Compare the Best Motorcycle and Moped Loans - December 2024
Avoid paying too much when applying for Motorcycle and Moped loans, with offers from around 8% p.a. We outline the latest deals and compare alternatives such as paying in cash and the best offers from trusted lenders.
Updated 1 December 2024
Summary
Our guide covers the fundamentals of motorcycle loans and reveals the best deals currently available. We cover:
Summary
- Our guide to the best Motorcycle and Moped loans has everything you need to know to get the right deal and slash the cost of your finance deal. We make comparing interest rates and fees easy and help you get the best deal to keep the ongoing repayments low.
- If you need to buy a Motorcycle or Moped and don’t have the money to pay for the entire price upfront, a standalone loan can be a cost-effective option to get you on the road. But you need to pick an affordable lender.
- For this guide, we compare personal and motorcycle loans together, as both operate nearly identically, and the differences are largely indistinguishable to a borrower. We also include mopeds in the definition of motorcycle.
Our guide covers the fundamentals of motorcycle loans and reveals the best deals currently available. We cover:
- What is a Motorcycle Loan?
- Different Loan Options Compared
- Our Essential Motorcycle Loan Tips to Help You Save Money
- Must-Know Motorcycle Loan Facts
- What You'll Need to Apply for a Loan
- The Best Motorcycle Loan Offers - Banks, Finance Companies and Specialist Lenders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Conclusion
Know this first: Motorcycle loans can be expensive - researching your options will save money
Disclaimer:
- Shopping for a motorcycle is an exciting time but also quite time-consuming. Frustratingly, few people invest the same time in finding the best loan deal.
- Motorcycle loans range from great deals to ripoffs - get the wrong loan term and you could be stuck with crippling monthly payments for a long time. What you may have saved negotiating the price of your motorcycle can easily be lost in a few months of expensive loan repayments.
Disclaimer:
- Borrowing money to buy a motorcycle is a serious decision and needs to be carefully planned and budgeted for. This step-by-step guide outlines everything you need to know about getting a motorcycle loan and gives tips to make it as cheap and stress-free as possible.
- In the interests of full disclosure, MoneyHub may earn a referral bonus for anyone who's approved through some of the links below. We publish the best publicly available motorcycle loan offers that we can find, irrespective of any pre-existing commercial arrangement.
Current Motorcycle Loan Offers
Know this first:
- The repayment amounts exclude any upfront fees and/or ongoing fees a lender may charge.
- The interest rates below represent each lender's lowest rate. This is not necessarily the rate you will receive, and for this reason, we suggest considering your options carefully.
Enter Loan Information
Amount to Borrow
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1. What is a Motorcycle Loan?
If you’re buying a new or used motorcycle and need to borrow to pay for it, there are two main finance options available.
What's the difference?
- A personal loan – this is a loan offered by banks and finance companies that is unsecured, or secured against your motorcycle.
- A motorcycle loan agreement – this is a loan that is specifically for motorcycle and moped purchase, and is offered by banks, finance companies and motorcycle dealers.
What's the difference?
- With both options, you will own the motorcycle outright – this means you’ll need to insure it too unless you are prepared to risk an accident that would write off the value of your investment while still leaving you with the loan.
- If your loan is secured, meaning the lender has a security interest in your motorcycle, then you still own the motorcycle. However, if you become unable to make the repayments, the lender has the power to repossess your motorcycle to help pay off the debt you owe.
- Our guide to personal loans outlines the options available whether you are considering a secured or unsecured personal loan.
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
MoneyHub's Top Motorbike and Moped Loan Options - Avoid high interest rates and fees with our trusted lenders:
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2. Different Motorcycle Options Compared - Loan vs Credit Card vs Paying Cash
Generally, there are three different ways to pay for a car. We outline the key differences in the table below:
Finance Type |
Typical Length of Agreement? |
Deposit Required? |
Who Owns the Motorcycle? |
Mileage Restrictions? |
Debt Type |
None (pay for motorcycle with savings) |
N/A |
N/A |
You |
None |
N/A (No Debt) |
Credit Card |
Interest-free for 45-55 days |
No |
You |
None |
Unsecured |
Motorcycle Loan |
6 months to 5 years |
No |
You |
None |
Secured |
Which option is best?
