New Bike Buyer's Guide: FAQ

Every year, Australians turn to bikesales to help answer the same question: “What bike should I buy?”

And fair enough. We know bikes, and choosing a new motorcycle is a significant financial decision for many Australian riders. 

So instead of handing out a single “bike of the year” trophy that doesn’t apply to 90 per cent of buyers, we’ve built something made for real life: New Bike Buyer’s Guide.

This is your shopping shortlist for 2026. Built by expert motorcycle journalists with decades of experience behind the handlebars, keyboard and camera, and designed for real buyers. You won’t be left second guessing.

It’s the equivalent of pulling aside your most bike-obsessed friend and asking them to cut through the noise. Except this friend has ridden a large array of bikes, knows what’s selling across the country, and isn’t trying to flog you anything.

Every great ride starts with the right bike, and every pick here is chosen for riders who love the ride. We won't waste your time. This is your go-to resource that takes the guesswork out of your next bike purchase.

The guide covers five broad segments:

In each category, we’ve identified five motorcycles that belong on your radar – plus one standout top pick that we think should be very high on your priority list.

That’s 25 bikes, hand-picked from everything available in Australian showrooms at the time of judging. Motorcycles you can buy in person or online whenever you’re ready.

Not all bikes are judged the same way in the bikesales New Bike Buyer’s Guide, and that’s by design. Each category has its own criteria, built around what actually matters to buyers in that segment.

An adventure bike buyer might care about dual sport performance and long-distance comfort. So, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is on the list. One of the most versatile motorcycles currently on the market. 

Learners need ease-of-use, affordability, and LAMS-approval. Maybe the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is more your style. 

Road bikes are all about style, engine and handling performance, decent running costs, and of course, street cred. The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is a good example.

An off-road enthusiast? Performance, capability, and minimalism are the key criteria. And a bike like the KTM 300 EXC is right in that picture. 

And cruisers need to offer a mix of cool-factor, comfort, and muscular power. Did someone say Triumph Rocket 3?  

Across all categories, our team considers a core set of factors: engine and drive train performance, brakes and handling performance, build quality, value for money, and how well the bike fits the design brief.

But the real purpose of the New Bike Buyer’s Guide is to prove that there is something for every type of rider. So, we’ve picked a broad range of bikes that cover a variety of brands, price points, intended purposes, and styles. If you’re looking for a new motorcycle, there is a very good chance one of these will catch your eye. 

The guide has been compiled by bikesales Editor Dylan Ruddy and journalist Mark Fattore, and leans on expert reviews and advice from trusted bikesales contributing journalists including Cam Donald, Kaz Anderson, Kel Buckley, Lukas Foyle, and Kirk Gibbs. 

Because bikesales tells it like it is – even when that’s uncomfortable.

The New Bike Buyer’s Guide is entirely independent.

No manufacturer pays to be included in this list. No deals influence the outcome. The only currency that matters is whether a bike deserves to be on Australian buyers’ shortlists.

We also draw on something no individual reviewer can match: bikesales’ unparalleled view of what Australians are actually buying, searching for, and considering.

More buyers and sellers prefer bikesales than any other motorcycle website in Australia and together with our insights team conducting surveys with bikesales audiences – actual bike buyers – we have a deep understanding of what Aussie bike buyers need and want.

We have the data on the Australian new bike market. We know what real buyers value, what search terms are trending. And we use that knowledge to make sure this guide stays grounded in the real world, not just the proving ground.

Only motorcycles you can actually buy at the time of judging are eligible. We’ve built the guide to be genuinely useful the moment you read it, not six months from now.

The New Bike Buyer’s Guide isn’t about declaring a winner. It’s about doing the hard work so you don’t have to.

Whether you’re after something nimble for the city, a workhorse for the long adventure rides, or your first ever motorcycle, there’s a category here for you. And a shortlist built by people who live and breathe bikes.

Consider it your cheat sheet for the showroom floor, the ultimate life hack before you go shopping for your next new bike. Remember, if it’s here, it’s earned its spot.

Disclaimer: The New Bike Buyer's Guide is current at time of publication. Motorcycle availability, pricing and specifications are subject to change without notice. bikesales recommends confirming availability with your local dealer before making any purchasing decisions.