Best value motorcycles up to 500cc

Just because you may be working on a tight budget it doesn’t mean you can’t afford a great new motorcycle of up to 500cc – whatever type of biking you’re into.

This middleweight category has become increasingly popular in recent years, caters particularly to A2 licence holders (or those wanting to move up to their first big bike after passing their test on an A1 class, 125cc machine) and also appeals to those who may be trading down, or who want a second, more lightweight bike to maybe use around town.

There are also more types and choice of bikes in this sub-500cc category than ever before. Honda’s CB500 twin family, comprising the CB500F Hornet roadster, CBR500R sportster, NX500 adventure, CMX500 Rebel cruiser and CL500 scrambler, is a typical example, with something for everyone. Triumph launched its 400cc single duo, the Speed 400 retro roadster and Scrambler 400X, to popular success in 2024, while Royal Enfield’s affordable bikes in this category now include the 350 Meteor cruiser, 411 Scram, 350 HNTR retro roadster and new Himalayan 450 adventure bike.

In fact, collectively, this category of bikes has become so popular in the UK that in 2024 it became the best-selling class of all over 125cc.

So… what’s out there, of all different types, and which are the best. Here’s our rundown, in price ascending order…

1. Royal Enfield Meteor 350

• Engine 349cc single Power 20bhp Torque 20ft/lb 

• Weight 191kg  Seat height 765mm Price new from £4,095

When launched back in 2021, Royal Enfield’s then new (yes it is new, honest) Meteor 350 cruiser was one of the first of a new breed of ultra-affordable, simple lightweights and it has proved such a success it remains a best seller to this day.

Sure, this ‘cruiser’-style single’s performance won’t get anyone excited: it produces a meagre 20bhp, good for around 75mph, and has fairly basic cycle parts. But it’s also cute, completely unintimidating and ridiculously easy to ride; is a willing puppy of a bike, a pleasure to humbly thrum around on, with a charming olde worlde style, idiot-proof manners and also has impressive commuting economy.

Best of all, though, its quality, style and detailing are huge advances over previous Enfields and it costs mere pennies to buy and run. Want a cheap, sorta-cool, sub-500cc (but 125cc+) commuter? This is the one you need…

We said: “This latest model continues the trend of affordable models with style, tapping into a market of buyers with a glint of heritage in their eye.”

Pros
* Ridiculously affordable
* Cute, versatile style
* Retro cruiser style

Cons
* Underwhelming performance
* Pretty basic spec
* Style not for everyone

Read our Royal Enfield Meteor 350 review here.

2. BMW G310 R

• Engine 313cc single Power 34bhp Torque 21ft/lb 

• Weight 158kg  Seat height 785mm Price new from £5190

First launched in 2016, BMW’s Indian-built, entry-level roadster single was updated for 2021 with Euro5 compliance, new LED lights and adjustable levers and remains the best sub-500cc introduction to BMW motorcycling (there’s also a G310 GS which is somehow less convincing).

In truth, there’s nothing particularly outstanding about it. With 34bhp it’s not that powerful. Though a pleasant handler and great around town it’s not as exciting as, say, KTM’s offering, and it’s not particularly lavishly equipped, either.

But that’s missing the point: the G310 R is sweet looking, a better-than-average performer, not bad value and, best of all, it’s a BMW, starting your motorcycling journey with one of the most admired brands of all. For a sub-500cc bike nothing does it better.

We said: “The G310 R looks like a shrunken S1000 R, with way more presence than the likes of Kawasaki’s teeny-weeny Z250SL.”

Pros
* Premium badge
* Decent all-rounder
* A great A2 class introduction

Cons
* Badge apart, struggles to stand out
* Too ‘dinky’ for some
* More basic than you might expect

Read our BMW G310 R review here.

3. Benelli TRK 502

• Engine 499cc twin Power 47bhp Torque 33ft/lb 

• Weight 235kg  Seat height 840mm Price new from £5195

Forget the extra ‘2’, the TRK is actually 500cc and is effectively a slightly larger, slightly cruder, Italian/Chinese version of Honda’s brilliant, class-leading (and just updated again) CB500X, now NX500.

Like the Honda, it’s a parallel twin pumping out an A2-licence compliant 47bhp. It’s a little harsher than the Honda but otherwise more than acceptable. Being slightly bigger it suits taller riders, especially in wire-wheeled, more rugged ‘X’ form (at £5499).

While its spec (with LCD clocks etc) is also now a touch dated. But it’s also a more than capable 500cc all-rounder and great value as well. 

