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Motorcycle finance is a way of paying for a motorbike over time rather than all at once. Many different types of motorcycle finance are available, so it’s important to know about them and how they work.
Motorcycle finance is a way of paying for a motorbike over time rather than all at once. Many different types of motorcycle finance are available, so it’s important to know about them and how they work.
In this guide, we explain the different types of motorcycle finance and how they work so you can choose the right one for you.
Motorbike finance allows you to spread the cost of buying a motorbike over an agreed timeframe, usually 24 to 60 months.
Whether you’re looking for a new or used motorbike, finance deals allow you to get on the road without needing to pay a large sum of money upfront.
What happens at the end of your agreement will depend on the type of motorbike finance you have. You may be able to:
We offer Conditional Sale (CS) agreements. With a CS deal, you automatically become the bike’s legal owner after making the final payment.
Lenders decide whether you’re eligible for motorbike finance by considering several factors, including:
Having a lower credit rating can make it harder to get approved for finance, as lenders may see you as a higher risk.
Bad credit doesn’t make getting finance impossible, though; you just might need to use a specialist lender. We’re bad credit motorbike finance specialists, so even if you have a CCJ or IVA, we might be able to help.
Use our easy online form to get a quote for motorbike finance.
In this guide, we explain the different types of motorcycle finance and how they work so you can choose the right one for you.
Motorbike finance allows you to spread the cost of buying a motorbike over an agreed timeframe, usually 24 to 60 months.
Whether you’re looking for a new or used motorbike, finance deals allow you to get on the road without needing to pay a large sum of money upfront.
What happens at the end of your agreement will depend on the type of motorbike finance you have. You may be able to:
We offer Conditional Sale (CS) agreements. With a CS deal, you automatically become the bike’s legal owner after making the final payment.
Lenders decide whether you’re eligible for motorbike finance by considering several factors, including:
Having a lower credit rating can make it harder to get approved for finance, as lenders may see you as a higher risk.
Bad credit doesn’t make getting finance impossible, though; you just might need to use a specialist lender. We’re bad credit motorbike finance specialists, so even if you have a CCJ or IVA, we might be able to help.
Use our easy online form to get a quote for motorbike finance.
Lenders will do a credit check when you apply for any type of finance agreement. These checks help to make sure you can afford to repay your loan and give the lender an idea of how reliable you are as a borrower.
Lenders will do a credit check when you apply for any type of finance agreement. These checks help to make sure you can afford to repay your loan and give the lender an idea of how reliable you are as a borrower.
When you get a quote from us, we use a soft credit check, which won’t affect your credit score. We only use a hard check when you’ve decided you’d like an agreement with us and contracts are drawn up for you to sign.
When you get a quote from us, we use a soft credit check, which won’t affect your credit score. We only use a hard check when you’ve decided you’d like an agreement with us and contracts are drawn up for you to sign.
Some lenders, however, use a hard check when you apply, which impacts your credit file and may affect your credit rating. Read our guide on the differences between hard and soft credit checks for more information.
Some lenders, however, use a hard check when you apply, which impacts your credit file and may affect your credit rating. Read our guide on the differences between hard and soft credit checks for more information.
It’s important to fully understand the terms and conditions and the costs involved before you sign a motorbike finance agreement.
How much bike finance will cost you depends on several things, including:
Spreading the cost of repayment over a longer period can reduce the amount you pay each month.
On the other hand, borrowing over a longer timeframe means you pay more interest, so you’ll end up owing more overall.
The interest rate your lender offers can vary depending on several factors, including your credit history. If you have missed payments in the past, or have an IVA or a CCJ, lenders may see you as a higher risk. This means you may be offered finance with a higher interest rate than someone with good credit.
Try our motorbike finance calculator to see what your monthly repayments might look like.
There are no ways to pay less than what you owe on motorbike finance, but there are things you can do to make your monthly payments smaller.
It’s important to fully understand the terms and conditions and the costs involved before you sign a motorbike finance agreement.
How much bike finance will cost you depends on several things, including:
Spreading the cost of repayment over a longer period can reduce the amount you pay each month.
On the other hand, borrowing over a longer timeframe means you pay more interest, so you’ll end up owing more overall.
