Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycling: Cost of Ownership

💰 Motorcycle Cost of Ownership

Buying a bike is just the beginning. Gear, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and depreciation all add up — and vary by country, engine size, and model year.

Many new riders focus only on the sticker price of the motorcycle. In reality, the true cost of ownership includes
gear, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and depreciation. Over a few years, these recurring expenses can easily
exceed the initial purchase price. Total Motorcycle’s Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycling: Cost of Ownership guide breaks down the six major cost categories, with a focus on the USA and Canada, plus notes on Europe.
We’ll compare small (125–400cc), mid-size (401–800cc), and large (801–1300cc) bikes, and highlight how model year (new vs. 5‑year‑old vs. 10‑year‑old) affects depreciation.
By the end, you’ll see how the “cheap” bike can still cost thousands per year once everything is factored in.

2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 RS

1. 🏍️ Bike Purchase

The Challenge: The upfront cost varies widely by engine size, brand, and whether you buy new or used.
Taxes, registration, and dealer fees can add 10–15% on top of MSRP, especially in Canada.

🚫 Myth‑busting: “A used bike is always cheaper in the long run.”

Reality: While used bikes cost less upfront, they may need immediate maintenance (tires, chain, fluids) that narrows the gap.
New bikes depreciate faster in the first 2–3 years, but often come with warranties and lower initial upkeep.

✅ Rider Strategies

  • Set aside 10–20% of purchase price for immediate maintenance or upgrades
  • Compare financing vs. cash — interest can add thousands over the loan term
  • Factor in taxes, registration, and dealer fees (higher in Canada than USA)
  • Check depreciation curves — a 5‑year‑old mid‑size often offers the best value

🛠️ DIY Drill

Pick three bikes you’re considering (e.g., 300cc, 650cc, 1000cc). Add tax, registration, and a $500 “first service” buffer.
Compare totals — you’ll see how quickly the real cost rises above MSRP.

Region 250–300cc (New) 650cc (5 yrs old) 1000cc (New)
USA $5,000–$6,500 $5,500–$7,500 $12,000–$18,000
Canada $6,000–$7,500 $6,500–$9,000 $14,000–$20,000
Europe €4,500–€6,000 €5,000–€7,000 €13,000–€18,000

🏍️ Insight: Small bikes are cheapest upfront but lose value fastest in percentage terms.
Mid‑size bikes often hit the sweet spot of affordability, performance, and slower depreciation.

2. 🧥 Riding Gear

The Challenge: Proper gear is non‑negotiable for safety, but beginners often underestimate the cost of a full kit.

🚫 Myth‑busting: “I’ll just buy a helmet and ride.”

Reality: A safe setup includes helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots — often costing as much as a small bike.

✅ Rider Strategies

  • Budget $800–$1,500 USD (USA) / $1,000–$1,800 CAD (Canada) for a full starter kit
  • Prioritize helmet quality (DOT/ECE/SNELL certified)
  • Buy gear in stages if needed, but never skip core protection

🛠️ DIY Drill

Make a gear checklist (helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, boots). Price each item new vs. used. Record totals — you’ll see how fast it adds up.

Region Helmet Full Kit (Entry) Full Kit (Premium)
USA $200–$600 $800–$1,200 $1,500–$2,500
Canada $250–$700 $1,000–$1,500 $1,800–$2,800
Europe/Asia €200–€500 / ¥30k–¥60k €900–€1,400 €1,600–€2,500

2026 Bimota KB4RC

3. 🛡️ Insurance

The Challenge: Insurance is often the biggest recurring cost, especially for younger riders or larger engines.

🚫 Myth‑busting: “Insurance is cheap if the bike is small.”

Reality: Age, location, driving record, and coverage level matter as much as engine size.

✅ Rider Strategies

  • Get quotes before buying — a 600cc sportbike can cost more to insure than a 1000cc cruiser
  • Bundle with auto/home insurance for discounts
  • Consider liability‑only for older, low‑value bikes

🛠️ DIY Drill

Run online quotes for three bikes (250cc, 650cc, 1000cc). Compare premiums for liability vs. full coverage. Record the spread.

