Motorcycle Loans Australia

Motorcycles are one of the most personal vehicle purchases you can make. Whether you are buying your first LAMS-approved bike as a new rider, upgrading to a full-power sports bike after years on the road, adding a Harley-Davidson touring model to your garage or financing a fleet of delivery scooters for your business, the finance options available to you are broader than most people realise. Australian Finance & Loans is an independent finance broker with access to over 50 Australian lenders. We compare secured motorcycle loans, unsecured personal loans and business chattel mortgages across the full market to find the most competitive rate and structure for your specific bike, your credit profile and your situation.

Motorcycle finance rates currently start from around 5.67% per annum for secured loans on new bikes with strong credit profiles. The rate you are offered depends on several factors including the age and type of bike, your credit history, the loan amount and the lender. As a broker, we do not show you one rate from one lender. We compare across 50+ lenders and present you with your best genuine options.

Motorcycles and Bikes We Finance

We arrange finance for the full range of motorcycles, scooters and powered two-wheelers available in Australia, including:

Road and Street Bikes

• Nakeds, standards and street bikes: Honda CB series, Yamaha MT series, Kawasaki Z series, Suzuki SV series

• Sports bikes: Yamaha R-series, Honda CBR series, Kawasaki Ninja series, Ducati Panigale, BMW S 1000 RR

• Cruisers: Harley-Davidson Sportster, Softail and Touring models, Indian Scout and Chief, Honda Rebel, Yamaha Bolt

• Touring bikes: BMW R 1250 GS, Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide, Yamaha FJR series

Adventure and Dual-Sport Bikes

• Adventure tourers: BMW GS series, KTM Adventure series, Triumph Tiger, Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Tenere

• Dual-sport and enduro: KTM EXC series, Husqvarna, Beta, Sherco and Yamaha WR series

• Motocross and off-road: Honda CRF, Yamaha YZ, Kawasaki KX, KTM SX series

LAMS Approved Motorcycles

• All LAMS-approved motorcycles for Learner and Restricted licence holders across all Australian states

• Popular LAMS models: Honda CB300R, Yamaha MT-03, Kawasaki Ninja 400, Royal Enfield Meteor, KTM Duke 390

• LAMS Harley-Davidson: Street 500 and Street 750 models approved in most states

• Note: LAMS lists vary by state. Check your state's approved list at the relevant transport authority before purchasing

Scooters and Mopeds

• Urban scooters: Vespa, Piaggio, Honda PCX, Yamaha NMAX and Kymco models

• Maxi-scooters: BMW C 400, Honda Forza, Yamaha TMAX and Kymco AK550

Electric Motorcycles

• Zero Motorcycles: SR/F, SR/S and DSR/X

• Energica: Ego, Eva and Experia

• LiveWire (Harley-Davidson electric): S2 Del Mar and One models

• Arc, Cake and other emerging electric motorcycle brands

• Electric scooters from NIU, Vmoto and other brands

Classic, Vintage and Collectible Bikes

• Classic British: Triumph, BSA, Norton and Royal Enfield vintage models

• Classic Japanese: Honda CB, Yamaha XS, Kawasaki Z1 and Suzuki GT series

• Vintage Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles

• Specialist lenders available for collector bikes with demonstrated provenance and value

Business Use Motorcycles

• Delivery scooters and motorcycles for courier and food delivery operations

• Fleet motorcycles for police, security and emergency services

• Farm bikes: Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki trail and farm utility bikes

• Work bikes used for inspections, property management and mobile services

Types of Motorcycle Loans We Arrange

Secured Motorcycle Loan

A secured motorcycle loan uses the bike you are purchasing as collateral against the loan. Because the lender has a tangible asset as security, interest rates are lower than unsecured options. You own the motorcycle from settlement and make fixed repayments over the agreed term. Once the loan is fully repaid, the lender's security interest is discharged and the bike is entirely yours. Secured motorcycle loans are the most common type of bike finance in Australia and deliver the best rates for most buyers. Current secured motorcycle loan rates start from approximately 5.67% per annum for new bikes with strong credit profiles.

Unsecured Personal Loan for Motorcycle

An unsecured personal loan does not use the motorcycle as collateral. Rates are higher than secured loans, typically 2% to 5% higher, because the lender has no direct security over the asset. Unsecured loans are used when the bike is too old to meet a lender's secured loan criteria, when the purchase is from a private seller who does not meet certain lender requirements, or when the borrower prefers not to have the bike used as security. Unsecured loans also allow the funds to cover accessories, gear, insurance and registration in addition to the bike itself.

