How Much Does a Motorcycle Cost?

There are many different types of motorcycles, and with them, different price tags. But on average, how much do motorcycles cost?

We did a little research and found that the average motorcycle costs $16,000. But of course, there are many models whose cost is lower or higher than the average. For example, you can find a Suzuki for around $9,000. But if you want a Harley-Davidson, then be prepared to shell out $20,000 or more for some models of this manufacturer.

Of course, the cost of the motorcycle also depends on the type you want to buy. There are sports, cruisers, touring, and others. Since they are designed for different loads and terrain, their cost is different.

So, if you want to buy a motorcycle and do not know where to start, we advise you to read this article. Finding a model and brand that will fit your preferences and budget will make it easier for you to navigate the market.

Also Read: Best Looking Motorcycles: Our Top-15 Review

The Average Cost of a Motorcycle

[su_box title=”” style=”soft” box_color=”#1e73be” title_color=”#000000″]The average cost of a motorcycle is about $16,000. This price can go up or down depending on the make, model, and year of the motorcycle. You can find cheaper motorcycles for $5,000 and more expensive ones for $40,000 or more.[/su_box]

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the explicit and implicit factors that directly affect the cost of a bike. And we’ll also use a spreadsheet to show you how the cost changes depending on the type of motorcycle and its brand.

What Affects the Cost of a Motorcycle?

When it comes to the cost of a motorcycle, there are several different factors that can affect the price. Some of the most important ones to consider are type, brand, features and accessories, location, size, engine, and transmission. Below, we’ll take a closer look at each factor so that we can better understand bike pricing.

The Type of Motorcycle

There are many different types of motorcycles, such as sport, cruiser, touring, and racing. Each type has its own unique features and benefits. Sport bikes, for example, are usually more expensive than cruisers because they are designed for high-speed riding.

On the other hand, cruisers tend to be cheaper because they are designed for comfort and leisurely rides. For city riding, you don’t need reinforced protection and more expensive parts that can withstand a heavy load.

The Brand

The brand of the motorbike is also an important cost factor because different companies provide different quality products. Also, don’t forget that you are also paying for the brand if it is very popular.

Some of the most popular brands are Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. They are all known for their quality and performance. They also offer a wide range of prices, so you can find a motorcycle that fits your budget.

Features and Accessories

The features and accessories you choose for your motorbike can also affect the cost. Many bikes come with standard equipment such as windshields, seat bags, and footrests.

However, you can also choose additional features and accessories, such as a fairing, GPS system, or heated grips, which can greatly increase the cost of the motorcycle.

The Location

This can also affect the cost, as you’ll still have to pay for transportation costs or fuel. Also, keep in mind that the cost of motorbikes can vary from state to state.

In some cases, you may be able to find a better deal on a motorcycle if you buy it from a dealer in another state. You may also be able to find a better deal if you buy a used motorbike from a private seller.

The Size

This is another important factor to consider. Motorbikes come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. The size of the bike can affect its value, performance, and handling.

The Engine

This is an important factor that affects cost. Motorcycles with larger engines tend to cost more than those with smaller engines. The type of engine, such as a four-stroke or two-stroke, can also affect cost.

The Transmission

This is the last factor to consider when determining the cost of a motorbike. There are two types: manual and automatic. Manual transmissions usually cost less than automatic transmissions. However, they require more maintenance and may not be as easy to operate.

Cost of Different Types of Motorcycles

Motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s an iron horse for almost every rider. Not sure which one is right for you? Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular types, along with their average price range.

Cruisers

They are characterized by a quiet ride, big engines, and impressive style. They often have features such as chrome accents, high handlebars, and powerful tires. Many cruisers are inspired by classic American motorbikes, which are a popular choice for those who want a relaxed and comfortable ride.

Price range: $5,000-$20,000

Standard/Street Motorcycles

Standard or street bikes are versatile motorbikes that fit a variety of riding styles. They usually have a medium engine displacement and are often used for commuting to work, on weekends, and even long distances. Streetbikes are a good choice for those who want a motorcycle that can do everything.

Price range: $5,000-$20,000

Touring Motorcycles

These are designed for long-distance travel and are equipped with lots of features to make your trip more comfortable. These bikes usually have more powerful engines, ample storage space, and wind and weatherproofing features such as fairings and windshields. If you plan to ride a lot, a touring bike may be the right choice for you.

Price range: $10,000 to $40,000+

Sportbikes

They’re built for speed and maneuverability, so they’re often used in races. They have powerful engines and slim bodies, and they can accelerate quickly and go around corners. If you’re looking for a two-wheeled friend built for dynamic rides, a sport bike is right for you.

Price range: $5,000 – $40,000+

Dual Sport and Adventure Motorcycles

They’re designed for both off-road and trail riding, and they usually have features that allow them to do both well. These bikes often have long-travel suspension, knurled tires, and engines with a wide power range.

They travel long distances quietly and also very often have more storage space than other sportbikes.

Price range: $5,000 to $10,000

Off-road motorcycles

Also known as off-road motorbikes, these are designed for riding over rough terrains such as dirt, sand, and mud. They have features such as knurled tires, long-travel suspension, and high ground clearance. Off-road bikes are not street bikes, so they can only be ridden on private property or in off-road areas.

Price range: $8,000-$12,000

Buying a Used Motorcycle

The cost of a motorbike has been increasing in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the cost of gasoline and the cost of repairs and maintenance. As a result, it is not surprising that many people are looking for ways to save money on their bike purchases.

One of the best ways not to completely blow your budget is to buy a used motorbike. It can usually be found for less than the cost of a new bike.

