The Fantastic Four

There are so few moments in life that are truly magical; marrying the love of your life, holding your new baby for the very first time, or the Chipotle staff getting your burrito order perfect. But there is one moment that stands apart from the rest – getting your motorcycle license. Whether you’ve been riding for 50 years or you’ve just received your ticket to the world of two-wheeled awesomeness, you never forget the excitement that comes with shopping for your first motorcycle. If you’re like me, your first impulse is going to be to cut open your mattress, gather your crumpled pile of one dollar bills, and buy the fastest and most flashy bike that you can afford. But most new riders will quickly discover the limits of their abilities on a bike that is too big for them, as well as the precise density of the asphalt their helmet is coming into contact with. So what’s the alternative? It used to be that there were very few options for those of us looking to start on a responsible bike, and most of what was available didn’t do much to satisfy the ego of our screaming inner 12 year old. Luckily, the past few years have gifted us with a variety of motorcycles from multiple manufacturers that are not only responsible for a new rider, but also offer a level of refinement and excitement that has long been missing from this category of bikes.

I got my motorcycle license just three months ago, so I know how it feels to be on the hunt for the right bike. After a good amount of research, a fair amount of test riding, a small amount of soul searching, and three loads of laundry, I narrowed down my search to include four bikes.

2015 Honda CBR300R
Price: $4,399
Engine: 286cc Single Cylinder
http://powersports.honda.com/2015/cbr300r.aspx

The Honda rolls in as the least expensive of the pack, but also the least powerful. In the lower revs, the little single cylinder feels wheezier than a 220 pound third grader in gym class. However, the low sticker price, beginner friendly seating position, and legendary Honda reliability makes this bike hard to ignore. It is easily the most sedate of the starter bikes, but it is also the most forgiving to clumsy inputs that are inevitable for most new riders. Additionally, since the CBR300R is nearly mechanically identical to the CBR250R, replacement parts should be simple to find. One aspect of this bike that holds it at a disadvantage is its styling. Compared to the other bikes in this market, the restrained lines most accurately reflect the fact that this is a starter bike. In order to correct this disadvantage, there are a respectable amount of aftermarket parts available. Exhausts, air filters, controls, and limited suspension upgrades are readily available. The fender eliminator market for this bike is hurting because of Honda’s decision to integrate the fender into the undertail. Some crash protection parts have also sprouted.

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300
Price: $4,999 (non-ABS) & $5,299 (ABS)
Engine: 296cc Parallel Twin
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/2015-Ninja-300-abs

The Ninja 300 is an evolution of the EX250R and EX250F, which is the long standing favorite of new riders everywhere. Thankfully, the 300 has received a massive update over its predecessors both in aesthetics, refinement, and performance. While the 2008 update for the Ninja 250R was a welcomed change, the Ninja 300 does an incredible job of erasing memories of the “Top Gun” era styling cues and finicky carburetors. While the 296cc parallel twin doesn’t pull as hard from a dig as some of the other bikes in this roundup, it does manage to pull smoothly up to the red line once you get it into the higher rev range. Because it has been in production since 2013, it also has a big leg up on the competition when it comes to aftermarket parts availability. TST Industries has some exciting aftermarket offerings for this motorcycle including integrated tail lights, fender eliminators, controls, and soon to be released Arrow exhausts. This bike is definitely the easiest to customize to your own personal tastes.

2015 Yamaha YZF-R3
Price: $4,990
Engine: 321cc Parallel Twin
http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/models/yzf-r3

The YZF-R3 is Yamaha’s first foray into the world of small displacement. With its 321cc parallel twin, it is the second most powerful bike on this list. It runs like the same 220 pound third grader, but chasing after a Hot Pocket while jacked up on RedBull. The power comes on strong and stays linear all the way through the rev range, and the Yamaha racing heritage oozes out of the hard-angled fairings. The superb brakes coupled with the KYB suspension make this bike an absolute joy to ride. It does have its faults, however. The factory installed Michelin Pilot Street tires are harder than a diamond in an ice storm, and the ridiculous rear fender is reminiscent of somebody walking around with a toilet paper train hanging out of their pants. The rubber mounted turn signals, borrowed from bigger Yamaha street bikes, bounce all over the place, willing you to swat at them like a cat chasing a laser dot. Luckily, tires are easy to replace and there are many products on the market that will correct these aesthetic oversights. In addition to the already available LED flushmount signals, a fender eliminator / undertail combo from TST Industries is slated to be released this fall. It will promptly be followed by the release of the programmable integrated tail light. Yoshimura, Graves, Vagabond Motorsports, and Motodynamic have already released their renditions of these parts but those who know TST style, and will not settle for less are holding out until the release of the TST R3 line. You can read more about these parts in their respective blog entry HERE.

2015 KTM RC 390
Price: $5,499
Engine: 373cc Single Cylinder
http://www.ktm.com/us/supersport/rc-3902/

The RC 390 is not only KTM’s first stab at the beginner sportbike market, but it is also comparable to tossing a featherweight boxing champ into a schoolyard scuffle. One glance at this stripped down, hard edged contender and you’re sure it’s ready to throw down its flannel and start a bro fight. It is obvious that this bike was bred for the track, which could turn off some shoppers that are looking for a good “all-rounder” to learn on. The muscular 373cc single cylinder “thumper” performs incredibly across the wide powerband, and it’s wrapped up in a chassis that turns this bike into a laser guided missile through the bends. While these are all great qualities that make this bike a fantastic track toy, it may be a bit too hard edged for the majority of new riders that use their bike primarily on the street. Also, due to the lack of mainstream availability of KTM motorcycles in the US, there are only a handful of modifications currently available. Thankfully, TST Industries has recently acquired one of these little Austrian brutes and is already developing a suite of personalization options in the near future. See the KTM RC390 blog entry HERE.

After comparing all of these bikes and being honest with myself about what I was truly looking for, I purchased a 2015 Team Blue Yamaha YZF-R3 and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. But don’t let that sway you as choosing a motorcycle is one of the most personal decisions you can make. All of these bikes have something to offer both new riders and experienced riders that may be looking for something smaller to play with. If you are looking for a low-risk learner bike, the Honda is probably right up your alley. If skill honing performance is more your style, the KTM may be right bike for you. And if you’re looking for something in the middle-ground that will perform well in most situations, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha or Kawasaki. So go out, do your research, test ride as many bikes as you can, and find the perfect bike for YOU.

About Erica Nocita