Lecture Notes: Best Beginner Motorcycles of 2024

Introduction

• Key Point: There has never been a better time to start motorcycling.
• Reasons: Motorcycles are more powerful, advanced, and capable, including beginner bikes getting competitive each year.
• Goal: Overview of the best new beginner bikes available or coming soon.
• Sponsor: Rockform

Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400x

Key Details

• Speed 400:

  • Lightweight Roadster
  • Engine: 398cc single-cylinder
  • Power: 40 HP, 28 ft-lbs of torque
  • Design: Tubular steel frame, bolt-on subframe
  • Suspension: 43mm upside-down fork, single rear monoshock
  • Wheels: 17-inch Cast Aluminum with Metler tires
  • Ergonomics: 31-inch seat height, 375 lbs curb weight
  • Tech: Limited, with an analog speedometer and LCD screen
  • Riding Position: Neutral, upright with wide flat handlebars
  • Price: Expected under $6,000

• Scrambler 400x:

  • Built on Speed 400 foundation
  • Changes: Increased suspension travel, 19-inch front & 17-inch rear wheels
  • Purpose: Light off-road or cafe cruising
  • Tires: Metler dual-sport
  • Competitors: Royal Enfield Scram 411

Kawasaki Eliminator 450

Key Details

• History: Name reused, new addition to line-up
• Engine: Ninja 400 engine stroked to 451cc
• Torque: 32 ft-lbs
• Design: Modern with a trellis frame
• Components: Rudimentary, right-side up fork, dual rear shocks
• Styling: Muscle cruiser, aluminum spoked wheels (18-inch front, 16-inch rear)
• Ergonomics: 29-inch seat height, 386 lbs curb weight
• Tech: LED lighting, digital instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity
• Price: $6649 base, $7249 for SE trim (with ABS and extra features)

Aprilia RS 457

Key Details

• Engine: 457cc parallel-twin, 47 HP
• Chassis: Aluminum twin-spar frame
• Suspension: Fully adjustable, 41mm upside-down fork
• Brakes: Brembo by Brembo
• Tech: Packed with features, TFT display, three Rider modes (rain, eco, sport)
• Competitors: Ninja 400, ZX-4R
• Price Estimate: Around $7,500 to $9,000

CF Moto 450 SS

Key Details

• Engine: 450cc parallel-twin, 50 HP, 29 ft-lbs torque

• Design: Similar aesthetic to sport bikes

• Components: Non-adjustable fork, Brembo brake caliper

• Tech: TFT display, LED lighting

• Price: Around $5,500

• Comparison: Direct comparison to Ninja 400, Z400

• CF Moto 450 NK: Naked variant of 450 SS, targeting Z400 market with similar power and tech features.

• CF Moto 450 SRS: Higher spec version of 450 SS with advanced tech and component tweaks.

Other Notable Models

• Upcoming Models: KLX300, Honda Shadow Phantom, Royal Enfield Bullet 350s

Conclusion

• Excitement about new beginner motorcycles
• Encouragement to get into motorcycling

Fun Fact

• A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance.