How much should I pay for a motorcycle? Right in this article, you will obtain all the noticeable details to help you come up with the correct answer.
There are many types of motorcycles and prices on the market today, so how much should I pay for a motorcycle? Even if you are a motorcycle enthusiast and really want to possess one right away, you must consider the price.
So, first of all, you need to know the basic information about the price of a motorbike. As with other means of transport, motorbikes have different price ranges and qualities, from expensive high-end products to affordable ones.
Right in this article, we will give you what you need to know to choose a motorbike based on your needs, assisting you in purchasing a perfect product worth your money.
Factors That Affect How Much A Motorcycle Costs
First and foremost, you should acknowledge all of the components used in the manufacturing process in a motorbike and their general prices. These small elements may be inexpensive themselves, but the gross cost is much more significant when they come together.
Brand: Some renowned motorcycle brands have to pay lots of money for advertisement and also the effort to build up trust globally. When you buy a product, you partly pay that money too.
Engine Displacement: The price of a motorcycle greatly depends on the engine size. It displays the volume of fuel and air stored in the vehicle’s cylinders. Normally, engine displacement is measured by cubic centimeters (CCs). The larger it is, the more expensive the motorcycle is.
Body: If a motorcycle has a body made of high-quality materials or possesses a modern styling model, in other words, you pay for the endurance and its finishing; it will be definitely priced more.
Horsepower: This unit measures an engine’s power, usually regarding engine or motor output. The specifications and types of horsepower are various. The mechanical output or imperial horsepower (roughly 745.7 watts) and the metric output (around 735.5 watts) are two wide-known definitions.
The higher the horsepower is, the faster the motorcycle speeds up. Therefore, you may have to pay extra money to achieve high speed.
Newness: Just like any commodity, vehicles decrease in value gradually. So when it comes to the latest model, its cost may be around the top of the price list.
On the other hand, previous models existing a few years earlier will be on the lower payment, except some old models considered rare and served as a collectible.
Features: Some extra components mean extra cost. If you ever need the upgrades such as panniers, GPS, anti-lock braking, etc., you can consider purchasing them. They are convenient in some specific situations, and you may need a few of them but beware of your budget.
The motor engine
Move on to the next part, and we will look through many different kinds of motorcycles and the approximate price ranges for each of them. We also give you some model suggestions so you can compare and make up your mind.
Standard/Street Motorcycle
Overview
This street motorcycle category is motorcycles designed for moving on a flat road or a paved road. They feature smooth tires carved with some light tread markings and internal engines, usually up to 125cc. In general, street motorcycles have the ability to speed up to 160 km/h.
Recently, street motorcycles operated by electric engines are becoming popular, with some big brands such as Harley Davidson pioneering on the market.
There are many types of street motorcycles; among all, the standard ones are the most commonly used globally, so we will focus on this type only.
Standards, also called roadsters or naked bikes, are very versatile. Their signature position is the upright riding posture, which is similar to the cruisers’ reclining rider position and the downward position similar to the forward-leaning sportbikes.
Their footpegs are beneath the rider, along with the handlebars up on the chest to keep the rider in a fixed position without leaning forward.
The rider places the back and the shoulders straight like a natural sit-down posture. With the advantages of affordable price, flexibility, and the average engine power, standards are best suited for beginners.
The Ducati Monster 696
This standard type will not be paired with the windscreens or the fairings. Even if they have one of them, it may be somehow small. Many users call it “naked,” – a term referring to the road racing bikes in the 1950s.
In addition, the standard has become more appealing to customers in the early 21st century, with lots of modern motorcycle brands emerging worldwide like Honda, Triumph, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Ducati, and many more.
Generally, the standard motorcycle is famous for its versatility, unity, and quality. You can use it in city streets and other crowded places since it may meet the small and moderate power requirements.
There is another kind of motorbike fused from the standard and sport bike mechanism, the roadster. It focuses and prioritizes mainly on the engine power. In fact, it is still identical to standard ones.
Almost every brand provides a street scooter from normal to high-end, so you may have various products to choose from on any budget. In general, the cost will be higher with more modern equipment attached. Let’s take a quick glance at these products.
Some Popular Models And Their Prices
Entry Level:
The ideal price for a standard street motorcycle is around $4,000 to $8000 for the lowest budget, but quality comes along. Some models, such as the Honda CB300R ($4.940) or a bit more expensive like the Yamaha FZ-07 ($7.000), are worth considering.
The Yamaha FZ-07
Mid Level:
Up to this group, the price goes from $8,000 to $12,000. The Yamaha MT-07 ($7.600) is highly recommended, or the Triumph Street Triple ($9.400) and the Kawasaki Z1000 ($12.000) can not be missed on the list.
The Triumph Street Triple
High Level:
For the high level, make sure you have saved up around $12.000 and above because these products coming from luxury brands may blow your mind. The Kawasaki Z H2 ($17.550) or the Aprilia RSV4 RR ($16.500) may satisfy you.
The Kawasaki Z H2
Cruiser Motorcycle
Overview
Cruisers first appeared from the 1930s until the early 1960s, designed in the American machine’s style following the ideas of Harley-Davidson and Excelsior-Henderson brands.
