So you've caught the two-wheeled bug and are ready to join the moto-community. Awesome! Now you just need money for a few things: a license, riding gear, motorcycle, insurance, VicRoads registration, and maintenance. Before you pull out the credit card and start spending, let's talk about the nitty-gritty: the moolah. Purchasing all the gear and your first year of riding can set you back $6k-10k. Fortunately, depending on how hard you ride, the bike and gear should last many years. It's more than a fancy push bike, but trust me, one ride and you'll know it's worth every penny.
But ouch… it’s still a lot of money. So, this post will show you ways to save without skimping on safety or fun.
First up, the training and license. Think of it as your passport to adventure. Most training courses are similar, and the VicRoads license cost is fixed, so you can’t reasonably cut any costs here. Moving on…
Next, gear up! Just search YouTube and you’ll find plenty of great gear reviews for new riders. So, I don’t have much to add, except that quality gear isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s your armour against the road rash gods. Don't skimp on safety, even if it means skipping that fancy craft beer for a month. Trust me, your skin will thank you later.
Now we get into the real helpful info, choosing the bike. This is where the real fun begins. And let me tell you, choosing your first ride is like picking out the perfect puppy – exciting, a little overwhelming, and full of potential to eat your wallet. Pick the right bike, and you’ll save on insurance, VicRoads registration and ongoing maintenance. So, here’s what I recommend;
Power
Keep it under 650cc for now. Your future self will thank you for not going straight for the litre-bike beast. New riders are limited to roughly 650cc; I say “roughly” because VicRoads also requires a power-to-weight ratio. Sites like www.bikesales.com.au allow you to search for “learner” bikes. Once riders get a full license, they’re often tempted to upgrade to litre bikes immediately, but aside from heavy touring bikes, it’s unnecessary. The 500 – 800cc range is great for most bikes, giving enough power, keeping the weight down and handling nimble. And for your wallet, fuel and insurance costs increase as power increases. So keep the CCs down and keep your budget up.
Age
Don’t be afraid to go classic! Bikes 25 years or older qualify for Historic Club Permit Registration, which basically means you save a stack on rego. Depending on the bike, you can save $500 per year by using a Historic Club Permit instead of standard registration, but the catch is Historic Club Permit is limited to 90 riding days per year, recorded in a logbook. Unless you’re a commuter, 90 days should be enough in the first year. And when the open road beckons, you can always change from Historic Club and embrace standard registration's freedom (and cost)!
Plus, with lots of parts and accessories available, older bikes are like blank canvases, perfect for customising and making your own.
And again, insurance costs are typically lower for older bikes unless you get into the truly rare and historic category.
Servicing and Repairability
For some riders, the real thrill isn't just about the ride, it's about getting their hands dirty and tinkering with their trusty steeds. And that's where the age of your bike comes in.
Here's the deal: modern bikes are marvels of engineering, packed with whizzy tech and computerized brains. While that means smoother rides and fancy features, it also throws a wrench (pun intended) in the DIY spirit. Fixing a flat tire might be doable, but delving deeper into the bike or even standard servicing often requires a priest...er, I mean, a factory-trained mechanic with a magic decoder and software updates. So even the simplest wrenching could cost a pretty penny when the computer-bike forces you to the factory mechanic.
Now, rewind to the golden age of motorcycles, say the 1970s to early 1990s. These bikes were built with simplicity but still had proper engineering and metallurgy. Sure, they might not have self-balancing gyroscopes or LCD screens, but you can do the work. Pop open the hood (er, seat), crack open the Haynes manual, and with a bit of elbow grease and maybe a few choice words, you could do anything.
The numbers
So, with all these things to consider, here are some rough numbers (as of Jan 2024):
$5,000 for a decent motorcycle that meets Historic Club Reg criteria.
Below are good examples between $3k – 7k.
A $200 roadworthy certificate may be required if your motorcycle is not registered.
$60 per year for membership with Machine Alley’s Historic Club.
$181 for 90 days (or $104 for 45 days) per year of VicRoads Historic Club Permit Registration.
$560 per year for a Machine Alley Workshop membership for your servicing.
$60 for a Haynes motorcycle manual.
Consumables: Depending on your bike and the amount of riding, you can expect to spend around $350 per year on filters, fluids, and other consumables for maintenance.
Insurance: Again, depending on your bike, driving history and many other factors, you can expect to spend $250 - $750 per year on insurance.
Gear: Expect to spend at least $600 up to $2,000 if you want quality gear.
Now, let's face it, budgets are a real concern for every rider, new or seasoned. Here's where those classic gems under 650cc truly shine. They're a fraction of the cost of their modern counterparts, yet offer a riding experience that's pure, unadulterated fun.
And guess what? You're not alone in this journey. Machine Alley is more than just a workshop – it's a buzzing community of classic bike enthusiasts with grease under their fingernails and a wealth of knowledge to share. They'll cheer you on as you fix that stubborn carburettor, lend a helping hand, and swap stories about epic road trips on their own beloved classics.
Happy riding and wrenching!
Example bikes
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