How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a Motorcycle?

It is an open secret that commuting using a motorcycle is way cheaper than driving a car to work daily. That being said, a lot of people who want to buy or ride motorcycles do not fully appreciate the costs that come with owning a motorcycle and driving it. As you buy a motorcycle, you need to know the costs of maintaining it. According to GQ, motorcycles consume less fuel, but even that comes at a price. In fact, new drivers are often shocked to find out that there is a lot they had not budgeted for when they bought the motorcycle. These aren’t hidden costs. Rather, it does take a bit of knowledge and research to fully appreciate the amount you will be spending on the motorcycle once you have bought it. Some of these costs are ubiquitous to all states, though the amount you have to pay will differ from state to state.

Insurance

Like other vehicles, you will have to part with some money on a regular basis to make sure that the motorcycle is insured. You can get a great rate on insurance if you are over 25 years of age. Insurance is compulsory in all states. That being said, there are a plethora of insurance plans that offer even more insurance plans. Thus, you will not lack a suitable plan to help cover for both your safety and that of your motorcycle. Insurance is important since it covers a wide range of things such as medical bills and damage in the event of an accident. Additionally, you can also cover your motorcycle against theft.

Registration fees

There is a certain amount of money you have to pay annually in order to make sure that your registration as a motorcycle driver remains valid. This fee varies from state to state, so you must check up on the amount you have to pay.

Clothing

Everyone knows that there are certain clothes that you have to wear when driving a motorcycle to ensure that you are protected from the elements and in the event of an accident. However, not everyone understands that these clothes can put a nice dent in your wallet. The most basic of the said equipment, and the most essential, is the helmet. You could get a helmet for anywhere between 70 dollars to upwards of 300 dollars. . In some states, it is not put in law that you will need a helmet or any other safety gear, but this doesn’t mean that it is not necessary. You will also need gloves, a jacket and in some cases, waterproof over suits. The prices of these items vary depending on region and quality. You should note that the higher quality items tend to be a bit costly. In the long run, however, you will see the benefits. When shopping for safety gear, you should check whether they have either of these certifications; Snell, ECE, or DOT certifications. DOT, which is the Department of Transportation, standards are mandatory for each item. ECE stands for Economic Commission for Europe, and items with this certification are generally regarded to be the best in the world.

Fuel costs

Considering the ongoing costs of maintaining a motorcycle is vital. It goes without saying that you will need fuel to drive your motorcycle. The type of fuel you will use will depend on the motorcycle. Gasoline is the most common, though electric motorcycles have begun production recently. Either way, you will still need to budge the cost of fueling your motorcycle when you buy one.

License or permit

A motorcycle permit is compulsory in all states if you want to ride a motorcycle. Though the way to go about obtaining and maintaining one differs from state to state, you have to have a valid on when you are driving.

Maintenance and repairs

Your motorcycle needs to be in tip-top condition at all times, not only for your safety but also because it is necessary to have one in all states. Regardless of the type of motorcycle you have, the cost of maintaining one is way cheaper than when it comes to cars. Notwithstanding, you need to budget for repairs and motorcycle maintenance. If you get a new bike, you need not worry about maintenance or preparing for at least two to three years, depending on how much care you put into it. if you buy a used bike, you will spend a lot less purchasing it. However, you will have to make sure that you take it for maintenance and repairs. The frequency, and the amount you will pay for maintenance or to purchase the repair parts, will depend on the type of motorcycle you have.

You will always be better of overestimating the costs of repairs and maintenance. This is because it is highly likely that you will experience some unexpected repairs along the way. Additionally, knowing or having a rough idea of the cost of spare parts like tires, heat and tail lamps, and electrical components will help you have a rough estimate of how much you will need to spend. Tires are the part that will be replaced the most number of times. A set of tires can be anywhere between 400 and 600 dollars. It is recommended that you replace the tires after you have covered 3000 miles.

Maintenance of the motorcycle should be carried out on a regular basis. Depending on the motorcycle, you will need to do it between 5000 to 20000 miles covered. On average, a motorcycle driver covers between 3000 and 6000 miles annually, so you can do a maintenance check annually. Basic maintenance, on average, costs about 1000 dollars. However, if there is a valve adjustment, then it can range from 800 to 1600 dollars. It is paramount that you remember to ask these questions when buying a motorcycle. This is because some may be cheap when purchasing, but the amount you pay for maintenance and repair is way higher than the average, leading you to ooze out money you thought you’d be saving.