Key takeaways:
- Entry-level motorcycles cost between $4,000 and $7,000
- The mid-range is around $8,000 to $13,000
- Higher-end motorcycle costs vary between $15,000 and $28,000
- The cost of owning a motorcycle is more than the base purchase price
The price range for motorcycles can seem pretty wild: $4,000 to $28,000 is "normal", while some high-end, custom bikes can cost a whopping $40,000 or more. So how much is a motorcycle, really?
Some assume it depends on the horsepower, make, or top speed, but it's not quite as simple as that. There are powerful motorcycles that are cheaper than bikes with less horsepower, for example, the Honda Africa Twin 1000 is around 30% cheaper than the 937cc Ducati Desert X.
American, Italian, and German motorcycle models tend to be more expensive than Japanese brands, and top speed alone doesn't determine the price either. It's the combination of all these factors, as well as others like performance, brand, tax, and dealership costs, that define motorcycle prices.
What Does It Cost to Own a Motorcycle?
When looking at your finances and determining a budget, these are some of the expenses to consider.
- Motorcycle purchase price (including tax, delivery, and dealer fees)
- Vehicle registration and renewal fees
- Motorcycle license fees, safety courses, and riding lessons
- Protective riding gear
- Insurance costs
- Maintenance, repairs, and fuel
- Storage
The true cost of owning a motorbike goes beyond the ride itself, so from the start its best to prepare yourself to think past the initial purchase. Depending on the type of riding you're interested in, there may be additional costs, such as trailering, club fees, race entry fees, and parking fees.
Prices of Different Motorcycles
Before narrowing down to the cost of various types of motorcycles, here is a comparison of the average motorcycle costs.
| Motorcycle Type | Engine Size | Manufacturer | Average Price |
| Dirt Bikes | 125cc – 450cc | KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Beta, GasGas, Husqvarna | $5,000 – $13,000 |
| Adventure Bikes | 650cc -1200cc | BMW, Honda, KTM, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Husqvarna, Aprilia, Triumph | $9,000 – $25,000 |
| Touring Motorcycles | 800cc – 1800cc | BMW, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Sport Bikes | 600cc – 1300cc | Kawasaki, Honda, Ducati, Aprilia, Suzuki | $8,000 – $22,000 |
| 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 |
The price of a motorcycle depends on a variety of factors, from make, model, and year to accessories, modifications, and the type of motorcycle.
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 $5,000. An entry-level 250cc four-stroke dirt bike, like a Honda CRF 250 F, will cost around $4,999. A well-made, mid-level, reliable dirt bike, like a KTM 250 SX-F, a Beta 250 RR, or a Yamaha WR250F cost around $10,000.
In the 450cc four-stroke category, dirt bike prices go up a little. A Honda CRF 450R starts at $9,699, the base price of a Husqvarna FE 450 is $12,599, and the KTM 500 EXC-F is $13,699.
Finally, the cost of a motorcycle can also be determined by its rarity. The famed KTM 450 Rally Replica, for example, can cost upwards of $40,000 because only a set number of these bikes are made each year.
If the price difference between 250cc and 450cc motorcycles isn't big, 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.
If you’re an experienced rider, you can go for something above a 300cc four-stroke or 250cc two-stroke 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 DR650S, for example, costs $7,299, a Kawasaki KLR 650 is $6,999, and a Yamaha Tenere 700 is $10,999. 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: the Honda Africa Twin 1000 is $15,199, the BMW 1300 GS is $20,395, and the KTM 1390 Super Adventure R is $21,649.
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. All of these features add to the price.
Touring and Sport Motorcycle Prices
Touring motorcycle prices are similar to those of large adventure bikes.
A Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 costs $19,999, a Honda Gold Wing starts at $25,500, and a Harley-Davidson Street Glide Limited is a whopping $32,999.
Sport touring motorcycle prices can hurt your wallet just as much.
The base price of a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is $12,599, a BMW K 1600 GT is $25,745, and a Ducati Multistrada V4 Sport is $39,995. Sport touring motorbike prices are steep because these bikes boast large-capacity engines, sleek designs, and, like larger adventure bikes, plenty of new tech.
Sport motorcycle prices vary depending on the engine size.