Pros
* Value for money
* Full size proportions
* Historic name

Cons
* Slightly crude and old fashioned
* Lacks refinement
* Chinese reputation

4. Triumph Speed 400

• Engine 398cc single Power 40bhp Torque 27.7ft/lb 

• Weight 170kg  Seat height 790mm Price new from £5,199

Launched in 2024, Triumph’s all-new 400 single is it’s first sub-500cc machine, has been joined by a slightly larger, scrambler-styled sibling, the Scrambler 400X and both have proved a huge sales success, together by far being the best-selling ‘over 125cc’ machines in the UK in their first year.

That’s basically down to them simply being so good. With a perky 40bhp plus also typically fine Triumph handling yet also a level of spec that belies their price, both are easy to ride, entertaining, unintimidating and make great either ‘first big bikes’ or, has proved, extra ‘second’ bikes for those with bigger machines to use around town.

That in itself has caused some unforeseen commercial problems, with Triumph dealers seeing customers trading down from their old, bigger machines to a cheaper one with a smaller profit margin.

Either way, however, there’s no doubting the Triumph 400’s success, all round ability, appeal – and affordability!

We said: “Triumph has managed to make two very cost-effective bikes here, and while that could be translated to meaning cheap or budget, neither of them feels like that in any way shape or form.”

Pros
* Class-leading performance
* Credible badge/quality
* Impressive value

Cons
* Not as cheap as some
* Retro style not for everyone
* In high demand

Read our Triumph Speed 400 review here.

5. KTM Duke 390

• Engine 399cc single Power 44bhp Torque 29ft/lb 

• Weight 165kg  Seat height 820mm Price new from £5,699

KTM’s supermoto-derived Dukes are rightly legendary: they are ultra-lightweight and nimble, powered by punchy, cutting-edge singles and with an aggressive style all their own.

But, while at 17 you’ll go for the 125, the latest 890R is a wicked weasel of a motorcycle, and the big 1290 very much lives up to its ‘Beast’ nickname, it’s the midrange, 44bhp 390 which is arguably the best of all.

Nimble, lively, sub-500cc bikes don’t get much better and, if you’re not convinced by its ‘naked’ style, the Austrian firm also offers the punchy 390 single in its 390 Adventure, recently-updated RC390 sportster or new Supermoto form as well…

We said: “The KTM 390 Duke is a sweet little bike. Maybe not something you'd put a poster of up on your bedroom wall, but, more satisfyingly, something you could happily put in your garage.”

Pros
* Brilliantly entertaining
* Class-leading performance
* Quality cycle parts

Cons
* Too lairy for some
* Not the most practical
* Some durability issues

Read our KTM Duke 390 Review here.

6. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

• Engine 452cc single Power 40bhp Torque 30ft/lb 

• Weight 196kg  Seat height 825mm Price new from £5,750

Launched in 2024 as Royal Enfield’s all-new successor to its already popular lightweight adventure bike, the Himalayan 411, the new version has been a ‘game-changer for the Indian marque – and a popular sales success, too.

As the company’s first liquid-cooled machine and also the first with monoshock rear suspension, the Himalayan 450 takes the bran away from its retro, ‘old school’ roots and truly into the 21st century. And, with decent performance, handling, manageability, versatility, off-road ability and value, it has a lot going for it.

In truth it hasn’t quite the class and dynamism of Triumph’s new 400s (the Enfield’s claimed 40bhp in reality is nearer 30 and its chassis isn’t as slick), but it is a significant step-up and has a ‘bigger bike’ versatility the roadster Triumphs can’t match.

We said: “The on and off-road ability has been boosted significantly over the previous model, and with more power and usable torque (which will be better felt at sea level) the new bike should be a big hit with existing and new owners.”

Pros
* Step up in performance/tech
* Genuine ‘adventure’ versatility
* Affordable and manageable

Cons
* Can’t match Triumph performance
* Still a little crude
* Not as cheap as the original

Read our Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 review here.

7. Honda CRF300L

• Engine 286cc single Power 27bhp Torque 19.6ft/lb 

• Weight 142kg  Seat height 880mm Price new from £5,829

Once upon a time (ie in the late 1970s and early ‘80s) 125-500cc trail bikes were everywhere. Machines like Yamaha’s two-stroke/four-stroke DT175/250 and XT250/500, Suzuki’s similar TS/DRs and many more defined a generation and delivered a brilliant introduction to on/off-road riding.

Not any more. The Honda CRF300L, however, stands out. Introduced as a 250 in 2012 powered by a 23bhp, liquid-cooled, DOHC single, it’s a ‘proper’ trail bike, more than capable off-road and a pleasant, easy road bike, too.

