Find Motorcycles for Sale

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Motorcycle

• How do I get a motorcycle license?

  + −

  The exact requirements vary by state, but usually you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum required age for a motorcycle license
  • Pass a motorcycle safety course, exam, vision test and possibly a riding skills test
  • Fill out the related DMV forms
  • Provide the necessary ID documentation
  • Pay any related license, exam or administrative fees

  The criteria may also be different if you are applying for a motorcycle learner’s permit. Check with your local DMV for the exact requirements in your state.

• How much is motorcycle insurance?

  + −
  The annual cost for motorcycle insurance can vary greatly. Studies have found 12-month policies as low as $180 and as high as $1,100 with $525 being close to the national average. The exact amount you pay for an annual policy will depend on your location, age, gender, claim history, driving record and the type of motorcycle you would like to insure.

• How much does a motorcycle cost?

  + −
  The price of a motorcycle depends on the condition, features and exact model, but on average you can find a wide selection of motorcycles between $5,000 and $15,000.

• How much does a motorcycle weigh?

  + −
  It depends on the type of motorcycle and the engine size. Some motorcycles weigh as low as 215 pounds (98 kilograms) while others weigh up to 550 pounds (249 kilograms). There are even touring motorcycles which can weigh 900 pounds (408 kilograms) or more.​

• How much is a motorcycle license?

  + −
  Typically, the cost for a motorcycle license in the U.S. is between $15 and $45 including permit and exam fees but does not include any rider education course your state may require. Check with your local DMV for the exact cost.

• When was the motorcycle invented?

  + −
  American inventor Sylvester Roper built a 2-wheel steam powered motorcycle in 1867, but the first modern gasoline powered motorcycle was invented in 1885 by German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach.

• How many miles do motorcycles last?

  + −
  50,000 miles is equivalent to 200,000 miles on a car for some motorcycles. However, other motorcycles with regular care and maintenance can last upwards of 100,000 miles. Motorcycles with large modern engines (1,000cc +), on average, tend to last longer than motorcycles with smaller engines (250cc).

• Can you buy a motorcycle without a license?

  + −
  Yes. You don’t have to have a motorcycle license to purchase a motorcycle, but it is required if you wish to drive it on a public street. If you drive a motorcycle without the required license, you will receive a large fine, your motorcycle could be impounded, and you may face jail time.

• Do motorcycles have cruise control?

  + −
  Older motorcycles usually won’t have cruise control since the technology did not exist when they were manufactured. As motorcycle technology has advanced, more models offer cruise control. Alternatively, some owners use a throttle lock to achieve the same result.