Reliability still counts for a lot, but, according to traders, high prices have made new models gain space
Motorcycles have been gaining more and more space on Brazilian streets, whether due to the rise in car prices, the need for agile locomotion or even the passion for two wheels. The fact is that more and more newly qualified people are looking for a motorcycle to call their own. But after all, what are the best bikes for beginners considering the 2026 market?
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The number of motorcyclists has doubled in the country in the last 14 years and, by the end of 2025, the category already had more than 40 million licensees, equivalent to about 20% of the Brazilian population, according to the Brazilian Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (Abraciclo) and the National Traffic Secretariat (Senatran).
Vander Ferreira, sales manager of Barroca Motos, one of the largest merchants in the segment in Belo Horizonte, said that the traditional Honda and Yamaha remain at the top among the most sought-after beginner motorcycles in the market. Among them, the Honda CG 160 and the Yamaha Factor 150 stand out.
The classic CG 160 continues to lead the motorcycle market in Brazil, being the most licensed model in the country for decades.
The motorcycle is known for being affordable in many ways, with cheap maintenance, a wide range of parts, and ease of resale. These factors make it one of the main motorcycles for beginners in Brazil.
The engine is a 162.7 cm³ single-cylinder flex, capable of delivering up to 14.7 hp of power and 1.43 kgfm of torque, now with a canister system to reduce pollutant emissions.
In the 2026 line, the Cargo, Fan and Titan versions no longer use spoked wheels and rear drum brakes, starting to have alloy wheels and rear disc. Start remains the simplest option in the line.
The main technical highlight is the CG 160 Titan, which now offers a single-channel ABS brake on the front wheel. The most equipped versions also have LED lighting, USB input and complete blackout panel with gear engaged indicator, average consumption, fuel level, tachometer and partial odometers.
The Yamaha Factor follows a similar proposal to the Honda CG 160. Although it does not have the same popularity as its rival, it remains a rational and reliable choice for beginner riders.
The Factor has been updated in recent years and has taken the place of the Fazer 150 as the manufacturer’s most relevant entry-level model. The bike bets on refined finish, connectivity and a more modern look.
Among the highlights are the LED optical assembly with DRL lights and the renewed design. The engine is still known: single-cylinder flex of 149 cm³, capable of delivering up to 12 hp of power and 1,3 kgfm of torque with ethanol, associated with a five-speed gearbox.
The Suzuki subsidiary has been gaining space with the DK 160, a model that has become an interesting alternative to the traditional Japanese ones.
The street arrived on the Brazilian market in 2022 as a more powerful option compared to the DK 150. Despite not being among the best-selling motorcycles in the category, it won over consumers for its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
On the mechanical side, the DK 160 uses a 162.4 cm³, four-stroke, air-cooled single-cylinder engine. Maximum power is 15 hp at 8.000 rpm, while torque reaches 1,43 kgfm at 6.500 rpm.
Among the differentials are the position lights next to the headlight, which improve night viewing, and the headlight flasher activated on the handlebars. The handlebar is painted in epoxy paint, more resistant to weather conditions, while the carbon steel exhaust contributes to greater durability.
Brands such as Bajaj and Shineray, due to their cost-benefit, have fallen in the public’s taste. Women, on the other hand, have preferred automatic, light and lower motorcycles,” said Ferreira.
In addition to traditional brands, new manufacturers have been gaining ground in Brazil. Among them, Bajaj and Shineray stand out with models aimed precisely at those looking for beginner motorcycles.
Bajaj expanded its line in Brazil with the arrival of the Pulsar N150, a model created to compete directly in the low-engine segment.
The motorcycle stands out for its combination of simplicity and useful technology for the user. With a modern look, comfort and ease of driving, the Pulsar N150 uses a 149.6 cm³ single-cylinder engine, with air cooling, electronic injection and two valves.
The set delivers 14,5 hp of power at 8,500 rpm and 1,3 kgfm of torque at 6,000 rpm, always accompanied by a five-speed manual transmission.
Among the highlights are the LED headlight, USB socket, three-dimensional graphics and engine protector as standard. The chassis has telescopic front suspension and monoshock rear shock absorber. On the brakes, the bike has a front disc with ABS and drum at the rear.
