For those just starting out in the exciting world of sportbikes, picking the right bike can be both fun and a little scary. You want a bike that looks sporty and is fun to ride, like the cool sportbikes you see, but without too much power or being too hard to control. Luckily, the year 2025 has some great sportbikes that are perfect for new riders. These motorcycles have a good mix – enough power to be exciting but still easy and safe for those still learning. Here are ten great sportbikes that new riders should think about in 2025:
1. CFMoto 300SS: With a price of just $4,599, the CFMoto 300SS is a really affordable way to start. This bike is in the 250-300cc sportbike group, which isn’t as common now, and it’s a good deal compared to older bikes. Its lively engine, modern features, and good quality make it a smart choice for total beginners. Plus, its cool style definitely gets attention.
2. Kawasaki Ninja 500: Taking over from the very popular Ninja 400, the 2025 Ninja 500, priced at $5,299, feels familiar and easy to trust. It still has the great handling and lots of available parts like the old model, but it has a bigger, more powerful two-cylinder engine. This upgrade gives it more power, so it’s good for more kinds of riding as you get better.
3. Yamaha YZF-R3: A long-time favorite for new sportbike riders, the Yamaha YZF-R3 has a new look for 2025, making it look tougher and more modern. The reliable 321cc two-cylinder engine and easy-to-handle frame are still the same, but the updated style and new screen make it even better. At $5,499, the R3 is still a good all-around and dependable choice.
4. CFMoto 450SS: Priced at $5,699, the CFMoto 450SS is a strong contender as one of the best sportbikes from China you can buy in America. It has been reliable, and CFMoto is getting more dealers. The 450cc two-cylinder engine, with a special way it fires that’s like a V-twin, gives you a useful 50 horsepower across the engine’s speed range. Good parts like a Brembo brake, winglets for looks, a color screen, and standard anti-lock brakes make it even more appealing. The special way its two-cylinder engine fires makes the exhaust sound more interesting compared to engines that fire differently. For example, the Yamaha YZF-R3’s two-cylinder engine fires in a different way.
5. KTM RC 390: Even though the 2025 model isn’t in the US yet, the older KTM RC 390 is still a good choice for new riders who want a more track-focused feel. Its dependable 373cc single-cylinder engine has good power for its size, and the sharp, sporty handling helps riders learn better riding skills. Also, there are many extra parts you can buy for KTM bikes.
6. Benelli Tornado 550: With Keeway now selling bikes in the US, the Benelli Tornado 550 is something to look forward to in 2025. It promises the most power in the under-600cc two-cylinder group with 56 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of power. It also has good quality parts like adjustable suspension and strong Brembo brakes. If Benelli keeps its prices low, the Tornado 550 could be a really good option.
7. Aprilia RS 457: Aprilia’s first real try at the beginner sportbike market in many years, the RS 457, priced at $6,799, doesn’t feel like you’re missing out. This Italian bike has a strong engine, lots of features, cool looks, and a great aluminum frame – which is rare for bikes in this class. Adjustable suspension makes it even better, making it a very capable and fun bike for new riders.
8. Honda CBR500R: A more grown-up and useful option on this list, the Honda CBR500R, with a price of $7,399, gives you more engine size and power while still being easy to handle. Its smooth and predictable two-cylinder engine has enough power for riding to work and fun weekend trips. Honda’s reputation for being reliable and easy to maintain makes it even better for new riders.
9. Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid: While much more expensive at $12,499, the Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid has a new kind of technology that could be really helpful for new riders. Its hybrid engine, with a 451cc two-cylinder engine and an electric motor, gives a total of 68 HP. Importantly, it has a transmission that doesn’t need a clutch or gear lever, making riding simpler and maybe less scary for beginners.
10. Honda CBR300R (Worth Mentioning): Even though it’s an older design, the Honda CBR300R is still a good option for total beginners who want a bike that’s easy to handle and has a forgiving engine. While it might not have the modern features and power of some of the newer bikes here, its simplicity and Honda’s known reliability make it a dependable choice for learning the basics of sportbike riding.
Choosing your first sportbike is a big step in your riding journey. The bikes listed above are a good mix of options, each with its own good points and feel. By thinking about things like engine size, handling, features, and price, new riders in 2025 have a great selection of motorcycles to start their sportbike adventures with confidence.