A motorcycle is a great investment in adventure, excitement, and an improved lifestyle. But before you make a purchase, it’s helpful to have the full picture since the cost of getting a motorbike extends beyond the sticker price. There are other costs, such as getting safety gear or paying for motorbike insurance. Keep reading to learn more about expenses to factor into your budget. If you have questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, head over to ATVs and More. Our dealership is based in Salem, Illinois. We also proudly serve those in St. Louis, Missouri, and Mount Vernon, Illinois.
1. The Motorcycle
Average Cost
- Beginner riders typically pay between $5,000 and $10,000 for a new motorcycle.
- Experienced riders typically pay between $10,000 and $35,000 for a new motorcycle.
Relevant Factors
- Motorcycles with more features and higher performance capabilities will cost more.
- Used motorcycles will cost significantly less due to depreciation. With a little research, you can find gently-used motorbikes with a much lower sticker price.
- There are often great sales during the winter months. Dealerships see a decline in sales during this off-season, which prompts them to offer enticing deals and discounts.
2. The Riding Gear
Average Cost
- Helmet prices start around $70, but can go up to $300.
- All of the required safety gear tends to be $1,300 on average.
Relevant Factors
- Helmets need to be replaced if they get compromised, which happens after an impact. They also need to be replaced after about five years.
- There are riding gear features that will improve your ride, but will cost more. For example, there are riding jackets that are made from waterproof or reflective material.
3. Motorcycle Maintenance
Average Cost
- Owners typically pay around $1,000 a year to maintain their motorcycle.
Factors to Consider
- Newer motorbikes won’t need as much maintenance. Older models will need repairs sooner.
- The more often you ride, the more parts replacement and maintenance you’ll need.
- Proactive maintenance can save you money on future repairs. Staying up-to-date with service department appointments, oil changes, and so on can keep your motorcycle running well and reduce the need to replace parts down the road.
4. Insurance
Average Costs
- Motorcycle insurance usually costs between $200 and $500 each year.
Relevant Factors
- The annual cost will depend on the coverage you get. Insurance can protect you in situations of injury, motorcycle damage, theft, and/or property damage.
- Out-of-pocket expenses for situations such as medical bills can be very high. Paying extra for coverage now can save money in the long run.
5. License and Riding Courses
Average Cost
- The application fee for a license tends to cost around $30.
- A beginner’s motorcycle riding course usually costs around $100.
Factors to Consider
- There are advanced classes you can take down the road to further build your skills. It's another expense to consider, but can help improve your riding quickly.
6. Fuel
Average Cost
- Riders tend to spend around $300 on fuel a year.
Factors to Consider
- The more fuel-efficient your motorcycle is, the more you can save on gas.
- A motorcycle typically has better fuel efficiency than your car. If you take your motorcycle instead of your car, you’ll be saving on gas.
Ready to shop for motorcycles for sale in Salem, Illinois? The expert staff at ATVs and More is ready to help. We can assist you with finding the best motorbike for your budget and lifestyle, so stop by and visit us today. We also proudly serve those in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.
FAQs
The Motorcycle
How much does a motorcycle cost in total? ›
The Motorcycle
On average, a new motorcycle for beginners usually costs between $5,000 and $10,000. Advanced riders should expect a new bike to cost between $10,000 and $35,000. It's important to note that beginner models will usually be more affordable than heavy-duty, higher performing motorcycles.
How much money should you have to buy a motorcycle? ›
Basic, beginner-friendly motorcycles could cost between $5,000 and $10,000 brand new, though you may be able to get one for less if you buy used. If you're looking for a nicer bike or a model for more experienced drivers, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000.
How much should I expect to spend on a motorcycle? ›
Beginners typically spend around $5,000 to $10,000 for a motorcycle. In 2020, an estimated 780,000 motorcycles were sold in the U.S.
