Are motorcycles cheaper than cars? This question may arise if you are planning to buy your first car. In general, motorcycles are cheaper and more cost-effective than owning a car, with a few exceptions. In today’s post, we’ll break down the most important costs associated with owning and maintaining a motorcycle or car. This will help you decide which option is more economical.
Are Motorcycles Cheaper Than Cars?
When it comes to upfront costs, are motorcycles cheaper than cars? This is what we want to know. When you buy a motorcycle or car, you have hundreds of options. To give you a rough idea of how much you’ll be paying, we’ve broken them down by type.
Motorcycle
The motorcycle market is widely distributed with models ranging from station wagons to city scooters, as well as off-road machines. What you fit in depends largely on your height, physical condition, riding experience, budget, and where you plan to ride your two-wheeler.
Below is our breakdown of the price ranges for different types of motorcycles.
- Cruisers
These motorcycles are usually longer and lower than most standard bikes. They have a lower seat which is ideal for short-distance riders. But their sloping forks and rider position are best for experienced folks. They range in price from about $4,000 to $25,000.
- Touring
These machines are specifically designed for long rides. They have unique long-distance riding features such as weatherproof luggage storage, security alarms, large windshields, navigation systems and very comfortable seats.
These are heavy-duty motorcycles that are best for experienced riders. Prices range from $8,000 to $44,000.
- Sportbikes
If you’re after performance, these are two-wheelers to look out for. They come with powerful engines, high-performance tires and nimble handling. They have top-end acceleration aerodynamic styling. These bikes are a good choice for experienced riders.
- Scooters
These are the smallest motorcycles on the market, which are suitable for urban riding and commuting. Some models are powerful enough for highway traffic.
Price ranges from $2,000 to $7,000.
Cars
There are many car options and sizes to choose from. Here is our detailed upfront cost breakdown:
- Small Cars
These are compact cars ranging from 100 cu ft to 109 cu ft for the combined cargo and passenger volume. They are typically 161 to 187 inches long. The price of small cars can go from $23,000 to $70,000+, depending on the make and model. Luxury cars are even more expensive.
- Midsize Cars
These are mid-size cars that are very popular for their size. They range in size from 110 to 120 cubic feet. They can reach lengths of about 197 inches. These will cost you around $23,000 to $80,000.
- Large Cars
These are full-size cars, usually larger than mid-size cars. Their combined passenger space is typically equal to or greater than 120 cubic feet. Large cars range in price from $30,000 to over $80,000, depending on the make and model.
Why Motorcycle Is Cheaper Than A Car
Purchase cost:
Motorcycles are usually cheaper than cars. Buying a motorcycle can cost thousands of dollars, while a car can cost $20,000 or more.
Maintain:
Motorcycles generally require less maintenance than cars. They also use less gasoline, and motorcycle insurance and registration fees are generally cheaper than cars. Motorcycles also have far fewer parts than cars. As a result, they are less expensive to maintain, repair and operate. In any case, the motorcycle can be serviced by any local mechanic. If you need a trailer, towing a car is much more expensive than towing a motorcycle.
Fuel:
Motorcycles generally use less gasoline than cars. This can save you a lot of fuel costs over time. For example, a motorcycle that gets 50 miles per gallon will travel 100 miles on 2 gallons. A car that travels 20 miles per gallon will consume 5 gallons for the same distance.
Also, motorcycles don’t require as much cooling as cars. So they can ride where driving is not allowed.
Insurance:
Motorcycles are usually cheaper than cars. This is because motorcycles are generally considered to be less risky to insure than cars. If you’re under 25, you’ll likely pay more for auto insurance than your motorcycle insurance. Many times, a motorcycle can be insured for as little as $300 a year. And car insurance for a young driver can cost $2,000 or more.
If you have a good driving record, you can usually get motorcycle insurance rates that are much lower than car insurance. This can save you a lot of money over time.
In addition, there are other factors that affect the cost of insurance.
To save on motorcycle insurance. You need to keep your bike in good repair and make sure it is serviced by a professional mechanic.
Registrations
Motorcycles are generally taxed lower than cars. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a motorcycle is cheaper than a car, but it does mean that the total cost of owning a motorcycle is lower than the cost of owning a car.
Motorcycles also take up less storage space than cars. If you have a small garage or limited storage space, a motorcycle might be a better option than a car.
Final Words
The overall cost of owning and operating a motorcycle is lower. Not to mention, it’s much easier to own a motorcycle with a smaller budget. Whether you prefer a car or a motorcycle, it’s always a good idea to compare all the associated costs, not just the upfront costs.
