The True Cost of Owning a Motorcycle

The cost of owning a motorcycle involves a lot more than the cost of buying the bike. There are many one-time and recurring costs associated with motorcycle ownership. It's important to get the full financial picture so that you can buy the motorcycle that best fits your budget.

Keep reading for a breakdown of motorcycle ownership costs. For more information or to shop motorcycles for sale, visit North County Indian Motorcycle. Our dealership is based in San Marcos, California, and we also serve those in San Diego and Oceanside.

The Sticker Price of the Motorcycle

The biggest cost of owning a motorcycle is purchasing the model. 

Beginner riders can expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 for a new motorcycle. Advanced riders usually spend between $10,000 and $35,000 for a new motorcycle. 

A more budget-friendly option is to purchase a used motorcycle, which will be drastically lower in price. Shopping during the off-season can also result in savings. Motorcycle dealerships see a decline in customers, which means they are likely to offer great deals to entice people to buy.

Motorcycle License and Riding Courses

It usually costs around $30 to apply for a motorcycle license. A beginner's riding course is usually around $100. Some riders also take intermediate and advanced riding courses to further improve their skills, which is an added expense.

The Riding Gear

Before you can hit the open road, you need to acquire some essential safety gear. This includes a helmet, eye protection, and riding boots. The full cost of riding gear is usually around $1,300. Some of the riding gear will need to be replaced over time, which is important to factor into a long-term budget. A helmet, for example, eventually starts breaking down and will need to be replaced so that you can get the necessary protection.

Motorcycle Maintenance

All motorcycles will need regular maintenance to keep them operating well. Maintenance typically costs about $1,000 a year, but this can be higher for used motorcycles. The more you keep up with preventative maintenance, the less you will spend on repairs and parts replacements down the road.

Motorcycle Insurance

The exact costs will depend on the specific coverage, but usually ranges from $200 to $500 a year. 

Fuel

The more often you ride, the more you will spend on fuel. The average motorcycle rider spends about $300 a year. Buying a more fuel efficient motorcycle is one way to keep the fuel costs down.

Ready to shop motorcycles for sale? Check out the selection at North County Indian Motorcycle. Contact us or stop by our dealership in San Marcos, California. We also proudly serve those in San Diego and Oceanside, California.