Chattel Mortgage for Business Motorcycles

If you are purchasing a motorcycle primarily for business use, a chattel mortgage is typically the most tax-effective structure. Your business takes ownership at settlement. The full GST on the purchase price is claimable on your next BAS, interest on repayments is deductible and the bike can be depreciated over its ATO effective life. Delivery riders, couriers, mobile service operators, farm managers and rural property workers who use a motorcycle primarily for business purposes are eligible. The bike must be used for business purposes at least 51% of the time.

Dealer Finance for Motorcycles

Most motorcycle dealerships including Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, BMW Motorrad and KTM offer their own finance products. Dealer or manufacturer finance can occasionally be competitive, particularly during promotional periods or model year changeovers when manufacturers subsidise interest rates. However, dealer finance is a single-lender product with no comparison. As a broker, we compare dealer finance alongside our full lender panel to confirm whether the dealer's rate is genuinely the best available or whether an alternative lender is superior. In most cases, comparing across 50+ lenders delivers better terms than the first rate a dealership presents.

New vs Used Motorcycle Finance

New Motorcycle Finance

Financing a new motorcycle from an authorised dealer is the most straightforward process. The bike has a clear invoice price, a manufacturer warranty, and typically the widest lender options available. New bikes attract the best interest rates because they have predictable value and no age or condition concerns. Most lenders will fund up to 100% of the purchase price for qualified borrowers on a new bike. Getting pre-approval before you visit the dealership gives you a firm budget and removes the pressure to accept the dealer's own finance offering.

Used Motorcycle Finance

Used motorcycle finance is available but has specific considerations. Lenders apply age limits to used bikes, with most mainstream lenders comfortable up to 10 to 12 years old at the end of the loan term. Older bikes and classic or collector models may require specialist lenders. Interest rates on used bikes are typically 1% to 3% higher than equivalent new bike loans, reflecting the additional valuation risk. Private sale purchases require a PPSR check to confirm no existing finance is registered against the bike. We know which lenders will accept your specific bike's age and condition before we apply.

Private Sale Motorcycle Finance

Buying a motorcycle through a private seller is very common in Australia and finance is available for most private purchases. The process involves a PPSR check to confirm the bike is free of finance and not reported stolen or written off, and in most cases a roadworthy certificate. Some lenders may require a professional vehicle inspection for higher-value or older bikes purchased privately. We guide you through every requirement from the start so there are no surprises at settlement.

LAMS Motorcycles and Finance for New Riders

The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) applies in all Australian states and territories and restricts new riders to approved lower-powered motorcycles during their Learner and Provisional or Restricted licence periods. Finance is available for LAMS-approved bikes the same way as for any other motorcycle.

What is LAMS?

LAMS is a scheme that approves specific motorcycle models as suitable for learner and restricted licence holders based on their power-to-weight ratio. A motorcycle is LAMS-approved if its power-to-weight ratio does not exceed 150 kilowatts per tonne. The LAMS list is managed by each state's transport authority and varies slightly between states, so a bike that is LAMS-approved in Victoria may not be approved in Queensland. Always confirm your specific bike's LAMS status in your state before purchasing.

Finance for LAMS Bikes

LAMS bikes range in price from around $5,000 for entry-level models to $16,000 and above for premium LAMS options. Secured motorcycle loans are available for LAMS bikes the same way as for full-power bikes. Most lenders do not have specific LAMS restrictions and will fund an approved LAMS motorcycle the same way as any other new or used bike. The key factors are the borrower's credit profile, income and the age of the bike rather than the LAMS status.

Can a P-Plate or L-Plate Rider Get a Motorcycle Loan?

Yes. Your licence type does not affect your eligibility for a motorcycle loan. A learner rider with a solid income and reasonable credit history can access the same loan products as an experienced rider. The bike must be LAMS-approved for your licence type, which the lender confirms from the vehicle details you provide. There is no restriction on lenders financing LAMS bikes for L or P-plate riders.

Electric Motorcycle Finance

Electric motorcycles are a growing segment of the Australian motorcycle market. Finance is available for all major electric motorcycle brands available in Australia.

Green Loan Rates for Electric Motorcycles

Some lenders on our panel offer discounted green loan rates for electric motorcycles and scooters, similar to the green car loan products available for electric cars. These rates are typically 0.50% to 1.00% lower than standard secured motorcycle loan rates. We check whether your specific electric bike qualifies for a green loan rate at the time of your enquiry.

Business Use Electric Motorcycles and Scooters

Electric scooters and motorcycles used for delivery and courier operations may qualify for business chattel mortgage finance, allowing the full GST to be claimed on the next BAS and interest deductions each year. The FBT exemption that applies to electric cars under a novated lease does not extend to motorcycles, as motorcycles are specifically excluded from the definition of a car for FBT purposes.