A Dakar-style adventure ‘Rally’ version was added in 2017 before both were boosted by an enlarged engine for 2021. If you want a proper, dual-purpose, sub-500cc trailie in the spirit of the 1970s, this is the one.

Pros
* Old school trail bike appeal
* Perfect introduction to dirt riding
* Honda quality and reputation

Cons
* Pricey for what it is
* Limited practicality
* Pretty basic

You can find out more about the Honda CRF300L here.

8. Yamaha MT-03

• Engine 321cc twin Power 41bhp Torque 21.8ft/lb 

• Weight 168kg  Seat height 780mm Price new from £6,250

Yamaha’s A2-compliant, 321cc twins, the sports-styled YZF-R3 and its naked brother, the MT-03, have tended to be overshadowed by both more glamorous rivals (such as Kawasaki’s Ninja/Z 400 duo) and by Yamaha’s more mainstream or larger stablemates, such as the R125, MT-07 and R1 – but they’re both great bikes and, after a 2020 update, better than ever.

Now with inverted forks, a smart new LCD dash and freshened-up styling, the MT-03 is a great all-rounder and brilliant introduction to bigger bikes. Its twin cylinder engine produces a willing 41bhp, its chassis is agile, intuitive and fun and it’s good-looking and decently equipped.

It might not have the wow factor of KTM’s 390 Duke or the updated aplomb of the new CB500 Hornet, but it’s a great sub-500cc roadster which won’t leave you disappointed.

We said: “It’s a very convincing motorcycle, either for young A2 licence holders or excitable commuters.”

Pros
* Sporty twin cylinder appeal
* Excellent, novice-friendly handling
* Better quality than most

Cons
* Not the cheapest
* Needs to be revved
* Sportster R3 arguably even racier

Read our Yamaha MT-03 review here.

9. Vespa GTS 310

• Engine 310cc single Power 25bhp Torque 21.3ft/lb 

• Weight 163kg  Seat height 790mm Price new from £6,515

We couldn’t overlook scooters entirely here, but which to choose? Easy. The class-leading TMAX, at now 560cc, is too big to be included here and BMW’s C400s are too sensible, so there can be only one. 

The Vespa GTS remains the definitive scoot, has been updated to even larger, more powerful 310 form for 2025 and is an impressively able and classy all-rounder. Boasting Piaggio’s HPE engine, the GTS 310 produces 25bhp (up from the previous 300’s 24), but it’s not the performance that makes this scoot appeal as much as its beautiful, subtle, curved lines and retro aesthetic.

Yup, at £6,515 it’s not the least expensive thing out there, but sub-500cc scooters simply don’t get classier.

Pros
* Definitive scooter style
* Trendy/fashion appeal
* Round town practicality

Cons
* More expensive than most
* 125 version more accessible
* Only makes sense around town

You can find out more about the GTS 310 here.
 

10. Honda NX500

• Engine 471cc twin Power 47bhp Torque 31.7ft/lb 

• Weight 196kg  Seat height 830mm Price new from £6,829

There wasn’t much wrong with them but… Honda has improved them again anyway. 

Launched way back in 2014 as Honda’s then all-new three-strong offerings for the A2 class, the CB family (initially CB500F roadster, CBR500 sportster and CB500X adventure bike) has been updated again with the CB500X now renamed as the NX500.

For our money, the taller, roomier NX is the best. All are based around the same frame and brilliantly willing, easy and versatile 471cc 47bhp twin. They’re also fine, neutral handlers, decently equipped, reliable and good value. 

Name change aside, the NX also gained revised styling for 2024 along with ECU updates improving acceleration plus a new TFT dash (taken from the XL750 Transalp) in place of old LCD version.

We said: “One of the most appealing things about the NX500 is its ability to be many bikes all rolled into one.”

Pros
* Immense practicality
* Class leading performance
* Spec among best

Cons
* Now among the priciest
* Too tall for some
* Plenty of good used ones about

Read our Honda NX500 review here.

Other cheap sub-500s to consider…

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, £5,599

Effectively a restyled KTM 390 Duke (KTM own Husqvarna), the Svarpilen has all the dynamic appeal of the Duke but with added ‘neo-scrambler’ style and extra exclusivity.

Zontes ZT350, £3699

Smartly-styled, well-specced, Chinese built newcomer has great kerb (and wallet) appeal and is a decent performer but can’t match power and proven ability of Triumph’s latest.

Kawasaki Z500, £5699

New in 2024, the Z500 is an enlarged, updated version of Kawasaki’s previous Z400, is an A2-licence compliant twin and is available in standard and upspecced SE forms.

Top 10 sub-500cc bikes | Key Specifications and Technical Details Comparison