Home > categories > Automotive & Motorcycle > Motorcycle Tires > What is the cost to own a motorcycle?
Question:

What is the cost to own a motorcycle?

How much are tires, how long do they last?How much are brake pads, how long do they last?How much are spark plugs, how long do they last?

Answer:

For a TOY, or for transpotation? For a toy, it doesn't matter -- cost is just a part of having fun. For transportation, many sites will show the true costs of a vehicle . . . a 10,000 mile/year economy car will run about $0.50 a mile. My 6-year-old LS650 is under $0.20 a mile.
Tires will last anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 miles. I get about 18,000 miles on a rear tire for my 1800 Honda Goldwing. Then I shell out $200 plus about $40 for mounting and balancing for another rear tire. I just spent $520 for four Michelins for my car. The new tires are rated at 80,000 miles. This includes free balancing and rotating. And road hazard warranty. Brake pads were changed around 30,000 miles and cost $144 for three sets of pads. With fuel injection and computerized engine management systems, spark plugs will easily last 50K to 100K miles. Motorcycles are expensive to maintain due to tire costs alone. My bike is shaft drive so I change the oil once a year. Chain drive bikes may require new chains every 10K to 20K miles along with new sprockets. Suspensions tend to be mediocre on bikes, so upgrades are required to get a bike to ride and handle well. I spent $1100 for my suspension mods. Cars don't need these types of improvements to suspension systems. I have around $2000 wrapped up in all my riding gear including $750 spent on electrically heated riding gear. Draw your own conclusions. Good Luck
I have two motorcycles and I figure $1000/yr for everything--insurance, maintenance, parts, etc. (Not counting gas). I don't keep track but I think most years I come out ahead. Tires are about $100-150 each. And they only last about 10,000 miles, because the rubber is softer to grip the road better (fortunately you only need 2). Brake pads are like $30 per disk (most modern bikes have three disks, two in front and one in back). They last a long time for me, like 50k miles. But if you ride really 'sporty' you'll wear 'em out faster. Spark plugs are like $4. I use the iridium ones, which cost more (maybe $8) but they seem to work a lot better and last longer. I'd say they last 20,000-30,000 miles.
Probably because the motor went out on that wiper. You need a new one.

Share to: