My first motorcycle: Existential doubts, what to choose, and how not to screw it up

Taking the leap to two wheels is one of the best decisions you'll make in your life. That feeling of freedom, of forgetting about traffic jams, and of finding parking right at the door is priceless. But, let's be honest, the moment before buying your first motorcycle is full of doubts, forums, advice from friends, and a lot of logical fears.

At Motocorner, we want to make things easy for you. We've based this survival guide for novice riders on the most frequent street-level doubts, real market data, and the new regulations.

1. The eternal dilemma: Car license (125cc) validation or getting the A2 license?

If you have a car license (class B) with more than three years of seniority, Spanish law allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125 cc and 15 HP (11 kW) without having to go to a driving school or take any exams. This "validation" is the perfect and cheapest gateway into the world of motorcycles, ideal for getting around the city agilely.

On the other hand, if you're itching to go on long rides on weekends, you'll need to get the A2 license, which allows you to ride motorcycles up to 35 kW (about 47 HP).

The golden advice: Even professional riders and champions recommend not getting ahead of yourself and starting from the bottom up. It's better to start with a small motorcycle to learn and ride safely; getting the license and hopping on a 95 HP "rocket" (even if it's limited) on the first day can be too much if you don't have prior experience.

2. What style of motorcycle suits you?

Forget about buying a motorcycle just because it's "really cool." You need to choose it based on your needs, budget, and build.

• Scooter: The king of the city. Automatic (you forget about gears), with under-seat storage for your belongings, and excellent aerodynamic protection against rain and cold.
• Naked: These are "naked" bikes, without bulky plastics or fairings. With a higher and wider handlebar, their power delivery and ergonomics make them very comfortable and easy to handle for everyday learning.
• Trail: The equivalent of car SUVs. They are tall, very comfortable, offer good visibility, and allow you to ride on easy dirt tracks, which is why they are bestsellers. Be careful if you're short, as reaching the ground might be a bit challenging.

3. New or second-hand?

The second-hand market in Spain is huge and is the preferred option for novices for two reasons: it's more affordable and "hurts less" if you have the typical, silly "stall accident" while learning. If you're considering the used market, we recommend reading our article on how to calculate the price of your used motorcycle without giving it away.

However, if you're going for a used one, make sure it has a current ITV (vehicle inspection), that the tires and brakes are in good condition, and always demand to see the maintenance history to avoid unpleasant surprises. For a thorough inspection, consult our checklist for test riding a used motorcycle.

4. Gear: Don't mess with the law in 2026

Having a budget only for the motorcycle is a beginner's mistake; you need to set aside a good portion for your safety. Furthermore, the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) regulations have become stricter in 2026:

• Helmet: Always wear an approved helmet. If you're buying a new one, make sure it complies with the strict European ECE 22.06 standard. A full-face helmet will always protect your face and jaw much better than an open-face one. You can find a definitive guide to buying helmets.
• Gloves and footwear: As of 2026, wearing certified gloves (EN 13594 standard) and fully enclosed footwear on interurban roads is mandatory. Forget about riding in flip-flops.
• Jacket and protection: Although the airbag vest is currently mandatory in driving schools, a good jacket with protection on the elbows, shoulders, and back (European certification) will save you from burns and fractures if you kiss the asphalt. You can find all the information about the DGT 2026 regulations on gear on our blog.

5. Community favorites: Top bikes for the A2 license (2025-2026)

If you still don't know where to start looking, it's best to see what other riders are buying. These are the A2 license bikes that are taking the Spanish streets and roads by storm:

• The Crossover craze: Zontes 368G. It has been a total revolution and one of the best-selling motorcycles in Spain. It's a hybrid between a scooter and a trail bike with 38.8 HP (ideal for the A2 without limiting). It's a bestseller because for €4,888, you get luxury equipment: spoked wheels, adjustable suspension, and under-seat storage for two helmets.
• The most desired "limited" Trail bike: Voge 900 DSX. It's the best-selling large-displacement motorcycle in our country. It has a 95 HP twin-cylinder engine (which you must limit to 47 HP for your A2 license) and comes fully equipped: blind-spot radar, cruise control, and top-brand components for just over €9,000.
• The queen of Naked bikes: Yamaha MT-07. The indestructible. Years go by, and it remains one of the favorite options for learning due to its lightness and reliability. Its 73 HP twin-cylinder engine (limited for the A2) is pure fun, and its 2025/2026 version brings the option of automatic transmission (Y-AMT) to completely forget about the clutch lever.
• The urban adventurer: Honda ADV 350. The 29 HP "two-wheeled SUV." If you want the ease of an automatic scooter but with long-travel suspension that soaks up city bumps and allows you to go on rides, this is your bike.
• The asphalt Trail school: Honda NX500. The evolution of the iconic CB500X. It's a "pure" A2 bike, meaning it delivers the legal maximum of 47 HP from the factory without needing any limiter. It's super balanced, forgives novice mistakes, and the 2026 version brings the E-Clutch option (electronic clutch) for assisted gear changes.

Ready to start?

The motorcycle world is an incredible community, and you're not alone in it.

• Looking for your first companion? Visit our Marketplace to dive into new and used motorcycles, or to get that approved helmet and gloves you need.
• Buying second-hand and want to get it checked? Find a professional near you in our Shops and Workshops directory to give it a complete safety check before you use it.
• Already have it in the garage? Then let's ride! Find other novices and veterans willing to teach you the best tricks in our Clubs section or discover easy roads to get comfortable on in the Events section.

Ride smart, respect your limits, and see you on the road! ✌️