A2-Friendly

A2 isn't a US licence tier the way it is in the UK and EU — but the bikes that fit that bracket are exactly the ones the US calls "beginner" or "learner" motorcycles, and they're often the most fun bikes to ride period. Sub-500cc, 30-50 horsepower, 150-180kg, easy to throw around.

The current crop of small bikes — Duke 390, Ninja 400/500, MT-03, RC 390, G 310 R, CB300R, Hunter 350, Trident 660, Z650 — are all genuinely good motorcycles. They're not "training bikes you'll outgrow"; they're proper bikes with proper chassis and proper components, just smaller.

For a new rider, the Duke 390 and Trident 660 are the strongest answers depending on whether you want a single or a triple. For an experienced rider who happens to want a small fun bike, the Hunter 350, RC 390 and CB300R are the most charming. Don't dismiss them just because they're cheap — they're frequently the best riding bikes on the dealer floor.