The Motorcycle Owners Wish They Had Bought Years Earlier
It is no secret that the average age of motorcycle riders in the developed world is increasing. One big contributing factor to this is the slow uptake in the younger generation, with motorcycles largely viewed as unnecessarily dangerous vehicles. The other, arguably bigger factor, is the fact that most people are waiting longer than ever to pull the trigger on their first motorcycle purchase.
Finding The Right Bike Is Easier Said Than Done
While the average age of new riders might be high, there is still a demand for a wide variety of motorcycles. As such, there is also a wide selection of beginner-friendly models to choose from. Variety may be the spice of life, but with so many options currently on the market, it can become a little overwhelming. Deciding on what kind of riding you really want to do before you have done much riding can be a little challenging.
For those lucky enough to have a few friends with motorcycles, that is a great place to start, and some dealers will allow short test rides. We can say with some authority that this still isn’t always conclusive. That is why the one kind of motorcycle we always recommend to new riders is an entry-level dual-sport. It allows you to gain experience riding both on and off-road, and it won’t be much of an issue when you inevitably drop the thing.
The Yamaha XT250 Offers New Riders A Fantastic Starting Point
MSRP: $5,499
While it might not look anything like the motorcycle you really want, the Yamaha XT250 is an ideal starting point for any rider. Admittedly, there are going to be some new riders that are adamant that they will never go off-road, and if that is the case, there are several great street bikes to choose from. But, for those that eventually plan on getting a bigger ADV, this is an ideal bike to help you hone your off-road riding skills. For those open-minded enough to try riding on dirt, it will almost certainly teach you something. Learning how to ride in a low-traction environment is a foundational skill that every motorcyclist should acquire.
An Economical Air-Cooled Single Powers The XT250
Power: 19 Horsepower
With less than 20 horsepower, the XT250 is a very approachable motorcycle that certainly won’t be intimidating anyone. Its little air-cooled 250cc engine is also incredibly efficient; with a claimed fuel economy of 76 MPG, it will happily double up as a commuter bike during the week. Simplicity is the key theme here. While there is no denying the fact that there are now several more modern dual-sport bikes on offer, none are quite as proven as this.
Proven Reliability Record
The only “modern” feature you get here is fuel injection, but there is a good reason why low-compression air-cooled single-cylinder engines are still in production today. Although widely regarded as outdated, they are fiercely reliable and easy to maintain. Anyone willing to get their hands dirty will be able to take care of the XT’s basic maintenance needs. For those new to motorcycling, this is an ideal introduction to motorcycle maintenance. While some riders might not be interested in such things, it really is part of the broader motorcycling experience.
The XT250 Is A Great Bike You Can Pass Down To The Next Generation
The last meaningful update the XT250 got was way back in 2008. In that span of time, we have quite literally seen models introduced and subsequently discontinued. Somehow the XT has survived. Part of the reason why it has such staying power is the fact that it really offers a back-to-basics motorcycling experience, and there is a certain charm to this kind of simplicity.
While retro bikes try to capture the essence of older motorcycles, this is just an old bike. The main reason why we would recommend something like this to new riders is that it forces riders to learn the basics without any safety nets. Those safety features are fantastic, but if you learn to ride a bike that already has them, it can become something of a crutch.
Being able to take it off-road gives new riders the opportunity to understand just how different the riding experience is. It is also exactly where it shines brightest. With a wet weight of just 291 pounds, it is relatively light, so when you do drop it out on a trail, it won’t be all that hard to pick up.
Unlike other bikes in this class that compromise ground clearance in the name of keeping the seat height low, the XT offers an impressive 11.2 inches of ground clearance while maintaining a relatively approachable seat height of 32.7 inches. For those who discover the joys of trail riding, it is a bike that you can hold onto indefinitely, and for the rest, it is an ideal beginner bike that can eventually get passed down to the next generation of riders.
Consider Buying Used As Well
While this is certainly the kind of bike that stays in the family, it is also fairly easy to find on the used market. With these bikes being able to handle untold amounts of abuse, they also represent a relatively safe purchase, unless the thing looks like it fell off the back of a truck. With no meaningful updates since 2008, any bike you find made after that model year will be more or less identical to the new bike.
That incidentally won’t be around for much longer. As far as we can tell, 2025 will be its final model year, and once stocks are depleted, that will be it for the now-discontinued XT. Although it is sad to see it go, its days have been numbered for quite some time now, and the fact that it hung around for this long is somewhat surprising.
Yamaha has already effectively nominated its replacement with the launch of the WR125R (pictured), but that is a different kind of dual-sport that will appeal to a different kind of rider. It is a thoroughly modern motorcycle, with a liquid-cooled single that has variable valve actuation. But, it is also heavier, has a taller seat, and just lacks the personality of the old XT.
Source: Yamaha Motorsports
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