Top 10 Used Beginner Motorcycles for A1 & A2 Licence Holders in Ireland (2025 Guide)
So, you’re ready to jump into the world of motorcycling but not quite ready to splash out on a brand-new machine. Smart thinking.
Whether you’re still buzzing from your first IBT session or looking to upgrade to something with a bit more bite, buying a used motorcycle is often the best move for Irish beginners. You’ll find better value, and won’t cry as hard when the inevitable scuff or drop happens (because it will).
But here’s the thing: not every “beginner-friendly” bike on DoneDeal or Facebook Marketplace actually suits new riders. Some are overpriced, overhyped, or just plain awkward for learning. So, I’ve done the homework for you.
This guide breaks down 10 of the best pre-owned motorcycles for new riders in Ireland. Split between A1 licence bikes (for 125cc learners aged 17+) and A2 licence bikes (for those 19+ or upgrading). Each one is rated for cost, ease of use, maintenance, insurance, and real-world friendliness.
Let’s jump in – starting with the tamer A1 machines before moving to the slightly spicier A2 crew.
A1 Licence Bikes (125cc or under - Age 17+)
These are learner-legal bikes that max out at 125cc and 15 horsepower. Ideal for new riders or commuters who don’t need big power.
Licence: A1
Type & Best For: Neo‑sports naked commuter – perfect for city runs and first‑bike confidence building.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €2 500 – €5 500 (2018 – 2024 models)
Ease of Use: Super light (~130 kg), low seat (816 mm), upright ergonomics – ideal for stop‑start traffic.
Insurance: Very low (Group 2–4)
Maintenance: Simple single‑cylinder, service every 6 000 km, parts are very affordable.
Made & Reliability: Japanese‑built with Honda’s rock‑solid reputation – expect 40 000 km+ with minimal fuss.
Beginner Friendliness: 5/5 – predictable power delivery, light controls, forgiving chassis.
If you’re the kind of rider who just wants something that works – every damn time – the CB125R nails it. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it teaches you everything with patience and grace. You’ll outgrow the power eventually, but the confidence it builds? That stays with you forever.
Licence: A1
Type & Best For: Vintage‑style commuter – budget‑minded learners who want easy riding.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €1 200 – €2 000 (2005 – 2015 models)
Ease of Use: Featherweight (~110 kg), very low seat (~740 mm), simple carburetted engine.
Insurance: Extremely low (Group 3–5)
Maintenance: Minimal – basic tune‑up every 4 000 km; parts cost almost nothing.
Made & Reliability: Decades‑old Suzuki design, bullet‑proof engine; watch for surface rust on chassis.
Beginner Friendliness: 5/5 – slow, steady pull makes it impossible to get into too much trouble.
This one’s a slow burner – but in the best way.
It’s not going to turn heads or tear up the backroads, but if you want to master the basics, save money, and ride something that’s easy to fix with a wrench and a smile, the GN125 has your back. It’s humble, honest, and impossible to hate.
Licence: A1
Type & Best For: Mini supersport – riders who crave R‑series looks in a learner‑legal package.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €4 200–€6 000 (2017 – 2021 models)
Ease of Use: Sporty ergos require a bit more core strength; 142 kg kerb weight is still manageable.
Insurance: Moderate (Group 6–8)
Maintenance: FI, liquid‑cooled; service every 6 000 km, parts mid‑range in cost.
Made & Reliability: Yamaha’s build quality shines – just keep on top of oil and coolant changes.
Beginner Friendliness: 4/5 – more edge than a CB125R, but still tame enough for a learner.
Let’s be real – you want to look fast even if you’re not going fast. And that’s okay. The R125 is where style meets control. Feels like a mini R6. If you’re after that supersport look without killing your A1 licence or your confidence, this is your move. Flashy but tame.
