The Full Cost of Buying a Motorcycle

Deciding to buy a motorcycle is an exciting step! However, before you can enjoy cruising down the city streets on your new ride, you should be aware that there are some significant costs when it comes to having and maintaining a bike. We at St. Charles Harley-Davidson have taken the time to round up all the costs of owning a motorcycle so that you can fully prepare yourself and your budget for your purchase. Keep reading to learn more, then visit our dealership in St. Charles, Missouri, to check out our incredible selection of Harley® motorcycles for sale.

Sticker Price

While owning a bike is about more than just the sticker price, the upfront cost is also important. It’s arguably one of the easiest numbers to figure out. Keep in mind that certain features can make one model more expensive than others. Engines tend to drive up the price, and heavy-duty models will often be more expensive. While new motorcycles for beginners usually cost between $5,000 and $10,000, bikes for experienced riders fall in the $10,000 - $35,000 price range.

Taxes and Registration

There will likely be a number of fees that will be added to the sticker price or will otherwise come up before you leave the lot. This includes sales tax, registration fees, which can be either a one-time fee or an annual renewal fee, insurance, etc.

Financing

Unless you’re paying with cash, you’ll likely be taking a loan. This will involve monthly payments over the course of a set period of time, and generally, it means setting aside a down payment. You’ll need to figure out what you can afford to pay on a monthly basis and then ask our financing department how that may impact the bikes you’ll be looking at.

Fuel

Gas will typically cost around $300 a year. This cost will change depending on several factors like your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency, how fast you tend to drive, and how often you use your bike. Make sure to keep your tires in good shape, tread and air pressure-wise, to increase your fuel efficiency.

Maintenance

Maintenance costs tend to fall around the $1000 mark every year. This includes regular maintenance like cleaning, oil changes, and repairs. If you purchased a used bike or if it’s a higher-end model, these repairs will likely be more expensive.

We hope that this guide has been informative and that you feel more comfortable knowing the full costs of owning a motorcycle. If you have any other questions or you are in the market for a bike, let us know at St. Charles Harley-Davidson. You’ll find us in St. Charles, Missouri, where we proudly serve all those from St. Louis and St. Peters.