Can you use a personal loan to buy a motorcycle?
Sophia Koch
Updated on January 24, 2026
Although unsecured loans are a little harder to qualify for, they’re often a great option for buying a motorcycle. Since traditional motorcycle financing may require a down payment, a personal loan may be used for a down payment, or you can finance 100% of the motorcycle with a personal loan.
What is the minimum credit score for a motorcycle loan?
LightStream tends to be best for those who want to buy a more expensive motorcycle. To qualify for a loan, you will need to have good to excellent credit. According to Equifax, that means your score should be between 670 and 850. 4 If your credit score is below that range, you’ll need to work with another lender.
Does financing a motorcycle build credit?
Like an auto loan, repaying a used-motorcycle loan can also help you build your credit. As long as you make your payments as scheduled, your used-motorcycle loan can help you build a positive payment history and a fuller credit profile, both of which can help boost your credit health.
Does insurance cover stolen motorcycles?
A: Your motorcycle policy can cover theft — so long as you comprehensive coverage in place. Comprehensive coverage covers losses caused by things other than a collision with a vehicle or stationary object. This can include theft as well as fire, vandalism, falling objects, hail and damage caused by animals.
Is it hard to get approved for a motorcycle loan?
There’s no minimum credit score required for a motorcycle loan, but the better your score, the easier it may be to qualify for better rates and terms. In general, a higher credit score will lead to a lower interest rate on your loan and, therefore, less spent on interest charges over the life of the loan.
How much money should you put down on a motorcycle?
Most typical Harley-Davidson loans will require 10%-20% down.
| Bike Amount | 10% Down | 40% Down |
|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $1,500 | $6,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 | $8,000 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 | $10,000 |
| $30,000 | $3,000 | $12,000 |
What are the chances of recovering a stolen motorcycle?
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), back in 2019 you stood a 46% chance to have your motorcycle recovered.
What is the most stolen motorcycle?
Most stolen motorcycle makes in the United States in 2019
| Characteristic | Number of thefts |
|---|---|
| American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | 8,122 |
| Yamaha Motor Corporation | 6,495 |
| Harley Davidson, Inc. | 4,737 |
| American Suzuki Motor Corporation | 4,686 |
How to calculate the cost of a motorcycle loan?
Use this calculator to estimate the bike price you can afford given a set monthly loan payment. To help you see current market conditions and find a local lender current Redmond motorcycle loan rates are published in a table below the calculator. Finance sales tax?
How long does it take to pay off a motorcycle loan?
Multiply that amount by the number of months you will need to pay off your loan. Keep in mind that motorcycles tend to depreciate in value rather quickly, and most financing options are restricted to 36 to 60 months. Assign any of your cash assets as a down payment. The larger your down payment the more manageable your loan.
What kind of bike do I need for a motorcycle loan?
An all purpose introductory model. Typical examples include the Honda 599 and the Suzuki SV650. Standard models are relatively lightweight, and their overall design makes them easier to handle while giving the rider a reassuring sense of control. Standard model bikes are hard to beat for fuel efficiency, with some makes getting more than 60 MPG.
Is there a rebate for a motorcycle loan?
Motorcycle Loan Calculator Bike Loan Credits Amount Down payment $ Rebate $ Add rebate to downpayment? No Yes Trade-in allowance $
