If you are just getting into riding motorcycles, then it is a good idea to buy a ride that is appropriate for your skill level. There are several comments on T2W as well as emails asking if Bobber motorcycles make a suitable first bike?
Are Bobbers Good Beginner motorcycles? With their low seat height and centre of gravity a Bobber makes a great choice for the inexperienced rider. Bobbers are also built with an emphasis on styling rather than performance so don’t reach the top speeds of some of the other motorcycle styles.
To really figure out if a Bobber is right for you, it’s going to be important to do your homework. Read on to learn everything that you need to know about which Bobbers will work well for a beginner. You will be able to feel more confident moving forward, and you can make an informed purchasing decision.
WHY BOBBERS ARE SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS
The reasons that Bobbers are suitable for beginners are pretty easy to understand. They have a low seat height and being able to plant both feet firmly on the ground will fill you with confidence. Bobbers aren’t designed for speed, so they’re a whole lot easier to manage than many of the other motorcycle styles.
Trying to learn how to ride a motorcycle on a machine that is too fast is not going to be easy. If you try to ride on a sensitive bike, then you might become discouraged by the experience. A good Bobber is going to be able to help you feel like you are in control at all times. They are just so much easier to handle than many other motorcycle styles.
Check out more about the pros and cons of bobbers if you still aren’t sure if this style of bike is for you.
Take a look at some of the recommended Bobber models that make ideal beginner motorcycles below.
HONDA REBEL REVIEW
One of the best reasons to choose the Honda Rebel is its overall stability. It is a reliable motorcycle that works well without requiring constant maintenance. Many people love these bikes simply because they allow them to focus on riding rather than tinkering.
The Honda Rebel engine is proven to be dependable and you rarely hear of any known faults. To add to this, the bike is very lightweight. This makes it a lot easier to manoeuvre for a beginner, so this one comes in highly recommended for a complete novice.
Positives
- Easy to learn on.
- Lots of fun to ride.
- Honda’s famous reliability.
- Low price tag and running costs.
- Lots of customisation options to make it your own.
- Best Bobber choice for a total beginner.
Negatives
- Can be outgrown quickly.
YAMAHA BOLT REVIEW
The Yamaha Bolt is a motorcycle that falls into a nice sweet spot. It is large enough that you have some power at your disposal. It is also not so big that it is going to be difficult for a beginner to handle. The Yamaha Bolt is an excellent potential first motorcycle for someone who wants to get more comfortable with riding, and you won’t want to be upgrading in 6 months once you learn the ropes either.
This bike has a low seat height and a slim overall width. It is going to feel very natural for someone who is just getting into motorcycles. This is also a good choice for riders who are a bit on the shorter side, as it will never feel tough to find your footing. You will also find that this is a lightweight bike that feels natural to handle.
You will also see that the Yamaha Bolt is a beautiful bike. Many people consider this Bobber to be a good purchase for both beginners and moderately experienced riders. The bike has great features and is a really fun experience overall. The Yamaha Bolt might be one of the very best choices for those who have some road experience and looking to purchase their first ‘big’ bike.
Positives
- Very nice looking bike.
- Great features.
- Ideal for those stepping up from a small bike or scooter.
- Packs a fair punch.
Negatives
- Packs a fair punch
BIKES TO AVOID
Not all Bobbers are going to be perfect for new riders. You will want to avoid certain bikes that are going to be a bit too much for you to handle as a beginner. There are two good examples of the Bobber that you will want to avoid until you get more experience; the Triumph Bobber and the Indian Scout Bobber. As cool as these bikes are, they are just too heavy and powerful for beginners.
Most of the problems with these bikes are fairly obvious. They are a bit on the heavier side when compared to the more user-friendly bikes that are presented above. This makes them a chore to handle in comparison. When you are not super familiar with motorcycles, you do not want to try to ride a bike that is too much for you to handle.
The power of these bikes is a lot higher than the beginner-friendly ones too. Once you have become an experienced rider, you may want to give one of these bikes a shot. It is simply not a good idea when you are just starting out. Save these more powerful Bobbers for a few years down the line and start out with something that is a bit easier to manage.
FAQ
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN TO RIDE A BOBBER MOTORCYCLE?
The length of time that it takes to learn how to ride a Bobber or any other type of motorcycle depends on the person. If you have a beginner-friendly bike such as the ones listed above and a good teacher, it might come very naturally to you. It’s simply important to take things at your own pace and to learn how to ride safely.
IS FINDING A BEGINNER-FRIENDLY BIKE EASY?
Bobbers more than any of the other retro styles, lend themselves to beginners as long as you don’t go for something that is too powerful for you. If neither the Honda Rebel or the Yamaha Bolt appeal to you, there are several other Bobbers that might. Try visiting a few local motorcycle dealerships and ask for advice on finding a beginner friendly Bobber.
ARE MORE ADVANCED BOBBERS REALLY THAT MUCH TOUGHER TO RIDE?
Yes, more powerful and heavier Bobbers will be significantly tougher to ride. This can make it difficult to handle the bike, and too much power isn’t a good thing when you aren’t experienced. It’s important to buy a bike that is easy enough to handle to keep yourself safe.