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One thing that I’ve never really addressed is why it’s so important to start riding on a 250cc. Many of you are probably wondering why we encourage beginner riders to start on a 250. While some of the benefits might be implied, I wanted to outline a few reasons why it really is recommended for beginning riders to start small.

1. You'll Learn Faster
Riding a motorcycle isn’t exactly easy. It’s not like riding a huffy. Until you really learn and understand how motorcycles work, something larger than a 250 will just be too much. A 250 has just enough power for a beginner to learn the ins and outs of riding. You need to learn to shift properly, take turns at an appropriate speed and when to lean before you can really handle a bigger bike. Starting on a 500 or 600 will be too much power and can lead to some devastating results. Until you can really operate a 250 will skill and agility, something bigger can be a huge mistake.

2. They are Cheap to Buy and Run
You can typically get a brand new 250 for under $4000, and a used one for even less. Bigger bikes can run closer to $9000! That’s a lot of money to spend on a bike that you’ll probably drop at least a few times as a rookie.

Smaller bikes also tend to get more miles to the gallon that larger bikes do. A small engine means that less gas is needed to get to your destination. Smaller motorcycles are cheaper to insure too!

For a bike that may get scratched and dented, a smaller bike will definitely be the way to start!

3. They Hold Resale Value
Once you graduate to a bigger bike, there will be tons of rookie riders looking for their first bike, hence the purchase of your old bike! Most new riders are looking to start on a smaller 250, and are looking for a used bike. This high demand keeps resale value pretty high. Chances are if you bought your bike used, then you will get back most or all of the money you paid!

Another great benefit is that if you get a 250 and realize the sport isn’t for you, you’ll be able to recoup almost all of the money that you put into starting. No waste there!

4. You Can Ride Them to Their Limits
Most bigger bikes are so powerful that you have to have a death wish to actually ride them to their limits. You will find very few riders who have the skill to ride their bike all out on main roads.

With most 250’s reaching top speed at or about 100mph, you can really open them up out on the free road. You can’t do that on a 500 or 600, unless of course you really want to risk your life.

Starting out on a 250 just makes sense. For those that decide to start out on a larger bike – good luck. Hopefully you won’t find yourself throwing your money away.

-Julie