The interest rate your lender offers can vary depending on several factors, including your credit history. If you have missed payments in the past, or have an IVA or a CCJ, lenders may see you as a higher risk. This means you may be offered finance with a higher interest rate than someone with good credit.
Try our motorbike finance calculator to see what your monthly repayments might look like.
There are no ways to pay less than what you owe on motorbike finance, but there are things you can do to make your monthly payments smaller.
You can put down a deposit on the motorbike to lower the total amount you borrow. Putting down a deposit can also increase your chances of being approved by lenders. Find out more about how your deposit size affects monthly payments in our guide.
You can put down a deposit on the motorbike to lower the total amount you borrow. Putting down a deposit can also increase your chances of being approved by lenders. Find out more about how your deposit size affects monthly payments in our guide.
You can borrow money over a longer period to reduce the amount you need to repay each month. Use our online motorcycle finance calculator to get an idea of what your repayments could look like, depending on the length of your finance agreement.
You can borrow money over a longer period to reduce the amount you need to repay each month. Use our online motorcycle finance calculator to get an idea of what your repayments could look like, depending on the length of your finance agreement.
If your financial circumstances change during your agreement, you might have an extra amount of money you want to use. You can make a partial early settlement to pay off some or all of the finance amount before the end of the agreement.
Depending on the lender you use, this could help to lower the overall interest you pay or shorten the term of your agreement.
If your financial circumstances change during your agreement, you might have an extra amount of money you want to use. You can make a partial early settlement to pay off some or all of the finance amount before the end of the agreement.
Depending on the lender you use, this could help to lower the overall interest you pay or shorten the term of your agreement.
There are many different types of motorbike finance available. Each has pros and cons, so it’s important to understand your options and how they differ to find the right one.
There are many different types of motorbike finance available. Each has pros and cons, so it’s important to understand your options and how they differ to find the right one.
This is the type of finance we offer. It helps people to legally own the bike at the end of the agreement, with no additional fee or payment needed.
PCP offers more flexibility at the end of the agreement. You’ll have 3 options, including returning the bike or making a balloon payment to legally own it.
HP is often confused with CS. However, there is a key difference between them. With HP, you must pay the option to purchase fee to legally own the bike.
PCH is also known as leasing. It lets you drive a new motorbike with the latest tech. However, there is no option to legally own it when the lease ends.
This is the type of finance we offer. It helps people to legally own the bike at the end of the agreement, with no additional fee or payment needed.
PCP offers more flexibility at the end of the agreement. You’ll have 3 options, including returning the bike or making a balloon payment to legally own it.
HP is often confused with CS. However, there is a key difference between them. With HP, you must pay the option to purchase fee to legally own the bike.
PCH is also known as leasing. It lets you drive a new motorbike with the latest tech. However, there is no option to legally own it when the lease ends.
We offer Conditional Sale (CS) agreements for motorbike finance.
Under this type of finance agreement, you make fixed monthly payments over a pre-agreed period. Our agreements last between 36 and 60 months.
You have full use of the motorbike while you’re repaying what you owe, but you won’t be the bike’s legal owner until you make your final payment.Â
Usually, a deposit is needed to secure the bike. However, depending on your circumstances and affordability, you can get CS finance without paying a deposit.
CS agreements are made to help people who know they want to own their motorcycle once the finance agreement ends.
Unlike other types of finance, such as PCP finance, you won’t need to make any additional payment to own the bike. As soon as you make your last monthly payment, you’ll legally own the bike.
We offer Conditional Sale (CS) agreements for motorbike finance.
Under this type of finance agreement, you make fixed monthly payments over a pre-agreed period. Our agreements last between 36 and 60 months.
You have full use of the motorbike while you’re repaying what you owe, but you won’t be the bike’s legal owner until you make your final payment.Â
Usually, a deposit is needed to secure the bike. However, depending on your circumstances and affordability, you can get CS finance without paying a deposit.
CS agreements are made to help people who know they want to own their motorcycle once the finance agreement ends.
Unlike other types of finance, such as PCP finance, you won’t need to make any additional payment to own the bike. As soon as you make your last monthly payment, you’ll legally own the bike.
There are no mileage restrictions like other finance types such as PCP.
Monthly payments for CS may be higher than other bike finance types.
You’ll legally own the bike at the end of the agreement with no extra fee.
