What Does it Actually Cost to Own a Motorcycle?
If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about cruising down abandoned highways or getting a rush of adrenaline, you’ve probably dreamt about owning a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. It’s definitely a big dream for many people, but usually there is hesitation when it comes to the actual cost of owning your own motorcycle. Our team at J&L Harley-Davidson® is here to shed some light on the financial responsibilities of having your own bike!
1. The Bike Itself
Obviously the first big milestone of becoming a motorcycle owner is to actually purchase the bike. The asking price of a motorcycle is highly dependent on the manufacturer, model year, style, power, and features.
When you finance a motorcycle, you’ll need a down payment and you’ll have to budget for the monthly payments and interest rate of the loan. It’s also important to think about your skill level when you decide what option is best for you; if you anticipate needing to upgrade to a more powerful model within a few years, you may want to consider a used option.
2. The Additional Parts of Buying
Along with the initial purchase, there will be a few additional things to budget for during the time of sale. Insurance, registration fees, and any required coursework should be included in your numbers!
If this is your first motorcycle, you may need to complete a riding course and testing to acquire your motorcycle endorsement. Yes, you have to have a separate certification on your driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle!
You also have to complete registration and set up an insurance policy at the same time as the sale. These costs can often be lumped in with the loan, but it’s important to be aware of them.
3. The Riding Gear
Again, when it comes to owning a motorcycle, you also have to own the appropriate riding gear. In the most basic circumstances you’ll need a helmet, gloves, riding shoes, and a jacket. You may also need to purchase gear for the motorcycle itself, like saddle bags or a windshield.
When you choose a motorcycle you can look for the features you want, but you will definitely have to make a separate purchase for all the safety gear!
4. Maintenance and Fuel
Even if you buy a brand new model, over time you will have to perform maintenance and repairs on your motorcycle. This cost, along with the cost of fuel, will be the most obvious recurring cost for you beyond the actual purchase of the bike. The model type, age, and frequency of use will play a role in the total amount you’ll spend on general upkeep.
In our opinion the small costs of ownership don’t even come close to the pure bliss of hitting the open road! Visit us in Sioux Falls, SD, to view our inventory. We proudly serve Watertown and Brookings.