TOP 5: Learner Bikes

Kate providing some scale for the Honda NAVi

This is the best time to be a Learner in the history of motorcycles. The second best time was when you didn’t needed your Learners, but too bad, so sad, learner bikes are here to stay.

Also known as LAMS, Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme, this program identifies which motorcycles are suitable for novice riders. You won’t see anything over 660cc or with a power to weight ratio exceeding 150kW/tonne.

The market is flooded with bang for your buck, quality motorcycles from every manufacturer under the sun. It was quite difficult to pick a top 5, hopefully the below inspire someone you know to go get their license because there is fun to be had.

KTM Duke 390

Price: From $8695 ride-away

The Duke 390, you’ve got to love the KTM website’s initial pleasant greeting, “Welcome to the bullshit-free world of KTM naked bikes”, if I’m a learner, you had me at ‘welcome’. Meet the ‘Corner Rocket’ – a 399cc, high-tech weapon with laser-focused handling, mean on the eye and impressive on the road.

To be fair, if you’re on your Ls you won’t be rocketing out of any corner or you may find yourself in a tree, but as you feel more comfortable with your ever growing skills this bike will grow with you. With a full internal revamp for the 2024 – new engine, new frame, new electronics and a larger airbox – I suggest go easy on that throttle. KTM’s iconic ‘Ready to Race’ tagline still stand regardless of capacity.

Royal Enfield Scram 411

Price: from $7690 ride-away

Royal Enfield have really invested in the Australian learners market, almost by default though, as it just happens to be that its main market primarily rides smaller capacity bikes. Royal Enfield’s LAMS-approved 350 range – the Bullet, Hunter, Classic and Meteor – are all brilliant additions to the on-road fleet and definitely worth a look, but I’m going to give some love to the Scram 411.

This absolutely beauty can comfortably and stylishly cruise urban streets or handle anything you throw at it off road. I rode its highly popular, adventure bike big sister – the Himalayan – in the Himalayas not too long ago and it proved to be incredibly comfortable, supported a ton of luggage and was endlessly forgiving. It appears Royal Enfield have taken the best bits of the Himalayan and spat out a sexier version. With updated tech and specs, this is learners dream boat, on-road and off.

Honda NAVi

Price: From $3000 ride away.

Honda have recently released some absolute LAMS bangers recently. The totally new and retro CL500 and GB350 will capture the naked, cafe racer, scrambler market. However it’s this fresh lil’ rip snorter that just landed on our shores which will make waves with its concept and it’s highly competitive price. Meet the NAVi – new to down under, and although it has been a raging success elsewhere like India, Mexico and America, the NAVi sits in a strange but wonderful place.

It’s not quite a moto, not quite a scooter, with the term ‘pocket bike’ being thrown around. Call it want you want, it’s definitely a helluva lot of fun. A fuel efficient, four-stroke, 110cc engine powers the NAVi with drum brakes giving retro vibes but what sets it apart is the fully automatic CVT transmission and 17.5L waterproof storage unit under the tank. For a newbie, you can’t ease into riding easier! Although you will need to learn gears at some stage, make that a next year goal.

Harley Davidson X350/X550

Price: X350 from $8495 ride-away/X500 from $11,495 ride-away

Harley Davidson and its two new LAMS market entries have created quite a buzz down under. If you’re familiar with Harley you may recall the Street 500 which ceased to exist in 2020 so it’s been a while since they’ve have their toe in the learner water. The brand’s new Harley Davison X offerings have been created in conjunction with Chinese manufacturer QJ Motor, who also own Benelli.

Based off the iconic XR750 flat tracker, the X350 design feels fresh, young and sporty in comparison to Harley’s fuller bodied models. Upright seat position meaning good height on the road for vision and nimble handling.

The X500 design is based on the Sportster and offers a decent amount more power with a taller but more relaxed riding position. Both receive suspension and twin-disc brake set up of a higher standard than most of their competitors, giving the new rider a boost of confidence when needing to hit the brakes in a moment of panic, or perhaps mount the curb to get to safety.

Yamaha XSR700

Price: From $14,299 ride-away

Yamaha’s handsome, retro XSR line can do no wrong. From the XSR900 GP that we featured in our Best Bikes for 2024 to this LAMS approved version, all incarnations of this bike will make their owners happy. It’s actually a 655cc capacity bike, developed specifically for the Australian LAMS market. Although we are getting up there in price by comparison to other bikes mentioned, this is a lot of moto for a learner.

But with such beautiful handling and smooth power delivery, you will be fine. Nothing aggressive or jerky, it’s pure riding pleasure. Ergonomically it suits many heights and is not too top heavy for a newbie. You’d never know it was a LAMS approved bike… until you wack that big, unfortunate yellow stamp on it.

Disclosure: Kate Peck is a Honda motorcycle brand ambassador (but appreciates that quality knows no logo and loves all moto children).