How to Choose the Right Motorcycle: A Complete Guide 2025
You've already decided to buy a motorcycle. Now you need to choose the right one.
Every year, over 200,000 new motorcycles are registered in Italy. Many buyers return to the dealership within twelve months to resell them. Not because the motorcycle was a bad vehicle—but because it was the wrong one for them.
Choosing the right motorcycle is not a matter of luck or budget. It's a matter of method: understanding who you are as a rider, what you will truly use it for, how much it will cost in the first year, and which motorcycle category matches all of this.
This page answers the most frequent questions we receive on Endurrad. If you want to delve deeper into each topic, we have written a dedicated guide:
→ Download the PRO Guide "How to choose the right motorcycle" — 325 pages, PDF, instant download
How to choose the right motorcycle: the complete guide
The question "which motorcycle to choose" does not have a universal answer. It has the right answer for you—which depends on three variables: your current experience, your primary use, and your actual budget.
The most common mistake is to start with the motorcycle and try to adapt to it. The correct method is the opposite: start with yourself and find the motorcycle that adapts to you.
1. What license do you need to ride a motorcycle in Italy?
In Italy, there are three types of motorcycle licenses, with different displacement and power limits.
The A1 license is obtained at 16 years old and allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc with a maximum power of 11 kW (15 HP) and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. It is suitable for daily urban use.
The A2 license is obtained at 18 years old and is now the most common choice among beginners. It allows motorcycles up to 35 kW (47 HP) with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg. It is sufficient for the vast majority of mid-range motorcycles available on the market.
The A license is obtained at 24 years old or at 20 years old with at least two years of A2 license. It has no displacement or power limits—it allows you to ride any motorcycle.
For those who already have a B license (car), it is possible to ride motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW without an additional license, provided you are 21 years old and have obtained the AM learner's permit.
Our PRO guide dedicates the first chapter entirely to this topic, with a summary table of licenses and a detailed explanation of how the license choice affects the motorcycle choice.
2. What are the motorcycle categories and how to choose?
The motorcycle market is divided into seven main categories, plus electric motorcycles which deserve separate treatment.
Naked bikes are motorcycles without aerodynamic fairings, with wide handlebars and an upright riding position. They are the best-selling in Italy because they work well both in the city and on the road. They come in three levels: entry-level (up to 400cc), mid-range (600-800cc), and large displacement (over 900cc).
Adventure and maxi enduro bikes are designed for mixed asphalt and dirt road use. They have higher suspension, large fuel tanks, and an upright riding position. This category is growing fastest in Italy. They range from lightweight models like the Royal Enfield Himalayan (200 kg) to large tourers like the BMW R 1300 GS (249 kg).
Sport and supersport bikes are derived from racing motorcycles: full fairings, tucked riding position, high-revving engines. They are exciting but uncomfortable for daily use. They are recommended only for experienced riders.
Custom and cruiser bikes have an open riding position with forward controls, a style inspired by American tradition. They are ideal for medium distances on extra-urban roads. Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Royal Enfield are the reference brands.
Touring bikes are for long-distance travel: heavy, with integrated panniers, full aerodynamic protection, and high comfort features. Honda Gold Wing, BMW K 1600, and Harley-Davidson Road Glide are the category benchmarks.
Scooters and maxi-scooters are the most practical choice for urban use: no manual gear change, under-seat storage, easy to ride. Maxi-scooters like the Yamaha TMAX or the Kymco AK 550 are also suitable for extra-urban routes.
Scramblers and café racers are motorcycles with a retro aesthetic and primarily road use. They are a style choice as much as a functional one.
Electric motorcycles currently cover mainly urban use. Reference models include Zero Motorcycles, Energica (Italian), and new models from KTM, Kawasaki, and BMW. Real-world range varies from 60 to 200 km depending on the model and use.
The PRO guide delves into each category with advantages, limitations, ideal rider profile, and recommended models for every budget, including a comparative table of 20 models with price, weight, seat height, and displacement.
3. How much does a motorcycle truly cost in the first year?
The list price is only part of the total cost. First-time motorcycle buyers systematically underestimate the accessory expenses that arise in the first year of ownership.
