If you are looking for a top flight dirt bike one at the head of the class is the Honda CRF150R.  For the 2012 model year, there are several important changes to this bike including a new cylinder head, new cam and new piston to help improve the overall performance.  There is also better throttle response as well as coming in two different sizes to better fit a wide array of riders.  This bike comes with a 149cc liquid cooled, single cylinder, Unicam four stroke engine along with a closed ratio five speed transmission.  Two disc brakes on the front and back will bring is safely to a stop and it weighs 183 pounds.  Priced at approximately $3,400 it is ready to ride.

Honda also makes another top rated dirt bike and because it is made by Honda, you know that you are getting a quality motorcycle.  The Honda CRF450R now comes with a new rear shock linkage in order to give a softer landing, but still resists bottoming out on big hits.  In addition, it comes with longer and wider footpegs, a lightweight aluminum frame and a batteryless fuel injection system.  There is also a 449cc liquid cooled, single-cylinder, four stroke engine along with a close-ratio five speed transmission to give you plenty of power while on the course.

If you are looking for another manufacturer then the Kawasaki KLX 450R is another great dirt bike on the market.  It comes with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, 449cc engine along with a five speed transmission.  Most riders feels as though the engine in the machine is fantastic and the front end is very responsive to any bumps in the way.  Many riders not only love the performance and suspension, but also the stopping power as well.  The only drawback is that it is rather quiet and some riders prefer a little more noise.

Another popular model is the 2011 KTM XC-F.  Newly redesigned for this model year, it is built to take on the toughest trails.  This bike, which was released at the beginning of the year includes a linkage rear suspension along with a six speed transmission, an 18” rear wheel, open hand guards, and a side stand.  The bike also comes with a gas tank that will hold just over two and a half gallons so there will be plenty of juice to get you where ever the trails take you.  It also comes with a 249cc liquid cooled engine that gives riders a lot of power.  Many believe that this is a bike that can help you get to the podium each and every time out.

One of the best beginner bikes is the Suzuki GZ250.  Priced at just under $3,000 new, this bike comes with a rear drum brake and a 249cc single-cylinder engine which is carbureted.  This cruiser is solid and comes with a price tag that makes it almost irresistible.

The engine is cooled by air and the starter on the bike is electric.  It also takes regular gas and has a four stroke engine.  The Suzuki GZ250 comes with a manual transmission along with five speeds and a chain as the primary drive.

Because this is a light bike, it is not recommended to get to speeds over 75mph, however, many riders do love the fact that it is easy to master.  Many also love the handling and the performance considering the overall size of the engine.  Finally, a lot of users feel that there is no better bike when it comes to motoring around town or along a country lane.  In addition, the bike will last quite some time and certainly until you feel you are ready to upgrade to a slightly larger model.

The Suzuki GZ250 is a great price new, but you can also find a used one even cheaper.  Many used versions are available between $1500 and $2000.

Overall, this bike comes with good marks concerning its overall ability as well as its performance, quality and reliability, ride and comfort as well as value.  This motorcycle will fit will within most beginners comfort zone and allow them to get used to the feeling of being on the open road on a bike.

One of the best sport bikes on the market today is the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.  This bike will retail for approximately $4,000, but a used one can be found for in between $2,000 and $3,000.  This particular bike will have a higher resale value thanks to its popularity.

This bike is the quintessential beginner sports bike.  It can go from 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds and will average 71 miles to the gallon.  It also has a top speed of 95mph and has a horsepower of 26.4 at 11,000rpm.  This Kawasaki Ninja 250R also comes equipped with a 250cc motor.  While some may think this is not enough juice for a sports bike, it is plenty to learn on and you can eventually push it to its limits as you get more comfortable.

When looking for this particular model, stick with the more recent years.  The older versions are not nearly as good looking as the more recent editions which offer a beautiful bike that is better looking than many other sports bikes on the road today.  In fact, this is a bike that many bystanders will admire as a very sexy machine and never realize that it is considered to be a beginner’s bike.  Overall, it comes with exciting performance, great handling and great curb appeal.  This is definitely one bike that should not be missed.

