Does the Type of Bike Change the Insurance on a Motorcycle Cost?
Yes, the type of motorcycle you ride has one of the biggest impacts on how much you pay for insurance . Insurers use your bike’s make, model, size, and performance characteristics to estimate the level of risk. In 2025, the insurance on a motorcycle cost can vary dramatically depending on whether you ride a lightweight commuter bike, a touring machine, or a high-powered sportbike.
Let’s explore exactly how different types of motorcycles influence your insurance rates — and why understanding these differences can help you save money while still enjoying your favorite ride.
1. Sportbikes — The Most Expensive to Insure
Sportbikes are built for speed, agility, and performance. With powerful engines and aerodynamic designs, they’re capable of high acceleration and top speeds that far exceed standard traffic limits.
Because of this, insurance companies consider sportbikes high-risk vehicles , leading to the highest insurance rates among all motorcycle types. Riders of sportbikes are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents or speeding incidents, and theft rates for these models are also higher.
Example of sportbikes and their average annual insurance costs (2025):
Yamaha YZF-R6 – around $1,800/year
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – around $2,000/year
Suzuki GSX-R1000 – around $1,900/year
These bikes are thrilling to ride, but if keeping your insurance affordable is a priority, a sportbike may not be the best choice.
2. Cruisers — Moderate and Affordable Coverage
Cruisers are among the most popular motorcycles for both new and experienced riders. These bikes, like Harley-Davidsons or Honda Rebels, have lower horsepower and are designed for comfort and stability rather than raw speed.
Because cruisers are typically driven at moderate speeds and have lower accident rates, they come with more affordable insurance premiums . They also tend to appeal to older, more experienced riders — another factor that helps lower costs.
Example of cruiser insurance costs (2025):
Harley-Davidson Softail – around $850/year
Honda Rebel 500 – around $600/year
Indian Scout Bobber – around $900/year
If you’re looking for a balance between performance, comfort, and cost, a cruiser offers solid value with moderate insurance rates.
3. Touring Motorcycles — Higher Value, Higher Coverage
Touring motorcycles are built for long-distance travel and comfort. They’re larger, heavier, and packed with advanced technology such as navigation systems, sound systems, and saddlebags.
While these bikes are not typically associated with reckless riding, their high value and expensive parts mean insurance costs are usually higher than for cruisers or standard bikes. Comprehensive and collision coverage for a $30,000 touring motorcycle will naturally cost more than for a smaller $8,000 bike.
Example of touring bike insurance costs (2025):
Honda Gold Wing – around $1,200/year
BMW K1600GTL – around $1,300/year
However, since touring riders are often older, experienced, and safety-conscious, insurers may offset some of the higher costs with good-driver or multi-policy discounts.
4. Standard or Naked Motorcycles — Balanced and Affordable
Standard motorcycles, sometimes called “naked bikes,” are a middle ground between sport and cruiser models. They’re versatile, easy to handle, and not built primarily for speed, making them a favorite among commuters and beginner riders.
Insurers generally view standard bikes as low to moderate risk , resulting in reasonable premiums.
Examples (2025 average costs):
Yamaha MT-07 – around $700/year
Suzuki SV650 – around $650/year
Kawasaki Z650 – around $720/year
If you’re a new rider looking for a bike that’s fun, affordable, and economical to insure, a standard motorcycle is one of the best choices.
5. Adventure and Dual-Sport Bikes — Moderate Premiums with Versatility
Adventure and dual-sport bikes are designed for both on-road and off-road use. While they may have higher repair costs due to complex suspension systems, they’re usually insured at moderate rates.
Insurers view these bikes as less risky because their riders tend to be safety-conscious and more focused on exploration than speed.
Example of adventure bike insurance costs (2025):
BMW GS 1250 Adventure – around $1,000/year
Honda Africa Twin – around $900/year
KTM 890 Adventure – around $950/year
Their mix of practicality and performance makes adventure bikes a solid option for balanced insurance pricing.
6. Electric Motorcycles — The New Frontier
Electric motorcycles are growing in popularity, but their insurance rates can be unpredictable. Because they’re newer to the market and often expensive to repair, insurance on electric motorcycles may currently be slightly higher than for gas-powered bikes of similar performance.
However, insurers are starting to offer eco-friendly discounts as electric vehicles become more common. Over time, costs are expected to even out as more repair data becomes available.
Examples (2025 estimates):
Zero SR/F – around $1,200/year
Harley-Davidson LiveWire – around $1,400/year
7. Engine Size and Power Matter Too
Even within the same motorcycle category, engine displacement (cc) and horsepower heavily influence your insurance rate. Larger engines mean higher speed potential — and therefore higher premiums. For example:
A 300cc motorcycle may cost $500–$700 annually to insure.
A 1000cc bike can easily exceed $1,800 annually.
If you’re a beginner or casual rider, sticking to a mid-size engine can save you hundreds per year in insurance costs while still providing plenty of performance.
Final Thoughts
So, does the insurance on a motorcycle cost ? Absolutely. Sportbikes and high-performance models top the list for expensive coverage, while cruisers, standards, and smaller bikes are far more budget-friendly. Touring and electric bikes fall in the middle due to their higher value and specialized components.
When choosing your next motorcycle, remember that the thrill of riding comes with practical responsibilities. Selecting a bike that matches your experience level, riding style, and budget can keep both your insurance premiums and your peace of mind in check.
Ultimately, understanding how your bike type affects insurance helps you make smarter, more affordable choices — so you can focus on what really matters: the open road ahead.