The main items to consider are:
- Third-party liability insurance (RC): For an 18-year-old new rider on a 400cc naked bike in class 14 (the starting class), the RC premium can range from 600 to 1,500 euros annually depending on the geographical area and insurance company. Milan and Naples have significantly higher premiums compared to smaller provinces.
- Road tax (Bollo): Calculated based on engine power. For a 47 HP (A2) motorcycle, it's about 80-120 euros annually.
- First service: Almost all new motorcycles require a break-in service at 1,000 km. The cost varies from 80 to 200 euros.
- Equipment: helmet, jacket, gloves, trousers, and boots. A complete set of good quality equipment starts from 500 euros and can go up to 1,500 euros for higher-end products.
- Fuel and routine maintenance: Depends on kilometers traveled. A motorcycle with fuel consumption of 5 liters/100 km travels 10,000 km with about 850 euros of fuel (at 1.70 euros/liter).
The practical rule we recommend: the total budget for the first year should be at least 40% higher than the purchase price of the motorcycle.
4. How to choose the right motorcycle for your height?
Seat height is one of the most important parameters when choosing a motorcycle, especially for shorter riders. A motorcycle on which you cannot touch the ground with at least one foot steadily is difficult to manage during maneuvers and parking.
As a general reference: for heights under 165 cm, it is advisable to look for motorcycles with a seat height below 800 mm. Between 165 and 175 cm, seat heights up to 820-830 mm can be managed well. Above 175 cm, the high seats typical of adventure bikes (820-870 mm) do not pose a problem.
However, seat height is not the only parameter: width also matters. A narrow seat allows the legs to go lower, compensating for a higher nominal height. For this reason, it is always necessary to physically sit on the motorcycle before deciding—the technical specifications alone are not enough.
Many manufacturers offer reduced-height seats as an optional extra or original accessory. BMW, Honda, and KTM in particular often have "low seat" options that lower the seat by 20-40 mm without modifying the suspension.
5. New or used motorcycle: which to choose?
The choice between new and used depends mainly on three factors: budget, experience, and the ability to evaluate a used vehicle.
The main advantage of a used motorcycle is the price. A two or three-year-old motorcycle with 10,000-15,000 km in good condition generally costs 30-40% less than the new list price. Since motorcycles for new riders are often resold in good condition (those who start with a small motorcycle tend to change it quickly), the entry-level used market in Italy is well-supplied.
The main advantage of a new motorcycle is the warranty—generally two years with unlimited mileage—and the certainty of the vehicle's history. A new motorcycle has no hidden falls, rolled-back kilometers, or skipped maintenance.
Before buying a used vehicle, it is necessary to check: the frame number (must match the registration document), the service history, the absence of administrative holds or liens on the license plate (verifiable on motorizzazione.it), the condition of the forks, chain, and tires, and to obligatorily take a test ride.
The PRO guide includes a complete 30-point checklist for inspecting a used motorcycle before purchase, from checking documents to test riding.
6. Which motorcycles are recommended for new riders?
For a new rider with an A2 license (the most common case), the selection criteria are: displacement consistent with experience, weight under 200 kg, linear torque delivery, and good availability on the used market.
Among naked bikes, the most recommended models for the A2 license are the Kawasaki Z400 (398cc, 45 HP, 167 kg), the Yamaha MT-03 (321cc, 42 HP, 169 kg), and the Honda CB500F (471cc, 46 HP, 189 kg). These are complete motorcycles, designed for the A2 license, with a good used market and low insurance costs.
Among entry-level adventure bikes, the Royal Enfield Himalayan (411cc, 24 HP, 199 kg) and the Honda CB500X (471cc, 46 HP, 197 kg) are the most popular choices for those who want the versatility of an adventure bike without the complexities of large displacements.
Among entry-level customs, the Honda CMX500 Rebel (471cc, 46 HP, 191 kg, seat 690 mm) is ideal for those seeking custom style with beginner-friendly manageability and the lowest seat in its category.
7. How does motorcycle third-party liability insurance work?
Third-party liability (RC) insurance is mandatory by law for all motor vehicles on the road. It covers damages caused to third parties—people and property—in the event of an accident for which the driver is responsible. It does not cover damages sustained by the driver or their own motorcycle.
