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Costs to consider when buying a motorcycle

Owning a motorcycle costs more than just its price tag.

Motodeal
Thruxton

So you’re considering jumping into the foray of motorcycles. Perhaps the traffic situation around the city is just getting worse and you’ve been wanting a quicker way to get around the city. Maybe you’re the type of person who enjoys the open road and who would want to experience more freedom by taking your steed somewhere outside the city on the weekend, or maybe you’re just buying into the lifestyle associated with owning a motorcycle. Whatever your reasons may be, buying and owning a motorcycle isn’t just as simple as walking into a dealership and driving home the new cafe racer you’ve always wanted. Owning a motorcycle is a commitment that entails costs on top of the motorcycle’s price tag itself. 

Gear

Gear

Before you even buy a motorcycle that you know would give you so much joy, why not start with something that could potentially save you first. Most motorcycle-related fatalities all come from head trauma so the very first thing that you must invest in should be a proper helmet. It could cost you anywhere between Php 3,000 to as much as Php 50,000. Don’t even think about scrimping on a motorcycle helmet as this might be the only thing that could save your life. However, keep in mind that the more affordable helmets could be just as capable if you choose wisely. 

A proper jacket is also necessary. Don’t just get a motorcycle jacket for its looks. Be sure to choose one that gives you ample protection on your back, elbows, and shoulders. Some jackets either come with removable pads or are already equipped with it. If you prefer using your favorite casual jacket, you may also opt for removable armor on which you can wear your regular jacket over it. This may cost anywhere from Php 10,000 to as much as Php 50,000 depending on the brand and materials used. 

You can also make use of some proper gloves and boots. Gloves will give you a better grip with the handlebars while at the same time protect your hands from flying debris that you might encounter on the road or from abrasion in the event of an accident. Proper riding boots or shoes can protect your ankles and feet in the event of a crash. Gloves can set you back from Php 1,000 up to Php 4,000 depending on the brand, and materials. Proper riding boots and shoes can cost anywhere from Php 5,000 to as much as Php 17,000 or more. However, keep in mind that the market is also filled with more affordable alternatives that would work just as much as the more pricey ones, especially if you’re just starting out. Remember that when you’re just starting out with riding motorcycles, the goal is to get the most complete gear at the soonest possible time. 

Motorcycle Training and Licensure

Training

Just because you know how to ride a bicycle doesn’t mean riding a motorcycle will be the same deal. It’s still a totally different ball game with an engine involved and not pedal power. Riding a motorcycle without the proper training or knowledge can get you hurt. 

You don’t have to enroll in the California Superbike School just to learn the basics. You’re not training to be a race driver, you’re just trying to learn how to move forward, turn, and stop in real life situations so that the moment you swing your leg over that new two-wheeler, you could avoid dropping, or worse crashing your new bike and getting hurt. A basic riding course could cost you somewhere around Php 3,000 to Php 4,000.

Here in the Philippines, unlike other countries, getting a motorcycle license isn’t as tedious. Nonetheless, you can’t drive a motorcycle without a proper driver’s license, and that driver’s license should cover restrictions 1 (motorcycles/motorized tricycles), and 2 (vehicles up to 4,500 kgs). To cover both restrictions 1 & 2, all it takes is for you to ask the LTO officer to include restriction 1 to cover motorcycles upon renewal of your driver’s license. Of course, this presupposes that you will enroll or have completed the basic motorcycle courses mentioned above. 

Insurance

Insurance

Insurance costs would cover the amount you’re required to pay for protecting yourself and your motorcycle from any damages that could arise from any accidents while using it. This is something you also wouldn’t want to scrimp on. It could cover any injuries or property damages that may arise in the event of a mishap.

Costs of insurance premiums may vary depending on the value of the motorcycle and type of coverage you would be getting. As an example, a typical comprehensive motorcycle insurance for a small 125 cc motorcycle with coverage including own damage/theft, acts of god, personal accident, bodily injury with a total sum insured of up to Php 400,000 will have a total annual premium of somewhere around Php 2,000. Of course, as you get a bigger and more expensive motorcycle, the amount of premium for the same coverage will also go up. 

Maintenance

Maintenance

The only time your motorcycle will look the freshest is the time that it is still in the showroom. The moment you step out of the dealership, you’re exposed to the elements and keeping your motorcycle in tip-top shape also costs money especially when you travel a lot with it and use it day in and day out. 

Service intervals are typically more frequent than those of cars and the amount one has to pay for a typical service of a motorcycle would also vary depending on the brand. Typically, more premium models would also entail premium service which would also command a premium price. For example, a typical oil change for a certain Japanese big bike would cost around Php 2,000 to Php 3,000 for the service alone. You would spend an additional Php 800 to Php 2,000 for the oil and fluids. However, if you own a more expensive European motorcycle, keep in mind that service costs and parts may differ and not be as low as that of a Japanese big bike. 

Monthly Payments

Monthly Payments

Brands make it so much easier to own motorcycles and banks are capitalizing on the growing market by offering numerous financing options for would-be motorcycle owners. Nowadays, online platforms such as www.motodeal.com.ph can give you all the relevant information you need to own a motorcycle including which best deals we can offer you.

Keep in mind that the bigger the motorcycle, the bigger the monthly payments will be. The bank or financial institution in which the financing plan is associated with would also affect the amount of money you would have to shell out monthly. The amount of downpayment you would be willing to pay would also affect your monthly payments. However, be wary that the longer the financing plan is, the more interest you would be paying on top of the price of the motorcycle. Generally, try to opt for financing that allows you to pay in the shortest period of time to save money in the long run. Typically, financing a motorcycle for about a year to two years would still give you a good deal without having to pay too much interest. In the end, with all these things considered, opt for a financing plan that would work best for your budget and ability to pay. The best way to buy a motorcycle, however, would be to pay it fully. 

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