Got the greenlight to buy a new motorcycle? There are tons of streetbikes on the market, so this list zeros in on the ones you can buy that get up and go with engine displacement between 250 and 400cc. Most of these choices focus on street-only applications, but there are some here that can continue on where the pavement ends (see the ADVs in this group—dual sports to come in a separate article).

Here are the offerings from nine different manufacturers that pave the way to fun times on the street. Want more insight, check our comprehensive motorcycle reviews.

Related: Best Budget-Friendly Motorcycles for Beginners 2023

BMW

2023 BMW G 310 GS and 2023 BMW G 310 R

Tech like ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, and LED lighting is all standard on both the G 310 GS and G 310 R. If you want to accessorize the motorcycle, BMW offers low/high seat options, luggage, heated grips, and a 12-volt power outlet and USB charging socket. (BMW/)We begin with the BMW Motorrad models: the G 310 GS and G 310 R. The first is a small-displacement ADV that takes the formidable R 1250 GS silhouette, shrinks it down, and swaps out the boxer engine for a single-cylinder. The second is a small-displacement naked bike with the same engine. The R contends with the likes of CFMoto’s 300NK, Honda’s CB300R, Yamaha’s MT-03, and even Husqvarna’s duo of 401s, Kawasaki’s Z400, and KTM’s 390 Duke.

Both the mini GS and G 310 R’s 313cc engine is liquid-cooled and has a dual-overhead camshaft working the four valves. BMW claims 34 hp at 9,250 rpm and 20 lb.-ft. at 7,500 rpm and a max speed of 88 mph. An electric ride-by-wire throttle is used by the rider to communicate the desire for more speed and it is standard on both machines.

While the GS is poised to take on some light off-road duties with its longer suspension travel (7.1 inches at both its 41mm inverted fork and preload-adjustable shock) and larger 19-inch front wheel, the R opts for a 41mm fork and preload-adjustable shock with less suspension travel (5.5 inches and 5.2 inches, front/back) and two 17-inch wheels to keep it planted to the pavement.

Both bikes have low and high seat accessory options for those who might struggle with seat height. Stock, the GS has a seat height of 32.8 inches and the R has a seat height of 30.9 inches.

2023 BMW G 310 GS Price: $5,695

2023 BMW G 310 R Price: $4,995

CFMoto

2023 CFMoto 300NK and 2023 CFMoto 300SS

The 300NK (left) is available in Athens Blue and Nebula Black and the 300SS comes in Ghost Grey and Nebula Black. (CFMoto/)Budget buyer? The CFMoto 300NK ($4,199) and 300SS ($4,499) are available at bargain prices and are loaded up with some nice features to boot. Both the naked and sportbike CFMotos have a full-color 5-inch TFT (with Bluetooth and CFMoto Ride app connectivity), two ride modes (Eco and Sport for the NK, and Sport and Rain for the SS), LED lighting, and front/rear ABS. A swingarm-mounted license plate is a nice touch on the NK that keeps the tail end tidy.

The manufacturer claims 29 hp and 18.7 lb-ft. of torque is produced from the shared liquid-cooled 292cc single-cylinder engine. According to the CFMoto website, the NK is apparently a 100 mpg commuter, so you’ll make good use of every drop of fuel within its 3.3-gallon tank.

Both bikes use an inverted telescopic fork and single shock, a four-piston front caliper with a 292mm disc and single-piston rear caliper with a 220mm disc, and 17-inch wheels.

The 300SS’ wheelbase is also the same (53.5 inches), but it has a lower seat height (30.7 inches), slightly smaller fuel tank (3.2 gallons), weighs more (364 pounds), and has a more aggressive riding position thanks to the clip-on style handlebars. For comparison the NK has a 31.2-inch seat height and 333-pound weight which will also be manageable for most riders.

2023 CFMoto 300NK Price: $4,199

2023 CFMoto 300SS Price: $4,499

Honda

2023 Honda CB300R ABS and 2023 Honda Rebel 300

Honda’s CB300R (left) is lithe, reasonably priced, and has a top-notch fit and finish making it a bike that offers a lot of bang for the buck. The Rebel 300 (right) shares the same 286cc single-cylinder engine as the CB, but has a laid-back cruiser attitude. It’s wonderfully approachable with a low seat height and mild-mannered power. (Honda/)While Honda has its compact CB300R ABS still available for 2023, we’re left wondering where the CBR300R has gone. While we scratch our heads, let’s look at some of the naked bike’s features.

The CB300R is powered by a 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, a mill that is also in the Rebel 300 (and would have probably continued on in the CBR300R as well). In a previous test, this engine cranked out a measured 27.5 hp at 8,300 rpm, producing “enough oomph for it to run with speedy California freeway traffic.”

