Is a Motorcycle Really Worth the Cost?
July 5, 2024 | Motorcycle Accidents
Are you considering buying a motorcycle? In many ways, motorcycles are more affordable than cars. Gasoline, maintenance, and repairs are more affordable, allowing you to potentially save hundreds every year on the cost of commuting to work alone.
Of course, riding a motorcycle can cost more than money. Here’s what you should know about the cost of riding a motorcycle to help you make an informed decision.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Cost?
Before pulling the trigger and buying a motorcycle, make sure you’re aware of the full cost of ownership. Here are important costs to consider.
For a starter bike, you’ll probably pay around $4,000 to $7,000. Most motorcycles are priced between $6,000 and $15,000. High-end luxury models may start at $30,000.
The type of motorcycle you want will affect the cost too.
Sport bikes can be very expensive, but touring motorcycles have one of the highest entry-level costs:
- Standard motorcycles: $5,000 to $20,000 ($8,000 average)
- Sport bikes: $5,000 to $40,000 ($9,000 average)
- Cruiser motorcycles: $4,500 to $24,000 ($12,000 average)
- Touring motorcycles: $13,000 to $44,000 ($22,000 average)
- Adventure or dual sport motorcycles: $6,000 to $20,000 ($10,000 average)
You can save money by buying a used motorcycle. You can find great bikes priced under $3,000.
How Much Safety Gear Costs
Only motorcycle riders and passengers under 18 are required by Arizona law to wear a helmet. However, it’s one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of serious injury. A good motorcycle helmet usually costs $100 to $500, but high-end helmets can cost up to $1,000 or more. Other riding gear, such as a jacket, gloves, and boots, can easily cost another $600 or more.
The Cost of Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcyclists are required to carry liability insurance like other motorists. The minimum coverage limits in Arizona are $25,000 in bodily injury per individual, $50,000 in bodily injury for each accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability per accident.
Arizona has one of the highest average motorcycle insurance premiums in the country. Nationwide, the average cost of full-coverage motorcycle insurance is $33 per month. In Arizona, the average monthly premium of $49 is 46% higher than the national average.
If you opt for liability-only coverage, you may save a few dollars per month, but this is not recommended. In fact, it’s a good idea to add optional coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) and medical payments coverage. This gives you coverage if you are hurt in a crash to make sure you can afford the medical care you need.
Other Costs of Owning a Motorcycle
You can expect to spend about $1,000 per year on maintenance, although this depends on the age and type of bike. Motorcycles are generally easier and more affordable to maintain than vehicles; you can likely handle basic maintenance yourself, even without experience.
Before you can hit the road, you’ll need an Arizona motorcycle license. A motorcycle endorsement is just $7, but many people choose to complete a Basic Rider Course (BRC) too. Completing the safety course means the Arizona MVD motorcycle road test requirement is waived. The basic safety course ranges from $150 to 200.
The Hidden Cost of a Motorcycle: A High Risk of Serious Injury
The risk of injury riding a motorcycle is a cost you do not want to overlook. Motorcycle accidents are 29 times more likely than car accidents per mile driven.
If a crash does happen, you are more likely to die in a motorcycle collision or suffer serious injuries. In an accident, a motorcycle offers no protection. In 2020, there were 2,317 motorcycle crashes in Arizona that caused 160 fatalities and 1,921 injuries.
If you decide to get a motorcycle, do what you can to reduce your risk of injury. Invest in high-quality safety gear and a good helmet. At least 73 of the 160 motorcycle riders and passengers killed in Arizona in 2020 were not wearing helmets. Consider taking motorcycle safety courses, not just the basic rider courses, to develop your skills.
The Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF) is a great resource for new riders. They can help with motorcycle courses, and they even have a helmet financial assistance program.
Contact the Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ., and need legal help, contact our Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
1221 E Osborn Rd. Suite 201
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 595-5559