There is no 'best' option as each person's circumstances and requirements are different. Our guide below outlines more information on each option, as well as a comparison of the latest lending offers if you believe taking a motorcycle loan to be the best option for your situation.
There is no 'best' option as each person's circumstances and requirements are different. Our guide below outlines more information on each option, as well as a comparison of the latest lending offers if you believe taking a motorcycle loan to be the best option for your situation.
Cash savings – the cheapest option for almost every motorcycle purchase
If you've got the savings, buying a motorcycle in one payment means you'll avoid interest costs, loan fees, and you'll own the motorcycle from day one. This is always the cheapest option and the one we strongly suggest everyone considers first. Avoid taking out a loan is always a good idea.
Credit Card - a savvy way to pay for a motorcycle (if you can pay it off quickly)
If you have a sufficient credit card limit and know you can repay the balance immediately (or within 1-3 months), credit cards are an affordable way to finance a motorcycle. Many dealers accept credit cards, and you can also send money to a bank account using a credit card by using a money transfer service such as Wise and pay around 1.5% as a fee. A low-interest credit card can help reduce the overall costs.
Motorcycle loans - usually the cheapest financing if you need to borrow and want to own the motorcycle outright
Interest rates range from around 8-10% p.a. to as high as 25% p.a., plus lending fees: the better your financial situation, the lower the interest rate. Once approved, the lender sends you the money or pays the person you're buying the motorcycle from directly. From there, repayments are made weekly, fortnightly or monthly over one to five years. At the end of the repayment period, the loan is cleared.
3. Our Essential Motorcycle Loan Tips to Help You Save Money
- Get a motorcycle loan agreed in principle BEFORE you starting looking for a motorcycle – you’ll save the most on fees and interest costs and know exactly what your budget is. You can also negotiate the price you pay like a cash buyer - it makes everything easier.
- Without question, the WORST place to get financing is at a motorcycle dealership just after you’ve decided on what you want to buy. You have no bargaining power, nor will you be familiar with other options in the market.
- The cheapest interest rate deals will be on secured loans – this means the lender has a right to sell your motorcycle if you can’t make the repayments (exactly like a bank can sell a house if the mortgage isn’t repaid).
- To pay the least amount when you have a motorcycle loan, you’ll need the lowest interest rate, lowest application fees and the shortest term with the most frequent repayments (i.e. weekly vs monthly). i.e. If your loan is $10,000 and your interest rate is 15%, you’ll pay $4,000+ in interest if you pay it back over 5 years, but only $1,600 if you pay it back in 2 years.
- Most motorcycle loan terms are up to 5 years in length. Early repayment will slash the interest costs, but check the lender’s fees and charges to know how much that will cost.
- Avoid adding a motorcycle loan to your mortgage if you can help it – you’ll pay interest on the amount for a lot longer which costs you more in the long run. For example, a $10,000 loan at 7.50% over 25 years is much more costly than a $10,000 at 12.95% over three years.
- Missing repayments gets costly – lenders charge $25+ for each missed payment, so prioritise your repayments.
- See our cheapest motorcycle loan tables to pick from the best deals currently available - and visit our personal loans guide to compare
4. Must-Know Motorcycle Loan Facts
A motorcycle loan is a commitment to repay for an agreed-upon time frame
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The loan with the lowest interest rate is usually the best option, but be aware of upfront feesTo make an informed decision, you simply need to compare the annual interest rates offered between the lenders – the one with the lowest percentage is the best deal. Fees to get the loan will vary between lenders, but the interest rate is the biggest factor in getting the best loan. Pick the wrong lender and you can easily pay $100 more every week on a $10,000 motorcycle.
For the purposes of this guide, we compare personal loans and motorcycle loans together, as both operate nearly identically, and the differences are largely indistinguishable to a borrower. |
Make sure a motorcycle loan is right for your income and spending habitsA motorcycle loan may not suit everyone. If you have trouble paying debts in general, taking on another loan could end up an expensive mess if you default.
The benefits:
Watch out for:
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Motorcycle loans are offered by a lot of different companiesMotorcycle loans are widely offered – you shouldn’t go with the first quote you get. Look at all the options and be open-minded to financing beyond traditional banks - it can at times be cheaper. Motorcycle lenders include:
Buying a new motorcycle from a manufacturer-dealership?
Buying a used motorcycle from a manufacturer-dealership? Just like a new motorcycle, if you’re buying a used motorcycle from a manufacturer-dealer, it’s also worth looking at their in-house finance options. |
Avoid high interest rates by making sure your finances are in orderThe interest rate you will pay will be determined by a few factors, which we detail below.
Figures provided by our Loan Amortisation Calculator
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Make your repayments more manageableThere are a few ways to reduce your the amount you repay on motorcycle financing:
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Don't delay acting if you notice a problem with your motorcycle
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Know the consequences of missing a motorcycle repaymentGenerally, missing one repayment isn’t too serious – your lender will just follow up with a reminder and probably charge a small fee as a penalty. But, if you fail to make repayments one after another, your lender will take action and start legal proceedings to repossess your motorcycle.
The faster the lender can then sell your motorcycle, the less it will lose so your motorcycle is at risk of immediate seizure. You will also have a “default” put on your credit history. This will affect any further financing you need such as phones, other motorcycles or cars, mortgages etc. |
Get your details organised once you know you want to proceedWhen you have found a loan that you can afford and that offers a competitive interest rate, you can apply through the lender’s website or over the phone. You will need to confirm:
Once submitted, the lender will assess your application and run a credit check on you. The lender will then make a decision and notify you; if you’re successful, you will be told the loan amount and interest rate. To be eligible to sign the loan contract, you must:
The motorcycle you intend to purchase should:
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Get familiar with our motorcycle finance checklist to help your finances stay healthyBefore committing to any motorcycle loan or finance deal, it is essential to be cautious about what you can afford - being stuck with unaffordable monthly repayments is a fast road to misery.
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5. What You'll Need to Apply for a Motorcycle Loan
Lenders are focused on affordability. To determine this, they look at many different factors around your income. In many cases, they will ask for:
Other details you'll need to supply:
- Two or three recent payslips
- The most recent IRD return
- Your after-tax income
- Employer's details
Other details you'll need to supply:
- Lenders will also look at your ongoing expenses, current debts/loans, and any assets you own.
- You'll also need to prove your ID by submitting your driver's licence, passport or birth certificate.
- Finally, if you know what vehicle you want to buy, the lender will likely ask for its number plate (to get the make, model, year and colour), VIN (as outlined here) and the for sale or purchase price.
Do I need a deposit to get a motorcycle loan?
This depends on the customer's risk profile. For example, if the lender thinks the profile warrants a deposit, they will ask for one. Examples include a young person in their first job - the risk is higher than someone more established, so the lender may ask for 10% or 20% to give them more comfort. But, again, what you'll be offered is unique and can only be determined in the application process.
Generally, there is never really a fixed percentage amount the lender wants as part of a deposit - it is all case by case. As a result, low-risk borrowers will often be able to borrow 100% of the motorcycle's purchase price.
Generally, there is never really a fixed percentage amount the lender wants as part of a deposit - it is all case by case. As a result, low-risk borrowers will often be able to borrow 100% of the motorcycle's purchase price.
6. Best Motorcycle Loan Offers - Banks, Finance Companies and Specialist Lenders
We've put together the best deals currently available, and list their upfront fees. Each lender will assess your ability to make repayments differently, which means you will most like be offered a range of interest rates by different lenders. What matters is that you can meet the repayments, understand terms and any associated fees.
The best deals are those with the lowest interest rates. A popular option is to contact a range of lenders for a non-obligation interest rate quote. Be clear on the amount you want to borrow upfront and what your income is, as well as all other loans/credit card balances you have.
Do you have a solid credit history and the income to make repayments without any foreseeable issue?
Our research highlighted three leading lenders that reliably and consistently offer fair interest rates to most borrowers and are active lenders.