You won’t legally own the motorcycle until the final payment is made.
You may be able to get a CS agreement with little or no deposit.
The bike could be repossessed if you can’t make the monthly payments.
Your interest rate is fixed, so your payments are the same each month.
You can’t sell or modify the motorbike without the lender’s permission.
There are no mileage restrictions like other finance types such as PCP.
You’ll legally own the bike at the end of the agreement with no extra fee.
You may be able to get a CS agreement with little or no deposit.
Your interest rate is fixed, so your payments are the same each month.
Monthly payments for CS may be higher than other bike finance types.
You won’t legally own the motorcycle until the final payment is made.
The bike could be repossessed if you can’t make the monthly payments.
You can’t sell or modify the motorbike without the lender’s permission.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance involves paying a deposit and then taking out a loan to cover the motorbike’s depreciation. Depreciation is the reduction in the motorbike’s market value over time, mainly due to general wear and tear.
At the start of the agreement, lenders predict the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) to find how much you’ll need to borrow to cover the bike’s depreciation. This means you won’t need to worry about paying any difference if the bike’s value falls quicker than expected (due to sudden changes in the vehicle market, for example).
At the end of the agreed term, which is usually between 24-60 months, you will have 3 choices. These are:
This flexibility can be helpful if you’re looking for a bike but aren’t sure if you want to own one at the end of the agreement.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance involves paying a deposit and then taking out a loan to cover the motorbike’s depreciation. Depreciation is the reduction in the motorbike’s market value over time, mainly due to general wear and tear.
At the start of the agreement, lenders predict the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) to find how much you’ll need to borrow to cover the bike’s depreciation. This means you won’t need to worry about paying any difference if the bike’s value falls quicker than expected (due to sudden changes in the vehicle market, for example).
At the end of the agreed term, which is usually between 24-60 months, you will have 3 choices. These are:
This flexibility can be helpful if you’re looking for a bike but aren’t sure if you want to own one at the end of the agreement.
You can keep, swap, or return the bike at the end of the agreement.
There is a pre-agreed mileage limit, with charges if you exceed it.
Monthly payments are often lower than other finance options.
Returning the motorcycle with damage will incur additional charges.
There’s no need to worry about depreciation as the lender considers it.
You only legally own the bike if you make the final balloon payment.
Some lenders may offer to refinance the balloon payment if you want.
If you want to end your agreement early, there may be an extra fee.
You can keep, swap, or return the bike at the end of the agreement.
Monthly payments are often lower than other finance options.
There’s no need to worry about depreciation as the lender considers it.
Some lenders may offer to refinance the balloon payment if you want.
There is a pre-agreed mileage limit, with charges if you exceed it.
Returning the motorcycle with damage will incur additional charges.
You only legally own the bike if you make the final balloon payment.
If you want to end your agreement early, there may be an extra fee.
Hire Purchase (HP) is when you borrow the motorbike’s total value and repay it in fixed instalments, usually over a period of 12 to 60 months.
At the end of the agreement, you pay the ‘option to purchase’ fee to own the motorbike outright. This cost can vary but is usually fairly small.
HP plans usually last between 12 and 60 months. Depending on your affordability, you may need to put down a deposit.
Hire Purchase agreements are similar to Conditional Sale agreements, so it’s easy to confuse them. Both types of finance involve borrowing the vehicle’s total value and repaying over a long period.
The main difference between these 2 types is that, with CS agreements, there is no additional fee to become the vehicle’s owner.
Hire Purchase (HP) is when you borrow the motorbike’s total value and repay it in fixed instalments, usually over a period of 12 to 60 months.
At the end of the agreement, you pay the ‘option to purchase’ fee to own the motorbike outright. This cost can vary but is usually fairly small.
HP plans usually last between 12 and 60 months. Depending on your affordability, you may need to put down a deposit.
Hire Purchase agreements are similar to Conditional Sale agreements, so it’s easy to confuse them. Both types of finance involve borrowing the vehicle’s total value and repaying over a long period.
The main difference between these 2 types is that, with CS agreements, there is no additional fee to become the vehicle’s owner.
There usually isn’t a mileage limit on HP agreements.
The bike could be repossessed if you can’t make the monthly payments.
Once you’ve paid the option to purchase fee, you’ll legally own the bike.
