Guide to Buying Your First Motorcycle

Owning your first motorcycle is an exciting milestone that brings a sense of freedom and adventure. But with this thrill comes the responsibility of making informed decisions to ensure your purchase fits your needs and budget. From upfront costs to long-term maintenance, there are many factors to consider before hitting the road with your new motorbike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know when buying your first motorcycle, so that you’re fully prepared to be a responsible motorcycle rider and owner!

1. Getting Your Motorcycle License

Whether you’re already licensed to go, or are still practicing the circuit, you’ll know that getting that license ain’t cheap to begin with. 
In Singapore, obtaining a Class 2B license (up to 200cc) involves enrolment fees, theory lessons and tests, practical lessons and tests, motorcycle rental, and license application itself. 
This already comes up to at least $700 — and that’s if you pass on the first try. And don’t be surprised if you also have to fork out money to rent necessary riding gear before you purchase your own.
By the way, even if you already have a non-Singapore motorcycle license, you will still need to go through the basic theory course and test in order to convert it to a Singaporean motorcycle license, and that will cost around $130. (Source: SSDC)
 

2. Choosing Your First Motorcycle

This is the exciting part, isn’t it? Getting your first baby! Here are 6 things to consider when deciding on which is going to be the best first motorcycle for you.
 

📋 Budget

Motorcycle prices vary widely, but you may be able to get a Class 2B motorcycle from $5,000, while higher-end models and specialty bikes can exceed $30,000. First decide on a budget, and then look for motorbikes that fit your budget. If you just let your eye roam freely, you might have to deal with the disappointment that comes with falling in love with something completely out of your budget.

Tip!
Be wary of “ride-away” prices advertised, as that may simply be a “deposit” you’re paying, while the actual price of the bike may be folded into an in-house financing loan. 

📋 Purpose

What are you going to use your motorcycle for? Is it for daily commuting, quick trips around town, weekend adventures, or long-distance trips? Your intended purpose will determine the best starter bike that meets your needs, for example, a commuter bike versus a cruiser. 
 

📋 Engine Capacity

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc to 200cc are good starter motorcycles for beginners as they offer manageable power and better fuel efficiency. 
 

📋 Size and Comfort

Big bikes may look impressive, but you will need a motorcycle that fits your height and weight to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. You should always be able to manage your motorbike’s weight. Definitely never buy a motorcycle without first test riding it to make sure it fits your frame.
 

📋 New VS Used

New and used motorcycles both have their own pros and cons, and you’ll have to weigh them for yourself.

New Bikes: Come with a warranty, are in pristine condition, and require less immediate maintenance.
Used Bikes: Cheaper upfront, but may require more maintenance and lack warranty coverage. Always inspect the bike’s condition and service history before purchasing!

Read Also: Where to Buy New and Second-Hand Bikes in Singapore
Read Also: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Second-Hand Motorcycle + Inspection Checklist!

📋 Electric VS Petrol

These days, you also have to consider whether you want to stick with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles, or if you want to plan for the future and opt directly for electric for your very first motorbike.

Don’t forget that the Singapore Green Plan is committed to phasing out the sale of all ICE vehicles by 2040, with an earlier deadline of 2030 for cars. So it’s a matter of time that all motorists on Singapore roads will have to get on the electric or hybrid bandwagon. Then again, 2040 is still some time away and you may only choose to use your motorcycle for max 10-15 years.

Traditional Engine Motorcycles

• Pros: Strong performance, widely available mechanics, and familiar fueling infrastructure, so better for long-distance trips.
• Cons: Higher running costs (fuel and maintenance) and a larger carbon footprint.

Electric Motorcycles

• Pros: Eco-friendly, lower operating costs (charging is cheaper than petrol), and quieter operation.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost, still rather limited charging stations in Singapore (though increasing), and potential battery replacement costs.

There is the hope that we may get some government incentives for electric motorcycles in the future, but for now, these incentives seem to be focused on electric cars.

3. Additional Purchase Costs

Of course, in Singapore, being able to get the license and afford the motorcycle isn’t enough. Here are some other costs that will attach themselves onto your first motorcycle purchase:

Certificate of Entitlement (COE)

You know it, to truly own and ride your vehicle in Singapore, you can’t run away from paying the COE. The motorcycle COE (Category D) at the start of 2025 was around $9,000. (Source: LTA COE Open Bidding) In many cases, this may be even more than the price of your first motorbike!

