The ingredients that make the best motorcycles for learner riders at a motorcycle driving school are familiarity, stability and controllable levels of speed, which does not just mean a small engine but easy manoeuvrability.

There are plenty of fantastic entry-level motorbikes available from manufacturers such as Honda, BMW, Suzuki and Triumph, but there are also quite a few models that are somewhat more left-field, to say the least.

This can be rather novel for expert riders but potentially very dangerous for a new rider, so with that in mind, here are some production bikes that have designs that can catch out a new rider.

Royal Enfield Taurus

Ostensibly, there is little that sets the Taurus apart from other bikes made by Royal Enfield, however, its biggest difference and selling point is the exact quality that makes it a nasty surprise for new riders and why it is no longer sold.

The Taurus was nicknamed “Bullet Diesel” because, unlike practically any other motorbike in history, it was powered by a diesel engine, marketing the bike in countries such as India on the back of exceptional fuel economy.

The problem is that a diesel engine is not as refined as a petrol one, which whilst merely noisy in a car causes quite violent rattles and vibrations that could cause trouble for an inexperienced rider, even if they are used to the petrol version of the same bike.

Yamaha WR450F 2-Trac

On four wheels, all-wheel-drive is all the rage as it helps provide superior grip and traction in more difficult conditions, but Yamaha wondered if it would work when the number of wheels was cut in half.

The 2-Trac was a fascinating motocross bike that feels quite different in a way that might catch a novice by surprise, particularly with a heavier set of handlebars, although once you get used to it it can feel even more familiar.