Want to buy your first motorcycle and know nothing? Guide to models and prices

It's one of the most repeated phrases in the two-wheeled world when someone feels the itch to start riding: "Hey everyone, I want to buy a motorcycle, I don't know anything about the models or their prices, if anyone could help me I'd appreciate it."

Don't worry, absolutely all bikers have been at that starting point. Nobody is born knowing how to differentiate a naked from a trail, nor knowing dealership price ranges by heart. In this article, we're going to break down from scratch everything you need to know to take your first steps, understand what types of motorcycles exist, what prices they go for, and how to make a smart purchase.

Step 1: Your license defines your first motorcycle

Before looking at catalogs and falling in love with a machine, you need to be clear about what you can ride. In Spain, the motorcycle license system is tiered:

• License B (Car) or A1: If you have had your car license for 3 years or you get your A1 at 16 years old, you can ride motorcycles up to 125cc and 15 HP.
• License A2: This is the specific license to start with "big" motorcycles. It allows you to ride motorcycles up to 47 HP (35 kW) or restricted motorcycles that originally do not exceed 95 HP.
• License A: You can get this after two years of experience with the A2. It allows you to ride any motorcycle without power limitations.

Step 2: Get to know the main motorcycle styles and models

The motorcycle market is huge and divided by "styles." Here are the most common ones and some real-world examples so you can put a face to the names.

Naked Motorcycles (The Unclad)

They are called this because they lack fairings (plastic bodywork) covering the engine. They are the most recommended motorcycles to start with because they have an upright, natural riding position and are very agile in the city.

• For beginners (125cc): An excellent urban and economical option is the Rieju Strada 125, perfect for learning to use gears without spending a fortune.
• For the A2 license: The undisputed queen of this segment for its reliability and fun is the Yamaha MT-07. It is probably the best-selling motorcycle for those who have just obtained their license.
• The extreme (License A): When you have a lot of experience and are looking for breathtaking performance, there are "hyper-naked" bikes, like the brutal Aprilia Tuono V4, a beast that comes directly from the racing world.

Sport Motorcycles (Sport)

These are the famous "R" bikes. They have an aggressive riding position (leaning forward over the tank), aerodynamic fairings, and are designed for going fast or hitting the track.

• Mid-range Sportbikes (A2): Nowadays there are fantastic and balanced options like the Suzuki GSX-8R, or very technological and recent offerings like the three-cylinder Zontes 703RR.
• Superbikes (License A): The pinnacle of sports engineering. We're talking about machines like the legendary BMW S 1000 RR, designed to devour lap times on the track.

Trail / Adventure and Sport Touring Motorcycles

If you want to travel, go on long rides, and devour kilometers in comfort (and even venture off-road), this is your segment.

• The adventurers: To go around the world (literally), the absolute benchmark is the BMW R1250GSA, a huge, very comfortable motorcycle capable of anything.
• Sport Touring: If you prefer to travel very fast but stay on asphalt and with a high level of comfort, models like the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT combine the soul of a sportbike with the ergonomics of a touring bike.

Step 3: How much does a motorcycle really cost?

The price of a motorcycle varies enormously depending on its displacement and brand.

1. 125cc motorcycles: New ones usually range from €2,500 to €5,500.
2. Motorcycles for the A2 license: Here the range is wider. You can find new motorcycles starting from €5,000 (entry-level Asian brands) up to €8,000 or €9,000 for traditional brands.
3. Large displacement motorcycles: From €10,000 to over €25,000 for the most premium ranges.

If your budget is tight, we recommend exploring the used motorcycle market, where you can find real bargains to learn on. However, be very careful not to get ripped off; we advise you to read about red flags in sale scams before parting with a single euro.

If you prefer to buy new and have an official warranty, you can check out the current catalog of new motorcycles to see exact prices and manufacturer promotions.

The "hidden costs" of a motorcycle

The number one mistake for beginners is spending their entire budget on the motorcycle and forgetting everything else. You need to save money for:

• Gear: Helmet, jacket with protection, gloves, and boots. Set aside at least €500-€800 for basic quality equipment.
• Insurance and taxes: Mandatory before taking it out on the road.
• Maintenance: Tires, oil, brake pads, and services. We encourage you to use our interactive tool to calculate monthly maintenance costs and avoid end-of-month surprises.

Final tips to avoid messing up

Our biggest recommendation is not to be swayed solely by aesthetics. A sportbike is beautiful, but it might wreck your back if you're going to use it for your daily commute in heavy city traffic.

Go to dealerships, sit on them, and check if you can reach the ground comfortably. You can find and compare local shops near you to go see them in person. Additionally, we invite you to review our extensive guide on how to choose your first motorcycle without making a mistake, where we delve even deeper into these existential dilemmas.

And finally, if you have any specific questions between two models or want to know real owner opinions, don't hesitate to ask your questions in the forum. The biker community is incredibly supportive and will always be willing to lend a hand to those starting out.

Good luck with your search and see you soon on the road!