The newly introduced motorcycle rider faces a common barrier to entry with his fellow beginners: the price. Enter the sub $6,000 category. This platform allows you to find quality motorcycles without breaking the bank. But where do we find motorcycls at such a low price? Have no fear! We give you the ten best bikes for under $6,000.
Honda Trail 125 ABS - $3,999
The small-scale Trail 125 Honda is a perfect example of Honda culture, inspired to bring more people to the sport and encourage consumers to switch to motorcycle commuting daily. This bike starts at $3,999 and comes standard with ABS, a new thing in the motorcycle industry. The Trail platform has upgraded from the 90 ccs and 110 versions of previous years. With ABS on the front wheel and an electric starter, this is a significant upgrade for this household favorite. Coming standard in the Glowing Red colorway, this bike has character and proven performance as tested in the market for generations. This is an excellent option if you are out for a cruise around town!
Honda Monkey - $4,199
The baby brother of the Trail 125, Honda created the Monkey in the 1960s as a supercharged pit bike with a flair for style and bravado. The newest version has an identical engine to the latest Honda Grom, but with vintage styling and spirited performance. The model comes standard with ABS and has two colorways, Pearl Black and Banana Yellow. At a $4,199 starting price, this bike is a powerful 125cc with spunk and a well-known thrilling riding experience. The aggressive 12-inch wheels offer a comfortable journey for even the most ambitious rider. Look no further if you are looking for a compact, fun, unique riding experience to and from the beach; The Honda Monkey is here!
Yamaha V Star 250 - $4,599
We know that cruiser riders aren't concerned with MPG as their main reason for considering a bike, but this bike offers an incredible 78 MPG in its 4,000-dollar entry-level package. The Yamaha V Star is a great bike for learning the sport and showing machismo. The cycle is inspired by the ever-popular Honda Rebel class and offers classic cruiser styling in a lightweight package. The 249cc V-twin provides five speeds and 200 miles of range, giving the rider plenty of time to establish themselves on the road. This is an excellent option for the beginner rider looking to recreate Sons of Anarchy without taking a dangerous spill in his first few weeks in the saddle.
Honda CB300R - $4,949
The Honda CBR300R is one of the best options for bang-for-your-buck power and features. Modeled after its bigger brother naked sport bikes, the CB300R gives the rider an upright seating position and responsive throttle response in the 286cc DOHC four-valve liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Once again, with standard ABS included and a tidied front and rear fairing, this bike offers both style and value to the rider in a premium Honda bow. Coming in at $4,949 and only provided in Matte Pearl Blue, this bike is an excellent option for the street commuter looking for a solid ride in a proven engine class.
BMWG310R - $4,995
The BMW G310R, starting at $4,995, is a welcome upgrade to previous generations of the G series BMW bikes. The naked bike design is reminiscent of the KTM duke platform, with 313ccs of power delivered to the rear wheel. The bike has 34 horsepower and 20.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,500 rpm. The seat height differs from most offering 30.9 inches of height to the rider. Surprisingly, the bike comes standard with a slipper clutch that the newer rider can appreciate with its ergonomics and forgiving mechanics. The livery comes in various colors and includes an excellent screen for all information needed for the rider's curiosity. This bike is best suited for the BMW fanatic looking to test out the German Motorcycle brand's premium engine design at a low entry cost.
Royal Enfield Himalayan - $5,299
The Royal Enfield Himalayan, inspired by the majestic mountain range, offers a complete off-road riding experience in a small, lightweight, and decently-priced package. Including optional navigation options on-screen, customizable windscreen attachments, and adjustable ABS, this bike offers the rider an astounding amount of freedom in using this for various uses. The 450 is applicable in most ADV settings and provides enough storage options for light touring usage. We love the matt black colorway (all coming in at $5,299 MSRP), but the bike comes in many colors and add-on options. The beginner or intermediate ADV rider looking for an already set up bike in a small package could appreciate this entry.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 - $5,399
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is reminiscent of the café racer rat bikes of previous years. With aggressive tire tread and sleek minimalist styling, this bike is a classic homage to Swedish heritage. With the same engine as the Vitpilen, the 373cc single-cylinder model, and a high-strength chromium frame, this bike blurs the line between off-road usage and Blade Runner aesthetic. With great accessories available and a lesser starting price of $5,399, this bike could be turned into a flat track off-road beast or a wheelie machine, rivaling the Grom squids of most city streets. This bike is for you if you love Red Bull and Sci-Fi graphic novels.
Kawasaki Z400 ABS - $5,399
A modern take on the entry-level riding experience, the Kawasaki Z400 is a clear copy of previous generations' Z900 and Z650 motorcycles. Much to the thrill of the beginner rider, this bike is indistinguishable from its older brothers at a distance. The aggressive and poignant lines and angles shown in the front fairing and rear cowl inspire speed and performance for the onlooker. The lightweight chassis, upright riding position, and low seat height promote confidence and enthusiasm in the owner. The 399cc engine is applicable for even the entry-level track day bike, offering an ample supply of parts and upgrades for riders to play around with. At a base price of $5,399, this bike provides incredible value for the rider, once again coming with ABS as a standard accessory. You must consider this bike if you seek a naked sportbike for a minimal price and with proven performance.
KTM RC390 - $5,899
The KTM RC390 is a homage to the much larger race bikes in higher cc categories. Starting at $5,899, the bike offers the rider a 373 cc engine with revised engine mapping, improved torque figures, and smoother complex hitting power delivery. The frame has been upgraded with the price with an ultra-lightweight design, cutting 3.3 pounds off the previous generation. Handlebars match higher cc bikes in their clip-on design, and bodywork and graphics match the KTMRC16 racer for Factory Racing-inspired color options. Although this bike is one of the more expensive options below, barely below the 6,000-dollar price point, the additions to the newest model warrant consideration from the premium-seeking rider with some cash to burn.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - $6,100
We're breaking the rule by 100 bucks, but it deserves a spot on the list. Straight out of the theme of Tron and Cyberpunk, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is a fantastic option for those seeking sleek styling and proven engine performance. At a base price of $6,100, a bike is an excellent option for those seeking something they can park in almost any location but can also offer them an agile, maneuverable ride. The 373cc single-cylinder engine is hidden under this symmetrical tank and seat position, offering a minimalist stance. Clip-on handlebars promote an aggressive ride angle and encourage the rider to weave around the city streets with purpose. This bike is best suited for Daft Punk fans and a rider seeking a statement piece to be added to his garage.