Top 5 best 2026 motorcycles for beginners
At a glance
Our complete guide to beginner motorcycles features: the Triumph Speed 400, the Triumph Trident 660, the Kawasaki Ninja 650, the KTM Duke 390, the Yamaha MT-07.
- The Triumph Speed 400 is the most affordable model, available from $6,195.
- The KTM Duke 390 is the lightest motorcycle, weighing 364 pounds.
- The Triumph Trident 660 is the most powerful motorcycle, delivering 94 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque.
How to choose your first motorcycle?
Considering the price of a motorcycle licence in Quebec, it is important to make the most of it with a well-chosen first motorcycle.
Which motorcycle should you choose as your first? With so many distinct types and brands on the market, making an informed choice can be challenging.
This is why we recommend consulting experts before deciding. If you prefer to start with your own research, here are our top beginner motorcycle picks.
Our selection of the best bikes for beginners
Triumph Speed 400
By far the most economical model on this list, the Triumph Speed 400 is an affordable beginner motorcycle that brings the iconic style of the motorcycle brand Triumph.
The Speed 400 arrives with rider-assistance technologies that help support a new rider's safety, including:
- Traction control
- Assisted clutch
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- And more
Here is a quick summary of its specs:
| Specifications | 2024-2025 Triumph Speed 400 |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $6,195 |
| Engine | 398.15 cc four-stroke single-cylinder |
| Power / torque | 39.5 HP / 27.7 lb-ft |
| Seat height | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,377 mm |
| Weight | 375 lb. |
In addition, a road bike like the Speed 400 is perfect to enjoy the best motorcycle rides in Quebec.
Triumph Trident 660
With a muscular style similar to the Speed 400, the Trident 660 is a good option if you want a first motorcycle with a bit more power.
Like the Speed 400, the Trident 660 offers a suite of built-in technologies. On the Trident, you will find, among others:
- A full-colour digital dashboard
- Cruise control
- Three distinct driving modes
- Smartphone connectivity via the My Triumph app, etc.
Also, the Trident 660 is the most powerful motorcycle we recommend for starting out, as you can see below:
| Specifications | 2026 Triumph Trident 660 |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $11,145 |
| Engine | 660 cc triple-cylinder |
| Power / torque | 94 HP / 50.2 lb-ft |
| Seat height | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,402 mm |
| Weight | 430 lb. |
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Among motorcycle manufacturers, Kawasaki is known for its focus on sports bikes.
The Ninja 650, being a relatively modest Ninja model, is perfect as a beginner motorcycle in 2026 if you want to step into sports bikes.
While this type of motorcycle is not ideal for long trips, it is excellent for sporty riding and thrills. Along with a capable engine and exciting styling, the Ninja 650 includes:
- A full-colour digital dashboard
- Bluetooth connectivity with the Rideology app
- Kawasaki traction control with three modes
- Economical Riding Indicator
- And much more
If you would like an introduction to the wide world of sports motorcycles, discover the Kawasaki Ninja 650:
| Specifications | 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $9,099 |
| Engine | 649 cc parallel twin-cylinder |
| Power / torque | 67 HP / 47.2 lb-ft |
| Seat height | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm |
| Weight | 423 lb. |
KTM Duke 390
A naked bike, the Duke 390 proudly showcases a minimalist style that exposes its engine and chassis.
It is a distinct look that improves agility, which makes it one of the best beginner motorcycles in 2026.
Despite its minimalist appearance, the Duke 390 includes everything you might need, such as:
- A full-colour digital dashboard
- Three driving modes (Rain, Street, and Track)
- An adjustable fork for rebound and compression
- Smartphone connectivity through the TURN-BY-TURN app, etc.
The Duke 390 also features a more modest engine, which is great for learning to ride. Here are the details:
| Specifications | 2026 KTM Duke 390 |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $8,499 |
| Engine | 398.7 cc four-stroke single-cylinder |
| Power / torque | 44.4 HP / 28.8 lb-ft |
| Seat height | 820/800 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,357 mm |
| Weight | 364 lb. |
Yamaha MT-07
Another naked option, the Yamaha MT-07 has more power than the Duke 390. Combined with its relatively light weight for its engine, it delivers dynamic performance and standout handling.
The Japanese-culture-inspired look includes several interesting features, such as:
- Premium finishes and materials
- Adjustable suspension
- Yamaha Ride Control rider aids
- Customizable driving modes
- And more
Below, discover the performance of the 2026 MT-07:
| Specifications | 2026 Yamaha MT-07 |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $11,499 |
| Engine | 689 cc twin-cylinder |
| Power / torque | 73.8 HP / 50 lb-ft |
| Seat height | 805 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,395 mm |
| Weight | 403 lb. |
Summary table of the best motorcycles for beginners
Which motorcycle should you start with? To summarize, here is a quick comparison of the performance of our five best beginner motorcycles:
| Motorcycles | Starting price | Engines | Power / torque (hp / lb-ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph Speed 400 | $6,195 | Single-cylinder 398.15 cc | 39.5 / 27.7 |
| Triumph Trident 660 | $11,145 | Triple 660 cc | 94 / 50.2 |
| Kawasaki Ninja 650 | $9,099 | Twin 649 cc | 67 / 47.2 |
| KTM Duke 390 | $8,499 | Single-cylinder 398.7 cc | 44.4 / 28.8 |
| Yamaha MT-07 | $11,499 | Twin 689 cc | 73.8 / 50 |
To hit the road today, visit Motos Illimitées, your motorcycle destination in Terrebonne on the North Shore, near Montreal.