Top Ten Best Used Bikes in 2023

You’ve made it — you’ve completed the safety course, you’ve passed your licensing test, and you’re now a seasoned motorcyclist. The most exciting step of learning to ride is now upon you: buying your first bike! Now, it might be better to buy a used bike than a brand new one from a showroom (unless you want to; nothing wrong with a brand new one!). They often help you master the finer points of riding and maintenance, and they’re usually less expensive than brand-new bikes. Following is the list of Top Ten Best Used Bikes in 2023 that you may like.

Top Ten Best Used Bikes in 2023 – Top Rated

Honda CB300R

Since 2017, this small Honda has been produced. A brand-new 2023 model costs just over $5,000, and a used one in good condition will likely cost between $2,000 and $4,500. It weighs less than 315 pounds and has a single 286cc engine that produces 31 horsepower. Nevertheless, it can safely maintain motorway and highway speeds and accelerates effortlessly. Although it only has a 2.5-gallon tank, with clever throttle and gear selection, it can get you over 180 miles.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 & 400

Simply put, Kawasaki’s compact versions make excellent entry-level motorcycles. The Ninja 300, produced from 2012 to 2018, and its extensive brother replacement, the Ninja 400, are decent entry-level bikes if you’re more inclined toward the sportier end of things. Both vehicles weigh less than 400 lbs. and provide almost equal power (41 and 49 HP respectively). These fantastic entry-level sports bikes are the best of both worlds as they have a practically conventional riding style and can dive into a tick when needed. They will both reward you if you choose to give them a few track days as they are both fuel efficient and their power delivery is very linear. A used 2023 Ninja 400 in good condition is, on average, between $2500 and $4500, starting as little as $5000.

KTM 390 Duke

The KTM 390 Duke is one of the most incredible naked bikes available if you have a reasonable budget and don’t mind a little more expensive maintenance than most Japanese bikes require. These sweet babies, in production since 2013, provide excellent low-end grunts to propel you forward and embody a traditional riding position. Furthermore, KTM motorcycles always have significant engines, and the 390 Duke’s 373 cc single-cylinder, which produces 43 horsepower, is no exception. It accelerates well from a stop and has plenty of torque throughout, giving you enough kick to get your heart racing without taking you straight to triple-digit speeds. When brand new, these bikes are expensive, but a well-used 390 Duke often costs between $3500 and $5500.

Honda GROM

The GROM is a bike that people either love or hate; I’ll say it immediately. Those who despise it hate its existence and hate this little bike—people who like it like it. Nevertheless, the GROM is a fantastic starter bike despite the criticism it has received since its 2014 launch. It’s amazingly light, is completely legal for use on public roads in all 50 states, and will have you laughing uncontrollably as you hit speeds of around 60 mph. No rider who isn’t a member of an anti-GROM group has yet come out of one without a big smile on their face. It offers excellent rider input due to its low power and relatively lightweight. A plus is that the insurance is also cheaper, which is another advantage. You’re looking at around $3,500 for a brand-new GROM, but I’ve discovered some used models in great shape for under $1,000. You can even get one of these bikes as a backup when your regular bike is too much trouble to use for errands or short rides. These bikes are reasonably priced.

Yamaha V-Star 250

The V-Star 250, which replaced the Virago 250 in 2008, is a fantastic entry-level cruiser for the slightly more adventurous novice rider. It’s powered by a 249cc V-twin engine that hasn’t changed much and weighs just 325 lbs wet, making it a very light cruiser. And even with its smaller engine, the V-Star can comfortably cruise to 70 mph in sixth gear. It is pretty approachable and doesn’t want to bark or bite at you, which makes it initially friendly. It boasts linear torque, easy-to-use controls at your fingertips, and plenty of comfort for long rides. Despite being designed as a cruiser, it is lightweight and offers an incredible ride feel. Used vehicles can cost between $1,500 and $4,000 depending on the vehicle’s year and mileage. New 2023 models start at $4,700. It can serve as an excellent value bike and an introduction to the cruiser lifestyle.