As the model name implies, the CB’s braking package (single 296mm and 220mm discs, front/rear) is fitted with ABS. The Rebel comes with or without ABS, and uses a single 296mm disc up front and 240mm disc out back. Both bikes have a 41mm telescopic fork, and whereas the CB uses a single shock, the Rebel employs twin shocks.

We appreciate the nice pop of Pearl Dusk Yellow Honda laid down on the CB, but for those with less flashy tastes, there’s always the Matte Black Metallic to fall back on. Both versions of the Rebel come in Candy Diesel Red and Matte Black Metallic.

2023 Honda CB300R ABS Price: $5,049

2023 Honda Rebel 300 Price: $4,749 / $5,049 (ABS)

Related: Top 5 Motorcycles Under $5,000 in 2023

Husqvarna

2023 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and 2023 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

Husqvarna gives you two ways to enjoy its 401 engine: There’s the scrambler-like Svartpilen (left) and cafe racer–styled Vitpilen (right). (Husqvarna/)For a little more pepper in the gumbo, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, and KTM offer bikes that scoot on up closer to 400cc displacement level. Husqvarna has the Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401s. The main differences between the two is the Svartpilen is more geared for slinging dirt around, scrambler style, and the Vitpilen has clip-on bars for a sportier riding position when you’re skirting through traffic.

Both have a 373cc thumper paired with electronic fuel injection, a six-speed transmission, and ride-by-wire system. The engine is claimed to produce 44 hp and 27.3 lb.-ft. of torque and it sips fuel from modern-looking fuel tanks that hold 2.5 gallons of petrol.

WP suspension components, more specifically a 43mm WP Apex fork and WP Apex shock, are found on both the Svartpilen and Vitpilen.

Want to stow some luggage on your escapades? The Svartpilen features a luggage rack for convenience. The bikes have ABS as standard.

2023 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Price: $5,649

2023 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 Price: $5,649

Kawasaki

2023 Kawasaki KLX300SM, 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400, 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, 2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300, and 2023 Kawasaki Z400

Kawasaki has the most bikes in this 250–400cc segment and as you can see from this lineup there’s a great mix. There’s a supermoto, ADV, naked bike, a sportbike, and a new supersport. (Kawasaki/)Kawasaki has quite a spread of bikes for this displacement range. Team Green’s supermoto is the KLX300SM. It brings a playfulness to the kart track with its compact 292cc liquid-cooled single that, Kawasaki says, delivers more power than typical 250cc models, but maintains the lightweight and nimble feel of a 250.

The Ninja 400 and Z400 offer plenty of thrills on road tracks with their 399cc parallel twins, but if you’re even more serious about competing on the tarmac, there’s the new high-revving ZX-4RR and its 399cc inline-four to whet your appetite for speed.

For light-duty adventuring and a very capable commuter, Kawasaki offers its Versys-X 300 that’s powered by a 296cc parallel twin.

If you want more information on Kawasaki’s new ZX-4RR, read our Preview article. We’ve also covered the 2023 Versys-X 300, Ninja 400, Z400 in more detail and recently reviewed the KLX300SM, so check those articles out as well.

2023 Kawasaki KLX300SM Price: $6,299

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Price: $5,299–$5,499 / $5,699–$5,899 (ABS) / $5,499 (KRT Edition, non-ABS) / $5,899 (KRT Edition, ABS)

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition Price: $9,699

2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Price: $5,899 / $6,199 (ABS)

2023 Kawasaki Z400 Price: $5,399

KTM

2023 KTM 390 Adventure, 2023 KTM 390 Duke, and 2023 KTM RC 390

The trifecta of bikes from the Orange Brigade include the 390 Duke (bottom left), RC 390 (top), and 390 Adventure (bottom right). (KTM/)If you’re one to head off the highway and look for adventure, KTM offers the 390 Adventure (and it now comes with spoked wheels). With the peppy 373cc DOHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, more than 6 inches of suspension travel, larger 3.8-gallon fuel tank, an off-road ride mode, and off-road ABS, the Adventure is ready to head for the hills.

The 390 Duke is the naked bike of the bunch and it’s a nimble steed that inspires confidence on any straight or twisty road. Canyon carving, daily commuting, or track riding are well within its wheelhouse. It is also powered by a 373cc mill that’s good for a claimed 44 hp. It has a supermoto ride mode for boosting the fun factor and standard ABS for safety.

The RC 390 is for those who want to rocket around the circuit using a responsive 373cc engine. It is equipped with cornering ABS, supermoto ABS mode, traction control, and an optional Quickshifter +. It has a 3.6-gallon fuel tank that is slightly larger than the Duke’s (3.5 gallons). It’s grand prix–inspired from its aesthetics and bodywork down to its aggressive ergonomics. This race-ready bike made the cut as one of the Top 5 Motorcycles for Trackday Beginners in 2023.

