How to Choose the Right Motorcycle: A Complete Guide
You've already decided to buy a motorcycle. Now you need to choose the right one.
More than 200,000 new motorcycles are registered in Italy every year. Many buyers return to the dealership within twelve months to sell theirs. Not because the motorcycle was a bad vehicle — but because it was the wrong one for them.
Choosing the right motorcycle isn't a matter of luck or budget. It's a matter of having a method: understanding who you are as a rider, how you'll really use it, what it will cost in the first year, and which motorcycle category fits all of that.
This page answers the most frequently asked questions we receive at Endurrad. If you want to explore each topic in full, we've 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 should I choose?" has no universal answer. There is a right answer for you — one that depends on three variables: your current experience, your primary use, and your actual budget.
Lhe most common mistake is to start with the motorcycle and try to adapt to it. The right approach is the opposite: start with yourself and find the motorcycle that suits you.
1. Which license do you need to ride a motorcycle in Italy?
There are three types of motorcycle licenses in Italy, with different engine displacement and power limits.
A Category A1 license can be obtained at age 16 and allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc, with a maximum power of 11 kW (15 hp) and a power-to-weight ratio no greater than 0.1 kW/kg. It is suitable for everyday urban use.
A Category A2 license can be obtained at age 18 and is currently the most popular choice for beginners. It allows you to ride motorcycles up to 35 kW (47 hp) with a power-to-weight ratio no greater than 0.2 kW/kg. This is sufficient for the vast majority of mid-displacement motorcycles available on the market.
A Category A license can be obtained at age 24, or at age 20 with at least two years of experience holding an A2 license. It has no engine displacement or power limits — it allows you to ride any motorcycle.
Anyone with a Category B license can ride motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW (15 hp) in Italy, without taking any additional exams. Licensing is valid only within Italy.
Our PRO guide dedicates the entire first chapter to this topic, with a summary table of license types and a detailed explanation of how your license choice affects your choice of motorcycle.
2. What are the motorcycle categories, and how do you choose?
The motorcycle market is divided into seven main categories, plus electric motorcycles, which warrant separate coverage.
Naked bikes have no aerodynamic fairings, a wide handlebar, and an upright riding position. They are Italy's best-selling motorcycles because they work well both in the city and on the road. They come in three tiers: entry-level (up to 400cc), middleweight (600-800cc), and large-displacement (over 900cc).
Adventure and maxi-enduro motorcycles are designed for mixed on- and off-road use. They have longer-travel suspension, large fuel tanks, and an upright riding position. This is the fastest-growing category in Italy. Models range from lightweight options such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan (200 kg) to large touring bikes such as the BMW R 1300 GS (249 kg).
Sport and supersport motorcycles are derived from racing bikes: full fairings, a tucked-in riding position, and high-revving engines. They are thrilling but uncomfortable for everyday use. They are recommended only for riders with previous experience.
Customs and cruisers have an open riding position with forward footpegs and styling inspired by American tradition. They are ideal for medium-distance rides on roads outside urban areas. Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Royal Enfield are leading brands.
Touring motorcycles are built for long-distance travel: heavy, with integrated luggage, full aerodynamic protection, and a high level of comfort features. The Honda Gold Wing, BMW K 1600, and Harley-Davidson Road Glide are category benchmarks.
Scooters and maxi-scooters are the most practical choice for urban use: no manual gearbox, storage under the seat, and easy handling. Maxi-scooters such as the Yamaha TMAX and Kymco AK 550 are also suitable for longer-distance rides.
Scramblers and café racers are motorcycles with retro styling and primarily intended for road use. They are as much a style choice as a functional one.
Electric motorcycles are now mainly used for urban riding. Leading models include Zero Motorcycles, Energica (Italian), and new models from KTM, Kawasaki, and BMW. L's actual range varies from 60 to 200 km depending on the model and how it's used.