Region 250–300cc (Age 30) 650cc (Age 25) 1000cc Sportbike (Age 20)
USA $250–$500/yr $600–$1,200/yr $2,000–$4,000/yr
Canada $400–$700/yr $800–$1,500/yr $2,500–$5,000/yr
Europe/Asia €200–€400 / ¥40k–¥70k €600–€1,000 €1,500–€3,000

4. 🛠️ Maintenance

The Challenge: Routine maintenance is often underestimated. Tires, chains, fluids, and valve checks add up quickly.

🚫 Myth‑busting: “Motorcycles are cheap to maintain compared to cars.”

Reality: Per mile, bikes often cost more — tires wear faster, chains need frequent service, and labor rates are similar to cars.

✅ Rider Strategies

  • Budget $300–$600 USD / $400–$800 CAD annually for routine service
  • DIY oil changes and chain service to cut costs in half
  • Expect higher costs for sportbikes (tires every 5–8k miles / 8–12k km)

🛠️ DIY Drill

Price out a set of tires, chain/sprockets, and an oil change for your bike. Add labor if you don’t DIY. Record the total — that’s your “annual baseline.”

Region Oil Change (Shop) Tires (Set) Valve Check
USA $80–$150 $300–$500 $400–$800
Canada $100–$180 $350–$550 $500–$900
Europe/Asia €70–€120 / ¥10k–¥15k €250–€450 €350–€700

2026 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS

5. ⛽ Fuel

The Challenge: Bikes are fuel‑efficient, but costs vary by engine size, riding style, and regional gas prices.

🚫 Myth‑busting: “All motorcycles get amazing gas mileage.”

Reality: A 250cc commuter may get 70 mpg (3.5 L/100 km), while a 1000cc sportbike can drop below 35 mpg (7 L/100 km).

✅ Rider Strategies

  • Log your real‑world mpg/L per 100 km — don’t trust brochure numbers
  • Factor in premium fuel (many bikes require it)
  • Compare annual mileage × fuel economy × local gas price

🛠️ DIY Drill

Track your next three fill‑ups. Calculate average mpg/L per 100 km. Multiply by your annual mileage to estimate yearly fuel cost.

Region 250cc (70 mpg / 3.5 L/100 km) 650cc (50 mpg / 4.7 L/100 km) 1000cc (35 mpg / 7 L/100 km)
USA (avg $3.80/gal) $325/yr (6k mi) $450/yr $650/yr
Canada (avg $1.70/L) $400/yr (10k km) $600/yr $900/yr
Europe (avg €1.80/L) €500/yr (10k km) €750/yr €1,100/yr

🏍️ Cost #6 (Depreciation)

Notes: Prices are illustrative USA/Canada averages for new MSRP and typical 3–5 year used market. Depreciation = (new − used) / new. Use your local market for final numbers.

🏍️ Small Bikes (125–400cc) — Part 1

Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2024 Honda Grom 125 $3,799 $3,000 21%
2024 Kawasaki Z125 Pro $3,749 $2,900 23%
2024 Yamaha MT-03 $4,999 $4,000 20%
2024 KTM 390 Duke $5,899 $4,600 22%
2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 $5,899 $4,700 20%
2024 Suzuki GSX250R $4,999 $3,900 22%
2024 Honda CB300R $5,149 $4,200 18%
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 400 $5,699 $4,600 19%
2024 Yamaha YZF-R3 $5,499 $4,400 20%
2024 KTM RC 390 $6,799 $5,200 24%
2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 $3,999 $3,300 18%
2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350 $4,599 $3,700 20%
2023 CF Moto 300NK $4,199 $3,400 19%
2023 Benelli TNT 302S $4,299 $3,400 21%
2024 Honda Rebel 300 $4,849 $3,900 20%
2024 Kawasaki Z400 $5,399 $4,300 20%
2022 Honda CRF300L $5,399 $4,400 18%
2022 Yamaha WR250R $6,699 $5,600 16%
2024 Suzuki DR200S $4,999 $4,000 20%
Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2024 Yamaha XT250 $5,399 $4,400 18%
2023 Kawasaki KLX300 $5,899 $4,700 20%
2024 Honda Monkey 125 $4,299 $3,500 19%
2024 KTM 250 Duke $4,799 $3,800 21%
2023 CF Moto 300SS $4,599 $3,700 20%
2023 Honda CBR300R $4,899 $3,900 20%
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 $5,899 $4,700 20%
2022 Suzuki DR-Z400S $7,199 $5,700 21%
2022 Yamaha MT-03 $4,799 $3,900 19%
2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 $5,399 $4,300 20%
2021 Honda CRF250L $5,249 $4,200 20%
Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2021 KTM 390 Adventure $6,699 $5,200 22%
2021 BMW G 310 R $4,995 $4,000 20%
2021 BMW G 310 GS $5,695 $4,600 19%
2022 Honda ADV150 $4,299 $3,500 19%
2023 Yamaha Zuma 125 $3,799 $3,000 21%
2022 Honda PCX150 $3,799 $3,100 18%
2024 Piaggio Liberty 150 $3,299 $2,700 18%
2024 Vespa Primavera 150 $5,749 $4,700 18%
2023 Kawasaki W175 $2,999 $2,500 17%
2023 Honda CB350 $3,899 $3,200 18%
2021 KTM RC 390 $5,549 $4,400 21%
2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 $5,399 $4,300 20%
2022 Benelli Leoncino 250 $3,999 $3,200 20%
2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 $4,999 $4,000 20%
2020 Kawasaki Z400 $4,999 $4,000 20%

