How Much Do Motorcycles Cost? (Average Prices)

What’s the average on motorcycle prices, and what can you expect to pay for a brand-new vs used motorcycle? Entry level motorcycles cost between $3,000 – $5,000, the mid-range is around $7,000 – $10,000, and the higher end motorcycle costs vary between $12,000 and $20,000. Used motorcycles can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000 and up depending on the bike’s make, model, and year.

So how much is a motorcycle, really? The range between $3,000 and $20,000 seems pretty wild (and in fact, some high-end, custom bikes can cost a whopping $40,000 or more). Do motorbike prices depend on horsepower, make, or top speed?

It’s not quite as simple as that: some powerful motorcycles (e.g., a 1048cc Honda Africa Twin at $14,499) can be cheaper than bikes with a smaller engine (e.g., 937cc Ducati Desert X at $17,095). While typically, American, Italian, and German motorcycle models are more expensive than Japanese brands, it’s not a single deciding factor.

Finally, top speed alone doesn’t determine motorcycle prices, either. It’s the combination of all these factors as well as performance, brands, tax, and dealership costs that define motorcycle prices. In this post, we’ll help you figure out exactly how much you can expect to spend on a bike.

Prices of Different Motorcycles

Motorcycle prices depend on a variety of reasons from make and model to year, power to performance ratio, accessories, and modifications. In addition, how much is a motorcycle will also depend on what type of bike it is.

Motorcycle Type	Engine Size	Manufacturer	Average Price
Dirt Bikes	125cc – 450cc	KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Beta, GasGas, Husqvarna	$3,000 – $10,000
Adventure Bikes	650cc -1200cc	BMW, Honda, KTM, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Husqvarna, Aprilia, Triumph	$6,500 – $18,000
Touring Motorcycles	800cc – 1800cc	BMW, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki	$15,000 – $20,000
Sport Bikes	600cc – 1300cc	Kawasaki, Honda, Ducati, Aprilia, Suzuki	$8,000 – $40,000
Cruisers	500cc – 1800cc	Harley-Davidson, Indian, Triumph, Honda	$5,000 – $20,000
Street Bikes	350cc – 850cc	Honda, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph	$5,000 – $12,000

Dirt Bike Prices

Dirt bikes tend to be cheaper than sport bikes and cruisers at both entry and advanced levels. Lightweight, made for heavy off-road use, and in some cases, not road-legal, dirt bikes can cost as little as $3,000. An entry-level 125cc dirt bike like a Suzuki DR-Z 125 L will cost around $3,299. A well-made, entry to mid-level, reliable dirt bike like a Honda CRF 250, a Beta 250 RR, or a Yamaha WR250 cost around $8,999.

In the 450cc category, dirt bike prices go up a little: a Honda CRF 450 costs $8,599, a Husqvarna FE 450 costs $11,749, and a KTM EXC 450 is $11,899. Finally, the cost of a motorcycle can be determined by how rare the bike is: the famed KTM 450 Rally Replica, for example, can cost as much as $27,000 because there are only 70 of these bikes made each year.

If the price difference isn’t big between 250cc and 450cc motorcycles, which one should you go for? Dirt bikes are usually made with racing (motocross, enduro, and rally) in mind, which is why the costs are similar whether you’re going for a smaller or larger engine size. The difference is in power and torque: as a beginner rider, you may not want a 450cc dirt bike just yet as they are more aggressive, more highly-strung, and harder to master than the 250’s. As an experienced rider, you can go for either a 250, 350, or 450cc dirt bike depending on your riding or racing needs.

Adventure and Dual-Sport Motorcycle Prices

Mid-range adventure and dual-sport motorcycles tend to be the most economical overall. A brand-new Suzuki DR 650, for example, costs $6,999, a Kawasaki KLR is $6,999, and a Yamaha Tenere 700 is $9,999. All of these are great entry level and mid-range bikes with plenty of power and are suitable for beginner and experienced riders alike. Known for their reliability and all-rounder qualities, these motorcycles last long and offer great value for money.