Monthly repayments may be higher than other options like PCP.
Unlike PCP, there is no balloon payment at the end of the agreement.
HP agreements don’t usually include servicing or maintenance plans.
HP has a fixed interest rate, so your monthly payments will be the same.
You won’t legally own the bike until you’ve paid the option to purchase fee.
There usually isn’t a mileage limit on HP agreements.
Once you’ve paid the option to purchase fee, you’ll legally own the bike.
Unlike PCP, there is no balloon payment at the end of the agreement.
HP has a fixed interest rate, so your monthly payments will be the same.
The bike could be repossessed if you can’t make the monthly payments.
Monthly repayments may be higher than other options like PCP.
HP agreements don’t usually include servicing or maintenance plans.
You won’t legally own the bike until you’ve paid the option to purchase fee.
Motorcycle leasing is also known as Personal Contract Hire (PCH).
In this arrangement, you hire a motorbike for an agreed-upon period before returning it at the end of the lease term.
On a PCH deal, you’ll usually pay a deposit or rental fee followed by fixed monthly payments over an agreed-upon number of months.
At the end of the lease, you return the bike to the leasing company or dealer. You do not have the option to buy it.
Leasing allows you to own a brand-new bike with all the latest features and technology. It also means you can change your bike more often if you want to try a different motorbike brand or type.
Motorcycle leasing is also known as Personal Contract Hire (PCH).
In this arrangement, you hire a motorbike for an agreed-upon period before returning it at the end of the lease term.
On a PCH deal, you’ll usually pay a deposit or rental fee followed by fixed monthly payments over an agreed-upon number of months.
At the end of the lease, you return the bike to the leasing company or dealer. You do not have the option to buy it.
Leasing allows you to own a brand-new bike with all the latest features and technology. It also means you can change your bike more often if you want to try a different motorbike brand or type.
Leasing means you can get a modern bike with the latest tech.
The initial rental payment may be higher than a deposit for finance.
Many leasing options include servicing and maintenance plans.
There is usually a mileage limit and additional charges for exceeding it.
There’s no need to worry about depreciation.
You won’t be able to buy the bike at the end of the lease period.
You can change your bike more often than other types of finance.
You may incur fees if the motorbike is returned with excess wear and tear.
Leasing means you can get a modern bike with the latest tech.
Many leasing options include servicing and maintenance plans.
There’s no need to worry about depreciation.
You can change your bike more often than other types of finance.
The initial rental payment may be higher than a deposit for finance.
There is usually a mileage limit and additional charges for exceeding it.
You won’t be able to buy the bike at the end of the lease period.
You may incur fees if the motorbike is returned with excess wear and tear.
Motorcycle finance isn’t the only way of getting a new bike. Some other ways of paying may be better for your personal circumstances.
Motorcycle finance isn’t the only way of getting a new bike. Some other ways of paying may be better for your personal circumstances.
Buying a bike outright with cash means you’ll pay the total amount upfront and in full. In the long term, this would be cheaper than motorcycle finance because there’s no interest to pay.
You’ll also be the bike’s legal owner as soon as you pay, so you can modify or sell the bike as you wish.
To buy a bike outright, you will need to pay the full amount upfront. This is why some people choose bike finance, as it allows them to spread the cost over several years.
A personal loan (or motorbike loan) is when you borrow money from a bank or other finance provider to buy a motorcycle.
You will then make monthly repayments over an agreed period until the loan and interest are repaid.
Motorcycle loans can be used to buy bikes from private sellers, giving you more bikes to choose from.
With bike finance, you can usually only buy from approved dealerships.
Guarantor bike finance requires a friend or family member to ‘guarantee’ to pay for your bike if you can’t.
When you apply with a guarantor, lenders look at both you and them.
This can improve your chances of being approved if you have bad credit.
We don’t provide guarantor finance, but we do offer joint finance.
For joint applications, we consider your financial situation and the other person’s.
Credit cards have additional protection than paying with cash. Purchases between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
However, some dealers may charge a handling fee, and many do not accept credit card payments at all.
Interest rates on credit cards are often higher than those offered for motorbike finance. Using a credit card to buy a bike can also mean you have a high credit utilisation, which can cause your credit score to drop.
Buying a bike outright with cash means you’ll pay the total amount upfront and in full. In the long term, this would be cheaper than motorcycle finance because there’s no interest to pay.
