In the past, if you were in the market for a small commuter-friendly motorcycle, your options would have been pretty limited, and all rather tepid. Times have most certainly changed. Today we have a wide selection of versatile commuters that can all do far more than just handle the daily commute.
In an effort to cater to a wider variety of potential motorcyclists, manufacturers have developed an entry-level bike for pretty much every segment. While these bikes may be beginner-friendly, they are all still pretty engaging and won’t leave more experienced riders disappointed. For the sake of variety, we limited it to one bike per brand, and each bike offers a different kind of weekend versatility.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as KTM, Honda, and BMW Motorrad. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.
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Triumph Speed 400
MSRP: $5,495
The Speed 400 is about as standard as a modern standard motorcycle can get. It took a while for Triumph to put an entry-level motorcycle into production, but it finally found a willing partner in India that was able to work within the prescribed budget. While budget-friendly, it is comfortable enough to hop on and embark on a longer journey, and like many Triumph motorcycles, it has a serious retro vibe to it.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
398cc |
|
Max Power |
40 HP |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Weight |
375 lbs |
Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS
MSRP: $5,899
What you get with the little Sherpa is a ready-made lightweight travel package. It is one of the most accessible little dual-sport bikes on the market, offering budding explorers a great way to get back and forth to work during the week, and an even better way to tackle the wilderness over the weekend. It is not particularly good on the highway, though, so we highly recommend taking back roads wherever possible.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Single-Cylinder, air-cooled |
|
Displacement |
233cc |
|
Max Power |
20 HP |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Weight |
293 lbs |
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
MSRP: $5,999
Today, there are several little adventure bikes competing in this space. While the latest Himalayan 450 hasn’t quite captured the imagination like its retro-inspired predecessor did, it is significantly more powerful and still very affordable. It offers the flexibility to ride further away from home over the weekend, and is still pretty competent off-road.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
452cc |
|
Max Power |
40 HP |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Weight |
432 lbs |
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KTM 390 SMC R
MSRP: $6,049
Amidst all the struggles last year, KTM was still somehow able to put a flurry of new 390-based models into production. This is one of them. The SMC R will appeal to any level rider looking for a fun commuter that can double up as a canyon carver over the weekend. Although this model is primarily a fun bike, it is easy to see why KTM has bet big on this versatile platform.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
399cc |
|
Max Power |
44 HP |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Weight |
355 lbs |
Yamaha XMax
MSRP: $6,399
Although frowned upon in certain circles, a scooter is easily the best way to get around a congested city. The XMax also isn’t your average scooter, either. It sits between the regular-sized scooters and bigger maxi scoots in terms of size and power output, so while it remains lightweight, it is perfectly capable of handling the highway. It also comes with a long list of features, including an electronically adjustable windshield, traction control, ABS, and a TFT dash with smartphone connectivity.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
292cc |
|
Max Power |
28 HP |
|
Transmission |
CVT automatic |
|
Weight |
403 lbs |
Honda CRF300L Rally
MSRP: $6,499
Honda simply added a rally fairing to an already popular dual-sport and effectively created the ultimate entry-level ADV. Over the years, this platform has been updated regularly, the displacement was increased some years ago, and more recently, the rear suspension was revised. It is still a relatively simple motorcycle by modern standards, and for explorers going off-grid, that is ideal.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
286cc |
|
Max Power |
27 HP |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Weight |
335 lbs |
2025 Moto Morini Calibro 700 Bagger
MSRP: $6,799
For those looking for a lightweight cruiser, there are actually a fair few options available these days. But in our opinion, it is the Chinese-made Calibro 700 Bagger that offers the most weekend potential. It is by some margin the lightest factory-spec bagger on the market right now, and while its build quality is not quite at the same level as the Japanese competition, mechanical reliability won’t be an issue thanks to its Kawasaki-based twin.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
693cc |
|
Max Power |
68 HP |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Weight |
459 lbs |
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Aprilia RS 457
MSRP: $6,899
Aprilia is well-versed in building small, dynamic motorcycles. Known for building some of the very best small-displacement race bikes, the RS 457 has a big reputation to uphold. It brings an impressive little twin-spar aluminum chassis to the table, and will most certainly appeal to riders looking for a stylish Italian commuter that can moonlight as a capable canyon carver.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
457cc |
|
Max Power |
47 HP |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Weight |
385 lbs |
BMW C 400 GT
MSRP: $8,445
Affordable luxury is a strange oxymoron of a term, yet it fits the C 400 GT rather well. Much like the aforementioned Yamaha, this certainly leans into the commuting side more, but it is a genuine premium choice with top-notch build quality and more modern features than bikes that cost twice as much. Like any good maxi scooter, it is also a great weekend travel companion.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
350cc |
|
Max Power |
34 HP |
|
Transmission |
Automatic CVT |
|
Weight |
476 lbs |
Suzuki DR-Z4S
MSRP: $8,999
The old DR-Z400 was already relatively pricey for what it was, and the new DR-Z4S is even more expensive. At this price point, it is something of a niche model. It is not your average dual-sport, and will certainly appeal to somebody who needs a commuter during the week, and a proper off-road bike over the weekend. It eliminates the need to own an extra bike that isn’t street legal, which you have to cart from one place to another.
Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|
Displacement |
398cc |
|
Max Power |
38 HP |
|
Transmission |
5-speed |
|
Weight |
333 lbs |