Larger adventure bikes, on the other hand, will cost more: a Honda Africa twin 1000 is $14,499, a BMW GS 1200 is $17,955, and a KTM 1290 Adventure is $19,499, as an example.

Why the big difference? In addition to larger capacity and more power, most big adventure motorcycles are laden with the newest tech from heated grips and seats to nifty little things like hillside assist, different riding modes, and adjustable suspension.

Touring and Sport Motorcycle Prices

Touring motorcycle prices are similar to those of large adventure bikes. A Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 costs $18,299, a Honda Gold Wing is $25,300, and a Harley-Davidson Road Glide is a whopping $29,999.

Sport touring motorcycle prices can hurt your wallet just as much: a Kawasaki Concours 14 is $15,999, a BMW K1600GT is $23,895, and a Ducati Multistrada V4 Sport is $28,245. Sport touring motorbike prices are steep because these bikes boast large-capacity, powerful engines, sleek design, and, much like larger adventure bikes, plenty of new tech.

Sport motorcycle prices vary depending on the engine size. A Kawasaki Ninja 650 costs between $7,899 and $8,299, but a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is $13,199: here, you pay more for more power. Equally, a Honda CBR 650 is $9,799 while a Honda CBR 1000 is $16,799. Same manufacturer, same model, different capacity: the more power and performance, the more you spend. If you’re a beginner rider, it’s best to stick with smaller capacity sport bikes. They will still offer plenty of power, but they’re easier to master than the extremely powerful and sensitive 1000cc+ machines.

Cruiser Motorcycle Prices

Cruiser motorcycle prices are all over the place: you can get a fun, entry level bike like a Yamaha V-Star 250 for as little as $4,449. By contrast, a Harley-Davidson Low Rider will cost you $17,999 – and there are plenty of different models and pricing in-between.

Why the wild difference? When it comes to cruiser motorcycle costs, you don’t just pay for the engine size and performance: you pay for the name, too. Indian and Harley-Davidson are considered the most prestigious cruiser manufacturers, while BMW and Triumph stand out because of their superior design and heritage.

Cruiser motorcycles are typically easy to handle, but as with any other bike, it’s best to start smaller as a beginner. The aforementioned Yamaha V-Star makes a great entry level bike, and you can always upgrade later as you improve your riding skills.

Street Motorcycle Prices

Finally, there’s the street motorcycle category. Much like adventure, dual sport, and cruiser bikes, street motorcycles can be fantastic entry level and mid-range bikes costing anywhere from $5,000 and up. A Royal Enfield Scram, for example, is $5,099, a Yamaha MT-07 is $7,899, and a Honda Rebel 500 is $6,399.

As with any other motorcycle type, the sky is the limit with street bikes – some models like the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob is over $18,000, while a Ducati Diavel can cost $20,000 and up.

So how much is a good motorcycle? To sum up, you can expect to pay at least $3,000 for a brand-new motorcycle. Depending on the bike’s type, engine capacity, and manufacturer, the average price of a motorcycle sits somewhere around $8,000 – $10,000.

Motorcycle Price Factors

How much is a motorcycle will depend on a variety of factors, such as:

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Availability (limited edition motorcycles are always more expensive)
• Year
• Power
• Performance
• Brand
• Motorcycle type
• Add-ons and accessories
• Tax/dealer costs

The average price of a motorcycle is an intersection between all these factors. To decide on a budget for a new motorcycle, it’s best to make a list of things that are the most important for you. For example, it may be reliability, mid-size engine, and simplicity. In that case, something like a 650-850 cc Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha motorcycles in the adventure, dual-sport, or street categories will be the best value for money.

If you’re into high-end cruisers with an iconic twist, Harley-Davidson and Indian models are your best bet (although not exactly budget-friendly).

Flashy Italian sport bikes will cost more than your average Japanese all-rounder; large, upscale BMW or KTM adventure motorcycles with high tech will always be more expensive than work-mule type Kawasaki or Suzuki models.