The insurance premium is calculated based on two groups of variables: those related to the driver (age, years of license, merit class CU, accident history, residence) and those related to the motorcycle (displacement, category, value, fiscal horsepower).
Beginners start from merit class 14, the most expensive. With each year without claims, the class improves—up to class 1, which guarantees the minimum premium. In case of a fault accident, the class worsens.
In addition to RC, the most useful optional coverages for a motorcyclist are: theft and fire insurance (recommended if you live in high-risk areas), Kasko (covers damages to your own motorcycle even if you are responsible for the accident), and driver injury insurance (covers physical injuries sustained by the driver, not covered by the other party's RC in case of an accident without third parties).
8. What mandatory equipment is required for a motorcycle?
By law, only an approved helmet is mandatory. But the equipment that truly protects a motorcyclist in the event of a fall goes far beyond that.
The helmet must be approved according to ECE 22.06 standard (the most recent, effective from 2024 for new helmets) or ECE 22.05 (still valid for helmets already on the market). A full-face helmet is not mandatory, but it offers the most complete protection.
A motorcycle jacket must have CE certified level 2 protectors on the shoulders and elbows. Level 2 protectors absorb significantly more energy than level 1 in an impact. A CE certified back protector is highly recommended.
Motorcycle gloves protect the hands, which in the vast majority of falls touch the ground first. An approved motorcycle glove has knuckle protectors and palm reinforcements.
Technical trousers have knee protectors and often hip protectors. They are the item that protects one of the most vulnerable areas in falls.
Motorcycle boots or technical shoes protect ankles and feet, which are often hit in a fall when the motorcycle slides.
The PRO guide dedicates an entire chapter to equipment, with a complete guide to approvals, price ranges, and how to build a complete kit with different budgets.
9. Electric motorcycles: are they worth it in 2025?
Electric motorcycles available in 2025 have reached sufficient maturity for daily urban use. For long journeys, they still remain an option requiring careful planning.
The real range of mid-sized electric motorcycles—like the Zero S or Zero DS—is about 130-180 km in mixed conditions, and drops to 80-100 km on the highway at sustained speeds. Charging times vary from 5-12 hours from a standard home outlet to 40-60 minutes with fast charging from a charging station.
Energy cost savings are significant: about 75-80% compared to gasoline per km traveled. Maintenance costs are also lower because there is no engine oil, filters, spark plugs, or timing chain.
An electric motorcycle makes sense today if you primarily ride in the city with daily commutes under 60-80 km, have the ability to charge at home every night, and are willing to plan charging stops for longer trips.
10. Which motorcycles are suitable for women?
There is no such thing as a "women's motorcycle" category—there are objective characteristics that make a motorcycle more suitable for an average shorter and lighter build, regardless of gender.
The parameters to look for are: seat height equal to or less than 790 mm, curb weight less than 190-200 kg, linear torque delivery, and a narrow seat.
Among the models that best meet these criteria: Honda CMX500 Rebel (seat 690 mm), Yamaha MT-03 (780 mm), Kawasaki Z400 (785 mm), Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (765 mm), and Honda CB500F with optional low seat (770 mm).
The PRO guide includes a complete chapter dedicated to female riders with real ergonomic challenges, recommended motorcycles, tailored equipment, and stories of Italian female riders.
The guide that answers all these questions—in one volume
"How to choose the right motorcycle" is a practical 325-page guide in Italian that covers the entire journey of a motorcyclist: from choosing their first vehicle to making an informed purchase, from safety equipment to routine maintenance, from motorcycle trips in Italy and Europe to electric motorcycles. It is structured into 9 thematic parts and 14 chapters. It includes a final checklist to take to the dealership on the day of purchase, a glossary of 40 technical terms, and a complete analytical index.
→ Purchase the PRO Guide "How to choose the right motorcycle" — €14.90 — Download.
This guide is produced by the team at Endurrad.com, an Italian e-commerce specialized in accessories for Adventure and Touring motorcycles. Endurrad.com selects and sells technical accessories for BMW, KTM, Honda, and other brands, focusing on luggage, protection, electronics, and carrying systems for those who use their motorcycle as a tool for exploration.