Electric Motorcycle Brands We Finance

We arrange finance for Zero Motorcycles, Energica, LiveWire, Arc, NIU, Vmoto and other electric motorcycle and scooter brands available through Australian dealers. Imported or grey market electric bikes may require specialist lender assessment.

Including Gear, Accessories and On-Road Costs in Your Loan

One of the practical advantages of a motorcycle loan over paying cash is the ability to include related costs in the borrowed amount. Many lenders allow you to borrow slightly more than the bike's purchase price to cover:

• Helmet, riding jacket, gloves, boots and protective gear

• On-road costs including stamp duty, CTP and registration

• Dealer accessories and factory-fitted options

• Extended warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance

• Luggage systems, exhaust upgrades and other aftermarket accessories

The amount you can borrow above the bike's purchase price depends on the lender's loan-to-value policy and your overall credit assessment. Unsecured personal loans are more flexible in this regard as they are not tied to the bike's value. We confirm exactly what can be included at the time of your enquiry.

Motorcycle Loan Details

Loan Amount

Secured motorcycle loans are typically available from $3,000 to $75,000 for personal buyers. Unsecured personal loans for motorcycle purchases typically range from $2,000 to $50,000. Business chattel mortgages for motorcycles can go higher depending on the fleet size and the borrower's financial position.

Loan Term

Motorcycle loans are available over 1 to 7 years. Most riders choose 3 to 5-year terms. Shorter terms mean higher repayments but less total interest paid. Longer terms reduce the monthly repayment but increase total interest cost over the life of the loan.

Interest Rates

Secured motorcycle loan rates currently start from approximately 5.67% per annum for new bikes with strong credit profiles. Used and older bikes typically attract rates from around 7.99% per annum upwards depending on age and condition. Unsecured motorcycle loan rates start from approximately 8.99% per annum. Always compare the comparison rate alongside the headline rate as it includes fees and gives the true annual cost.

Deposit

No deposit is required for most new motorcycle loan applications with a solid credit profile. For used bikes and private sale purchases, a deposit of 10% to 20% can improve both your approval odds and your interest rate. There is no minimum deposit requirement from our side but individual lender policies vary.

Repayment Frequency

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments are available. Fortnightly repayments result in 26 payments per year rather than 12, which can reduce total interest paid meaningfully over a 5-year term.

Balloon Payment

Balloon payments are available on some motorcycle loan products and reduce your regular repayments by deferring a lump sum to the end of the term. They are more common in dealer finance programs such as Harley-Davidson Financial Services. For standard broker-arranged motorcycle loans, most personal buyers prefer a standard repayment structure without a balloon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Loans in Australia

Can I get a motorcycle loan as an L-plate or P-plate rider?

Yes. Your licence class does not affect your eligibility for a motorcycle loan. Learner and provisional licence holders can access the same loan products as fully licensed riders, provided the motorcycle being purchased is LAMS-approved for their licence class in their state. The loan assessment is based on your income, credit history and the bike being purchased, not on your licence level.

Can I get a motorcycle loan for a LAMS-approved bike?

Yes. LAMS-approved bikes are financed the same way as any other motorcycle. There are no lender-specific LAMS restrictions. The loan is assessed on the standard criteria: your income, credit profile, the bike's age and value, and the loan amount. LAMS status is confirmed from the vehicle details and does not affect loan eligibility or rates.

What is the difference between a secured and unsecured motorcycle loan?

A secured motorcycle loan uses the bike as collateral. The lender can repossess the bike if you default. Rates are lower because the lender has security. An unsecured motorcycle loan does not use the bike as security. Rates are higher because the lender takes on more risk. Secured loans are the most common and deliver the best rates for most buyers. Unsecured loans are used when the bike is too old for secured lending, or when the borrower wants to include accessories and gear above the bike's value.

Can I get finance for a used or older motorcycle?

Yes. Used motorcycle finance is available for bikes up to 10 to 12 years old from most mainstream lenders. Specialist lenders can consider older bikes and classic or collector models on a case-by-case basis. The older the bike, the fewer lenders will consider it and the higher the rate will typically be. Tell us the year and model of the bike you are looking at and we will confirm which lenders will accept it before applying.

Can I get a motorcycle loan for a private sale purchase?

Yes. Private sale motorcycle finance is available from most lenders on our panel. You will need a PPSR check to confirm the bike is free of finance and not reported stolen, and most lenders require a roadworthy certificate for the state of purchase. A written contract of sale showing the agreed price and both parties' details is also required by most lenders. We walk you through every requirement from the start.