Important: The interest rates stated above (and below) are the best offers - each borrower will be assessed for suitability, whereby an interest rate offer will be provided if the loan is approved. This interest rate may be higher than those disclosed below.
The best deals are those with the lowest interest rates. A popular option is to contact a range of lenders for a non-obligation interest rate quote. Be clear on the amount you want to borrow upfront and what your income is, as well as all other loans/credit card balances you have.
Do you have a solid credit history and the income to make repayments without any foreseeable issue?
Our research highlighted three leading lenders that reliably and consistently offer fair interest rates to most borrowers and are active lenders.
- We suggest contacting dedicated specialist Simplify - their team has a proven track record of offering market-leading interest rates and terms.
- Low-fee personal lenders such as Harmoney offer loans with a 100% online application process.
- We also suggest contacting local lenders like MTF Finance - MTF offers branch-based lending in locations all over New Zealand.
Important: The interest rates stated above (and below) are the best offers - each borrower will be assessed for suitability, whereby an interest rate offer will be provided if the loan is approved. This interest rate may be higher than those disclosed below.
Current Motorcycle Loan Options Available Throughout New Zealand - Rates, Fees and Details:
Simplify
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Harmoney (Secured Motorcycle Loans)
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Better Finance
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Co-operative Bank
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AA Money
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MTF Finance
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ANZ Bank
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ASB Bank
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Finance Direct
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GEM
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Unity (NZCU BayWide)
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Turners
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UDC
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Westpac
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7. Frequently Asked Questions
Motorcycle loans aren't complicated, but there are pitfalls. We strongly suggest asking a lender anything you're unsure of before signing up to any loan. This is the best way to lower the risk and ensure you can afford the loan repayments. Our selection of common questions helps explain motorcycle loans in further detail:
The lender advertised “from 9.99%”, but I was quoted a much higher rate - why is this?
What the lender advertises and what it offers to most people are entirely different. Your interest rate will depend on your credit history, the vehicle you are buying, your income and other factors.
Why is a motorcycle loan so expensive compared to other loans?
Motorcycles, unlike property, fall in value every day, so lending money on an asset that is worth less as time goes on is high-risk. Many finance companies have gone bankrupt lending to drivers who couldn't repay car loans, and motorcycle borrowers have a similar risk profile. In many cases, repossessing a motorcycle doesn't recover much of the value. For example, a $10,000 motorcycle after two years is probably worth $6,000, but if $8,000 is owed on the loan, then the lender takes a loss. For this reason, interest rates are high and your credit history is very important when the lender offers you financing.
What happens if I want to pay off the outstanding balance early?
You can do this at any time, but check the fees you’ll pay – some lenders charge, some don’t. If you plan to repay early then it's best to look at loans that offer this free of charge. The easiest way to arrange early repayment is to contact the lender.
Do I need to take out insurance and where should I get it?
Yes, even if your motorcycle loan isn't secured, having insurance protects you from financial loss if you cause damage to another vehicle. Our motorcycle insurance guide outlines the best policies available.
How long does it take for an application to be assessed?
Many lenders offer same-day responses, so you'll be able to get a loan in principle for when you decide to go ahead with a motorcycle insurance guide purchase. Some lenders even offer instant or same-hour approvals.
What happens at the end of the finance deal?
Nothing changes other than you stop making your regular repayments to the lender. Any security over the motorcycle will be discharged (either for free or at a fee). This means you will be free to sell the motorcycle later on without any complications.
8. Our Conclusion
Motorcycle loans are relatively easy to obtain, but they have long-term costs. Before agreeing to any loan deal, please be aware of the following:
- It's easy to compare deals and get quotes; please spend time sourcing quotes upfront. You'll save money by doing so, whereas if you give the job to the dealer, you'll probably pay a lot more and have nothing to compare with.
- Some loans come with hidden costs and strings attached. Please read the fine print and understand all charges and potential future liabilities.
- Motorcycle loans, if not managed correctly, can have long-term impacts, and many people get into financial hardship when their loan is unaffordable. Don't over-borrow - the risks are too high.
- While not always feasible, paying in cash is often the simplest and most transparent method, ensuring that there's no interest or additional charges to worry about in the future.