Licence: A1
Type & Best For: Streetfighter pocket rocket – urban fun with a playful chassis.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €3 000 – €4 500 (2019 – 2024 models)
Ease of Use: Light (≈137 kg), narrow, razor‑sharp handling; higher seat (~830 mm) takes a tiny learning curve.
Insurance: Moderate (Group 5–7)
Maintenance: Service every 7 500 km; parts slightly pricier but widely available.
Made & Reliability: Austrian design, Indian production – reliable if serviced on schedule.
Beginner Friendliness: 4.5/5 – punchy throttle but ABS keeps you honest.
This one’s got attitude. It wants to lean. It wants to rev. If you’ve got a playful side and a bit of confidence, the Duke 125 will make every ride feel like mischief. Just remember – it’s still a 125, It’s not as comfy as the CB125R, but if you want your first bike to feel cool, this is it.
Licence: A1
Type & Best For: Mini naked – compact dimensions make it an excellent city run‑around.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €2 800 – €4 300 (2018 – 2023 models)
Ease of Use: Ultra‑light (≈142 kg), seat at 815 mm; neutral ergonomics and easy steering.
Insurance: Low to moderate (Group 4–6)
Maintenance: Service every 6 000 km; Kawasaki parts are reasonably priced.
Made & Reliability: Japanese build quality; straightforward single‑cylinder engine.
Beginner Friendliness: 4.5/5 – looks tough but behaves like a gentle schoolmaster.
The Z125 doesn’t need to prove itself. It’s not loud, it’s not over-designed – it just gets the job done. Easy to ride, easy to live with, and easy on your insurance. If you want to keep things simple, this is the bike that lets you learn in peace and style.
A balanced mix of style, rideability, and real-world practicality. Not as aggressive as the KTM or Yamaha, but still fun without being intimidating.
A2 Licence Motorcycles (47 hp / 35kW – Age 19+)
Ready to step up? These bikes are for those who’ve either progressed through A1 or are starting straight on an A2 licence. More power, but still learner-legal.
Licence: A2‑eligible (restrict to 35 kW)
Type & Best For: High‑torque streetfighter – for learners wanting a rapid step‑up.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €4 500 – €7 000 (2020 – 2025 models)
Ease of Use: Light-ish (~172 kg), narrow, very flickable; raised seat (~830 mm) needs some height.
Insurance: Moderate (Group 8 – 10 for 35 kW)
Maintenance: Service every 7 500 km; higher‑spec parts cost more but interval is long.
Made & Reliability: Solid KTM build; just stick to the service schedule to avoid clutch wear.
Beginner Friendliness: 4/5 – strong mid‑range makes you feel like you’ve graduated to big‑bike territory.
This is what happens when you feed a 125 too many energy drinks. The 390 Duke is wild, agile, and loud – in the best way. It’s perfect for riders who are ready to level up but don’t want to lose the fun factor.
Ride it hard, respect its punch, and it’ll give you big-bike thrills with none of the weight.
Think of it as the angry little brother of big bikes. Quick, punchy, and perfect if you want performance without going full lunatic.
Licence: A2‑eligible (factory‑restricted)
Type & Best For: Middleweight naked – comfortable for long commutes and weekend blasts.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €5 000 – €7 500 (2017 – 2021 models)
Ease of Use: Upright posture, low seat (785 mm), smooth twin-cylinder engine.
Insurance: Moderate (€600 – €1 000/year)
Maintenance: Service every 6 000 km; parts and labour broadly in line with Japanese norms.
Made & Reliability: Honda’s “safe pair of hands” reputation holds true – legendary build quality.
Beginner Friendliness: 5/5 – torquey engine, neutral handling, confidence‑inspiring.
The CB500F is like that reliable mate who always shows up, rain or shine. No drama, no ego. Just smooth, grown-up riding with enough torque to keep things interesting. It’s not the sexiest pick – but it’s the smart one. Ideal for everyday riding, motorway commutes, or even long trips.
Grows with you, this is a partner worth sticking with.
