10 Cheapest Two-Cylinder Motorcycles On The Market
Just because you’re a new rider doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the engine. That’s not to say you should start your riding career on a Suzuki Hayabusa — it won’t end well. Instead, you can start with a twin-cylinder motorcycle. Whether it is a parallel twin or V-twin, two cylinders have benefits that thumpers lack. The former has a linear power curve, sounds better, and vibrates a LOT less than singles.
Tempted to get one? Lucky for you, twin-cylinder motorcycles are all the rage now. Look at the middleweight segment, and all you’ll see are parallel-twin motorcycles. The best examples include the Aprilia RS 660, Yamaha Tenere 700, and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. These are some of the pricier options, though, and today, we’ll instead talk about some of the cheapest twins on offer today. Motorcycles that will start your biking journey in style and with minimal compromises.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Motorcycle News and Motorcycle Specs.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 USA Action
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Yamaha YZF-R3
Starting MSRP: $5,499
The baby YZF is an excellent beginner sports bike. The parallel-twin engine is easygoing and revs cleanly up to the redline. You’ll also enjoy the throaty soundtrack that’s often missing in this segment. The handling is forgiving, too, allowing new riders to learn the ropes of cornering without tasting dirt.
What makes this motorcycle even more special is its versatile character. It can serve as your only mode of transport! The sporty ergonomics are comfortable, the engine is tractable at low speeds, and the weight is easy to manage even for short riders. Our only complaint is the lack of modern features. Just update it already Yamaha!
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from Yamaha and Motorcycle News)
CFMoto 450NK
Starting MSRP: $5,399
Of all the Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, CFMoto seems to be the best in America. It’s an already established company that’s been in the business of ATVs and side-by-sides; it even manufactures parts for other automotive brands, including KTM. So, it’s no surprise that their products break the stereotype of Chinese bikes being terrible. The 450 NK is no different.
It’s an entry-level parallel-twin naked, packed with features like J. Juan calipers, traction control, and a TFT instrument cluster. The parallel-twin engine also produces more power than the KTM 390 Duke, while the 270-degree crank gives it a throaty soundtrack. Get over the mental block of owning a Chinese bike, and the 450NK will surprise you.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from CFMoto)
CFMoto 800NK Concept Front
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Kawasaki Ninja 500
Starting MSRP: $5,299
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is a new kid on the block, replacing the already-too-good Ninja 400. Fortunately, the additional displacement does not come with a higher cost. The Ninja 500 is approachable but brings a more responsive power delivery than its predecessor. It’s not just a beginner-class motorcycle, though; it’s plenty capable of entertaining intermediate riders, too.
The sports bike promises a glue-like adhesion to the tarmac, thanks to its light chassis and composed suspension. Although we would’ve liked to see USD forks here, the handling should be as good as the N400 since many of the underpinnings are unchanged. Finally, there’s the big bike design — it looks more substantial than it is. We love it.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from Kawasaki)
QJ Motor SRK400RR
Starting MSRP: $5,099
Let’s address the elephant in the room — the SRK400RR looks suspiciously like a knock-off BMW S 1000 RR, especially with the white/blue/red livery. Keeping that aside, the bike may seem like a bang-for-buck option for newbie riders. It gets all-led lighting, a TFT display, USD forks, and dual discs up front.
Sounds awesome, but the reality isn’t as good. Despite the brisk performance and great exhaust note, the bike feels lacking in terms of features like traction control, slipper clutch, and radial-mount calipers. Then, there’s the question of service network, which is sorely lacking here. Although it looks great, it shouldn’t be your first choice just because of the questionable reliability.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from QJ Motor)
QJ Motor SRV300
Starting MSRP: $4,999
The QJ Motor SRV300 brings the cruiser experience in a scaled-down package. The pocket cruiser is light and nimble with eager performance and decent comfort for most riders. Plus, the V-twin engine (yes, it’s a Vee) ensures a spicy exhaust note, especially when you’ll give it the beans. The brakes are also quite promising. Again, it’s a QJ Motor offering, so reliability and service network are not yet proven on American shores.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from QJ Motor)
White NK 150
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Keeway V302C
Starting MSRP: $4,999
Keeway is owned by QJ Motor, so it’s easy to see why the V302C looks a lot like the SRV300. In reality, the V302C is a re-badged version of the Benda BD300, as seen with the Benda logos around the bike. It’s still a gorgeous pocket cruiser that looks substantial, thanks to its low flyline, beefy tires, and 2-in-1 exhaust.
Coming to the performance, the V-twin engine promises to be tractable and enjoyable for street riding with its adequate performance numbers. Unlike other V-twins, this is also liquid-cooled, so it shouldn’t heat up as much. This one is best suited for urban duties, not long highway stints.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from Keeway)
Yamaha MT-03
Starting MSRP: $4,999
The Yamaha MT-03 is the most affordable parallel-twin motorcycle with credibility. There, we said it. This is a naked version of the R3, so you get to enjoy the perky yet approachable engine performance and easy-to-flick handling. Everything on the bike works great, including the suspension and brakes.
The good parts still don’t take away from the fact that this is a budget motorcycle. It does not do anything extraordinary; it’s neither as powerful nor feature-packed as its rivals, especially the KTM 390 Duke. This is an ideal bike for a beginner looking for an affordable street bike that gets the basics right without gimmicks or questionable reliability.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from Yamaha and Motorcycle Specs)
Benelli 302S
Starting MSRP: $4,989
The Benelli 302S is another great parallel-twin naked bike that sits $10 short of the MT-03. The problem with this motorcycle is its limited availability and Benelli’s limited network in America. Plus, it doesn’t offer as much as the MT-03 in terms of power, reliability, or brand value.
It still gets a lot of things right, though. The parallel-twin engine is linear and peaky with an excellent exhaust note, making it sound like a much bigger motorcycle. Even the twin calipers up front work well and the handling is neutral. If you have a Benelli dealership close to you, the 302S is worth considering.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from Benelli)
QJ Motor SRK400
Starting MSRP: $4,799
We’re back to QJ Motor with the SRK400, a naked version of the SRK400RR. Similar to the sports bike, the SRK400 looks great at first glance. It packs an approachable engine in a stylish streetfighter design. Still, it lacks features that its rivals get. So the SRK400 makes sense for riders looking for an affordable motorcycle with premium looks, but don’t expect it to be in your garage for years to come. You can’t take away the excellent value for money prospect, however.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from QJ Motor)
Yamaha V Star 250
Starting MSRP: $4,699
Wait, Yamaha is still making this tiny cruiser? Yes, it is, and we don’t see why it shouldn’t. The V Star 250 is an awesome little urban cruiser that’s perfect for absolute beginners looking for a V-twin option. This bike is as basic as it gets on two wheels; heck, even the V-twin is still fed by carbs!
Nevertheless, the mill produces enough power for the city with a classic rumble of an exhaust note. It is also fairly nimble in the streets, and the seat height is low enough even for Frodo Baggins. It’s easily the most frugal cruiser you can buy today — it’s affordable and superbly fuel-efficient. Also, it looks pretty cool, considering the price.
Performance Specifications
(Specs sourced from Yamaha)