The Shineray Jet 125SS EFI is the electronically injected version of the brand’s best-selling motorcycle. With a cub style, the model pleases those looking for a compact, economical motorcycle with a proposal similar to that of a scooter.
The bike uses a 123.6 cm³ single-cylinder engine, capable of generating 8 hp at 7,500 rpm. After the adoption of electronic injection, the model gained superior performance.
According to the manufacturer, the top speed went from 75 km/h to 79 km/h, while average consumption can reach 45 km/l.
The Jet 125 SS EFI also offers a fully digital dashboard, electric start, and jump start pedal. In the brakes, it uses a single disc at the front, reinforcing its urban and economical proposal.
In 2025, Yamaha expanded its line of electrified models in Brazil with the new Fluo ABS Hybrid Connected.
The scooter received a mild hybrid system with Power Assist technology, which combines the combustion engine with electric assistance to improve performance and reduce consumption. According to the manufacturer, the model was up to 12% more economical compared to the previous generation.
The Fluo uses a small auxiliary electric motor, activated in situations such as starts, resumes and climbs. The system provides additional support for up to three seconds.
The main engine is a 125 cm³ single-cylinder, capable of generating 8.3 hp of power and 1.0 kgfm of torque, always associated with the CVT automatic transmission.
Among the equipment are an LCD panel with hybrid system indicator, ECO function, connectivity via Yamaha Motorcycle Connect, face-to-face key, full LED lighting and ABS brake.
The Honda Elite 125 arrived in the 2027 lineup with discreet updates and a focus on increasing practicality in urban use.
The main highlight is the USB-C port positioned next to the glove box, allowing you to charge smartphones while traveling.
The scooter uses a 123.9 cm³ single-cylinder engine with eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) technology, capable of generating 8.2 hp of power and 1.06 kgfm of torque.
The set works with PGM-FI electronic injection and CVT V-Matic automatic transmission.
Among the equipment are full LED lighting, blackout LCD panel, Idling Stop system, parking brake and compartment under the seat with a capacity of 19.7 liters.
The Honda Pop 110i ES is in its fifth generation and has accumulated several evolutions since its launch in 2007.
The model maintains the 109.5 cm³ single-cylinder engine, capable of delivering 8.43 hp of power and 0.945 kgfm of torque.
Among the novelties are alloy wheels, tubeless tires and recalibrated suspension, which improve stability and comfort.
Another important change was the return of the lever on the left handle to activate the rear brake. According to Honda, the solution reduces the rider’s reaction time and improves safety in urban use.
The design has also been updated, with new fairings and a sportier front look, without losing Pop’s traditional identity.
The Bajaj Dominar 160 was one of the first motorcycles from the Indian manufacturer to arrive in Brazil, in 2022.
Even overshadowed by the popularity of the Dominar 400, the smaller displacement version offers important differentials for the domestic market.
The look is reminiscent of larger motorcycles, with fairings inspired by naked models. The 160.3 cm³, four-stroke, oil-cooled engine delivers up to 17.2 hp of power and 1.48 kgfm of torque.
Another highlight is the rear monoshock absorber, an item usually present only on larger motorcycles.
On the brakes, the Dominar 160 features discs on both wheels and an ABS system.
Yamaha updated the Crosser in 2025 with changes aimed at the look and adaptation to the new emissions standards.
The low-displacement trail kept the well-known mechanical set, but gained new color options and continues to bet on equipment that makes it stand out among urban adventure bikes.
The panel remains fully digital, bringing gear indicator, tachometer, clock, ECO function and other riding information. Another highlight is the 12V outlet for charging electronic devices.
In terms of engine, the Crosser is still equipped with the 150 cm³ BlueFlex flex single-cylinder, capable of delivering up to 11.7 hp of power and 1.3 kgfm of torque with ethanol. The gearbox is five-speed.
The chassis maintains mixed-use wheels and disc brakes on both wheels, with ABS at the front. Yamaha preserves the proposal of comfort and versatility, keeping the Crosser among the best-selling motorcycles in the category in Brazil.
