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As I grew up and began loving motorcycles it was all about “bigger is better” and “there is no replacement for displacement.” People tended to feel that those who rode smaller displacement motorcycles were either beginners or they couldn’t afford a bigger bike. My first bike was a BSA 650, which was kinda like starting now a days on a GSXR 1000.
The Japanese manufacturers brought over this idea that as a beginner you should buy a small displacement bike to learn on. That was because they thought a new rider would soon want more power and would trade it in for one of the larger ones they made, like 250s, 350s, 450s etc. I have always disagreed with this method because I feel you should buy the bike you want and learn how to ride it.
With that said, though, small displacement bikes can be an absolute blast and they do have their benefits. They usually cost less, are lighter and more nimble, have a lower seat height, and are all around easier to maintain. I found as I grew older and didn’t need to drag race at every light and attack every corner that I enjoyed a smaller displacement motorcycle more than the larger, heavier ones. I have ridden thousands of miles on 250s, 400s and such and had the times of my life.
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