Can I finance a Harley-Davidson through a broker instead of the dealer?

Yes, and in most cases you will get a better rate. Harley-Davidson Financial Services offers manufacturer finance products that can be competitive during promotional periods. However, their rates are a single-lender offering with no comparison. We compare Harley-Davidson finance alongside 50+ independent lenders and present you with the most competitive option available for your specific model and credit profile. Pre-approval in hand before you visit the dealership also gives you stronger negotiating power on the bike price itself.

Can I get a motorcycle loan if I am self-employed?

Yes. Self-employed borrowers and sole traders are eligible for motorcycle loans. If you cannot provide traditional payslips, low-doc lenders assess your income using bank statements, BAS returns or an accountant's letter. For business-use motorcycles under a chattel mortgage, self-employed applicants are some of our most common clients. We have multiple lenders who understand self-employed income and assess applications accordingly.

Can I get a motorcycle loan with bad credit?

Yes. We have access to specialist lenders who consider borrowers with impaired credit, including defaults, missed payments or a short credit history. Rates from specialist lenders are higher than prime rates but approval is achievable in most circumstances. The key is applying to the right lender for your credit profile. A declined application from the wrong lender creates a credit inquiry that makes your position worse. Let us assess your situation first and identify the lenders most likely to approve you.

Can I include my helmet and riding gear in the motorcycle loan?

Many lenders allow you to include helmets, protective gear, accessories and on-road costs in the loan amount, subject to the total not exceeding their maximum loan-to-value ratio. Unsecured personal loans are more flexible for including gear as they are not tied to the bike's value. For secured loans, some lenders cap the borrowable amount at the bike's purchase price. We confirm what can be included based on your chosen lender's specific policy.

Can I finance an electric motorcycle?

Yes. Electric motorcycle and scooter finance is available through most lenders on our panel. Some lenders offer discounted green loan rates for electric bikes. Finance is available for Zero Motorcycles, Energica, LiveWire, NIU, Vmoto and other electric brands. For electric motorcycles used for business delivery or courier operations, a chattel mortgage may allow GST and interest deductions. Note that the EV FBT exemption that applies to electric cars does not extend to motorcycles as they are specifically excluded from the definition of a car for FBT purposes.

How much can I borrow for a motorcycle?

Secured motorcycle loans are typically available from $3,000 to $75,000 for personal buyers. The maximum you can borrow depends on your income, existing financial commitments and the value of the bike. For business chattel mortgages on fleet motorcycles, higher amounts are available depending on the business's financial position. We can give you a realistic borrowing estimate during your initial conversation with no cost and no impact on your credit score.

How long does motorcycle loan approval take?

Most motorcycle loan applications submitted with complete documentation receive a conditional approval within 24 hours. Private sale purchases may take slightly longer due to the additional documentation required. Once formally approved and all documents finalised, funds are typically released within one to two business days.

Can I refinance my existing motorcycle loan?

Yes. If your current motorcycle loan rate is no longer competitive, or if your credit profile has improved since you originally borrowed, refinancing through a lender on our panel may reduce your rate and lower your repayments. We assess your current loan, the bike's current market value and your credit position to confirm whether refinancing delivers a genuine saving after any early payout costs.

Do I need a motorcycle licence to get a motorcycle loan?

No. A motorcycle licence is not a requirement for loan approval. Lenders assess your income, credit history and the bike you are purchasing, not your licence status. That said, you will of course need the appropriate licence to legally ride the motorcycle on public roads once you own it.

Can I get motorcycle finance for a farm bike or work bike?

Yes. Farm bikes and work motorcycles used primarily for business purposes can be financed under a chattel mortgage, allowing the full GST claim on the next BAS, interest deductions and depreciation. Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki farm trail bikes are among the most commonly financed work motorcycles through our business clients. For personal farm use without a business structure, a standard secured motorcycle loan applies.

Why Choose Australian Finance & Loans for Your Motorcycle Loan

• Independent broker: we compare 50+ lenders and work for you, not the dealerships

• Access to the most competitive secured motorcycle loan rates across the full market

• Finance available for all bike types: new, used, LAMS, classic, electric and business use

• Private sale finance available with full guidance on PPSR and documentation requirements

• Business chattel mortgage for motorcycles used primarily for business purposes

• Low-doc options for self-employed and sole trader borrowers

• Specialist lenders for impaired credit, older bikes and non-standard situations

• Pre-approval available before you visit a dealership or place a private sale deposit

• Fast approvals: most applications receive conditional approval within 24 hours

• Melbourne-based team with national reach across all states and territories