many of the other bikes listed, it also comes with ABS brakes for added safety and a clean, minimalist design that’s easy to navigate. For women who want a bike that’s lightweight without being stripped of useful features, the CB300R checks all the boxes.

8. KTM 390 Duke

The KTM 390 Duke is a compact bike with a modern look and a quick, lightweight frame. It’s built with a 373cc single-cylinder engine that’s strong enough for highway speeds but still easy to control in stop-and-go traffic. Weighing about 362 pounds, it doesn’t feel heavy when pushing it around or parking. The 32.7-inch seat height is a bit taller than some bikes, but the slim frame makes it easier to sit comfortably and stay balanced. It also comes with ABS and a slipper clutch, which can make braking and shifting feel smoother. With its sharp design and simple controls, the 390 Duke is a solid option for new female riders who prefer a more modern style.

9. BMW G 310 R

The BMW G 310 R is a smaller street bike that’s built with comfort and control in mind. It has a 313cc single-cylinder engine that’s easy to work with, whether you’re riding around town or out for a longer trip. Weighing about 362 pounds, it feels light without being too small, and the 30.9-inch seat height strikes a good balance for different rider sizes. The upright seating position and wide handlebars make it comfortable for everyday riding, while features like ABS add extra confidence when braking. With its simple design and easy-to-use features, the G 310 R is a practical choice for women looking for a comfortable and approachable first bike.

10. Yamaha V-Star 250

The Yamaha V-Star 250 is a classic cruiser that’s great for women who want something low, light, and easy to handle. It’s powered by a 249cc V-twin engine, giving it enough power for everyday rides without feeling intimidating. Weighing about 324 pounds, it’s light and simple to move around, whether you’re parking or getting set up to ride. The 27-inch seat height is one of the lowest available, making it easy to sit comfortably and keep both feet flat on the ground. With a relaxed riding position and basic controls, the V-Star 250 offers a smooth ride that’s comfortable for shorter trips or longer days on the road.

Honorable Mentions: Best Motorcycles for Short Women

Finding a motorcycle that fits well can make a big difference in how you ride, especially if you're on the shorter side. We've picked a few extra bikes that are great choices for short women, offering easy handling and comfort. Check out these top options:

1. Harley Davidson Low Rider
2. Ducati Scrambler
3. Royal Enfield Meteor

Harley Davidson Low Rider: The Harley Davidson Low Rider is built with a low 26.2-inch seat height, making it easier for shorter riders to reach the ground and feel secure at stops. It’s powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine, giving it plenty of torque without feeling too overpowering. The relaxed seating position and mid-mounted controls also help keep things comfortable.

Ducati Scrambler: The Ducati Scrambler stands out with its lightweight design and 31.1-inch seat height, but it can be lowered with accessory seats to better suit shorter riders. It has an 803cc L-twin engine that’s smooth and predictable, along with a narrow frame that helps make it easier to grip and balance. Its upright seating position and wide handlebars create a comfortable ride, and it’s simple enough to learn on without feeling too basic.

Royal Enfield Meteor: The Royal Enfield Meteor is a smaller cruiser with a low 29.7-inch seat height and a laid-back design, making it a comfortable pick for shorter women. It’s powered by a 349cc single-cylinder engine that’s easygoing and dependable, while its low weight of around 421 pounds helps it feel steady without being hard to move around. The wide, cushioned seat and relaxed riding position add to its comfort, especially for longer trips.

Motorcycle FAQ for Beginners

Since you're a beginner, we understand there’s a lot to learn. You might have some more questions as you explore your options, and we're here to answer them for you to help you navigate the essentials.

What is a good budget for a first motorcycle?

A good budget for your first motorcycle is usually between $5,000 and $8,000. This range gives you access to reliable bikes that have the features you need without overspending. For more options that fit different budgets, take a look at our blog: Top 10 Cheap, But Reliable, Beginner Motorcycles. Renting a motorcycle is also a great option if you’re unsure about committing to a specific bike. 

How hard is it to ride a motorcycle for the first time?

We won’t lie–the first time you get on a motorcycle will most likely be challenging. This will go for the second time, third, and even fourth time as well. Riding a motorcycle for the first time is hard for many, and you shouldn’t go in expecting to know what you’re doing immediately, but with some practice, things will start to get easier. Starting slow and using our motorcycle riding tips can help you build the confidence and skills you’ll need.

What is the best cc for a beginner motorcycle?

For beginners, motorcycles with engine sizes between 250cc and 500cc are usually the best choice. They offer enough power to be fun while still being manageable as you learn. To understand more about choosing the right engine size, check out our What Size Motorcycle Do I Need? guide.

What safety gear is needed to ride a motorcycle?

Before you get on your bike, make sure you have a quality helmet, sturdy gloves, and a durable jacket. Protective pants, reliable boots, and eyewear can also be a big help depending on the weather of your riding location. 

Get more information on essential motorcycle gear here:

• Prep for Riding With a Guide to Motorcycle Protective Gear
• Best Motorcycle Gear for Summer & Hot Weather
• Riding Gear by Season: What You Should Wear & When
• Renting Motorcycle Gear: Should You, Can You, Would You?

Discover the Best Motorcycles for Women on Riders Share

Looking for the best motorcycles for women? We’ve got you covered at Riders Share. Our platform offers a wide variety of motorcycle rentals to match your style and needs. Our collection includes different models and types, making it easy for you to find the perfect bike. With our user-friendly booking process and flexible rental options, getting the right motorcycle has never been easier. Explore our selection today and see how Riders Share can help you find the ideal bike for your next ride!