A Kawasaki Ninja 650 costs around $7,599, but a Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX is $15,799; here, you pay more for more power. Equally, a Honda CBR 650 is $9,199 while a Honda CBR 1000 RR is $16,999. 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 $4,799. By contrast, a Harley-Davidson Low Rider S will cost you $18,999, and there are plenty of different models and pricing in between.
When it comes to cruisers, you don't just pay for the engine size and performance; you pay for the brand 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 one 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 $8,599, and a Honda Rebel 500 is $6,799.
As with any other motorcycle type, the sky's the limit with street bikes: some models from Harley-Davidson are over $16,000, while a Ducati Diavel can cost $27,995 and up.
So, how much is a good motorcycle? To sum it up, you can expect to pay at least $5,000 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 – $15,000.
Motorcycle Price Factors
How much a motorcycle actually costs depends 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, delivery, and 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 most important to you.
For example, it may be reliability, a mid-sized engine, and simplicity. In that case, something like a 650-850 cc motorcycle from Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha's adventure, dual-sport, or street ranges would 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. These aren't exactly budget-friendly, though, and if that's a consideration, maybe something from Royal Enfield is the way to go, such as the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
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 workhorse-type Kawasaki or Suzuki models.
Finally, as a buyer, you should factor in aftermarket parts and maintenance costs as well as the 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 you 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, and easy maintenance.
Then, see which options meet your criteria best and make a list of motorcycles that would be the best fit.
How Much Does a Used Motorcycle Cost?
Typically, used motorcycles are 20-60% cheaper than brand new ones, but it all depends on three things: year, mileage, and condition. But used motorcycle price ranges can be just as wild as when buying new.
For example, a brand-new Kawasaki KLR 650 costs $6,999, while a used 2016 Kawasaki KLR650 could cost $3,495. You're saving over $3,000.
Going up a price bracket, a brand new BMW S1000XR has a base price of $18,715, while a used 2021 model with 23,000 miles on it is $11,999, saving you over $6,000.
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 cruisers and street bikes; dirt and adventure bikes that have seen plenty of off-road action may tire faster than sport tourers. It's also important to know whether the previous owner mostly commuted to work and took 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 you 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 the seat, wheel rims, carburetor, and the like might actually make your second-hand motorcycle better than a brand-new but stock version. It’s especially true for dirt, adventure, and dual sport motorcycles, where modifications can make a significant difference.
On the other hand, if budget 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.
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
For those who aren't sure which motorcycle to buy, dealerships are a good starting point. You can actually see the bike, sit on it, consult the sales rep, and book a test ride. Some will offer financing options as part of a purchasing package, but be sure to read the conditions carefully to check for additional costs.
If you already know the make, model, and year of the bike you want, buying directly from the manufacturer can be a great option. It's usually done online, and 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 accept trade-in bikes and sell them second-hand, so if you're after a bargain, dealerships can be an option.
Motorcycle Maintenance Costs
Here's what you're likely to spend on annual maintenance:
- Basic service: oil change, chain adjust, and filter maintenance ($200 and up)
- Tire change/wheel balancing: $35-$80 per tire (plus the tire costs from $80 per tire and up)
- Shock service: $320 and up plus parts
- Major service: brake bleeding and replacement, spark plug replacement, chain replacement: $560 and up
When people ask how much motorcycles cost, they often forget to think about the expenses that come with owning a bike. Namely, motorcycle maintenance costs. Whether you buy a new or used bike, the overall cost of owning it should include servicing.
All of the above are the basic maintenance costs that apply to most motorcycle makes and models, but you can expect additional costs on top of that. If you have a used or older model motorcycle, you might 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 yourself, as oil and filter changes, chain adjustment, and tire changes are easy enough to learn on your own. But you may want to accessorize, customize, or modify your motorcycle.
While upgrades are typically something experienced riders do to personalize the experience, newer riders can experiment with accessories and mods as well. Things like better foot-pegs, mirrors, seat covers, luggage holders, and seat cowls are all on the menu if you'd like to add a personal touch.