2024 Honda CBR650R

🏍️ Mid-Size Bikes (401–800cc)

Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2024 Yamaha MT-07 $8,199 $6,600 19%
2024 Kawasaki Z650 $7,549 $6,000 21%
2024 Suzuki SV650 $7,399 $5,900 20%
2024 Honda CB650R $9,399 $7,600 19%
2024 Honda CBR650R $9,899 $8,000 19%
2024 Triumph Trident 660 $8,595 $7,000 19%
2024 Aprilia RS 660 $11,499 $9,200 20%
2024 Aprilia Tuono 660 $10,499 $8,600 18%
2024 Yamaha XSR700 $8,899 $7,100 20%
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 650 $8,299 $6,700 19%
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT $9,599 $7,700 20%
2024 BMW F 800 GS $12,495 $10,200 18%
2023 BMW F 750 GS $10,595 $8,700 18%
2023 KTM 790 Duke $9,199 $7,300 21%
2023 KTM 690 Enduro R $12,999 $10,500 19%
2023 Yamaha Ténéré 700 $10,499 $8,800 16%
2022 Honda NC750X $8,499 $7,000 18%
2022 Suzuki GSX-S750 $8,549 $7,000 18%
2022 Triumph Street Twin 900 $9,700 $8,000 18%
2021 Ducati Monster 797 $9,295 $7,400 20%
Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2021 Yamaha MT-07 $7,699 $6,200 19%
2021 Kawasaki Z650 $7,249 $5,900 19%
2021 Suzuki SV650 $7,099 $5,700 20%
2021 Honda CB650R $9,099 $7,400 19%
2021 Triumph Trident 660 $8,295 $6,800 18%
2021 Aprilia RS 660 $11,299 $9,000 20%
2020 Yamaha XSR700 $8,499 $6,900 19%
2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 $7,799 $6,200 21%
2020 Suzuki V-Strom 650 $8,799 $7,000 20%
2020 BMW F 900 R $8,995 $7,200 20%
2020 BMW F 900 XR $11,695 $9,400 20%
2020 KTM 790 Duke $8,999 $7,200 20%
2020 KTM 690 SMC R $11,899 $9,600 19%
2019 Yamaha MT-07 $7,599 $6,000 21%
2019 Kawasaki Z650 $7,099 $5,800 18%
Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2019 Suzuki SV650 $7,099 $5,600 21%
2019 Honda CB650R $8,999 $7,300 19%
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler 900 $10,900 $8,800 19%
2019 Aprilia Shiver 900 $9,399 $7,600 19%
2018 Yamaha XSR700 $8,499 $6,800 20%
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 $7,699 $6,100 21%
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT $9,099 $7,300 20%
2018 BMW F 800 R $9,495 $7,700 19%
2018 KTM 790 Duke $8,999 $7,200 20%
2018 Ducati Monster 797 $9,295 $7,500 19%
2017 Yamaha FZ-07 $6,999 $5,600 20%
2017 Kawasaki Z650 $7,099 $5,700 20%
2017 Suzuki SV650 $6,999 $5,600 20%
2017 Triumph Street Twin $9,400 $7,600 19%
2017 BMW F 800 GS $12,295 $10,000 19%

