Considering two-wheeled motoring after lockdown? Start with one of these, suggests Nile Bijoux.

KTM 390 Duke/RC 390

KTM’s 390 twins are great first bikes – the Duke offers comfy ergos for commuting and those with iffy backs and the RC is more raceready.

The outright power isn’t massive, with 32kW generated by the single-cylinder engine, but it’s plenty for new riders to learn with. Factor in a light, flickable chassis, quality suspension, ABS brakes and awesome styling and you have a great first bike.

You can buy them new for substantially less than $10,000, and second-hand units often dip close to the $5k mark. Thanks to that wee single, fuel costs will easily be the lowest of any bike here.

Harley-Davidson Street 500

Harley-Davidson hit the nail on the head with its first LAMS-approved bike. Finally, young and young-atheart riders could swing a leg over a Bar and Shield bike without waiting for their full licence.

Based on the pulling power of Harley alone, the Street 500 was always going to sell well. It’s a bonus that it’s a good bike, with a long torque spread and a pleasing rumble from the 500cc V-twin.

As it’s a Harley, and a relatively new learner-approved Harley at that, the Street 500 hasn’t depreciated much. Second-hand examples hover at the $8k point and showroom-fresh units will set you back $12 grand when on-road costs are factored in.

Yamaha MT-07

Yamaha makes a few learner-legal bikes these days. There’s the MT-03, MT-07, XSR700, R15 and R3 but our pick is the MT-07.

It uses a torque-heavy 655cc parallel twin, because LAMS rules limit power, not torque, as well as displacement. Paired with a wellbehaved chassis, decent suspension at both ends and quality brakes and the MT-07 is a brilliant corner carver, as well as an easy commuter. There is a more powerful MT-07 HO version but that uses a different engine.

This bike is the go-to for many new riders, which means the market is constantly well-stocked. Expect to pick up a second-hand one for close to $7k.

Triumph Street Triple 660

Is money no object and maximum performance the goal? At the moment, that leaves you with the Triumph Street Triple 660. As the name suggests, this is a Street Triple with an engine bumping right up against the 660cc LAMS limit.

Power is therefore plentiful; Triumph claims its learner model makes 40.6kW and 55Nm. Sprinting to 100kmh takes 4.4 seconds and the ABS-enhanced brakes will bring it all to a stop in just over 40 metres.

But – and it’s a fairly big but – you pay for it. New Stripple 660s cost $14,990, plus ORCs. Secondhand ones start at $8k, which gives you an idea of the depreciation.

Ducati Monster 659

The best-selling Ducati isn’t a sports bike. It’s the Monster, an upright naked bike designed to be a great all-rounder while retaining that Ducati flair for sporty behaviour. And, guess what? It makes a learner-approved version.

That’s the 659, which uses the same approach as the Triumph seen here. That means a 659cc engine, lots of torque, a well-tuned chassis and all the character of its bigger siblings.

And, unlike the MT-07, this one can be unlocked for more power when you hit your full. Want one? Budget at least $9k for a used one or $13.5k for a new one.