Is owning a motorcycle more expensive than owning a car? ›
It's cheaper overall to own a motorcycle than a car. Motorcycles cost less to buy and to insure, but there are extra costs to consider for things like safety gear, and the risk of an injury is generally higher. Mark is a freelance journalist and analyst with over 15 years of experience covering the insurance industry.
What is a full charge for motorcycle? ›
A fully charged motorcycle battery should deliver at least 12.73 volts. Below that, and you will need to keep charging. If your battery consistently fails to charge above 12.06 volts, it probably needs to be replaced.
What is the cost price of a motorcycle? ›
List of expensive bikes in India
| Name of some of the most expensive bikes (India) | Engine cubic capacity | Price (ex-showroom Delhi) |
|---|
| Ducati Panigale V4 R | 1000cc | Rs. 69,99,000 |
| Indian Pursuit Dark Horse | 1800cc | Rs. 43,00,000 |
| Indian Challenger Series | 1,800cc | Rs. 41,00,000 |
| Harley Davidson Road Glide Special | 1900cc | Rs. 40,49,000 |
8 more rowsFeb 27, 2024
Generally, motorcycles are cheaper to maintain and repair because of their small size. While costs can vary depending on the car and the service needed, you will pay more to maintain and repair a vehicle. Cars often have more complex systems than motorcycles.
Is 72 too old to ride a motorcycle? ›
To be honest, there is no specific last age to retire as a motorcycle rider. People in their 70's, 80's, and even 90's ride without any problems.
Does riding a motorcycle save money? ›
Many people choose to use a motorcycle for daily transportation because it can be a great way to save money. On average, motorcycles are cheaper to purchase and cheaper to maintain than a car. They also are much better on fuel, which can result in major savings at the gas pump.
A motorcycle can last anywhere between 20,000 to 90,000 miles, which is quite a large disparity. That's because this figure rests on a number of factors. A dirt bike, for example, usually won't last more than 20,000 miles.
How long should you pay off a motorcycle? ›
So what is the typical term for a motorcycle loan? In most cases, it's anywhere from 12 to 60 months. While a longer term means lower monthly payments, it will cost the borrower more in interest over the life of a loan.
How much should I pay for a beginner motorcycle? ›
Beginner motorcycles typically range in price from $3,000 to $10,000. Based on the list below, the average price of a new beginner motorcycle is $5,550. And if you're curious about your neighbors, the most popular beginner bike is the Honda Grom.
What is the safest motorcycle? ›
For new riders, a smaller motorcycle with a smaller engine size is the safest choice, while for long-distance travel, a touring motorcycle is the safest option. Choose based on your riding experience and intended use.
Are motorcycles cheaper to insure? ›
Is it cheaper to insure a motorcycle than a car? As most motorcycles are cheaper than cars, you can generally expect motorcycle insurance to be cheaper than coverage for a standard vehicle.
What are the disadvantages of having a motorcycle? ›
Dangerous to drive
Even if you have complete protective gear and take all the necessary precautions, motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. Riders are difficult to see, and there are no airbags to protect them from impact. Accidents can be much more severe for motorcycle riders than for those in a car.
How much is a motorcycle usually? ›
Common Price Points. A new motorcycle can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 for an entry-level model to $30,000 and up for very high-end bikes. Most motorcycles are priced somewhere in between. For the majority of styles, you'll find a lot of awesome models clustered in the $6,000 to $15,000 range.
Is it expensive to keep a motorcycle? ›
Monthly Expenses
Maintenance will also need to be considered in your monthly motorcycle budget, although you may go quite a long time between services or repairs, and will cost about $1,000 a year for most owners.
What's the best motorcycle for a beginner? ›
Our Lineup of Affordable Beginner Motorcycles ($1,807-$5,899)
- Honda Grom - $3,599.
- Suzuki GSX250R - $5,099.
- Yamaha YZF-R3 - $5,499.
- Honda CB300R - $5,149.
- Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 - $5,899.
- Kawasaki Ninja 400 - $5,299.
- Honda Navi - $1,807.
- Kawasaki Z400 - $5,399.