So make sure you do your research and calculations to ensure you can afford the motorcycle AND the right to ride it. Of course, you can always get a motorcycle loan and spread payments (including interest rates) over 3-5 years via dealership in-house financing (still have to pay a 10-20% down payment) or by taking a personal loan.
Another possibility may be to purchase a second-hand motorbike with a COE that is expiring soon, and renew its COE – which you can also do in instalments with a Motorist motorcycle COE refinancing plan over 5-7 years. 

Registration Fees

Any motorcycle purchase will come with registration fees and taxes tagged onto it.

Source: LTA

When hunting around for a motorbike, make sure to check if the advertised selling price includes or excludes these fees. Very often, what seems like a really great deal may just be the OMV of a vehicle being marketed and not the true cost you will end up paying. 
 

4. The Right Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance is essential for both legal compliance in Singapore and also financial protection. The framework of insurance is simple: Want more coverage? Pay a higher premium. 

Types of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage

• Third-Party Only: Covers damage to others but not your motorbike.
• Third-Party Fire & Theft: Includes third-party coverage along with protection against specifically fire damage and theft.
• Comprehensive: Offers the most protection, covering damages to third parties and your motorcycle.

Read Also: 7 Things to Consider When Choosing Motorcycle Insurance
 

Factors That Affect Your Premium

• Age: If you’re in your 20’s, expect to pay a higher premium, as the thought is that younger riders are more inexperienced and more likely to take risks.
• Engine capacity: With a <200cc starter motorcycle, you’ll pay less than if you had a 400cc bike, for example.
• Risk: Analyse your risks depending on your use of the motorbike and how careful a driver you are, and pick the right motorcycle insurance so you’re not overpaying where not necessary.
• No Claims Discount (NCD): With DirectAsia, motorcycle riders who maintain their NCD 20 for two or more consecutive years get to enjoy NCD 30, which is a 30% discount off your motorcycle insurance renewal premium – the highest in town. 

5. Motorcycle Gear

Investing in quality motorcycle gear is non-negotiable for new riders. You’ll need a helmet, (rainproof) riding jacket and pants, gloves, and boots. Budget at least $500 to $1,000 for high quality protective gear that will keep you safe for a long time.

Important! PSB-Approved Helmet

It is compulsory to wear a PSB-approved helmet when riding on Singapore roads – identified by a batch approval sticker on the helmet. Disregarding this doesn’t just get you a small slap on the wrist; the penalty for not wearing an approved motorcycle helmet is possible jail time up to 3 months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both! (Applicable for your pillion rider too.)

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Source: Road Traffic Act Singapore
 

Read Also: How Your Motorbike Helmet Can Save Your Life
Read Also: Where to Purchase PSB-Approved Helmets in Singapore

6. Riding Costs

So you have in your hands your certificate of entitlement, paid up all the fees and taxes, and are legally allowed to have this stylish two-wheeler in your home. Now you just have to pay a little more to finally use it.

7. The Motorcycle Lifestyle

One last thing to consider besides calculating your financial commitment  is checking that the motorcycle lifestyle works for you.

Riding a motorcycle demands constant attention to the road, which can make it mentally taxing. You will need to stay focused and alert at all times while riding. No cruise control here!

Opting for a motorbike as your primary means of transportation will also mean having to ride in the wind and rain on some days, and the hassle of changing out of wet bike clothes, or having to leave earlier to ride at a more cautious speed. 

Riding a motorcycle also leaves you and your pillion rider more exposed to the elements than driving a car, so consider if this is the best form of transport for your pillion rider, especially if they are a child. Note that in Singapore, your child must be above 10 years old to be your pillion passenger. (Source: Road Traffic Act Singapore)

Owning a motorcycle also requires time and effort, and sometimes, making certain changes to your lifestyle. You’ll need to commit to regular inspection and maintenance, cleaning, and practicing safe riding habits. 
Essentially, only you will know if getting a motorcycle is the best choice for your lifestyle, daily routine, and transportation needs.

Buying your first motorcycle is an exciting journey, but it’s one that requires thoughtful consideration and planning (not to mention sometimes saving!). Hopefully this article has given you some insight on all the factors to consider. Take your time to research, test drive different models, and make the most informed choice of motorcycle for your needs. With the right pre-purchase preparation, you’ll soon be enjoying the freedom that comes with motorcycling. Happy riding!