Licence: A2‑eligible (restrict to 35 kW)
Type & Best For: Entry‑level supersport – full‑fairing comfort with genuine forward‑lean.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €5 500 – €8 000 (2018 – 2023 models)
Ease of Use: Light (~168 kg), aggressive ergos demand active riding but reward you with stability.
Insurance: Moderate (€650 – €1 100/year)
Maintenance: Service every 6 000 km; reliable parallel‑twin with good parts availability.
Made & Reliability: Kawasaki’s incremental improvements mean few surprises; solid twin‑engine.
Beginner Friendliness: 4.5/5 – learn sports‑bike habits without too much intimidation.
Don’t let the sporty looks fool you – this Ninja is actually kind to beginners. Sure, it’ll carve corners and scream when you twist the throttle, but it also forgives sloppy shifts and rookie mistakes.
If you’ve got one eye on fun and the other on your future as a proper rider, this is a solid bet. It looks fast, is fast (within licence limits), and sounds mean.
Licence: A2‑eligible (restrict to 35 kW)
Type & Best For: Naked twin – fuss‑free ergonomics, light weight for canyon‑carving fun.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €4 300 – €5 700 (2019 – 2022 models)
Ease of Use: Seat at 780 mm, ~168 kg; very approachable riding position.
Insurance: Moderate (€600 – €1 000/year)
Maintenance: Service every 6 000 km; Yamaha’s proven parallel‑twin is bullet‑proof.
Made & Reliability: Japanese quality; dealers often sell with 6‑month warranties.
Beginner Friendliness: 5/5 – torquey from the bottom end, neutral chassis inspires confidence.
This one’s a sleeper. It looks low-key, but twist that throttle and the MT-03 responds with just enough growl to keep your heart beating. Balanced, smooth, and surprisingly fun, it’s the kind of bike you don’t just learn on – you stick with it longer than you expected.
If you want something you won’t outgrow in a year, this might be your perfect match.
Licence: A2‑eligible (restrict to 35 kW)
Type & Best For: Race‑replica sport – if you want full‑fairing flash with pocket‑rocket performance.
Cost of Purchase (Used): €4 500 – €6 000 (2019 – 2022 models)
Ease of Use: Aggressive riding position, ~172 kg; a bit of a learning curve but very rewarding.
Insurance: Moderate
Maintenance: Service every 7 500 km; higher‑end parts and consumables can be pricier.
Made & Reliability: Like its Duke sibling, reliable when serviced on time – just watch for track mods.
Beginner Friendliness: 4/5 – fast learning curve, but ABS and slipper clutch help keep you upright.
This bike wants you to learn fast. Not just how to ride, but how to really ride. It’s sharp, aggressive, and demands good habits. Because it rewards them tenfold. If you want a machine that feels like it came off a race grid but still plays fair, the RC390 will school you in the best way possible.
Underrated but brilliant. Easy to control, good on fuel, and confidence-building from day one. The kind of bike that makes you love riding.
Conclusion
Buying your first motorcycle is more than just a purchase – it’s your ticket to freedom, confidence, and a lifetime of rides you’ll never forget.
Whether you’re eyeing a budget-friendly 125 to crush your daily commute, or itching for an A2 machine with some real-world punch, the bikes above are solid bets for Irish roads. They’re not just good on paper – they’ve proven themselves in the hands of new riders, rain or shine.
But here’s the real advice: don’t overthink it too much. The “perfect bike” is the one that fits your comfort zone, makes you want to ride every chance you get, and teaches you without biting back. You’ll learn, grow, and eventually upgrade – but that first bike will always hold a special place in your story
No matter which machine you pick, remember to: Verify its full service history, Get a trusted mechanical inspection, and Invest in quality protective gear – that’s your best safety net on the road.
Check the tyres. Check the chain. Wear your gear. And ride like the road owes you nothing.
See you out there. Drop Your Comments!
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