5 of the most popular motorbikes in Australia

• There’s a lot to consider when buying a new motorbike
• Your experience and the bike’s intended use are key
• We take five of the top bikes in Australia for a (proverbial) ride

Buying a new motorbike is a big decision, and there’s a lot of choice out there. Whether you’re upgrading or buying for the first time, there’s a whole host of things to take into consideration.

If you’re an inexperienced rider, you’ll need something to match your ability – something that’s easier to handle. Or, if you’ve clocked up thousands of kilometres, you might want something with a bit more power.

To help you on your journey, we’ve taken a look at five of the most popular motorbikes in Australia, based on search trends.

Kawasaki Ninja 400

The Ninja 400 is ideal for riders looking to get started in sports riding due to its compact 399cc twin-cylinder engine.¹ It offers a good balance of performance and control with a kerb weight of 168kg.²

The Ninja 400 also has a low seat height³ and twin LED headlights, and is often considered by new and experienced riders alike – for both highway and city riding.

Ninja 400 specs⁴

• Engine: 399cc
• Maximum power: 35.0 kW
• Maximum torque: 37.0Nm
• Fuel capacity: 14 litres
  
• Transmission: 6-speed return
• Weight: 168kg
• Dimensions: 1,990mm (L) x 710mm (W) x 1,120mm (H)
• Seat height: 785mm

Related article: 3 things to consider when buying a motorcycle

Ducati Monster

The Ducati Monster is a genuine classic, having first come onto the scene in 1993.⁵ Its latest incarnation stays true to the original – a sporty look, and 937cc engine,⁶ while a compact, lightweight frame makes it perfect for road use⁷ and navigating city traffic.⁸

Suitable for both new and experienced riders,⁹ the Monster comes in three colourways – Ducati red, iceberg white and aviator grey¹⁰ – and offers three riding modes: sport, touring and urban.¹¹

Ducati Monster 937 specs¹²

• Engine: 937cc
• Maximum power: 82kW
• Maximum torque: 93Nm
• Fuel capacity: 14 litres
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Seat height: 820mm
• Weight: 188kg

KTM RC 390

This high-performance sports bike has a new look for 2024,¹³ with a Grand Prix-inspired aesthetic. It takes inspiration from the KTM RC16 racer design.¹⁴

While the KTM RC 390 has plenty to offer experienced riders, it also appeals to newer riders, given its light weight¹⁵ and 373cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine.¹⁶

RC 390 specs¹⁷

• Engine: 373cc
• Maximum power: 32kW
• Maximum torque: 37Nm
• Fuel capacity: 13.7L
  
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Seat height: 824mm
• Weight: 172kg (kerb)¹⁸
• Dimensions: 2,145mm (L) x 760mm (W) x 830mm (H)¹⁹
• Road clearance: 158mm

Related article: 5 of the best motorcycle rides in Australia

Yamaha MT 09

Hyper naked bikes – with minimal fairings to cover the machinery – are a matter of preference, but with an 890cc engine,²⁰ the MT 09 is a popular choice.

With powerful acceleration²¹ it offers a strong road performance.²² Its aluminium chassis, adjustable suspension and light wheels mean it handles well,²³ while the 2024 model comes with a redesigned LED headlight, a new, slimmer seat unity, and redesigned and relocated foot pegs.²⁴ And three switchable modes of traction control help prevent wheel lockups, slides, and wheel spins.²⁵

There are two models available – the MT 09A and the MT 09SP.

MT 09A specs²⁶

• Engine size: 890cc
• Maximum power: 87.5kW @ 10,000 rpm
• Maximum torque: 93Nm @ 7,000 rpm
• Fuel capacity: 14L
  
• Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed
• Weight: 193kg
• Seat height: 825mm
• Dimensions: 2,090mm (L) x 820mm (W) x 1,145mm (H)
• Road clearance: 140mm

Yamaha MT 07

A hyper naked middleweight motorbike,²⁷ the MT 07 is attractive for all users, offering increased safety for newer riders thanks to its fatter brakes and premium tyres offering a good amount of grip.²⁸

With more than 40% of MT 07s sold to experienced riders, it’s not just for beginners.²⁹ It’s a responsive and light motorbike that comes in two models – the 689cc MT 07HO³⁰ and the learner-approved 655cc MT 07LA model.³¹

MT 07HO specs³²

• Engine size: 689cc
• Maximum power: 55KW
• Maximum torque: 68Nm
• Fuel capacity: 14L
  
• Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed
• Weight: 184kg
• Dimensions: 2,085mm (L) x 780mm (W) x 1,105mm (H)
• Seat height: 805mm
• Road clearance: 140mm

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¹ Kawasaki Ninja 400 | Sport Motorcycle | Smooth & Powerful
² 2024 NINJA 400 Motorcycle | Kawasaki Motors Pty Ltd.
³ 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 400 (EX400G) (redbook.com.au)
⁴ 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 400 (EX400G) (redbook.com.au)
⁵ Monster Press Review (ducati.com)
⁶ Ducati Monster & Monster Plus | Just Fun
⁷ Monster Press Review (ducati.com)
⁸ Ducati Monster & Monster Plus | Just Fun
⁹ Monster Press Review (ducati.com)
¹⁰ Ducati Monster & Monster Plus | Just Fun
¹¹ Electronics Ducati Monster: Cutting-edge technology
¹² 2024 Ducati Monster 937 MY23 (redbook.com.au)
¹³ KTM RC 390 gets new look for 2024 – bikesales.com.au
¹⁴ 2024 KTM RC 390 – RACE-BRED PERFORMANCE – KTM
¹⁵ Here’s Why The KTM RC 390 Is More Than Just A Beginner Motorcycle (topspeed.com)
¹⁶ 2024 KTM RC 390 – RACE-BRED PERFORMANCE – KTM
¹⁷ 2024 KTM RC 390 (redbook.com.au)
¹⁸ KTM RC 390 Specifications & Features, Mileage, Weight (zigwheels.com)
¹⁹ KTM RC 390 Specifications & Features, Mileage, Weight (zigwheels.com)
²⁰ 2024 Yamaha MT-09A (redbook.com.au)
²¹ MT-09 | Yamaha Motor Australia (yamaha-motor.com.au)
²² MT-09 | Yamaha Motor Australia (yamaha-motor.com.au)
²³ MT-09 | Yamaha Motor Australia (yamaha-motor.com.au)
²⁴ 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Released With Minor Updates | Cycle World
²⁵ MT-09 | Yamaha Motor Australia (yamaha-motor.com.au)
²⁶ 2024 Yamaha MT-09A (redbook.com.au)
²⁷ MT-07LA | Yamaha Motor Australia (yamaha-motor.com.au)
²⁸ 2023 Yamaha MT-07 Review (motorcyclenews.com)
²⁹ 2023 Yamaha MT-07 Review (motorcyclenews.com)
³⁰ https://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/products/motorcycle/road/maximum-torque/mt-07ho
³¹ 2023 Yamaha MT-07 Review (motorcyclenews.com)
³² 2024 Yamaha MT-07HO (redbook.com.au)