How Much Does A Motorcycle Cost?

Last Updated on January 5, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

A new motorcycle can cost less than $5,000 to more than $200,000 depending on the model. Some used motorcycles that are in good mechanical condition are also available for less than $1,500 and up. In particular, the price may vary depending on features such as engine power, vehicle design, paint job, and tires, among other things.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ecosse Founder’s Edition Titanium XX is powered by a 2,409 cc V-twin engine that can generate 225 horsepower and 210 foot-pounds of torque
  • The Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16 has a 1.6 liter V4 engine that is capable of producing over 200 horsepower
  • The Confederate Hellcat X132 has an S&S-sourced, 132ci, 56-degree X-Wedge V-twin engine and it is popular for its aggressive styling
  • The Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa is a sport motorcycle and it is well-known for its powerful engine and high speed

15 Expensive Motorcycles In 2023

Name of the BikePrice
Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter
1949 E90 AJS Porcupine
Ecosse ES1 Spirit
The Yamaha BMS Chopper
Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship
Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike
Legendary British Vintage Black
ECOSSE Founder’s Edition Titanium XX Motorcycle
Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16
Honda RC213 V-S
MTT Turbine Street Fighter
Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa
Hub-less Harley Davidson
NCR MH TT (Mike Hailwood)
MV Agusta F4CC
Vyrus 987 C3 4V
Confederate B120 Wraith
Energica Ego 45 Limited Editon
$11 Million
$7 Million
$3.6 Million
$3 Million
$1.5 Million
$550k USD
$400K USD
$300K USD
$232K USD
$185K USD
$175K USD
$170K USD
$155K USD
$130K USD
$120K USD
$103K USD
$92K USD
$70K USD

What Is The Average Price For A Motorcycle?

Today, there are a lot of people who prefer to drive a motorcycle, which is a much cheaper vehicle than a car. It is a much more pleasant vehicle to drive during the summer on hot days. On the one hand, fuel efficiency is usually much higher when comparing most motorcycles to most cars.

On the other hand, the total cost of the vehicle is also usually lower since a motorcycle is a smaller vehicle than a car. When it comes to a motorcycle for a beginner, the cost of a new vehicle is within a not very high range. Buying a new motorcycle worthy of a beginner requires between $5,000 and $1,000.

Of course, there are much more expensive motorcycles that can cost up to $200,000. However, these options are not at all appropriate when it comes to riding for a beginner.

Besides, you need to take into account that as the power of a motorcycle increases, so does the likelihood of a fatal accident. Here, we can establish some numbers of deaths by engine size:

1. Up to 500 cc: 6%

2. 500 up to 1000 cc: 40%

3. 1001 up to 1500 cc: 30%

So, it is necessary to leave the more powerful motorcycles to those who are experienced and responsible for riding. You will be able to save some money since the best motorcycles require a very high budget. Here, it is not only important the price of the vehicle but also the additional aspects of maintenance and permanent costs.

1. Insurance Costs

As with any other vehicle, as a motorcycle gets bigger you will need to spend more money on insurance. Insurance costing less than $500 a year requires a clean driving record and more than 25 years. Of course, the driving history and age of the driver are not the only important factors.

So, insurance companies also take into account the amount of theft in your city and, depending on the model of your motorcycle, your city’s population density, among other things.

Beyond that, having a good driving record and over 25 years is a great start to finding an excellent insurance rate. From there, you will have the possibility to compare prices from the different companies available.

2. Maintenance And Parts

The service intervals for cars are much longer compared to the time that motorcycle owners must wait. This is also true for the replacement of spark plugs, belts, and tires. Each set of motorcycle tires typically costs between $400 and $600 for the higher-quality options.

The type of ride you have is important here. This will tell you how often your vehicle’s tires will need to be replaced. Also, depending on your type of driving, it is likely that every three thousand miles you will need to change at least the rear tire. Most of the time the rear tire is the one that takes the most effort.