All three bikes have a full-color TFT dash at the command center and LED lighting.

2023 KTM 390 Adventure Price: $7,399

2023 KTM 390 Duke Price: $5,899

2023 KTM RC 390 Price: $5,899

Related: Top 5 Motorcycles for Trackday Beginners in 2023

Royal Enfield

2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Meteor 350

The India-based brand flaunts timeless styling cues through both its Classic 350 (left) and Meteor 350 (right). (Royal Enfield/)Royal Enfield offers the Classic 350, which was inspired by the brand’s 1950s postwar G2 350 model, and the Meteor 350, which evokes “the spirit of the cruise” with its relaxed style.

Both the Classic 350 and Meteor 350 rely on air/oil-cooling to control the temps in their 349cc singles. The engine is electronically fuel injected and paired with a five-speed transmission. There’s about 20 hp and 20 lb.-ft. of torque giving these machines a user-friendly engine character.

ABS comes standard, but electronics are kept relatively simple on both machines. There’s an analog gauge, halogen lighting (with LED light guide around it), and an electric starter.

The twin downtube frames are suspended by a 41mm telescopic fork (with 5.1 inches of travel) and two preload-adjustable shocks. While the Classic has 19- and 18-inch wheel sizes (front/rear), the Meteor uses a 19- and 17-inch combo.

Royal Enfield knows how to give buyers the freedom of self-expression because the Meteor comes in 10 color options and the Classic is available in nine.

2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Price: $4,599–$4,799

2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Price: $4,699–$4,899

Suzuki

2023 Suzuki DR-Z400SM and 2023 Suzuki GSX250R ABS

Suzuki’s two very different bikes that fall within the 250 to 400cc displacement range are the DR-Z400SM and the GSX250R ABS. (Suzuki/)The DR-Z400SM is the supermoto version of the manufacturer’s dual sport, the DR-Z400S. With that in mind, the SM takes that off-road rambunctiousness and brings it to the street with road tires wrapped around 17-inch spoked rims. In addition to these wheels, the SM differs from the S with its inverted fork and 300mm floating front brake disc. For comparison, the S uses dirt bike–sized tires (21 inches and 18 inches, front/rear), a 49mm cartridge fork with rubber boots, and a 250mm front disc. The SM’s chromoly steel frame is designed to be torsionally strong and lightweight for supermotard-style riding.

The liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder is fired to life with an electric starter, and a 36mm Mikuni carburetor controls fueling. The five-speed transmission uses a cable-operated clutch.

On the other end of the spectrum is the GSX250R. This sportbike is an entry point into the world of fully faired motorcycles with its easygoing 248cc parallel twin. It uses modern electronic fuel injection to help it achieve an impressive 73.6 mpg (claimed) that results in close to 300 miles of range on a single tank (4.0 gallons).

Roadway imperfections are absorbed by a telescopic fork and shock. There are 4.5 inches of travel up front and 4.9 inches out back. This model’s braking package comes stock with ABS. Riders monitor the GSX250R’s speed, gear position, rpm, etc. from a multifunction LCD display.

2023 Suzuki DR-Z400SM Price: $7,799

2023 Suzuki GSX250R ABS Price: $4,999

Yamaha

2023 Yamaha MT-03, 2023 Yamaha V Star 250, and 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3

Yamaha has three bikes under $6K: the MT-03 ($4,999), V Star 250 ($4,699), and YZF-R3 ($5,499). (Yamaha/)The Yamaha YZF-R3 and MT-03 are superb entry-level motorcycles for riders who desire to ride winding forest roads or local racetracks. Both motorcycles are powered by the same 321cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin engines and offer 56 mpg which is great for meandering urban routes as well.

Like the other sportbike and naked bikes here, the MT provides a relaxed upright riding position. Unlike the clip-ons seen on the R3, this bike has a wide motocross-style handlebar. Telescopic fork and single shock offer about 5 inches of travel.

For a deeper dive into the 2023 MT-03 and YZF-R3 specs, take a gander at our first looks.

Envisioning yourself on a V-twin? There’s Yamaha’s small-displacement cruiser, the V Star 250. Two chrome exhausts sprout out from each of the cylinders to enhance its classic cruiser charm. The 249cc 60-degree V-twin is air-cooled, has a single overhead cam, two valves, and a Mikuni 26mm carburetor.

The cruiser uses a front 282mm hydraulic disc and rear 130mm drum for stopping power (no ABS) and a telescopic fork and twin shocks (preload adjustable) for bump absorption.

Swinging a leg over and flat-footing at a stop will be doable for those aboard the V Star because the seat height is at a low 27 inches.

2023 Yamaha MT-03 Price: $4,999

2023 Yamaha V Star 250 Price: $4,699

2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 Price: $5,499

Related: 2023 Yamaha MT-03 First Look Preview

Related: 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Look Preview