Despite a tumultuous 2020 and the impact of a global pandemic and national lockdowns still hanging heavy over our lives, sales of motorcycles and scooters in the UK have made almost a complete recovery.
Overall, by the close of 2020, these vehicles shipped just 3% less than the total in 2019, as a growing number of people turned to motorcycles as opposed to cars and vans. Perhaps it’s the appeal of that open road, wind-in-the-hair mentality during these downbeat times. Maybe it’s a chorus of mid-life crises reaching a cacophony in tune with the engine’s roar. Or is it possibly because, according to some experts, motorbikes might be a rather savvy investment right now…
Motorbikes and scooters have an abiding popularity, make no mistake, but are they a worthwhile investment? Let’s find out with this IDEAL guide.
AN INVESTMENT IN COOL
There are numerous reasons why you may choose to own a motorcycle in 2021, aside from the fact that this type of vehicle retains an obvious and enduring sense of cool. But that modishness does matter. For motorbike enthusiasts, you can’t put a price on the whole attitude and sense of belonging which being a biker brings.
Indeed, if you slick back that hair (under a helmet of course), get kitted out in your leathers on and stick some Stones on the soundsystem, you could even be mistaken for a film star! At the very least, you’ll feel like one.
FUEL FACTORS
From a financial perspective, it’s cheaper to own and operate a motorcycle than a car in the current climate, and of course, requires less real estate for parking. That said, and despite common misconceptions, in terms of fuel, running a motorbike isn’t much cheaper than running a car, and to be honest, it’s hugely dependent on the model.
Compare the Market report that ‘’When it comes to fuel economy, both bikes and cars vary hugely in mpg (miles per gallon). According to mpg tracking site Fuelly, a humble 125cc Honda CBF125 has an average mpg of 93.2, while the formidable Harley Davidson Fat Boy achieves just 38.3mpg’.
‘Car-wise, the family favourite Ford Focus averages a not-very-thrifty 27.7mpg, while the dinky VW Up! achieves an average 39.7mpg’’.
When considering whether a motorcycle is a worthwhile investment, then, the cost of running one is hugely dependent on the model and, of course, how you drive it.
PREMIUM & TAX COMPARISONS
While the average car insurance premium recently fell from £755 to £702 during the most recent financial quarter, generally speaking, 50% of motorcyclists will receive an annual quote of just £340. Phew!
It’s also considerably cheaper to tax a motorcycle than a car, particularly if your engine is less than 150cc. In this case, you’ll pay just £19 a year in tax to ride it on the road, while CO2 emission-based levies for cars will cost at least £140 for the first year.
Even if you own and ride a motorcycle with an engine of 600cc or more, the maximum you’d pay in UK tax revenues is just £82.
WHAT ARE A MOTORBIKE’S GREEN CREDENTIALS?
For the environmentally conscious who drive among us, a motorcycle also boasts lower carbon dioxide emissions than cars or vans, and are generally more fuel efficient than cars (although, as we said earlier, that’s hugely dependent on the model and your driving style).
That said, it’s a complex debate; in many cases, motorbikes emit more carbon monoxide, so it’s difficult to make conclusive statements about a motorcycle’s green credentials, except that walking or cycling is a far better option!
It is true, however, that newer motorbikes tend to be built with an eco-friendly focus in mind. Electric motorbikes, in particular, are seeing huge growth in the market, with the Vetrix V-1 and Zero S clocking in at around the £10’000 mark and reaching speeds of 70mph or more. As such, and considering predictions about their ever growing popularity, perhaps an electric motorcycle is the savvy investment you’re seeking?
SCOOT ALONG
If you are going to be riding short distances and primarily in urban settings, then a scooter could be a better option than a big, bruising motorbike. The average price of the insurance and general upkeep of a scooter is much lower than a motorbike, so it could be worth assessing your main uses of a motorbike and deciding whether a scooter could be the more appropriate option.
An uber-cool Vespa or a compact, old school Honda Wave could be just the ticket for negotiating the narrow roads of an English town centre. You can’t argue with the convenience such a scooter brings!
IS IT WORTH INVESTING IN CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES?
The question on everyone’s lips; is it worth investing in classic motorcycles? At this stage, we can see that buying a motorcycle offers advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and CO2 emissions.
But could classic motorcycle investment – which brings with it decreased fuel efficiency and the potential for a rise in emissions – offer a more viable and longer-term option? The short answer is yes, not least because classic bikes tend to be a little cheaper than cars and can be refurbished or repaired at a relatively affordable price. It might be prudent to invest in a classic motorcycle as a showpiece only, rather than a mode of transport.
In addition, classic motorcycle investment is also a lifestyle choice and a whole lot of fun. What’s more, and just as is the case when investing in fine art, it’s completely tax-free. The latter point helps to optimise your future profitability overall, which is a huge boon when dealing with slightly lower price points and resale values.
Food for thought, indeed. Now, where’s my leather jacket?
For something a little different, check out these 5 reasons to buy an electric folding bike, if you’re keen to keep riding but are concerned about your carbon footprint!