Cruisers we see nowadays were heavily influenced by Harley-Davidson, with the distinctive features of strong displacement V-twin engines.
However, there are also alternative configurations of the engine and changeable size of displacement. Their motors are optimized for low-end driving performance, so you don’t need to shift and keep control of the motorcycle handlebars often.
The riding posture is to place the hands and the feet high and forward all the time. Your back will lean back a little. When the vehicle deals with average speeds, the rider may feel more comfortable than other riding postures.
However, when it comes to being on the road for a long time at high speeds, you probably will suffer from back pain because you have to fend off the air resistance against your front body. Since it doesn’t feature a ground clearance, cruisers may have difficulties on cornering.
Some common styles of cruisers are choppers, bobber, and power cruisers. First, the choppers, due to the fact that they are “chopped” versions of a normal one, are normally a modified project to serve the owner’s desires as a medal of achievement or creativity.
Typically, a chopper may include raked-out forks, higher handlebars, and smaller gas storage. This motorcycle type is perfect for the visual finish and collectible, with the cool and one-of-a-kind design. Therefore, choppers are not a very effective transporting vehicle.
The next cruiser is the bobber, based on the process of “bobbing” a normal bike while getting rid of bodywork and weight to decrease the total occupied area and boost up the performance. One of their signatures is the rear fender shortened, so it has a “bobbed” vibe.
The last one is the power cruiser. Its name refers to cruiser motorbikes having noticeably stronger levels of performance.
The upgraded equipment will do the work, such as the suspensions or the brakes, more efficient ground clearance, along with the supreme finish look. Plus, they also possess a unique design based on the ideas of owners.
Harley-Davidson’s cruiser motorcycle
Some Popular Models And Their Prices
How much should I pay for a motorcycle? Look at some of our suggestions below in every price range.
Entry Level:
Only with $5.000 to $8.000 can you buy a trendy cruiser, but they mostly do not come from domestic manufacturers. The Yamaha V-Star 250 ($4.340) or the Kawasaki Vulcan S ($7.000) are on top of this list.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S
Mid Level:
You will have more options when it comes to $8.000 to $12.000. Check out the Triumph America ($8.450) or the Harley-Davidson Softail Standard ($13.600). They are not going to let you down.
The Harley-Davidson Softail Standard
High Level:With the luxury cruiser class, you can consider the Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe ($18.550) and the Indian Vintage ($20.500). All worth the money.
The Indian Vintage
Sport Motorcycle
Overview
If you are a fan of speed, this type is an excellent choice. Sport motorcycles are road vehicles prioritizing braking, acceleration, grip, and speed. They have everything better than other types, including the affordable price and fuel efficiency.
As mentioned above, they emphasize the performance, so sportbikes boast the optimum internal engines, coming with a light frame.
Inline-four engines are at the top of speed, plus the V-twin displacement and extra performance booster equipment, making them dominant in sports vehicles. With highly efficient brakes and multi-piston calipers, this is a product with the potential to deal with all-terrain.
Moreover, the shock absorber system of this motorcycle is also complex. It comes with a windshield to reduce air resistance when the motorcycle goes at high speed, minimizing forces on the body.
Sport motorbikes have higher footpegs, and they are placed on the back, compared to standard ones. This design enhances the ground clearance for better cornering. The distance to the handlebars may be longer, making the body stay in the center, above the gas storage.
The riders will lean forward, creating the force against the wind at every speed rate. At low speeds, nevertheless, the posture increases the weight on wrists and whole arms, leading to exhaustion.
A typical sport motorbike
Some Popular Models And Their Prices
Below are some suggestions you can consider.
Entry Level:
From $5.000, take a look at the Yamaha YZF-R3 ($5.300) or the Kawasaki KLR650 ($6.600) with adequate low-budget performance.
The Yamaha YZF-R3
Mid Level:
This $8.000 to $12.000 price range has some highlight products, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS ($8.400) and the Honda CB600RR ($11.900), for example.
The Honda CB600RR
High Level:
Luxury sportbikes are above $12.000, like the Triumph Tiger 800XC ($12.500) and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 ($29.500).
The Kawasaki Ninja H2
Touring Motorcycle
Overview
Even though you can use any type of motorbike for touring, this vehicle is especially perfect to be on a long run and far distance.
Thanks to its large engine size, windscreen, and fairing, the vehicle will be protected from weather conditions and wind. Moreover, it has a large fuel tank, supplying enough energy for hundreds of miles at one time.
The riding position will be more comfortable with the upright seating posture. Plus, its passenger accommodation can be turned into luggage storage, helping the riders carry a large amount of possessions, approximately 590 to 640kg of loading ability.
People also call touring motorbikes “full dressers,” “baggers,” and “dressers.” Another special type of this category is the sport touring motorbike, a combination of sport bikes and the touring engine.
The riding position is more relaxing than the sportbike, making the long journey comfortable. It also has bigger passenger accommodation, increasing the capacity for storing luggage.
Plus, it is lighter than normal touring motorbikes, only about 260-350kg. Since it belongs to sport purposes, this vehicle has bonus suspensions, better brakes, and stronger engines, helping it corner excellently and offering smooth ride on curvy roads.
The line between touring and sport touring is not very evident, creating confusion when some manufacturers list one bike in either category on other markets.
This motor type is a wonderful accompaniment in any trip
Some Popular Models And Their Prices
Touring bikes are often more expensive than others with more equipment and quality material.
Entry Level:
At the lowest rate, prepare yourself around $10.000 to $18.000. The Honda NM4 ($11.000) is a good choice, or maybe the BMW R1250GS ($18.000) is also perfect for any road.
The BMW R1250GS
Mid Level:
This range is from $18.000 to $23.000. With this budget, you will possess all the best functions of touring motorcycles.
Take a look at the Harley-Davidson Touring Road King ($18.750). If you love the classic design, don’t forget the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS ($17.400) and the Yamaha Star Eluder ($22.500).
The Yamaha Star Eluder
High Level:
Above $23.000, all these products are on the next level. The Honda Gold Wing Audio Navi XM ($26.900) or even the supreme Indian Roadmaster ($30.000) are no joke.
The Honda Gold Wing Audio Navi XM
Adventure/Dual-Sport Motorcycle
Overview
Dual-sport motorcycle, or on/off-road motorcycles, is a street vehicle designed to deal with off-road circumstances. It is developed according to a dirt bike frame, with some added features such as mirrors, lights, and other instruments to be legalized on the public streets.
Its overall height is greater than other bikes above, even with the tall seat, providing adequate suspension travel on rugged terrain while maintaining the gravity at the center.
Adventure motorcycles are a vehicle capable of traveling on both unpaved and paved streets. Even belonging to the dual-sport type, they can show their full ability on the pavement at such a higher rate of speed than normal dual-sports.
On the other hand, their weight, tires, and size hinder them from showing off their off-road ability. The majority of adventure motorcycles perform admirably on dirty streets and gravel roads, but they struggle in more tough off-road conditions.
Another dual-sport type is supermoto motorcycles, created to combine all three different motorcycle racing motorbikes: motocross, road racing, and track racing. With such a multi-purpose vehicle, they gradually become favorable.
In short, they are a dual-sport with road tires and smaller rims. Thanks to their combination of low cost, low weight, athletic performance, and durability, supermotos quickly became popular.
Perfect for exploring an area
Some Popular Models And Their Prices
Let’s check on some awesome products here. Overall, it is not as expensive as other types due to its simplicity.
Entry Level:
From $2.000, you can get one of the modern models, like the Honda CRF125F ($2.800). The bigger the engine size, the higher the price, just like the Honda CRF250L ($5.000).
The Honda CRF250L
Mid Level:
The Yamaha WR250R ($6.700) will be a perfect choice for this range. If you look for a powerful performance, maybe the Triumph Tiger 800 ($12.000) can satisfy you.
The Triumph Tiger 800
High Level:
With around $9.000, you can own a luxury one, like a KTM 450 SX-F ($9.300). A slightly higher budget can aim at the Yamaha Super Tenere ($16.300), possessing all the features without adding anything.
The Yamaha Super Tenere
Safety Equipment
When buying a motorbike, you need to spend an extra amount of money to buy protective gear because these vehicles move at high speed, with a high risk of accidents. To lessen the damage, you definitely need to prepare the safety equipment.
The price to own a full set of safety equipment is usually 1/3 or half the price of a motorcycle. Usually, the average cost will be from $200 to $1.500, depending on the quality and budget.
These protective gear should be in new condition, increasing safety protection. The impact resistance is no longer good with used goods, so buy a new one to keep yourself safe. Below are some gears you can consider buying, based on your demand.
A helmet: A quality helmet may cost you around $200 to $700. However, it is advisable that you buy a durable and quality helmet because your head is prone to injury when riding a motorcycle. In this range, helmets are qualified for protection.
The price differences are based on the design, weight, and comfort. So you can freely choose a good one that best suits your financial status.
Gloves: Gloves have the function of protecting your hand from exposure to weather, especially when you have to ride a long distance. They cost about $60 to $300.
Boots: Boost can fully cover your feet and prevent you from being crippled after accidents. Don’t use sneakers since they are not durable enough to be rubbed fricted on the road. A good pair of boots made from qualified materials lies between $150 to $250.
Riding suit: Including pants and shirt. This suit will perfectly cover your body and protect you from weather, sands, and dirt in the air. Only around $200 to $500, and you can possess it right away.
Body armor, elbow/knee guards (optional): It costs you $250 to $600 to get a full set. If you are a beginner, you have to get used to riding motorbikes, and it takes time to practice. These gears give you extra protection just in case you are not confident in your ability.
Conclusion
So how much should I pay for a motorcycle? Prepare yourself a budget around $4.000 to $7.000 for a new motorbike, and an added amount of money, from $2.000 for other insurances.
Go to moto shops, touch and feel the material of the product in person. Of course, don’t forget to do research online or ask your family and friends for more information in advance to make the right choice. Thank you for visiting and reading MotorcycelClick’s article!