Motorcycle Gear Costs
Another important aspect that adds to the cost of motorcycling 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 seasoned rider will tell you good riding gear is absolutely essential, so make sure to set aside a budget for:
- A good helmet with goggles or a visor
- Protective jacket and pants
- Motorcycle boots
- Motorcycle gloves
Exactly what sort of gear you need will depend on the type of motorcycle you're buying and the main riding niche you enjoy.
| Dirt Riding | off-road helmet with goggles, riding jersey, body armor, neck brace (optional), off-road gloves, protective pants, knee protectors, sturdy motocross boots |
| Adventure Riding | adventure touring helmet, goggles, adventure riding suit or jacket and pants, off-road gloves, knee protectors, off-road boots |
| Urban Riding, Commuting, Cruising | street helmet with visor or goggles, motorcycle jacket, armored motorcycling jeans, road riding gloves, over-the-ankle boots |
When choosing your motorcycle gear, you want to prioritize quality and safety, while also considering functionality, comfort, and style. For road riders:
- Motorcycling jeans look for something that is double-stitched, has armor and is made of high-tech materials such as Cordura and Balistex, for example, the MARK BLACK AAA or BOSS DYN 01.
- For motorcycle jackets, you're looking at similar requirements. A good jacket will offer high levels of protection and functionality, yet retain some style, like the suave TATAMI JACKET, waterproof AIR TATE JACKET BLACK, or classic FALCON LEATHER AVIATOR JACKET BLACK.
- Motorcycle boots should protect the ankle and have integrated armor like the APEX SNEAKERS BLACK
- Motorcycle gloves should be protective without limiting the range of movement and function too much, as the ONYX BLACK and IVY BLACK gloves can.
While good gear typically doesn't come cheap, you can always look for sale items. Finding 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 as well.
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 has been dropped or experienced the impact of a crash, which would seriously impact your safety.
Buying a Motorcycle in 2026
Average motorcycle prices range between $8,000 and $15,000, giving you ample choice, and if that's too steep, there are always used motorcycles to buy.
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.
We hope this post has given you the idea of average motorcycle prices and what to expect when shopping for your first – or your next – two-wheeled steed!
FAQ
How much money does a motorcycle cost in the USA?
Depending on the make, model, and engine size, USA bike prices can vary between $5,000 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 Singapore, motorcycles cost more because of high import taxes.
How much money is the cheapest motorcycle?
In the US, the cheapest motorcycle costs around $4,000. Scooters may cost less than this.
What is the price of a good motorcycle?
The price of a good motorcycle is around $10,000 – $16,000 based on the average engine size (500-850cc) and well-known brands (Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, and the like). The price of a used motorcycle in good condition will vary between $4,000 -$9,000 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, ticking all the boxes.
- Desired engine size
- Desired type
- Reliability
- Aftermarket parts availability
- Low maintenance costs
- Easy to accessorize or customize
How much is insurance for a motorcycle?
The insurance costs for a motorcycle largely depend on the type of motorcycle you have, where it is, and your age. In the United States, motorcycle insurance costs generally range from $200 to $1,000 annually, depending on the coverage selected. However, young riders or sportbike owners may face premiums of $600 to $2,500 for insurance.
How much is a motorcycle license?
Motorcycle license costs depend on where you live, and are generally managed at a state or national level. In the United States, the cost of obtaining a motorcycle license usually ranges from $25 to $100, depending on the state.
How much is a motorcycle permit?
Motorcycle learner permits are usually cheaper than the license itself, around $10 to $50 in the US. To find out how much a motorcycle license and permit would cost you, it's best to reach out to the government transport department responsible for the area you live in.
Is it cheaper to own a car or a motorcycle?
Motorcycles are generally much cheaper to own than a car, with lower purchase prices, cheaper parts and servicing, and less fuel usage. That said, there are additional costs not associated with car ownership, like protective gear.
Is a 750cc too big for a beginner?
Whether or not a 750cc is too big for a beginner depends on the type of motorcycle it is. For a cruiser, 750cc might seem reasonable. For a sports or adventure bike, it's in the mid-range of power, and for a dirt bike, it's exceptionally rare to even find one that big, let alone have a beginner riding it.
What's the best cheap motorcycle?
The best cheap motorcycle all depends on the type of riding you like to do. For a used sports bike, many choose the Kawasaki Ninja 400, while the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is considered a good budget cruiser, and the Honda 250 is a solid off-road bike with a reasonable price tag.