One of the best standard motorcycles on the market for a beginner is the Suzuki SFV650 Gladius.  This bike weighs an impressive 405 pounds, but still has plenty of power as it can go from 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds.  This bike contains a 645cc v-twin that is fuel injected and it can get 55 miles to the gallon.

This particular bike can be somewhat expensive, especially for someone who is new to motorcycling, but many riders feel the price tag is worth it.  To drive a Suzuki SFV650 off the lot, be prepared to pay almost $7,000.  However, if that is a little bit too steep for your wallet, you can also find this particular model used for under $3,000.

One thing to consider when looking at the Suzuki SFV650 is that it does provide a lot of torque.  While this bike can be handled by a beginner, it might be better suited for a rider who has a little more experience.  However, with gas prices as high as they are, it is an excellent choice for commuting and will get a lot of miles to the gallon.

Most will agree that this bike has both very impressive styling and impressive performance.  With both a comfortable riding position as well as great handling this is one bike that many beginners as well as more advanced riders will have in their garage.

This is also one of the more expensive beginner bikes on the market with a price tag of just over $7,000.  However, those who wish to save a little bit of money, a used version can be found for about $3,000.  Of course, that price will be very dependent on the condition of the bike and how many miles it has on it.

The Kawasaki Ninja 650R certainly has a lot of get up and go as it can go from 0 to 60 in just 3.8 seconds.  It also has a top speed of over 130 miles per hour so you want to make sure you can handle this bike before getting it out on the open road.  It also has a 649cc Parallel Twin engine that will get almost 47 miles to the gallon.  The Kawasaki Ninja 650R has a horsepower of 71 at 8,500rpm.

This bike is perfect for those who have minimal riding experience and want something slightly more than a basic beginner bike.  It also comes with a slightly different seating style in which the rider is in more of an upright position without having to be stretched out too far.  This can make for a very comfortable riding experience and even though the rider is more in a vertical position, the bike still takes turns very well.  In addition, it can even be used as a good commuter bike thanks to the higher handlebars.

Because it is a very popular bike, it is not going to be cheap, but many riders find the hefty price tag worth the experience.

One of the best cruisers on the market is the Honda CMX250C Rebel 250.  This motorcycle will set a beginner back about $3,000.  Even used, they will cost about $2,500 for a well maintained model.

This bike comes with a top speed of 70 miles per hour and can go from 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds.  It has an impressive weight of 320 pounds and will get about 52 miles per gallon.  The engine also has a horsepower of 16.1bhp.

This bike is practically made for beginners as it comes with a 250cc engine.  This bike is much lighter than many others in its class and is fun and easy to handle all at the same time.  However, as you get comfortable, you will probably want to upgrade to a more powerful bike within six months to a year.  The good news is that because is such a popular bike, it will still retain a lot of value and you won’t take a financial hit when getting rid of it.  In addition, this particular model is an excellent choice for women who are looking to purchase their first bike.  Because of its lighter weight than some other models and low seat, it is easy for women to learn on.

Because it is made by Honda, you can know that you are getting a reliable bike that will be there for you as long as you own it.  This is a perfect bike for trips anywhere from 100 to 500 or more miles.

One of the best cruisers for new riders is the Yamaha Virago 250.  Listed at approximately $4,000 new, this bike comes well equipped and you can feel comfortable that you are getting your money’s worth.  Not only is the bike small and nimble, it is a great looking bike full of enough chrome to satisfy just about any taste.

The bike comes with a 249cc air cooled 60-degree V-twin engine that is capable of getting over 70 miles to the gallon.  Overall, it weighs 302 pounds and is a short bike at just 27 inches from the ground to the seat.  That seat height is a full two inches lower than the seat on the Kawasaki Ninja 250 making it a perfect fit for shorter riders and women as well.  On the other side, riders who are on the taller side may want something a little bit bigger.

