Buy a beginner motorcycle – starter bikes available from stock
These beginner motorcycles are with us in Volketswil right now
All five models from this page are shown here with the vehicles currently available: NX500, CB650R, CB750 Hornet, CMX500 Rebel and NC750X – as new, demonstration or used machines, each with price, mileage and licence category.
The range is deliberately wide: seat heights go from around 690 mm on the CMX500 Rebel up to about 830 mm on the NX500, weights from around 190 kg on the CB750 Hornet to 214 kg on the NC750X. If you want a lightweight motorcycle with a secure footing, the Rebel is your bike; if you want reserves for later, the CB650R – it can be restricted for A2 licence holders.
Nothing suitable among them? We are happy to advise you in person and find the right first motorcycle for your height and your licence.
I am interested in one of these motorcycles
Frequently asked questions about beginner motorcycles and starter bikes
Which motorcycle for beginners is best in Switzerland?
For beginners in Switzerland, motorcycles with a maximum of 35 kW (A2 compliant), a low seat height and good-natured power delivery are particularly suitable. With the NX500, CMX500 Rebel and NC750X, Honda offers outstanding starter bikes that are reliable, safe and still fun years later.
What is the best beginner motorcycle from Honda?
The best beginner motorcycle depends on your height and intended use. For shorter riders the CMX500 Rebel with around 690 mm seat height is the first choice, for high-mileage riders the NC750X at approx. 800 mm, and anyone wanting the lightest bike takes the CB750 Hornet at around 190 kg. All three are decidedly beginner-friendly.
How much power should a beginner motorcycle have?
For the A2 licence, 48 hp (35 kW) is the limit – exactly the output of the NX500 and CMX500 Rebel as standard. The NC750X delivers approx. 58 hp, the CB750 Hornet and CB650R approx. 90 and 95 hp respectively and can be restricted for A2. For a new rider, more power does not mean more fun, it mainly means more responsibility.
What is the A2 licence and which motorcycles may you ride with it?
The A2 licence allows motorcycles with a maximum of 35 kW (48 hp) and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg. You may ride on public roads and after 2 years move up directly to the A licence – without taking the test again.
How much engine capacity should a beginner motorcycle have?
For beginners, motorcycles between 300 and 750 cc make sense. Smaller engines are easier to control, while models such as the Honda NX500 (471 cc) or NC750X (745 cc) offer enough power for motorways without overwhelming figures.
Is a 125 cc starter bike enough to begin with?
For the A1 licence and city traffic a 125 is perfectly adequate. On the motorway and on longer tours it quickly reaches its limits. With an A2 licence, 471 to 745 cc is far more relaxed. All Honda 125 models are here: 125cc motorcycles from Honda
What does a good beginner motorcycle cost new in Switzerland?
New starter bikes in Switzerland cost roughly between CHF 5,000 and CHF 10,000 depending on the model. Honda models such as the CMX500 Rebel or NX500 sit in this range and offer a high resale value thanks to Honda quality.
First motorcycle new or used – what makes more sense for beginners?
A used motorcycle can make sense for beginners, since the risk of drops and scratches is higher while learning. A new model, on the other hand, offers a warranty, the latest safety technology and no hidden defects – both options are valid.
Buying your first motorcycle: what should you consider in Switzerland?
The essentials: check your licence category (A2 or A), take a test ride, review the service history, budget for insurance and road tax, and match the size of the machine to your own height. Buying from an authorised dealer adds extra security.
Beginner motorcycle gear: what do you really need?
Mandatory and recommended: a certified helmet (at least ECE 22.06), a motorcycle jacket with protectors (shoulder, elbow, back), gloves, motorcycle trousers with knee and hip protectors, and motorcycle boots. Good gear can save your life in an emergency.
Which tips help beginner riders in the first few weeks?
Start small and practise often: first train braking, pulling away and tight turns on quiet roads and car parks, then add traffic. Always wear full protective clothing, ride with anticipation and respect your own limits. A riding course achieves more in one day than weeks on your own.
How long does it take to learn to ride a motorcycle?
The basics can be learned in a professional course lasting 1–2 days. Riding safely in traffic develops over several months. Regular practice on closed terrain – for example at MX-Academy – speeds up progress considerably.
Is a beginner motorcycle course compulsory in Switzerland?
