For close to a century, Suzuki is a name that has been synonymous with state-of-the-art two-wheelers.
The company has been churning out quality bikes at an unprecedented pace and continues to deliver masterpieces that few other brands can match.
It doesn’t come as a surprise then that when most people think about buying their first bike, Suzuki is often the brand that comes to mind.
Nevertheless, with so many great Suzuki models to choose from, finding the right bike for a beginner can be daunting.
But worry not. In this post, we’ve scoured the entry-level two-wheeler catalog of Suzuki bikes to bring you four of the best Suzuki motorbikes for beginners.
Are Suzuki Motorcycles Good For Beginners?
Yes. Most Suzuki motorcycles are prized for their impeccable engineering, quality build, and secure reliability, not to mention global dealership support. Plus their resale value tends to remain high over the years.
This makes them great selections for beginners and pros alike.
Is 600cc Too Much For a Beginner?
No. Contrary to what many people believe, riding a 600cc bike as a beginner does not mean that you will crash.
After all, many beginner bikers start with 600cc bikes and never crash.
Riding motorbikes has more to do with judgment and following traffic rules rather than engine power.
As long as you’re careful and don’t go full throttle in the early days, a 600cc two-wheeler will be just as comfortable as a 250 cc bike.
What To Look For When Buying a Beginner Motorbike
Engine Size 600cc or Less
While it can be tempting to go for a large engine right off the bat, you should start with a 600cc engine for your first motorbike.
Not all 600cc two-wheelers are built the same, though.
For instance, a 600cc sports bike might have twice the horsepower of a 600cc cruiser, so it’s up to you to figure out what you are comfortable with and what kind of motorbike you’re looking for.
Likewise, a 600cc bike might be too small or too large for some people depending on their body size.
So, use this engine size simply as a starting point to help you find what works and fits best for you.
Also read: 3 Best Honda Dual Sport Motorcycles
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS is a braking system that prevents a motorcycle’s wheels from locking up when the brakes are applied.
It uses speed sensors on both wheels to precisely calculate wheel speed and sensors to detect when a wheel is going to lock.
This prevents tires and brakes from locking up and skidding if the brakes are applied too aggressively.
As such, most motorcycles fitted with ABS technology are less likely to be involved in crashes compared to those that employ standard breaks.
Windscreen
Having a windscreen on the front of your motorbike allows you to snuggle behind it to avoid the impact of windy weather when riding.
Since faster speeds generate more wind force, a highway ride without a windscreen can induce more exhaustion than a ride with something to shield you from the wind.
A windscreen will also keep tiny rocks and bugs out of your way as you ride.
Read more: Are Dual Sport Bikes Good?
4 Best Suzuki Motorcycles For Beginners
Suzuki GSX250R ABS
The Suzuki GSX250R ABS is a stylish entry-tier standard bike with a wide range of comfort features that many beginner riders will love.
It packs a liquid-cooled 248cc parallel-twin engine to maximize low to mid-range torque that highlights its power and ease of control.
With a super comfortable seat and impressively low 790mm seat height, this two-wheeler is pretty manageable for a novice rider’s weight distribution and leaning.
The trim fuel tank on this engineering masterpiece has a capacity of 15 liters, which provides a riding range of up to 250 miles at full tank.
The GSX250R also features hydraulic ABS braking system that offers reliable and consistent brake capabilities whether you’re wheezing through busy highways or cruising on open roads.
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki’s SV650 launched in 1999 and quickly garnered a fervent cult following that has only increased since then.
The SV650 engine is a refined powerhouse with top-tier performance, eye-catching styling, and exceptional fuel efficiency.
It packs a liquid-cooled 645cc V-twin engine, ABS-equipped braking system, and tubeless tires.
Its tank has a capacity of 14.5 liters and a seat height of 785mm.
The unit weighs around 200 kg which isn’t too much but might be challenging to handle for smaller riders.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is quite similar to the SV650, although there are a few noticeable differences.
This workhouse is slightly on the weightier end, with its total curb weight coming in at around 213kg.
It has a seat height of 835mm, which should be comfortable for most average-height riders.
The motorcycle features a 645cc V-twin engine although there is a 1000cc variant, which is better suited for pro riders given its more powerful engine.
Suzuki DR-Z400SM
If you’re searching for an excellent entry-level dirt bike, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM should pique your interest.
This street-legal bike is ideal for both on-road and off-road riding and racing.
It’s powered by a single-cylinder liquid-cooled 398cc engine that delivers 32.4hp at 8400rpm and 24.6 pound-feet of torque at 5900rpm.
While the 889mm seat height might be slightly intimidating for novice riders, it is a bit lower than the 934mm seat height you’ll find on a DR-Z400 dual sport.
The motorbike also features street tires and inverted forks, making it a pleasure to ride.
Final Thoughts and Best Pick
When buying your first motorbike, always pick a two-wheeler that guarantees handling and comfort rather than prioritize power and aesthetics.
While all four motorcycles in this review have unique styles and features, we ultimately recommend the Suzuki SV650.
Although its V-twin engine adds weight to its overall curb weight, it’s not too much to make handling problematic for beginner riders.
