Buying a Bike – Hidden Costs and Extras
So you’ve decided you want to buy a bike and learn to ride – do you have the money to make it happen? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay (at least here in B.C.), all in. Of course, these prices can change, so don’t hold me accountable if it comes out to less or more, this is just a general guide. If you buy a new bike, expect to pay a bunch of hidden fees like documentation fees (that can be up to $500), PDI, transfer and of course, hefty taxes. On the upside, usually if you buy your gear at the same time you buy your bike, you can bargain and get a lot of prices slashed. You can also usually talk the dealerships out of the extra fees, so give it a go.
| BASIC Items | Cost |
|---|---|
| Learners Licence Test | $15 |
| Motorcycle Riding Course | $795 |
| Motorcycle Licensing Test | $50 |
| Upgraded Driver’s License | $17 |
| Motorcycle (used) | $3,400 |
| Licensing Fees & Transfer of Ownership | $50 |
| Taxes | $360 |
| Insurance (ICBC basic and comprehensive through private insurer | $735 |
| Protective Motorcycle Boots | $250 |
| Armoured Motorcycle Jacket | $200 |
| Armoured Motorcycle Pants | $200 |
| Armoured Motorcycle Gloves | $75 |
| SNELL/Dot approved helmet | $300 |
| TOTAL | $6,247 |
There’s a lot of shortcuts you can take, such as buying last season’s gear at closeout prices, or buying second hand gear from those who may have bought a ton of new gear and then got scared and decided to give up riding. I got some pretty sweet deals on gear and my helmet, and I managed to get my bike tax a little lower too. Below is what my actual costs were.
| HOW MUCH I PAID | Cost |
|---|---|
| Learners Licence Test | $15 |
| Motorcycle Riding Course | $795 |
| Motorcycle Licensing Test | $50 |
| Upgraded Driver’s License | $17 |
| Motorcycle (used) | $3,400 |
| Licensing Fees & Transfer of Ownership | $40 |
| Taxes | $210 |
| Insurance (ICBC basic and comprehensive through private insurer | $735 |
| Protective Motorcycle Boots | $250 |
| Armoured Motorcycle Jacket | $60 |
| Armoured Motorcycle Pants | Still shopping |
| Armoured Motorcycle Gloves | Gift |
| SNELL/Dot approved helmet | $50 |
| TOTAL | $5,622
|
And of course, there are optional extras. I’ll be doing a lot of modifications to my bike, so I’m not going to list the costs. Here’s a list of the most common extra’s you buy when you first start riding. If you’re going to want these, add them in to your pricing.
| Optional Accessories | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tank Protector Pad | $25 |
| Tank Bag | $50 |
| Cable lock for gear | $15 |
| Disc Lock Alarm | $75 |
| Frame Sliders | $100 |
| TOTAL | $265 |
There you have it! Buying a bike isn’t cheap, but like any sport, you have to invest in the gear and training, and then it’s something you have with you for life (hopefully you have a long and happy life of riding motorcycles!).
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About Riding Jezebel
My name is Victoria, I'm a petite (5'0", 98lbs) girl and Jezebel is my 2008 Ninja 250. I bought her after completing a motorcycle training course and receiving my learner's motorcycle license in early May 2011. This site is all about the research and modifications I've done to my bike to make her safer, and more comfortable for a petite girl to ride.
Wow its pretty spending up there, eh? I spent 3100 on my 08 back in september of 09 and even then I was way over paying for it.
My class was only 75 dollars for the MSF class. I didnt pass(i scored 21, needed 20)…but I learned enoguh to be self sufficient.
Gear ran me about 270 between boots, jacket, and helmet. I had some leather gloves already and those work just fine for keeping bugs and rocks off my knuckles.
Sliders are unneccesary. I think people spend too much time looking at aftermarket parts that they think that they NEED them. Dont buy them because you think you will crash. But think, I dont need them because I’m going to put myself in a situation that no matter what happens. I will not wreck. People that say, I wrecked because they pulled out in front of me make me sick. You should have been prepared for them to pull out in front of you. If you were going slower you could have stops. You could have swerved. I strictly believe that you can put yourself in a situation that you will never wreck and you can always do somthing to prevent one.
Tank bags are a joke…..just get a backpack for half the price. With that and the frame sliders out of the equation, your done to 140 on the optional gear.
Im not trying to bash you or anything….just get you an idea of what you can expect after riding a few years. I know you are probably a fully capable rider, but save money where you can. Parts are not cheap by any means, and in some cases rarely are worth the effort. Most non-riders look at a sports bike and they dont say, “oh they have a fender….that doesnt look as cool as the one I saw this morning” they think, “oh that sexy” they never think negative thoguhts of a bike unless they are jealous and look for flaws.
I disagree with most of what Joshua said. How many professional motorcycle riders have been killed while riding bikes on the street? Are you claiming to be of a higher skill level and mental capacity than they were? Doubtful. Most crashes can be avoided, but many can not.
Furthermore, as Victoria points out in her chart, motorcyclists need armored gear. If you want to run the highest chance of staying out of a hospital, do not cut costs on gear. Lower extremities are the 1st most vulnerable in a crash, followed closely by upper. This means proper, armored motorcycle boots and gloves are of the utmost importance if you want to be as protected as possible.
Great site, Victoria; I’ve turned my ladyfriend onto it as she is also very small and in the process of purchasing her first motorcycle
Ride safe!