For obtaining the licence, yes – a riding course is part of the training. Beyond that, voluntary safety courses are recommended because they significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Off-road courses additionally improve feel and control.
What is the difference between naked bike, touring and adventure for beginners?
Naked bikes like the CB750 Hornet are light and agile – ideal for the city. Touring models offer more comfort over long distances. Adventure bikes such as the NX500 combine both and also cope with gravel. Beginners should choose according to their intended use.
Which Honda models are available A2 compliant?
Honda offers several A2 compliant models: the NX500 and CMX500 Rebel (48 hp each as standard) as well as the CB650R and CB750 Hornet in restricted versions. These can be converted to full power after the licence upgrade.
How important is a low seat height on a motorcycle for beginners?
Seat height is decisive for many beginners – you should be able to place both feet, or at least one, securely on the ground. The Honda CMX500 Rebel has one of the lowest seat heights at approx. 690 mm, the NC750X sits at approx. 800 mm and the NX500 at approx. 830 mm.
How do I find the right beginner motorcycle for my height?
Basic rule: when seated you should reach the ground with at least one foot. Shorter riders benefit from a low seat height model such as the CMX500 Rebel (approx. 690 mm). Taller riders are more comfortable on adventure bikes like the NX500 (approx. 830 mm).
Which beginner motorcycle suits women?
What matters is a low seat height and low weight, not gender. The CMX500 Rebel with around 690 mm and the CB750 Hornet at around 190 kg are the obvious candidates. A separate overview with the five best models for female riders is here: Motorcycle for women – the best bikes for female riders
How heavy should a lightweight motorcycle for beginners be?
Motorcycles under 200 kg are easier for beginners to handle – especially when manoeuvring and in tight situations. The Honda CB750 Hornet weighs only around 190 kg fully fuelled and is therefore one of the lightest models in its class.
Does a first motorcycle need ABS?
ABS is the single most effective aid for new riders: it prevents the wheels from locking under hard braking, especially on wet or dirty roads. On modern motorcycles it is standard equipment – when buying used, it is worth checking the data sheet.
What does traction control do on a beginner motorcycle?
Traction control prevents the rear wheel from spinning up under acceleration – particularly important on wet roads. For beginners this safety system is a major advantage, and it comes as standard on modern Honda models such as the NX500 or CB750 Hornet.
Is an automatic motorcycle better for beginners?
A motorcycle with DCT automatic transmission (as on the Honda NC750X) makes starting out easier because no manual clutch work is needed. That allows more concentration on traffic and riding technique. Many instructors nevertheless recommend also learning to shift manually.
Which insurance do I need for a motorcycle in Switzerland?
In Switzerland third-party liability insurance is required by law. In addition, partial cover (theft, natural events) or fully comprehensive cover (including self-inflicted damage) is advisable – especially for beginners, where the risk of a drop is higher.
How do I look after my motorcycle properly as a beginner?
Regular checks before every ride: tyre pressure, brake fluid, chain tension and oil. An annual service at a specialist dealer is essential to maintain the warranty and ensure safety. Honda Motorrad Zürich offers a professional workshop service for this.
Is an off-road course worthwhile for beginners?
Yes, definitely. Off-road courses improve the feel for throttle, brakes and balance far faster than road riding alone. At MX-Academy in Schlatt, beginners make enormous progress within a single course day that transfers directly to riding on the road.
Where can I buy and test ride a beginner motorcycle in Zurich?
At Honda Motorrad Zürich AG, Chlirietstrasse 12, 8604 Volketswil – the first Honda Dream Dealer in Switzerland. For personal advice and a test ride we recommend arranging an appointment by e-mail (info@honda-zuerich.ch) or phone (044 908 20 00).
Beginner motorcycles Zurich – our catchment area
Honda Motorrad Zürich in Volketswil ZH advises new and returning riders on their first motorcycle – from the NX500 to the CMX500 Rebel – for Winterthur, Zürich, Uster, Volketswil, Wallisellen, Wetzikon, Dübendorf, Bülach, Kloten, Greifensee, Fehraltorf, Pfäffikon ZH, Hinwil, Rüti, Rapperswil-Jona, Zug, Baar, Cham, Einsiedeln, Lachen and Wil SG, as well as the cantons of Zürich, Schwyz, Zug, St. Gallen and Thurgau.