Finally, as a buyer, you should factor in aftermarket parts and maintenance costs as well as overall reliability of the motorcycle you’re buying. High-end brands like KTM, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, and Ducati will always be more expensive to maintain and accessorize. Japanese brands like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki are best known for their reliability and lower maintenance and modification costs long-term.

To decide on the motorcycle your want to buy and its cost, you can make a list of things like:

• Budget
• Motorcycle type (dirt, adventure, street, touring, sports, etc)
• Manufacturer
• Engine size (but remember, this doesn’t always impact the price alone)
• Preferred qualities like aftermarket parts availability; reliability/durability; easy maintenance

Then, see which options meet your criteria best and make a selection of motorcycles that would be the best fit.

How much does a used motorcycle cost?

Used motorcycle price range can be just as wild as when buying brand-new. Typically, used motorcycles are 20-40% cheaper than brand-new ones, but it all depends on three things: year, mileage, and condition.

For example, a brand-new Kawasaki KLR 650 is $6,999, while a 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 with 6,000 miles on it is $3,999. You’re saving $3,000. On the other hand, a brand-new BMW SR1000XR is $23,000 while a used 2018 model with 700 miles on it is $14,999, saving you as much as $8,000.

Buying motorcycles used can be tricky as you can’t always be sure about the bike’s condition and whether the previous owner serviced and maintained the motorcycle well. Mileage can tell you a lot (if the bike has less than 10,000 miles on it, it’ll probably be as good as new, while 40,000 miles+ is a red flag), but it also depends on how the bike was used.

Racing motorcycles (dirt or track) will wear out sooner than easy cruiser and street bikes; dirt and adventure bikes that have seen plenty of off-road action may tire faster than sport tourers. Equally, it’s important to know whether the previous owner mostly commuted to work and went on leisurely weekend rides or whether they squeezed the life out of a bike’s engine on a racetrack or in a motocross competition.

However, buying used motorcycles has its perks besides pricing alone. If you’re a new rider, you’re likely to change as you progress. You might find your prefer dirt to street or sports to cruising as you go along. Saying goodbye to a used motorcycle to buy the one you truly want is less painful than trading in a machine you bought brand-new.

Equally, you might tip over or crash more often in your first years of riding, and scratching up a used bike isn’t the same as damaging a motorcycle that’s just off the showroom floor. Finally, used motorcycles are great teachers in motorcycle maintenance.

Used motorcycles can be a great fit for veteran riders, too, especially if you’re into customizing your bikes. For example, buying a used motorcycle and upgrading its suspension or modifying things like seat, wheel rims, carburetor, and the like might actually make your second-hand motorcycle better than a bran-new but stock version. This is especially true for dirt, adventure, and dual sport motorcycles where modifications can make a significant difference.

On the other hand, if budget simply isn’t a concern, go ahead and buy brand-new. After all, getting a shiny new motorcycle at the dealer’s is part of the joy! New motorcycles are also easy to accessorize (think luggage, heated grips or seat, upgraded suspension or rider modes) and there’s just something about rolling right off the showroom floor with a brand-new bike.

Motorcycle maintenance costs

When people ask how much do motorcycles cost, they often forget to think about expenses that come with owning a bike. Namely, it’s motorcycle maintenance costs. Whether you buy a new or used bike, the overall motorcycle cost should factor in service and maintenance.

Here’s what you’re looking to spend per year:

• Basic service: oil change, chain adjust, and filter maintenance ($200 and up)
• Tire change/wheel balancing: $20-$30 per tire (plus the tire costs from $60 per tire and up)
• Shock service: $250 and up
• Major service: brake bleeding and replacement, spark plug replacement, chain replacement: $500 and up

These are the very basic maintenance costs that apply to most motorcycle makes and models. If you have a used or an older model motorcycle, you might also need to rebuild a carburetor, adjust your valves, or replace worn out parts. If the bike is new and you’re mechanically minded, a lot of the basic maintenance can be done by you. Oil and filter changes, chain adjustment, tire changes are all easy enough to learn on your own.

