Your first motorcycle: how to choose
The licence you have, the type of motorcycle that suits you, seat height, ABS and what it really costs, before you buy your first one.
5 min read · Updated October 2026
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Start with the licence
The licence decides what you can ride: the A1 up to 125 cc and 11 kW, the A2 up to 35 kW and the A any motorcycle. With a car licence, a 125 may be possible, depending on the country.
See which licence you needThe type of motorcycle
Think about everyday use, not just the weekend ride.
| Type | What for |
|---|---|
| Scooter | City and short trips: practical, with storage and no gears. |
| Naked | City and road, with an upright position that is easy to ride. |
| Adventure | Travel and bad roads, with more suspension and a higher seat. |
| Sport | Low position and fairing: less comfortable day to day. |
| Cruiser | Low seat and relaxed riding, but heavy in manoeuvres. |
Height and weight
Sit on it before you buy: you should reach the ground with your feet, at least with the tips of your toes, and reach the handlebars without stretching your arms. A lighter motorcycle is easier to hold at a standstill and in manoeuvres.
ABS
Since 2017, new motorcycles sold in the EU come with ABS as a legal requirement. Those in category A1 (up to 125 cc and 11 kW) can come with ABS or combined braking. On a motorcycle from before 2017, check whether it has it.
A study cited by the European Commission points to 34% to 43% fewer motorcycle accidents with ABS.
What it really costs
- The price of the motorcycle, and some margin for what it needs straight away, like tyres, chain or a service.
- Third-party liability insurance, which is compulsory to ride. Ask for quotes before you pick the motorcycle.
- The gear: approved helmet, jacket, gloves and boots.
- The IUC (Portugal's circulation tax): up to 350 cc you pay nothing, and a 501 to 750 cc motorcycle registered after 1996 pays €63.62 a year.
- The circulation tax, which changes from country to country.
New or used
A used first motorcycle costs less and hurts less if it falls. If you go that way, check the documents, the condition of the motorcycle and the payment as the buying guide explains.
Read the safe buying guideThe first kilometres
On a motorcycle the risk is much higher than in a car: the European Road Safety Observatory estimates that two-wheelers are about 20 times riskier.
Start on roads you know and in dry weather, and always wear the full gear.
Ready to look?
New and used motorcycles, from private sellers and from professionals.
Know which licence you need yet? Read the licence guide