You’ll also be the bike’s legal owner as soon as you pay, so you can modify or sell the bike as you wish.
To buy a bike outright, you will need to pay the full amount upfront. This is why some people choose bike finance, as it allows them to spread the cost over several years.
A personal loan (or motorbike loan) is when you borrow money from a bank or other finance provider to buy a motorcycle.
You will then make monthly repayments over an agreed period until the loan and interest are repaid.
Motorcycle loans can be used to buy bikes from private sellers, giving you more bikes to choose from.
With bike finance, you can usually only buy from approved dealerships.
Guarantor bike finance requires a friend or family member to ‘guarantee’ to pay for your bike if you can’t.
When you apply with a guarantor, lenders look at both you and them.
This can improve your chances of being approved if you have bad credit.
We don’t provide guarantor finance, but we do offer joint finance.
For joint applications, we consider your financial situation and the other person’s.
Credit cards have additional protection than paying with cash. Purchases between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
However, some dealers may charge a handling fee, and many do not accept credit card payments at all.
Interest rates on credit cards are often higher than those offered for motorbike finance. Using a credit card to buy a bike can also mean you have a high credit utilisation, which can cause your credit score to drop.
There is no ‘best way’ way to buy a motorcycle, as everyone’s financial situation is different. The best way for you will depend on:
Motorbike finance deals let you buy bikes you may not otherwise be able to afford and spread the cost over several years.
Paying for a bike in cash means you won’t be tied to monthly repayments, but you’ll have to pay a lump sum upfront.
There is no ‘best way’ way to buy a motorcycle, as everyone’s financial situation is different. The best way for you will depend on:
Motorbike finance deals let you buy bikes you may not otherwise be able to afford and spread the cost over several years.
Paying for a bike in cash means you won’t be tied to monthly repayments, but you’ll have to pay a lump sum upfront.
When buying a new or used motorbike, don’t forget about all the other costs involved, such as maintenance, insurance, road tax, and fuel.
Using a motorbike finance calculator will help you get an idea of how much you could expect to pay each month, but it won’t include any day-to-day running costs.
Before signing an agreement, make sure you fully understand it and are happy with the terms and conditions. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask your finance company for further information.
When buying a new or used motorbike, don’t forget about all the other costs involved, such as maintenance, insurance, road tax, and fuel.
Using a motorbike finance calculator will help you get an idea of how much you could expect to pay each month, but it won’t include any day-to-day running costs.
Before signing an agreement, make sure you fully understand it and are happy with the terms and conditions. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask your finance company for further information.
Buying a motorbike on finance with Moneybarn means getting the support you need to get out onto a better road ahead.
We have over 30 years of experience helping people up and down the UK, so if other lenders have rejected you, get in touch.
We could help, even if you:
Buying a motorbike on finance with Moneybarn means getting the support you need to get out onto a better road ahead.
We have over 30 years of experience helping people up and down the UK, so if other lenders have rejected you, get in touch.
We could help, even if you:
To get motorbike finance, you’ll need:
We can finance bikes that meet our lending criteria:
To get motorbike finance, you’ll need:
We can finance bikes that meet our lending criteria:
Getting a motorbike is an exciting time, but if you’re self-employed it might be more difficult to get approved. See how we could help even if other lenders have refused you.
No matter what your circumstances are, we believe that just because a person has bad credit, it doesn’t mean they should be denied access to motorbike finance. Find out how we could help
It is important to completely understand the motorbike finance agreement that you may be entering. Find out more about how our application process works by clicking below.
Moneybarn is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, the official trade organisation of the motor finance industry. The FLA promotes best practice in the motor finance industry for lending and leasing to consumers and businesses.
Moneybarn is the trading style of Moneybarn No. 1 Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04496573, and Moneybarn Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 02766324. The registered address for these companies is: Athena House, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LJ.
Moneybarn’s VAT registration number is 180 5559 52.
Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
Representative example: Total amount of credit £6044. Repayable over 55 months, 54 monthly payments of £194.73. Representative 30.7% APR (fixed). Deposit of £476.30. Total charge for credit £4,471.42. Total amount payable £10,991.72. Subject to status and affordability. You could risk losing your vehicle if you do not keep up payments.