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

🏍️ Large Bikes (801–1300+cc)

Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2024 Yamaha MT-09 $10,599 $8,600 19%
2024 Kawasaki Z900 $9,799 $8,000 18%
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000 $11,699 $9,500 19%
2024 Honda CB1000R $12,999 $10,600 18%
2024 BMW S 1000 R $14,995 $12,100 19%
2024 Ducati Monster 1200 $14,995 $12,200 19%
2024 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS $18,895 $15,500 18%
2024 KTM 1290 Super Duke R $19,999 $16,200 19%
2024 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 $17,999 $14,700 18%
2024 Yamaha YZF-R1 $17,999 $14,800 18%
2024 Kawasaki ZX-10R $17,799 $14,600 18%
2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000 $16,299 $13,200 19%
2024 BMW R 1250 GS $17,995 $15,200 15%
2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide $23,949 $20,500 14%
2024 Indian Chieftain $22,999 $19,800 14%
2024 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello $15,490 $12,800 17%
2024 Zero SR/F (electric) $19,995 $15,800 21%
2023 Yamaha MT-10 $14,199 $11,600 18%
2023 Kawasaki Z1000 $11,999 $9,800 18%
2023 Suzuki Hayabusa 1340 $18,799 $15,600 17%
Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2023 Honda Africa Twin 1100 $14,499 $12,200 16%
2023 BMW R 1250 RT $19,695 $16,600 16%
2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 $23,295 $19,500 16%
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro $19,499 $16,300 16%
2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S $20,499 $17,000 17%
2022 Yamaha YZF-R1 $17,399 $14,300 18%
2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R $16,399 $13,400 18%
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 $11,499 $9,400 18%
2022 Honda CB1000R $12,999 $10,700 18%
2022 BMW S 1000 XR $17,295 $14,300 17%
2022 Ducati Streetfighter V4 $19,995 $16,500 17%
2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS $18,300 $15,000 18%
2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT $19,799 $16,300 18%
2021 Yamaha MT-09 $9,399 $7,700 18%
2021 Kawasaki Z900 $8,999 $7,400 18%
2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000 $15,799 $13,000 18%
2021 Honda Africa Twin $14,399 $12,000 17%
2021 BMW R 1250 GS $17,995 $15,200 15%
2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 $22,095 $18,700 15%
2021 Triumph Tiger 1200 $16,500 $14,100 15%
Year Make Model New Cost Used Cost Depreciation (%)
2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure $19,499 $16,400 16%
2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 $17,399 $14,200 18%
2020 Kawasaki ZX-10R $16,399 $13,400 18%
2020 Suzuki Hayabusa $17,999 $15,000 17%
2020 Honda CB1000R $12,999 $10,700 18%
2020 BMW S 1000 R $13,995 $11,500 18%
2020 Ducati Monster 1200 $14,995 $12,200 19%
2020 Triumph Speed Triple 1050 $12,999 $10,700 18%
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R $18,999 $15,600 18%
2019 Yamaha MT-09 $8,999 $7,300 19%
2019 Kawasaki Z900 $8,999 $7,400 18%
2019 Suzuki GSX-S1000 $11,299 $9,200 19%
2019 Honda Africa Twin 1000 $13,599 $11,200 18%
2019 BMW S 1000 XR $16,895 $13,800 18%
2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 $20,995 $17,000 19%
2019 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT $18,700 $15,200 19%
2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R $18,999 $15,500 18%
2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 $16,999 $13,800 19%
2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R $15,999 $13,000 19%
2018 Suzuki GSX-R1000 $15,799 $12,900 18%

💵 Total Cost Snapshot — Annual Motorcycle Ownership

This table shows the average yearly cost of ownership for small (125–400cc), mid-size (401–800cc),
and large (801–1300cc) motorcycles. It includes purchase amortization, gear, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and depreciation.
Figures are approximate and vary by rider age, location, and riding style.