The Yamaha Virago 250 is one of the most expensive beginner bikes on the market, but the deep rumble of the engine makes it worth it.  This bike also has classic cruiser styling and an upright seating position to make it easy and comfortable for just about anyone to ride.

About the only drawback to this bike is that it is fairly light and can get blown around somewhat on the highway by other vehicles.  However, if you are in the market for a beginner bike that doesn’t look like, sound like or act like one, then this is the bike for you.

With a 600cc engine, even this beginner bike is one that you won’t be outgrowing anytime soon.  And at almost $8,000 that is a good thing, as you might have this garage with you for a while.  However, you do get a lot for your money including that engine which also contains 4-strokes and 16 valves.  There is also a six-speed transmission along with a fuel injected fuel delivery system.  Both the front and rear brakes are hydraulic disks and the entire weight is a hefty 470 pounds.  This Yamaha FZ6R also has a 4.6 gallon fuel tank and gets 43 miles to the gallon.

Overall, this bike is a great combination of styling, performance and handling.  With a low center of gravity it is perfect for those new riders who are a little bit shorter or for women riders as well.  In addition, the seat is adjustable so even slightly taller riders won’t have to move on to another model.  The engine supplies plenty of power and lets riders maneuver in and out of traffic easily and is the perfect ride for the weekend or for commuting on a daily basis.  The bike will also give the rider plenty of feedback as well not only in the way it handles, but its readout panel.  There is a digital display of the speedometer, analog tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge and water coolant gauge.

Another great cruiser for beginners is the Suzuki Boulevard S40.  While pricey, it is good for both beginners and those with a little more riding experience.  This bike will list for approximately $4,400 just off the lot.  However, consumers can find a used version for about $3,000.

This bike comes with a single cylinder 652cc engine and can get 53 miles to the gallon.  It weighs 352 pounds which makes it sturdy, but not too heavy for smaller riders to handle.  In fact, this machine is great for those who are less than six feet and because it is light, it is great for those who are new to motorcycling to try without feeling as though they are going to drop it every time they stop.  In addition, it comes with a rear suspension along with a twin sided swing arm.  There are also front hydraulic disc breaks and rear drum breaks.  Finally, it comes with two seats along with a manual, five-speed transmission.

When you are looking at bikes, another one that is comparable to this particular model is the Yamaha V Star Custom.  Priced a little bit higher, the Yamaha comes with a 649cc 4-stroke engine and a 5-speed transmission.

Most consumers will still find that the Suzuki Boulevard S40 comes with a great and stable ride that is perfect for brand new riders.  In addition, it can still be useful to more experienced riders that don’t need a whole lot of power.  In all, many love the ride that it gives and also comes with good craftsmanship and offers something that is very reliable for years to come.

This new machine starts at $4,000 and is a smart and fun way to have fun while being introduced to motorcycling all at the same time.  Because it is so new, you might have problems finding a lot of options on the used lot, so consumers may have to pay full price for a new bike.

The CBR250R comes with a 249cc liquid cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine along with a six speed transmission.  Both the front and rear brakes are single disk and the bike weighs 359 pounds with standard equipment and a full tank of gas.  The fuel tank will also hold 3.4 gallons of gas.  Currently it comes in metallic black and a mix of red and silver.

The use of the optional anti-lock brakes are a great addition for those who are new to motorcycles.  These brakes will help bring anyone to a safe stop no matter the weather conditions or how you grip the brake handles saving many people from costly and expensive drops and crashes.

While this bike might not have the power of some in the past, it is still plenty powerful for highway speeds and can merge with little issues.  It is also a very sharp and impressive looking machine and many in the motorcycle industry welcome it as a challenger to the Ninja 250R.  In fact, many believe that the Honda might come out slightly ahead in a matchup thanks to the optional anti-lock braking system.