A motorcycle with just one click? Thanks to Amazon, that’s now a reality.
While I was initially skeptical about the idea of a motorcycle shipped right to my garage, I decided to check out the stock to see if there was anything good. I was impressed by the number of quality bikes I found.
X-Pro 125cc Vader
A less expensive Honda Grom right to your door
This zippy Grom clone is even lighter and fun to modify.
TaoTao Powermax Scooter
Urban mobility on a budget
The automatic transmission and respectable top speed make this my favorite scooter on Amazon.
Reviews of the Best Motorcycles on Amazon
X-Pro 125cc Vader
With the X-Pro’s Vader, you’re getting a Honda Grom clone and saving a ton of money while doing it. It doesn’t have as much power as the Grom, but it still hits 55 mph, around the same top speed as the popular Honda model.
Naturally, being an Amazon bike, the Vader requires a bit of assembly when you get it. However, compared to many crate bikes, this is pretty easy, just as is upgrading it, something a lot of people like to do with the four-speed transmission.
The standout feature of the Vader is its light weight. At just 198 pounds, it’s even lighter than the Grom.
Pros:
- Low price
- Grom-style body
- Lightweight
- 55 mph top speed
- Easy to modify
Cons:
- Low HP
- Awkward transmission
TaoTao 150cc Powermax Scooter
While less expensive than many electric scooters, this 150cc automatic scooter from TaoTao can hit 55 mph and is potentially highway legal in certain places without needing a motorcycle endorsement. In other words, it’s a thrifty option for urban mobility and commuting.
Considering the budget price, I was also impressed by some of the features. Namely, it has an ABS disc brake on the front wheel. It can carry quite a bit of weight, 350 pounds, meaning it’s suitable for carrying luggage or potentially a second passenger.
The main drawback is that this model requires even more assembly than most crate bikes, coming just 70 percent assembled. Putting together the other 30 percent is straightforward, but just keep it in mind.
Pros:
- 150cc
- 55 mph top speed
- Automatic transmission
- ABS
- 350-lb capacity
Cons:
- Considerable assembly required
- A lot of connected parts
Vitacci Roma 150cc Hornet
The Hornet is a scooter dressed up like a sport bike. It has an easy-to-manage 150cc motor and an automatic transmission but can still hit 50 mph. It might even be highway legal in your jurisdiction without a motorcycle license or endorsement.
This makes it a good combination of fun and functional urban mobility. It’s lightweight at 225 pounds, so you can skirt around town, but you still have the agile handling of a sport bike you don’t get with the typical scooter design.
Pros:
- 150cc
- Automatic transmission
- Sportbike design
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Low top speed
Lifan KPR 200
This is your best bet if you want an inexpensive crate bike that still has some power. With a 200cc engine, it produces an impressive 17 hp and reaches speeds of around 75 mph, definitely enough for the interstate.
You can even take advantage of the power thanks to a six-speed transmission. This also gives it better gas mileage for highway riding.
I’m not the biggest fan of the finish, but everyone has their own tastes. I am a fan of the front and rear disc brakes, though, something any rider should be.
Pros:
- 17 hp
- 75 mph top speed
- 6-speed transmission
- Good gas mileage
Cons:
- Tacky paint job
- Difficult assembly instructions
X-Pro Roadster 250
The Roadster 250 is my favorite-looking Amazon bike. It’s hard to tell it comes in a crate at all, and it has the same vibe as the Ninja 250R.
Honestly, for a 250cc motorcycle, the Roadster’s engine is a bit weak. You can hit about 70 mph with 11.5 horsepower. However, this does mean you get much better gas mileage: 107 mpg. This, along with its low price for a 250cc bike, makes it an overall great value.
I highly recommend the Roadster for anyone looking to get into motorcycle mechanics. With some assembly required, it’s a fun bike to tweak and work on.
See our full X-pro motorcycles review.
Pros:
- Ninja-esque appearance
- Low price tag
- Great gas mileage
- Good handling
- Good for learning
Cons:
- Low top speed
- Some assembly required
Buyer’s Guide
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Motorcycle on Amazon
Buying something as big and complex as a motorcycle on Amazon might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a great market innovation that has some key advantages:
- They’re almost always less expensive than their dealership counterparts.
- You receive the motorcycle right to your home with much less hassle.
- They’re simple entry-level bikes that are good for beginners.
- You can often find replacement parts or upgrades from the same Amazon seller.
Of course, that isn’t to say there aren’t issues to be aware of. Most significantly:
- Amazon motorcycles often require at least some assembly, though this can be an excellent way to learn about motorcycle mechanics.
- Customer service can be more complex since you need a dealer contact.
- Amazon bikes are usually lesser-known brands.
License and Legal Requirements
It’s easy to forget since you’re ordering it online like you would a pizza, but an Amazon motorcycle is still a motor vehicle subject to all the laws and regulations where you live.
Most importantly, do you need a motorcycle license or endorsement to operate the motorcycle?
You will have to look up your state and local laws in reference to the bike’s engine size, transmission, and other specifications.
Additionally, you’ll still likely have to register the bike once you get it. This means a trip to the DMV, revenue office, or whatever relevant bureaucracy with your motorcycle’s paperwork.
Documentation
When buying a motorcycle on Amazon, you must check and double-check that you’ll get all the necessary documents. This may mean a notarized title, emissions, mechanical certificates, etc. If it needs to be clarified during checkout, contact the seller!
Motorcycle Specs
Just like with any motorcycle, you should consider the model’s specs on Amazon.
For example, engine sizes range from 50cc to around 250cc. The bigger engines will give you more speed and power, but they might be harder to handle for beginners.
On the other hand, if you need to ride on the highway, a small motorcycle might not be legal for that where you live.
In particular, I’d recommend getting an Amazon bike with the following specs/features:
- Antilock brakes (ABS)
- Good gas mileage (>100 mpg)
- Lightweight frame
Final Thoughts
Buying a motorcycle on Amazon is a great new option for urban mobility, motorsports, or just riding for fun, all at a low price with minimal hassle.
For a manual motorcycle, I recommend the X-Pro 125cc Vader, but if you’re looking for an automatic scooter for getting around town, check out the TaoTao 150cc Powermax.