Chains and drive belts do not require very frequent replacement. Apart from that, you will need between $140 and $250 each time this replacement is to be made. Depending on the exact model of the motorcycle, maintenance should be performed every 5,000 miles or 20,000 miles. However, at the time a valve adjustment is incorporated, the costs may vary.

In this case, you will save yourself some extra bucks that can start at $800 and increase to $1,500. Besides, you will need to consider other frequent vehicle maintenance such as regular oil changes. In a single year, you could spend $1,000 on maintenance if you ride your motorcycle frequently.

4. Gear

To continue mentioning the costs involved in a motorcycle, we must certainly mention the gear. In principle, you will need a helmet since it is illegal in many places to ride a motorcycle without this safety accessory. In general, you will be able to find motorcycle helmets with a price that starts at $150 and can go up to $900.

However, a motorcycle helmet is not the only item of protection you need to have. Unless you want to travel unprotected and unsafe, you need to consider other safety equipment. Those who do not enjoy their skin injuries will want to have a motorcycle jacket.

These jackets are specially made of leather when you make the right choice. This material has the proper strength and a high degree of abrasion to give you extra protection. Ideally, the jackets can also include removable armor at certain points for superior durability.

In particular, this is an armor that includes a hard material to protect the shoulders, elbows, and back. This is of course the most expensive option, but the most convenient if you want to be properly protected. Besides, you should also think about other objects such as gloves and boots with equally resistant materials.

At a high speed, and not very high, jeans are not at all convenient when traveling by motorcycle. Of course, many people choose this type of pants to travel in this vehicle. Although when you are in an accident at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour you will notice that the material comes off very easily.

So, if you have protective pants designed for motorcycle riding, you don’t have to worry about this issue. So, you will need to budget between $800 and $1,200 when considering all these aspects. You will also need to consider replacing this equipment after some time of use.

Is It Worth It To Buy A Motorcycle?

A lot of people say that a motorcycle is worth having. As we have mentioned, the overall costs of a vehicle the size of a motorcycle are often lower than other larger vehicles. In general, the initial cost of a motorcycle is usually much lower than any low or mid-range vehicle.

In the same vein, the maintenance costs of a motorcycle mechanic are lower. The same is true for fuel efficiency. Here, the disadvantage is that motorcyclists are usually the ones who suffer the most traffic accidents. However, to avoid this problem, there are some useful tips.

1. If you are a beginner you should not buy a motorcycle of more than 400 cc

2. It is mandatory to have all the safety equipment

3. You should learn the basics of riding a motorcycle

4. Defensive driving is necessary on the highway or in places with heavy traffic

5. A high degree of responsibility is required when riding a motorcycle

Considering all these aspects a motorcycle is a very convenient vehicle to use. You can cross many roads since it is a smaller vehicle than a car. Along with this, there are also many motorcycle clubs, which are not available to car owners.

Is It The Most Economical Insurance For A Motorcycle?

In many cases, you will find that motorcycle insurance is less expensive than auto insurance. If you pay attention, this difference is often very important which makes motorcycle insurance much more affordable. There is no secret here as the reasons are quite simple and common.

For one thing, the initial cost of any motorcycle is much lower than the initial cost of any car. Of course, this is because a motorcycle is a smaller vehicle and far fewer parts are required during manufacture.

In the same way, repair costs are also much lower for this same reason. These simple issues make the cost of motorcycle insurance much lower and more convenient.

Why Are Used Motorcycles So Cheap?

First of all, one of the main reasons why used motorcycles are so cheap is due to the large supply of new motorcycles. As a result, many people constantly enjoy buying new motorcycles. This allows the used motorcycle market to be abundant and prices generally decrease.

On the other hand, the manufacturing costs of motorcycles with one or two cylinders are not very high. In turn, the manufacturing of a motorcycle requires a much lower amount of parts compared to the manufacturing of an automobile.

That is why a beginner driver can find motorcycles with excellent mechanical condition having a budget of approximately $1,500.

References:

https://www.gq.com/story/motorcycle-bikes-gear-buying-guide

https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/motorcycle/budgeting-and-buying-your-first-motorcycle/