In addition, you may want to accessorize, customize, or modify your motorcycle. While this typically comes with experience, you can experiment with accessories and mods as a new rider, too. Things like better footpegs, mirrors, seat covers, luggage, and seat cowls are all on the menu if you’d like to add a personal touch.

Motorcycle Gear Costs

One final aspect that adds up to the motorcycle cost is riding gear. Don’t make the rookie mistake of spending all your hard-earned cash on the bike and leaving none for protective gear. Any seasoner rider will tell you good riding gear is absolutely essential, so make sure to set aside a budget for:

• A good helmet
• Protective armored jacket and pants
• Motorcycle boots
• Motorcycle gloves

What sort of gear you need will depend on the type of motorcycle you’re buying. For dirt riding, you’ll need good body armor, sturdy motocross boots, and a helmet with goggles. For adventure riding, you’ll be looking at an adventure riding suit and a modular or adventure touring helmet.

For urban riding, commuting, and cruising, you’ll need Kevlar or Dyneema-reinforeced motorcycling jeans and jacket, a street helmet, and sturdy, over-the-ankle boots.

While good gear typically doesn’t come cheap, you can always look for sale items. Men’s motorcycle gear on sale is a good starting point, and if you’re a female rider, you can find great women’s riding gear on sale.

Some gear like boots, jackets, and pants can also be purchased used. However, you should never buy a helmet second-hand: you have no idea whether the helmet hasn’t been dropped or even crash, which would seriously impact your safety.

Where to Buy a New Motorcycle 

If you’ve decided to buy a new motorcycle, there are several places to look at:

• Dealerships
• Manufacturers
• Online

If you still don’t know which bike you’re buying, dealerships are the best starting point as you can actually see the bike, sit on it, consult the sales rep, and book a test ride. If you already know the make, model, and year of the bike you want, buying online can be a great option. Finally, some motorcycle manufacturers (like Harley-Davidson and Honda) offer home delivery, so if you live in a more remote or rural area with no dealerships that carry your coveted steed, this can be a fantastic solution.

To buy a used motorcycle, look at places like CycleTrader, Craigslist, and your local dealers. Some dealers often accept trade-in bikes and sell them on as second-hand, so if you’re after a bargain, dealerships can often offer several options.

FAQ

How much money does a motorcycle cost in the USA?

Depending on the bike’s make, model, and engine size, a motorcycle in the USA costs anywhere between $3,000 and $20,000 on average.

What are the price ranges of motorcycles in other countries?

Price ranges of motorcycles in other countries can vary wildly: the cheapest motorcycles in China or India, for example, cost as little as $800. In most Western European countries and Australia, motorcycle prices are similar to those in the US. In places like South America, motorcycles cost more because of high import taxes.

How much money is the cheapest motorcycle?

In the US, the cheapest motorcycle costs around $3,000. Scooters may cost less than this.

What is the price of a good motorcycle?

The price of a good motorcycle is around $8,000 – $10,000 based on the average engine size (500-850cc) and well-known brands (Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, and the like). A price of a used motorcycle in good condition will vary between $3,000 -$6,000 depending on year, manufacturer, and mileage.

Which motorcycle is the best to buy?

The best motorcycle to buy is one that suits your riding needs best as well as ticks these boxes:

• Desired engine size
• Desired type
• Reliability
• Aftermarket parts availability
• Low maintenance costs
• Easy to accessorize or customize

Motorcycles are expensive toys, and buying one, especially brand-new, isn’t going to be cheap. In addition, buying the cheapest motorcycle isn’t always the best policy – you want something that performs well, lasts long, and is fun to ride. Average motorcycle prices range between $6,000 and $10,000 giving you ample choice, and if that’s too steep, there are always used motorcycles to buy.

We hope this post has given you the idea of average motorcycle prices and what to expect when shopping for you first – or your next – two-wheeled steed!