Start with your licence
In every Australian state and territory, a new rider starts on a learner licence and must ride a LAMS approved motorcycle (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) — as a learner, and for at least the first part of a provisional or restricted licence. That one rule narrows the field more than anything else, so check that any bike you are considering is LAMS approved before you fall for it.
How long the LAMS restriction lasts, and which training or test you need, depends on your state — from the end of P1 in Tasmania to three years in Victoria. Our state-by-state guide sets out the rules for each one.
Seat height and weight matter more than horsepower
Almost every LAMS bike has enough power for the road. What decides whether you feel confident is whether you can put your feet down at the lights and hold the bike steady when you stop, turn it around in a driveway, or walk it into a parking spot.
- Seat height: lower is easier — and a seat that is narrow at the front helps as much as one that is low.
- Weight: a lighter bike is easier to manoeuvre at walking pace, which is where most new riders drop a bike.
- Riding position: you should reach the bars and the controls without stretching.
Pick the style that suits how you will ride
- Cruisers and bobbers: low seats, relaxed feet-forward position, easy torque. Often the easiest to hold up at a standstill.
- Naked (roadster) bikes: upright and light, good all-rounders for commuting and weekends.
- Scooters and twist-and-go bikes: no clutch or gears to learn, which takes a lot of the stress out of traffic.
- Adventure bikes: tall and capable on dirt roads, but the seat height can be a challenge for new and shorter riders.
- Sports bikes: exciting, but a leaned-forward position that tires the wrists and back on longer rides.
New or used?
A used learner bike can be cheaper, but it may have been dropped more than once and may already be due for tyres, a chain or a service. A new bike comes with a factory warranty and a known history. Whichever you choose, ask for the service history and run a PPSR check on a used bike so you know it is not under finance or written off.
Budget for more than the bike
- On-road costs — registration, CTP insurance and stamp duty — unless the price is quoted ride-away.
- Riding gear: an Australian-approved helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots. Good gear is not optional.
- Insurance for the bike itself, and the cost of your training and licence test.
- Servicing: ask what the first service costs and when it is due.
Test ride before you buy
Book a test ride on more than one bike if you can. Pay attention to how easy the clutch and gears are, how the bike feels at walking pace, and whether you are relaxed at the end of the ride — not just how it feels at speed.
| Model | Seat height | Engine | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENDA Napoleonbob 250 | 748 mm | 249cc · 19 kW | 182kg | $9,990 ride-away |
| BENDA Chinchilla 350 CVT Neo | 690 mm | 343cc · 25 kW | 195kg | $10,990 ride-away |
| BENDA Chinchilla 500 | 705 mm | 476cc · 35 kW | 215kg | $10,990 ride-away |
| BENDA Napoleonbob 500 | 695 mm | 476cc · 35 kW | 215kg | $12,990 ride-away |
| BENDA Dark Flag 500 Commander | 700 mm | 496cc · 35 kW | 260kg | $13,990 ride-away |
Quick answers
Common questions.
What is a good first motorcycle in Australia?
A LAMS approved bike with a seat low enough to put your feet down confidently and a weight you can manage at walking pace. Cruisers and bobbers are popular first bikes for that reason; naked bikes and twist-and-go scooters suit many riders too.
Is a 250 or a 500 better for a first bike?
Either can be a good first bike as long as it is LAMS approved. Many riders find a LAMS 500 easier to live with on the highway, while a 250 is usually lighter and cheaper. Seat height and weight matter more than engine size.
Should my first motorcycle be new or used?
A used bike costs less up front, but a new one has a warranty and a known history. If you buy used, check the service history and do a PPSR search before you pay.
What gear do I need as a new rider?
An Australian-approved helmet, plus a motorcycle jacket, gloves, pants and boots. Gear protects you in a fall and in bad weather, so budget for it alongside the bike.