Suzuki TU250X

To enhance the reputation of the universal Japanese motorcycle, the TU250X was launched in the USA in 2009. It helped launch the retro-modern style that spread to almost every manufacturer in the 2010s. It was modeled after many of Suzuki’s sports cars in the 1960s and 1970s. The bike has a noisy little 249cc engine that produces 17 horsepower and has an easy-to-feel torque curve that is linear until it deviates slightly from linearity around the redline. It also features advanced fuel injection, brake, and suspension systems and weighs just 330 lbs wet. Additionally, a 3.2-gallon tank will take several hundred miles without running out of gas. In 2019 (this bike’s last model year), it cost just over $4,600, but a good used bike can be found for under $1,500.

Honda CBR300R

The CBR300R, which has been in production since 2013, has all the aesthetics of a supersport but the comfortable riding position and ergonomics of a standard or naked bike. It has an optional ABS model and is powered by a 256cc single with slightly more than 30 horsepower. The CBR300R is a great first bike as it can teach new riders to sport riding without the risk of a true supersport. It’s convenient, powerful and has a broad torque band similar to the Kawasaki Ninja series. Engineering-wise, it’s also pretty bulletproof because it’s a Honda. For around $4,900, you can get the latest model of this bike (the 2022 model, as the 2023 model hasn’t been shown yet). Generally, decent used models for exceptional condition start around $1,500 and go up.

Kawasaki Z650

The Z650, launched in 2017, is possibly the most powerful motorcycle on our list. It has a 649cc parallel twin engine, but don’t panic. This bike makes that power quite accessible. The Z650, which has 68 hp but weighs only 412 lbs, is sometimes recommended for taller or larger riders. When we say this bike’s power is accessible, we mean the throttle isn’t jerky or overly sensitive, and you’ll also get excellent feedback. It can cruise comfortably at freeway speeds without wrist injuries and has a beautiful spread of torque in the mid-rev range. You can find the 2023 edition of this bike for around $7,500 but used models in good condition can be found for at least $4,000 and up. Shorter riders can still have a good time on this bike, but bigger and taller riders like myself are the target audience for this proposition.

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

It’s an interesting little thing, this bike. The Versys-X, introduced in 2017 with a 269cc parallel twin, isn’t exactly an adventure bike with a lot of power to win the Dakar Rally. Despite having the look and storage capacity (with saddlebags) of an adventure bike, its primary use is for commuting and leisurely touring. It’s not designed for multi-day desert travel, but in a pinch, it can go fully and properly off-road and happily take you down a dirt road. However, it can easily handle city tours thanks to the regular riding position, windscreen, wide handlebars and cargo options. If you want ABS, you’ll spend about $6,100. Without it, you’ll spend more like $5,800. Used and in good condition, you should expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,000, and you can also get a few extras like heated grips, a hard case saddlebag, or two sets of tires (one for adventure touring).

Yamaha XT250 (2008 Onwards)

The Yamaha XT250, a classic dual-sport bike in production since 2008, is an excellent entry-level motorcycle for low-speed commuting, off-roading, or rural travel. It is widely regarded as one of the most excellent dual-sport bikes available. It weighs 290 lbs wet and is powered by a very efficient (and entertaining) 249cc single cylinder with 19 horsepower. However, this bike will get you moving quickly because of its power-to-weight ratio—and you’ll feel everything it does. Although there’s a bit of a torque gap at the low end and you need to crank it up to start going at a respectable clip, it’ll happily take you down highways and back roads to 60 mph. Just keep in mind that, with a top speed of around 75 mph, it’s not very freeway friendly. A 2023 model will cost about $5,300, but if you scour the countryside around your city or town, you can often find these little creatures for sale for between $1,000 and $4,000 (depending on mileage and condition). After buying one, a full service is advised—just to ensure the oil is fresh and the tires are new—as these bikes can sit for a while in rural locations during the year’s colder months.

Top Ten Best Used Bikes in 2023 – Top List