The PRO guide explores each category in depth, with its advantages, limitations, ideal rider profile, and recommended models for every budget, including a comparison table of 20 models with price, weight, seat height, and engine displacement.
3. How much does a motorcycle really cost in its first year?
The list price is only part of the total cost. First-time motorcycle buyers consistently underestimate the additional expenses that arise during the first year of ownership.
The main items to consider are:
- Third-party liability insurance: for an 18-year-old new rider on a 400cc naked bike in class 14 (the starting class), the premium can range from 600 to 1,500 euros per year, depending on the area and the insurer. Premiums in Milan and Naples are significantly higher than in smaller provinces.
- Road tax: calculated based on engine power. For a 47 hp (A2) motorcycle, it's about 80-120 euros per year.
- First service: almost all new motorcycles require a break-in service at 1,000 km. It costs between 80 and 200 euros.
- Gear: helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots. A good-quality complete set starts at 500 euros and can cost up to 1,500 euros for higher-end products.
- Fuel and routine maintenance: this depends on the distance traveled. A motorcycle that uses 5 liters/100 km will cover 10,000 km on about 850 euros' worth of fuel (at 1.70 euros/liter).
Our practical rule of thumb: the total budget for the first year should be at least 40% higher than the motorcycle's purchase price.
4. How to choose the right motorcycle for your height?
Lseat height is one of the most important factors when choosing a motorcycle, especially for shorter riders. A motorcycle you can't firmly touch the ground with at least one foot on is difficult to handle when maneuvering and parking.
As a general guide: if you're under 165 cm tall, look for motorcycles with seats under 800 mm. Between 165 and 175 cm, seats up to 820-830 mm are manageable. Above 175 cm, the tall seats typical of adventure bikes (820-870 mm) are not a problem.
Lseat height is not the only factor, though: width matters too. A narrow seat lets your legs reach farther down, compensating for a higher nominal seat height. That's why you should always sit on the motorcycle before deciding - the figures on the spec sheet alone aren't enough.
Many manufacturers offer lower seats as optional extras or genuine accessories. BMW, Honda, and KTM in particular often have "lowseat" options that lower the seat by 20-40 mm without modifying the suspension.
5. New or used motorcycle: what should you choose?
The choice between new and used mainly depends on three factors: budget, experience, and the ability to assess a used bike.
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 newly licensed riders are often resold in good condition (people who start out on a small motorcycle tend to upgrade quickly), Italy's entry-level used market is well-stocked.
The main advantage of a new motorcycle is the warranty — generally two years with no mileage limit — and knowing the vehicle's history. A new motorcycle has no hidden crash damage, tampered mileage, or missed maintenance.
Before buying a used motorcycle, you need to check the frame number (it must match the registration document), service history, whether there are any administrative blocks or liens on the registration (verifiable at motorizzazione.it), the condition of the forks, chain, and tires, and you must take it for a test ride.
The PRO guide includes a comprehensive 30-point checklist for inspecting a used motorcycle before purchase, from checking the documents to taking it for a test ride.
6. Which motorcycles are recommended for newly licensed riders?
For a newly licensed rider with an A2 license (the most common case), the selection criteria are: engine size suited to their experience, weight under 200 kg, smooth power delivery, and good availability on the used market.
Among naked bikes, the models most recommended for an A2 license are the Kawasaki Z500 (successor to the Z400, which is still available used), the Yamaha MT-03 (321cc, 42 hp, 169 kg), and the Honda CB500F (471cc, 46 hp, 189 kg). They are well-rounded motorcycles designed for the A2 license, with a good used market and affordable insurance costs.
Among entry-level adventure bikes, the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Honda NX500 (successor to the CB500X, 471cc) are the most popular choices for anyone looking for adventure-bike versatility without the complexity of larger engine sizes.
Among entry-level customs, the Honda CMX500 Rebel (471cc, 46 hp, 191 kg, 690 mm seat height) is ideal for anyone looking for custom style with beginner-friendly handling and the lowest seat in its class.