Most importantly, when buying a bike that has already been used, pay attention to the following things:

• how well the former owner took care of its maintenance. If the iron horse was not properly serviced and did not receive replacement parts, you will spend more on repairs than you will win from the purchase;
• high mileage. Motorcycles with up to 10,000 miles are considered ideal. Those over 25,000 have a lot of worn parts already. But also look at the overall condition of the motorcycle. You can buy one with high mileage that will serve you for many years or one with low mileage that you will constantly be fixing.

What Else You Need to Buy When Buying a Motorcycle

When considering the cost of a motorbike, you should also think about how much insurance, safety equipment, maintenance, and fuel will cost you. These expense items can affect your budget significantly, as insurance alone will cost an average of $720 to $900. Next, we’ll take a closer look at these additional costs so you can realistically assess your finances.

Safety Gear

Safety is of paramount importance when riding a motorcycle. In addition to the vehicle itself, you need to buy protective gear to protect yourself in the event of an accident. This includes a helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, and goggles. A standard set of equipment will cost you an average of $1,500.

The helmet is the most important piece of equipment because it will protect your head in the event of an accident. There are many different types of helmets, so it is important to choose one that fits well and is comfortable to wear.

Gloves will cover your hands from outside influences and from road rash in the event of a fall. They should fit your hands snugly and allow you to grip the handlebars securely.

A jacket will protect your body from wind and scuffs in the event of a fall. It should be made of a durable material such as leather or Kevlar and fit snugly against your body.

Goggles will help protect your eyes from debris lifted by the tires and from the wind. They should fit your face snugly and not fog up.

Motorcycle boots are essential for both comfort and safety. They help keep your feet warm in cold weather and protect them from the sun when it’s warm. They also help protect your feet and ankles in the event of a fall.

Insurance

On average, you will need to budget between $720 and $900 a year for insurance. That is, $60 to $75 per month, respectively. But depending on the type of coverage, this amount can also be as little as $25 or as much as $200 per month.

Fuel

As a motorcycle owner, you will have to buy fuel regularly to keep it running. The average model consumes about 55 miles per gallon (mpg), and the average motorcyclist travels about 4,500 miles in a year. So you can expect to spend quite a bit of money on gasoline each year.

There are three main types of fuel that can be used in motorcycles: unleaded gasoline, leaded gasoline, and diesel. Unleaded gasoline is the most common type used in bikes and is also the cheapest. Ethylated gasoline used to be the standard fuel for motorcycles, but now it is only used in some older models. Diesel fuel is not as common, but it is an option for some motorcyclists.

The average price of fuel in the country is about $3 a gallon (AAA), so you can spend up to $250 on gasoline in a year.

Maintenance

When you buy a motorcycle, you’re not just buying the transporter itself. You’re also buying a lifestyle, and regular maintenance is part of it. Whether you do it yourself or go to a repair shop, there are certain things you need to budget for in order to keep your motorcycle running.

Some of the most common maintenance items include things like headlights, seats, tires, carburetor cleaning, tuning, brake pads, oil changes, etc. Be sure to set aside some money each month for regular maintenance so that when you need new tires, you don’t have to look for money.

Many types of regular maintenance you can do yourself, such as oil changes and carburetor cleaning, but there are some things that are better left to the professionals. Things like adjusting valves, tuning the carburetor, mounting, and balancing tires usually require special tools and knowledge.

So, when budgeting for your motorcycle purchase, don’t forget to consider the cost of regular maintenance. This is an important part of owning a bike, and it’s something you need to plan for if you want it to run smoothly.

Is it Cheaper to Build a Motorcycle or Buy One?

When it comes to bikes, people often wonder if it’s cheaper to build from scratch or buy a pre-built one. After all, buying an assembled motorcycle is usually cheaper than building one from scratch (not counting your time). But why does this happen?

It all has to do with economies of scale. When it comes to mass producing something, the more you produce, the lower your cost per unit becomes. This is because you can spread the cost of things like equipment, labor, and materials over more units when you produce them.

Because motorbikes companies manufacture motorcycles en masse, they can take advantage of economies of scale and sell them at lower prices than if they were only selling parts.

On the other hand, part manufacturers are usually niche businesses with higher costs and sell their products at higher prices. So if you were to buy all the parts needed to assemble a motorbike, it would probably cost more than buying the assembled bike.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. If you’re building a custom motorcycle and you need rare or hard-to-find parts, it might be cheaper to assemble it yourself. But in most cases, if you’re looking for a regular motorbike, it’s usually cheaper to buy one already assembled.

FAQ

Is a motorcycle cheaper than a car?

Yes, they are often cheaper than cars. You can find a decent used motorbike for a few thousand dollars, while a decent used auto will cost you at least twice as much. Even a new bike usually costs less than a new car. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule, but in general, motorcycles are cheaper than autos.

What’s a good price for a new motorcycle?

To answer this question, you must first think about what your personal definition of “good value” is. For some people, a good price may be less than $5,000, while others think anything over $10,000 is too expensive. It all depends on the individual as well as his/her expectations of the motorcycle. But for beginners, a good price is usually in the range of $5,000 to $10,000.

How much should my first motorcycle cost?

If you live in the United States, your first motorcycle should cost no more than $10,000. If you store around, you can find decent, reliable motorbikes a little cheaper in the neighborhood of $5,000. You can also buy a used bike in good condition.

Conclusion

After reading our article, you already know that the cost of a motorbike depends on a number of factors. One of the most important is the type of bike you want to buy. There are different types on the market, and they are designed for different purposes. You need to consider your budget and choose an option that fits it.

The brand also influences the cost quite a bit. If you want a quality model that everyone is familiar with, be prepared for a hefty expense. In addition, consider the cost of insurance, fuel, and protective gear, without which you can not go on the road.

If you are not afraid of the difficulties of buying a motorcycle and the associated costs, you can already start choosing a bike that will be your faithful iron friend for many years.