Riding a motorcycle isn’t free, but it can be done at a very affordable price point. When you look at motorcycles by price, you have a lot of factors to think about. Are you buying new or used? What’s your budget?
The new or used question is really a big one. I love both new and used bikes and have bought motorcycles that were new off the showroom floor and motorcycles that had sat in a garage for the last 30 years. It’s all about what you’re looking for and what you want to pay.
So, with all that in mind, let’s take a look at both new and used motorcycles and how price can impact your buying options.
New Motorcycles by Price and How Price Impacts Your Buying Decision
New motorcycles can range anywhere from under $2,000 to upwards of $100,000 depending on the style, engine size, make, and model of motorcycle you’re buying.
When it comes to buying a new motorcycle I always say to start with two things: your budget and how you plan to use the bike.
Ask yourself how much money you really have to spend. If you have $5,000 at your disposal, then your options are far more limited than if you had $12,000. The same goes for financing a bike. Think about the total cost as well as the monthly payment.
You don’t want to be paying on the bike forever, so make sure you’re buying a bike that not only gives you a reasonable monthly payment but something that you’ll have paid off in a couple of years.
Once you have that in mind, think about how you’re going to be using the bike. If you’re just going to commute, you need a far different machine than if you’re planning to take long cross-country trips. Typically, small commuter bikes are super affordable, and in some cases, you can find a suitable bike for under $3,000 or under $4,000. Of course, you can spend a lot more.
I would say to buy a little more bike than you need. For example, if you usually only commute in the city where speeds seldom get higher than 40 mph, you might still want to buy a bike that’s capable of at least 55 mph just in case you do venture out further than usual. This might mean your price point goes up, but that money will typically be well-spent.
Used Motorcycles by Price and How Price Impacts Your Buying Decision
The price of used motorcycles varies even more greatly than new bikes. The same bike could be priced dramatically different based on the condition, mileage, and a variety of other factors.
Again, I say to start with your budget. How much can you afford to comfortably spend or finance? Determine this by looking at your personal budget and don’t forget you’ll need to pay for things like insurance, registration, and gas.
With that number in mind, start browsing the used listings. I think it’s best to browse what’s out there and then start researching the bikes you see rather than researching bikes first and then looking for one out there. Look at what’s possible and then look at what best fits your needs.
Shopping for a Used Motorcycle
Not sure where to start your used motorcycle search? Don’t worry, I have several good options. Here’s a list:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Cragislist
- eBay
- Cycle Trader
- RumbleOn
- Your Local Dealerships
Of the options above, Cycle Trader and RumbleOn are two big players and will offer good buying experiences in most cases. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay are typically less straightforward because you’re dealing with individual sellers.
Still, all are good options. Another good option I list is to check out your area’s local dealerships. They have used bikes and those bikes have typically had a once over by the service department making them a great option at any price point.
People often talk bad about dealerships, and there are some truly bad ones out there, but in my experience, most are pretty good. Dealerships also give you a great place to go for motorcycle service or questions. Yes, they’re there to sell you products and services, but the good ones are also just good resources.