Owning a motorcycle in the UK is often seen as a cheaper alternative to owning a car.
However, there are many hidden costs involved in keeping a motorcycle on the road.
From the purchase price to insurance, tax, fuel, maintenance, and gear, the true cost of owning a motorcycle is not always immediately clear.
This guide breaks down the true cost of owning a motorcycle in the UK, providing insights into the various expenses involved.
1. Purchase Price of a Motorcycle
The first and most obvious cost is the price of the motorcycle itself. The price can vary widely based on the type of bike and its condition.
- New Motorcycles:
- Basic models like a Yamaha YBR 125 or Honda CBR 500R can cost between £2,500 to £5,000.
- Mid-range bikes such as the Kawasaki Ninja 650 or Yamaha MT-07 can range from £5,500 to £9,000.
- Premium motorcycles (e.g., Ducati, BMW) can cost upwards of £10,000 to £20,000 or more, depending on the model and specs.
- Used Motorcycles:
- A used bike can be much cheaper. Depending on age and condition, prices can range from £1,000 to £4,000 for a reliable second-hand bike.
- Older models or those in need of repairs may be available for even less, but they might come with higher maintenance costs.
2. Motorcycle Insurance
Insurance is a major ongoing cost for any vehicle, and motorcycles are no exception. The cost of insurance varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of bike, your age, riding experience, and location.
- Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance:
- For new riders, insurance costs can be quite high. For example, a young rider (under 25) on a small, low-powered bike may pay around £500 to £800 per year.
- Experienced riders with no claims history on a medium-powered bike (e.g., 600cc) may pay between £250 to £600 annually.
- Premium models or high-performance motorcycles can increase insurance premiums. Expect to pay around £600 to £1,500 per year, depending on the bike.
- Factors That Affect Insurance:
- Age & Experience: Younger, less experienced riders pay significantly higher premiums.
- Bike Type: Larger, more expensive bikes cost more to insure.
- Location: If you live in an area with higher theft rates, your premiums may be higher.
- Security: Fitting a motorbike with security features such as alarms, trackers, and disc locks can help lower your premium.
3. Motorcycle Tax (Road Tax)
In the UK, road tax for motorcycles is significantly cheaper than for cars. The cost is based on the engine size and CO2 emissions of the motorcycle.
- For smaller motorcycles (up to 150cc):
The tax is typically around £20 to £30 per year. - For larger motorcycles (over 600cc):
The annual tax is generally between £50 and £100. However, it can go higher depending on the emissions. - Electric Motorcycles:
Electric bikes have a zero-road tax for the first year, and after that, the tax is around £20 to £30 per year.
4. Fuel Costs
Motorcycles are generally more fuel-efficient than cars. However, fuel costs can still add up over time. The fuel consumption of a motorcycle depends on the model and how often you ride.
- Average Fuel Efficiency:
- Small bikes (125cc) can achieve between 60 to 100 mpg (miles per gallon).
- Larger bikes (600cc) average around 40 to 60 mpg.
- Sportbikes and larger engines may average around 30 to 50 mpg.
- Fuel Price:
- The average cost of petrol in the UK is approximately £1.45 per litre (as of 2025).
- For a 600cc bike, if you’re covering 5,000 miles per year, expect to spend about £350 to £450 annually on fuel. Smaller bikes will be less, with costs closer to £150 to £250 annually.
5. Maintenance and Repairs
Motorcycles require regular maintenance, just like cars. The cost of maintaining a motorcycle can vary depending on its age, make, and model.
- Routine Maintenance:
- Oil changes, brake pads, air filters, and tyre replacements are regular costs for any bike. Expect to pay about £50 to £150 for an oil change and £100 to £250 for tyre replacements (depending on the quality of the tyres).
- Chain maintenance (cleaning and lubing) can cost around £10 to £30 annually.
- Servicing:
- A basic service (oil change, brake check, tyre inspection) costs between £100 to £250.
- More extensive servicing, such as for a sports bike, can cost upwards of £300 to £500.
- Repairs:
- Common repairs like brake replacements or fixing electrical issues can cost £50 to £300, depending on the severity.
- Major repairs, such as engine or gearbox problems, could run into the £1,000 to £2,000 range.
6. Motorcycle Gear
While not technically a cost of owning the motorcycle itself, buying the proper gear is essential for safety. Gear costs can vary depending on the quality and type of equipment.
- Helmet:
A good-quality helmet can cost between £50 to £300. Premium models with advanced safety features and aerodynamics can exceed £500. - Clothing:
- A decent set of gloves will cost between £20 and £100.
- Motorcycle jackets and trousers typically range from £100 to £400 for good protection.
- Other Gear:
Additional accessories like boots, knee guards, and elbow guards can add another £50 to £200.
7. Additional Costs
There are other costs that riders should be aware of, including:
- Parking: In cities, parking a motorcycle can be cheaper than parking a car. Motorcycle parking costs range from £0.50 to £3 per day, depending on location.
- Storage: If you need to store your motorcycle, costs for a garage or secure parking can range from £50 to £150 per month, depending on the location.
- Accessories and Modifications: Personalising your bike with accessories such as saddlebags, custom exhausts, or performance upgrades can range from £100 to £1,000 or more.
Total Annual Cost of Owning a Motorcycle in the UK
Based on the factors above, here’s an estimate of the total annual cost of owning a motorcycle in the UK:
- Small Bike (e.g., 125cc):
- Insurance: £250
- Road Tax: £30
- Fuel: £150
- Maintenance: £100
- Gear (amortized over several years): £50
- Total: £580 per year
- Medium-Sized Bike (e.g., 600cc):
- Insurance: £500
- Road Tax: £50
- Fuel: £350
- Maintenance: £150
- Gear: £100
- Total: £1,150 per year
- Premium Bike (e.g., 1,000cc):
- Insurance: £1,000
- Road Tax: £100
- Fuel: £450
- Maintenance: £300
- Gear: £150
- Total: £2,000 per year
Conclusion
Owning a motorcycle in the UK can be a cost-effective way to get around, but it’s important to factor in all the expenses involved.
The true cost of owning a motorcycle varies based on the type of bike, insurance, tax, maintenance, and gear. For a basic 125cc bike, you could spend around £580 annually, whereas owning a premium bike could cost you around £2,000 or more per year.
Before buying a motorcycle, make sure to consider not just the upfront cost, but also the ongoing expenses.
Regular maintenance, fuel, insurance, and gear are all part of the ownership experience.
Understanding these costs will help you make an informed decision and keep your motorcycle safely on the road.
