10 Great Advanced Beginner Motorcycles

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Updated on 05/24/19

If you're relatively new to motorcycling but are considerably bigger, heavier, or more experienced than a first-time rider, you'll want to take a look The 2008 Suzuki lineup.at these 10 Great Advanced Beginner Motorcycles. Some have taller seat heights, others are a bit heftier, but all are great choices if you've got a bit of experience under your belt but aren't ready for a more serious bike.

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01

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2012 Suzuki DR 650 SE ($5,999)

The Suzuki DR 650 SE is a single-cylinder, dual-purpose workhorse. Its 34.8-inch seat height can be lowered to 33.0 inches-- which is still a bit tall for most riders, but right at home on this list of advanced beginner motorcycles.

02

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2012 Kawasaki KLR650 ($6,299)

The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dependable, tried and a true bike that's been around for over two decades; a recent redesign makes it even more desirable, though its 35-inch seat height might be tall for some beginner riders.

03

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2011 Yamaha WR250X ($6,590)

The Yamaha WR250X is a supermoto bike whose light weight lends it loads of agility, while its 250cc engine is perfect for beginners.
The 2012 Yamaha lineup.

04

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2012 Honda XR650L ($6,690)

Honda's XR650L is a rugged dual purpose bike with a reliable, air-cooled single-cylinder engine. Its 37-inch seat height is high, but for taller riders, it makes a great advanced beginner motorcycle.

05

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2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 ($7,499)

The Ninja 650 is a more powerful variant of the 250R and 500R and features a flexible parallel twin engine. Though this Ninja is one of the more powerful motorcycles on this list, it's easy to use a bike that's completely approachable.

06

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2012 BMW G 650 GS ($7,850)

BMW's R 1200 GS hogs all the glory with its big-bore displacement and globetrotting reputation, but its little sibling G 650 GS actually makes for an excellent advanced beginner bike thanks to its mild single-cylinder engine, 31.5-inch seat height, and available lower suspension that drops the saddle to 30.3 inches. For a more offroad-ready version of this bike, take a look at the 2012 BMW G 650 GS Sertão.

07

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2012 Kawasaki Versys ($7,899)

The Kawasaki Versys is an aptly named, versatile dual purpose bike that defies categorization. Its fuel injected 649cc parallel twin offers strong enough acceleration, but this motorcycle is characterized by its overall sense of balance.

08

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2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS ($8,299) / V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure ($9,799)

Nicknamed the "Wee-Strom" because it's the smaller-sized V-Strom, this V-twin-powered bike is a favorite among adventure-seeking riders of all levels; for a more rugged, saddlebag-equipped version, take a look at the "Adventure" model.

09

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2012 Ducati Monster 696 ($8,795)

Ducatis tend to be more expensive to maintain than most bikes, but their unique personalities inspire a passionate following among enthusiasts. Though it faces competition from the Monster 796 ABS, the Monster 696 hits the sub-$9,000 sweet spot and can be ordered with anti-lock brakes.

10

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2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T ($9,499)

Suzuki's Boulevard C50T cruiser offers retro styling and a torquey V-twin with touring accessories like a tall windscreen, saddlebags, and a passenger backrest.