7. How does motorcycle liability insurance work?
Liability insurance is required by law for all motor vehicles driven on public roads. It covers damage caused to third parties — people and property — in an accident for which the driver is responsible. It does not cover injuries to the driver or damage to their own motorcycle.
The insurance premium is calculated based on two groups of variables: those related to the rider (age, years of licensed riding, CU risk class, claims history, place of residence) and those related to the motorcycle (engine displacement, category, value, fiscal horsepower).
New riders start in risk class 14, the most expensive. For every year without an accident claim, the class improves - down to class 1, which guarantees the lowest premium. If you are at fault in an accident, your class gets worse.
In addition to third-party liability insurance, the most useful optional coverage for a motorcyclist includes theft and fire insurance (recommended if you live in a high-risk area), comprehensive coverage (covers damage to your own motorcycle even if you are responsible for the accident), and rider accident insurance (covers physical injuries sustained by the rider, which are not covered by another party's liability insurance in an accident involving no third parties).
8. What motorcycle gear is mandatory?
By law, only an approved helmet is mandatory. But the gear that truly protects a motorcyclist in a fall goes far beyond that.
The helmet must be approved to the ECE 22.06 standard (the latest, in effect for new helmets since 2024) 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 Level 2-certified protectors on the shoulders and elbows. Level 2 protectors absorb significantly more energy than Level 1 in the event of an impact. A CE-certified back protector is strongly recommended.
Motorcycle gloves protect the hands, which touch the ground first in the vast majority of falls. Motorcycle-approved gloves have knuckle protectors and palm reinforcements.
Technical pants have knee and often hip protectors. They protect one of the most vulnerable areas in a fall.
Motorcycle boots or technical shoes protect the ankles and feet, which are often hit when a motorcycle slides in a fall.
The PRO guide devotes an entire chapter to gear, with a complete guide to homologation standards, price ranges, and how to put together a complete kit on different budgets.
9. Electric motorcycles: Are they worth it today?
Electric motorcycles available today have reached a level of maturity sufficient for everyday urban use. For long journeys, they are still an option that requires careful planning.
The real-world range of mid-size electric motorcycles - like the Zero S or the Zero DS - is about 130-180 km in mixed conditions, dropping to 80-100 km on the highway at sustained speeds. Charging times range from 5-12 hours from a standard household outlet to 40-60 minutes with fast charging at a charging station.
The savings on energy costs are significant: about 75-80% compared with gasoline per kilometer 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 mainly ride in the city on daily journeys of less than 60-80 km, can 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 features that make a motorcycle better suited to a body that is, on average, shorter and lighter, regardless of gender.
The criteria to look for are: seat height of 790 mm or less, wet weight under 190-200 kg, smooth torque delivery, and a narrow seat.
Among the models that best meet these criteria are the Honda CMX500 Rebel (690 mm seat height), Yamaha MT-03 (780 mm), Kawasaki Z500, Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (765 mm), and Honda CB500F with an optional low seat (770 mm).
The PRO guide includes a complete chapter dedicated to women riders, covering real ergonomic challenges, recommended motorcycles, tailored gear, and stories from Italian women 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 covering every step of the motorcyclist's journey: from choosing your first bike to making an informed purchase, from safety gear to routine maintenance, from motorcycle trips in Italy and Europe to electric motorcycles. It is organized into 9 thematic sections and 14 chapters. It includes a final checklist to take to the dealership on purchase day, a glossary of 40 technical terms, and a complete index.
→ Buy the PRO Guide "How to Choose the Right Motorcycle" — €14.90 — Download
This guide was created by the Endurrad.com team, an Italian e-commerce store specializing in Adventure and Touring motorcycle accessories. Endurrad.com selects and sells technical accessories for BMW, KTM, Honda, and other motorcycle brands, focusing on luggage, protection, electronics, and load-carrying systems for riders who use their motorcycles to explore.