Region Small Bike
(125–400cc)
Mid-Size Bike
(401–800cc)
Large Bike
(801–1300cc)
USA $3,500–$5,000 / yr $5,500–$7,500 / yr $7,500–$10,000 / yr
Canada $4,000–$5,500 / yr $6,000–$8,500 / yr $8,500–$11,000 / yr
Europe €3,800–€5,200 / yr €6,000–€8,000 / yr €8,500–€11,500 / yr

🏍️ Note: Small bikes save on fuel and insurance, but depreciation is higher in percentage terms.
Large bikes hold value better, but insurance and maintenance dominate costs.

How These Numbers Were Built

Purchase Amortization: Spread over 5 years (small ~$1k/yr, mid ~$1.5k/yr, large ~$2.5k/yr).

Gear: Averaged at $300–$500/yr (assuming replacement every 4–5 years).

Insurance: Ranges from $300/yr (small, older rider, USA) to $5,000/yr (young rider, large sportbike, Canada).

Maintenance: $300–$800/yr depending on bike size and DIY vs shop.

Fuel: $300–$1,100/yr depending on engine size and region’s gas prices.

Depreciation: 15–20% first year, then ~8–10% annually, averaged into yearly cost.

✅ With this snapshot table, a new rider can instantly see that the true cost of ownership is often double the sticker price once everything is factored in.

 

2026 Ducati Panigale V4 Lamborghini

📊 Stacked Cost Breakdown — Annual Motorcycle Ownership

This breakdown shows average yearly costs by category. Figures assume typical riders (age 25–40) with moderate mileage.
Costs vary by age, location, and bike type.

Category USA — Small (125–400cc) USA — Mid (401–800cc) USA — Large (801–1300cc) Canada — Small Canada — Mid Canada — Large Europe — Small Europe — Mid Europe — Large
Purchase (Amortized) $1,000 $1,500 $2,500 $1,200 $1,800 $2,800 €1,000 €1,600 €2,600
Gear (Annualized) $300 $400 $500 $350 $450 $550 €300 €400 €500
Insurance $400 $900 $2,500 $600 $1,200 $3,500 €350 €800 €2,000
Maintenance $300 $500 $800 $400 $600 $900 €350 €550 €850
Fuel $325 $450 $650 $400 $600 $900 €500 €750 €1,100
Depreciation $1,200 $1,800 $2,000 $1,400 $2,000 $2,300 €1,300 €1,900 €2,200
Total (Approx) $3,500 $5,550 $8,950 $4,350 $6,650 $10,950 €3,800 €6,000 €9,250

🏍️ Insight: Insurance dominates costs for young riders on large bikes, while depreciation is the biggest hidden cost for small bikes.
Fuel and maintenance remain relatively modest compared to the “big three” (purchase, insurance, depreciation).

🔎 How to Read The Above Table

Purchase (Amortized): Spread over ~5 years.

Gear: Annualized replacement cost (helmet every 5 years, jacket/pants every 5–7 years).

Insurance: Based on average 25–40 year old rider, clean record.

Maintenance: Tires, oil, chain, valve checks.

Fuel: 6,000 mi / 10,000 km per year average.

Depreciation: Averaged over first 5 years.

 

 

🧭 The Real Price of Riding

Owning a motorcycle is about more than the sticker price. From gear and insurance to maintenance, fuel, and depreciation, the true cost of riding is a layered picture that varies by region, engine size, and even rider age.In the USA, a small bike can be kept on the road for under $5,000 per year, while a large sportbike or touring machine can easily exceed $10,000 annually once all costs are factored in.
Canadian riders face higher insurance and taxes, while European riders often pay more for fuel but benefit from strong resale values on certain models.The takeaway? Budget realistically and holistically. A motorcycle is freedom on two wheels,
but financial surprises can sour the experience if you only plan for the purchase price. By understanding the full cost of ownership, you’ll ride with confidence — knowing you’ve accounted for every dollar, euro, or loonie that goes into your passion.

🏍️ Smart riders don’t just buy a bike — they invest in the lifestyle, the safety, and the long-term joy of riding.

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Michael Le Pard

2026 Newest Bike Reviews

TMW 2026 Motorcycle Model Review Guides